We are pleased to welcome the management, players and supporters of Drogheda Utd. Football Club to Richmond Park tonight.
Interim Manager: Jon Daly
First Team Coach: Sean O’Connor
You're very welcome to Richmond Park for this evening's game, and we extend a particularly warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of Drogheda United.
Last week saw Tim Clancy leave the club after almost 18 months as our manager. Tim took over the role in very difficult circumstances and to his credit steered a newly- constructed team to some memorable performances and results in Europe and secured European qualification again.
Unfortunately, some recent results have been disappointing and the consequence was a mutually agreed departure. It's an experience that is part and parcel of club management and one from which Tim will undoubtedly bounce back. We thank him for his commitment and for his contribution to the club while he was here. We also thank Jon Daly for stepping into the role on an interim basis.
European qualification is of immense importance to this club. We know that for a huge number of our supporters the opportunity to follow the team to exotic (and, in our case, usually farflung) destinations is an annual highlight.
It's also undeniable that the financial rewards for even modest success in Europe far outweigh anything available to us domestically. The league table so far shows that the battle to achieve that objective is going to be more competitive than ever.
Eight of the 10 Premier Division teams are credible contenders for the four places available; we've seen our own league position go from ninth to second and back down to seventh over the course of a few short weeks.
That's the context in which the change of manager must be viewed. Our performances and results have to be good enough to take us into the top three and keep us there. Last week's thrilling win in Cork was a good start and we will be anxious to build further on that tonight.
A big welcome and thanks to tonight’s Match Sponsor SureSkills. SureSkills is a world leader in delivering sophisticated technology, knowledge and learning solutions, we encourage supporters looking to improve these areas of business to contact Sure Skills today to see how they can help improve their business practices. For more information, please visit sureskills.com
Many thanks to Match Ball Sponsors
O’Treasaigh Fitouts. An Irish owned family business with over 30 years’ experience in the industry. They supply and fit Kitchens, Bathrooms, Wardrobes, Wall panelling and Feature walls made to suit all preferences.Find more information on otreasaighfitouts.com
Enjoy the game!
Tom O'Mahony President
St Patrick's Athletic FC
Richmond Park
125 Emmet Road, Inchicore, Dublin 8, Ireland
Tel: +353 1 454 6332
Fax: +353 1 454 6211
For media enquiries, please email press@stpatsfc.com
Opening Hours: 9.30am-5pm (Mon-Fri). See our facebook page for additional opening hours on match days.
HONOURS
LEAGUE CHAMPIONS 1951/52, 1954/55, 1955/56, 1989/90, 1995/96, 1997/98, 1998/99, 2001/02, 2013
FAI CUP 1958/59, 1960/61, 2014, 2021
LEAGUE CUP 2000/01, 2003, 2015, 2016
PRESIDENT'S CUP 2014
LEINSTER SENIOR CUP 1947/48, 1982/83, 1986/87, 1989/90, 1990/91, 1999/2000, 2011, 2014, 2019
LOI SHIELD 1959/60
FAI SUPER CUP 1999
DUBLIN CITY CUP 1953/54, 1955/56, 1975/76
LFA PRESIDENT'S CUP 1952/53, 1953/54, 1955/56, 1971/72, 1990/91, 1996/97
FAI INTERMEDIATE CUP 1947/48, 1948/49, 1952/53 (Reserves)
FAI JUNIOR CUP 1940/41
FAI YOUTH CUP 1944/45
• All persons entering the stadium are admitted only subject to the following ground regulations and to the regulations of the Football Association. Entry to the ground shall be deemed to constitute unqualified acceptance of all these rules and regulations.
• Firework, smoke canisters, bottles, glasses, cans, flags, banners, poles, flares and any other articles or containers which could or might be used as a weapon or likely to cause a nuisance to other people in the stadium are not permitted within the stadium and any person in possession of such an article or container may be refused entry or ejected from the stadium.
• Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an Adult and that adult must accept respon sibility for those in his/her charge.
• Spectators are not permitted to bring alcohol or any banned substances into the stadium.
• There is a no smoking policy in effect in both stands.
• The climbing of walls, floodlight pylons, stands or any structure inside theg round is strictly forbidden.
• Any persons found damaging or defacing the property of St Patrick’s Athletic FC will be liable to prosecution.
• Any excessive noise, such as that from the use of radio sets megaphones and/or behaviour likely to cause confusion or nuisance i.e.: Laser lights of any kind is not permitted inside the stadium.
• Foul or abusive language is not permitted inside the stadium and will result in ejection from the stadium.
• No form of racist abuse will be tolerated inside the stadium and will result in ejection from the stadium and may result in a prosecution by An Garda. St Patrick's Athletic shows the red card to racism.
• St Patrick’s Athletic Football Club are committed to ensuring the safety of all spectators at Richmond Park. It is therefore important that the following information is read and strictly adhered to.
• Anyone requiring medical attention during the game should alert their nearest steward or club official and will be directed to the St John’s Ambulance attendant or First Aid Room.
• Any person who does not comply with instructions from a steward may be ejected from the stadium.
• In general, the right of admission is reserved to the Club Management of St Patrick’s Athletic FC.
• St Patrick’s Athletic FC reserves the right to refuse admission or eject any person from the stadium who refuses to be searched by a police officer.
• Any person who blocks, or obstructs a gangway in any way and refuses to move on request may be ejected from the stadium.
• St Patrick’s Athletic FC reserves the right for its servants or agents to remove from the stadium any person who does not comply with the stadium regulations or whose presence inside the stadium could reasonably be construed as a source of danger, nuisance or annoyance to any spectator.
• Parents, Guardians or any adult responsible for children inside the stadium should ensure that children are supervised at all times.
• Cigarettes should be properly extinguished as they can be a major cause of fire.
• The use of flares inside the stadium is strictly forbidden.
In the event of an emergency at Richmond Park requiring evacuation of the ground in part or whole, spectators are requested to remain where they are and listen for announcements over the public address system. The announcements may direct spectators in a specific area of the ground, or the stadium as a whole, to evacuate the through exit gates to the outside of the stadium, or through perimeter gates onto the pitch. Club stewards and members of the Garda Siochana will assist in directing spectators. If requested to vacate a specified area of the ground, spectators should do so as calmly and quickly as possible to assist in a safe and speedy evacuation. Do not, under any circumstances, re-enter an evacuated area. Please take note of your nearest exit.
Welcome to Richmond Park at the end of another interesting few weeks for the club. It's never nice to see someone lose their job, and the hard realities of football are indeed harsh. On behalf of the entire programme team, we would like to thank Tim Clancy for his work here at St Patrick's Athletic. We had some incredible European experiences in particular under Tim's management and we would like to wish him all the very best for the future. We would also like to wish the very best to our interim manager Jon Daly and hope he can build on last week's solid start down in Cork.
It's the business end of the season for the vast majority of European leagues, but for the LOI, it's still early days, with a football-filled summer to look forward to, and also our own European fixtures. While the pros and cons of 'summer soccer' can rightly still be debated, I for one am very happy to have it, particularly at this time of year.
We have been enjoying getting to know some of the players via our weekly Q&A's, with the players also enjoying the banter between each other. Thanks to Darren Conn for doing the running on this one and coming up with the questions, and for the players for being so willing to assist. As with many other things, Jamie Moore, the club press officer, is very helpful and always willing to contribute.
Thanks as always to Joe and the rest of the team who contribute so readily each edition. It is a pleasure to work with them all.
I hope you enjoy the results!
Come on the Saints!
Ruairi Kavanagh Editor The Saint
A very good evening to everyone and a very warm welcome to the management, players, officials and fans of today’s opponents Drogheda United.
We were away last Friday against Cork City and thankfully came home with a very valuable three points.
Since my last notes we have seen the departure of Tim with Jon stepping in as interim manager.
Tim joined the club in very difficult circumstance despite us winning the FAI Cup and finishing second in the League we were thrown in to turmoil by the actions of the former Head Coach who decided to leave the club.
Tim can be very proud of his achievements as Manager of St Pats as he guided the team through our European campaign last year with some never to be forgotten nights in Slovenia and Bulgaria, and led us back in to European competition for the 2023 season, in addition to giving debuts to some of our teenage academy players. Tim has departed the club with our best wishes and we wish him well in the future, he will no doubt be back in a dug out again soon.
Thankfully we were able to put the previous week and disappointing result against Sligo to one side and put in a really good performance down in Cork. The players grasped the importance of the game and despite being one of the most difficult places to go to we produced a winning performance.
We will have had a really tough assignment tonight. I know Kevin Doherty well having worked with
him at Shelbourne and Longford and he has his Drogheda United team fully focused and committed and is consistently getting performances from his players who I know really enjoy playing for him.
We will need to improve on our last home performance today against a side that has already beaten sides ahead of us in the League, our opponents today have a squad full of really good players and have been very consistent since Kevin has been in charge.
We go into tonight’s game without the services of Joe Redmond, Harry Brockbank and Danny Rogers who has returned to full training and gym work, thankfully Tom Grivosti has also resumed training this week
As ever we have prepared for tonight’s game with a clear focus knowing that we will have to be on our game from the off and will need to produce a hardworking performance from first whistle to last.
We know we will have terrific home support behind us and from the start we will need to be professional and fully focused.
It’s become the norm now that Friday nights at Inchicore have been sell out’s and it has been a real lift to play in such a wonderful atmosphere, let’s make tonight the very same !
Thanks for getting behind the team and I hope you enjoy the game.
Thanks, Alan Mathews, Technical Director, St Patrick's Athletic FC.
Darren Conn
BIRTHPLACE: Gouda, Netherlands.
PREVIOUS CLUBS: ADO Den Hag, FC Dordrecht, Odra Opole (Poland), PAAK (Cyprus).
TEAM SUPPORTED AS A BOY: Feyenoord.
FIRST FOOTBALL MEMORY: Kuyt and Kalou playing up front for Feyenoord.
BOYHOOD HERO: Dirk Kuyt.
BEST GOAL SCORED: Free kick vs Omonia Arradipou.
BEST GOAL I’VE SEEN SCORED: Lex Immers vs FC Utrecht.
BEST MOMENT IN FOOTBALL
TO DATE: Winning the league in Cyprus and Mura with St Pats.
BEST PLAYER PLAYED WITH: Chris Forrester.
BEST PLAYER PLAYED AGAINST: Ryan Gravenberch.
TOUGHEST OPPONENT: Matthias de Ligt.
BEST STADIUM PLAYED IN: De Kuip, Rotterdam.
FAVOURITE HOLIDAY
DESTINATION: El Campello,
FAVOURITE SPORT OUTSIDE FOOTBALL: Tennis.
BEST FRIEND AT CLUB: Christy O'Neill.
BEST DRESSED AT CLUB: Ben McCormack.
BEST ADVICE GIVEN: The small details make the big difference at the end of the day.
WHO ARE YOU NOMINATING FOR OUR NEXT Q&A? Sam Curtis.
Ronan O’FlahertyAn elderly man remains seated on a park bench in Malaga. He is seldom short of company. People of all ages and backgrounds sit next to him when the space becomes free. For some, just being in his presence is enough. Others take it a step further, putting an arm around him and even posing for a selfie.
The pigeons go too far; often resting on his bald head while considering their next move, safe in the knowledge he will never swat them away. Sometimes, in this moment of thought, they expel a white parcel before flapping their wings and taking off again.
The elderly man is wearing sandals, presumably to let his feet breathe neath the stifling sun. The top three buttons of his shirt are undone and the sleeves are rolled up a fraction. He wasn't always old. He was once a boy whose family left Malaga for Barcelona.
It is late April when we visit and the temperature is hovering around the 30-degree mark. Factor 50, shades and a cap. Don't leave the Airbnb without them.
You won't venture too far in Malaga without seeing a reminder of Pablo Picasso. A museum, an airport terminal, portraits in his likeness, bookshops lined with offerings in his honour. And a seated statue near his first home in Plaza de la Merced. The message behind it all is clear: this was the artist's birthplace and don't you dare forget it.
may say more about the impact of Aertel than the capabilities of the human memory.
Recollections of the national broadcaster’s teletext service are singed into the temporal lobe. We can laugh about it now, but the lived reality was less amusing.
St Patrick's, the champions, made the long trip to the Brandywell to take on a team with designs on their title. Gavin Dykes put Derry City ahead in the opening exchanges of the second half. News of Dykes’s goal appeared on page 222 of Aertel within five minutes, which was fast. That was the high point of the service on that November night.
An hour later, the latest score was still 1-0. Either something bad had happened to force a long delay or the game was over and the latestscores page simply hadn’t been updated. The latter seemed more plausible.
We refreshed the page ad nauseam. It appeared to be the longest second-half ever. Those with an interest in the game between Shamrock Rovers and UCD had, by now, been taken out of their misery. Tony Cousins’s second-half goal cancelled out Jason Sherlock’s early opener to prevent the Students going top of the Premier Division after 10 games.
minutes before the end to rescue a point. It would be a relative high point for the team in an underwhelming season.
The story of leaving one's place of origin for a more fulfilling life elsewhere is an ancient one. In his early twenties, Picasso finally settled upon a home away from home in France. But Malaga and Barcelona stayed with him. Elements of his art spoke of places with a deep personal meaning.
Imposing cathedrals and the vast Mediterranean formed major elements of his early-life story. He was absent for the Spanish Civil War and yet, in ‘Guernica’, it feels as though the conflict was fought in the depths of his gut. Unlike Picasso, we did not leave home for good. We were in his home town on a short holiday. And yet, even during a break away, thoughts are never far from home. Friday evening's festivities would be put on hold until after the game.
Time travel is not exclusive to the realm of fiction. We close our eyes and, effortlessly, journey back 26 and-a-half years. Pictures of the evening in question are vivid. This
We tried turning the telly off and back on again, long before such advice became a punch line. It made no difference. The hourly news-and-sport bulletin on the radio didn't have the result either. Perhaps they were relying on Aertel, or the other way around. Finally, the page refreshed and the full-time score flashed up. Jason Byrne had equalised 10
Our world has shrunk since Jason Byrne headed home an equaliser on Foyleside. Even so, the novelty of watching the Saints from a balcony on the Costa del Sol, cold drink in hand, quickly wore off. A dull contest slowly cranked into life once Derry decided they were in the mood. The Candystripes were the better team and deserving of the victory. Our great disappointment was for the hundreds of supporters who journeyed north and were given nothing to cheer about.
Travel has rarely felt so freeing. Perhaps it took our recent, communal incarceration to appreciate it on an elevated level. That might not be the reason at all. Maybe a greater sense of appreciation for all things enjoyable was destined to come with age. The gradual decline of cynicism opens the door to a new world of expression; a place where ego is surrendered and vulnerability embraced. The first of May is a day of hope. Spring is moving on and summer will soon stretch out into the distance. On the latest instalment of May Day, fate determined that we would be airborne while the Saints were in action. Not ideal but, well, First World problems. We passed some time with a beer,
Kieran Coughlan
salt-and-vinegar Pringles and a chat with our travel companion.
"How do you reckon Pat's are getting on?"
"After the last couple of games, probably best not to guess."
"True enough."
*****
It was a smooth landing, in the context of landings. Following the initial touch of the wheels on terra firma, the plane always bobbles up and down, at least two or three times.
Though grounded, there was turbulence to come. Removing our phone from the hibernation state of flight mode ensured as much. Social media was a hive of restless commentary. St Patrick’s were 1-0 down entering the final
moments. 1-0 it stayed. Restlessness gave way to something decidedly edgier.
By the following morning, a man with a young family had lost his job. Tim Clancy is a good person. He oversaw some memorable victories here. It didn’t work out for him but there is no shame in that. Football management is bloody hard. He will be a better manager for the experience, if he chooses to continue down this path.
A few days later, Jon Daly led the team into battle at Turner’s Cross. The second half was a big improvement on the first. Victory was secured and the rot was stopped. This evening, it’s gameday one again. Game-day one of twenty-two.
1 Sam Curtis is a native of which county?
2 Who is the oldest manager in the League of Ireland?
3 Who was the only player to win the PFAI Player of the Year Award with 2 different clubs in the 80s?
4 Which English club were the first opponents for Drogheda in a European competition?
5 Who was the last player to be sent off in an FA Cup Final?
6 Which player, who was relegated from the Premier League in 2021, was a Europa league runner up in 2022?
7 Even Ferguson scored his first ever Premier League against which club in 2022?
8 Which non Premier Division side reached the final of the Scottish Cup in 2015?
9 Who was the only player from Glasgow Rangers to play in the World Cup in Qatar?
10 Which club play their home games at the San Mames Stadium?
night, that scoreline probably somewhat flattered the Saints.
Going into that fixture, in a manner not too dissimilar to how many of us probably feel tonight, there was a sense of concern about how the Saints might fare, but there was also a sense of quiet confidence.
Although our side have endured mixed fortunes as of late, the Saints should enter tonight’s fixture with a degree of cautious confidence as they play host to Drogheda United here in Inchicore.
Since their 1-0 win away to Derry just over a month ago on April 7th, Drogheda have failed to register a single win. In fact, in the six games that they have played since then, Drogheda have only managed to secure two draws, losing the other four fixtures. In that same period, Pat’s have won 50% of our games (although we've also lost 50%,) including a 3-1 win away to United in Weaver’s Park. Although we deservedly came out as victors on the
Pat's were ahead and remained on top for most of that game, but it took a goal in injury time from Eoin Doyle, who took advantage of a poor error at the back from Drogheda goalkeeper Colin McCabe, before Pat’s supporters could comfortably breathe a sigh of relief.
Without any disrespect intended to the visitors, Pat’s will likely see Drogs as one of the teams that they need to be picking up three points against whenever they play them. That’s not to say that it will always work out that way, obviously, but it probably will be the expectation in the Saints’ dressing room whenever the two sides meet this season. It will certainly be the standard that those of us in the stands and on the terraces would like to hold our side to, anyway.
Drogheda are in need of a win if they want to start
putting some distance between themselves and the bottom spots to start climbing the league table. A win tonight for the eighthplaced United would put them eight points clear of Cork City, provided that their Co. Louth neighbours in Dundalk can get a win against the Rebels tonight. Three points would also shorten the gap between Drogheda and seventhplaced Sligo Rovers down to two points for tonight at least, with the Bit O’Red set to host Shelbourne tomorrow. If the fixture in the Showgrounds goes their way, Drogs could soon find themselves climbing towards the middle of the table.
Given the current situation both on and off the pitch in Inchicore, Drogheda will likely see tonight as a fairly good opportunity to end their losing streak and turn their fortunes around. Though not as drastic as the situation that our opponents find themselves in, the Saints are also hoping to turn recent form around, by building on the 3-2 win against Cork last week (in which the Saints made harder work of the game than they had to,) and putting another three points on the board. In other words, both sides are looking to
build a bit of momentum, and both have reason to fancy their chances.
From our perspective, this game is especially important given that, at the time of writing at least, Jon Daly remains our interim manager, and he will be looking for his squad to steady the ship for the duration of his reign as the number one man in the dugout, however long that may be. Even if a new, permanent manager has been found before kick-off, a positive start can only be a good thing if you're trying to connect with a group of players, and indeed if they're still trying to connect with each other.
Furthermore, there is the significant matter of our Dublin derby against Shamrock Rovers on Monday. Assuming both ourselves and the Hoops win tonight, a victory against our local rivals would put us within four points reach of them. Better again, if UCD managed to get a result out of them and the Saints come out on top in Richmond tonight, we could potentially narrow it down to a single point.
Without wanting to sound negative or defeatist, a win against Drogheda tonight could soften any blow that we might be dealt in Tallaght on Monday. You don't want to be going into games thinking about losing, either as a supporter or as somebody more directly involved with the squad, but it is worth keeping in mind given the transitions that the club is currently undergoing. It's much easier to forgive a bad result against tough opposition when you've won your last two games under a new manager compared to if you've only won one out of six.
Given the aforementioned transitions that the club is currently going through, a
performance and a result like our last game against Drogheda would not be unwelcome, though we could do without another injury scare.
Similarly, a repeat of our previous fixture (even if only in terms of the result) against Shamrock Rovers on Monday would mean that the first three games under Jon Daly (assuming he remains as interim manager until then) will have been successful. Steady the ship and then go from there.
Works with the club, contributors and designers ato deliver each issue. Apart from that he specialises in getting randomers to come along to their first Pats game. This tactic has yielded a 100% win ratio to date.
Part of the All Saints Show, having previously designed the club murals among other things Joe has spearheaded the redesign of The Saint and was a major reason for us being named Programme of the Year. Thanks Joe!
Long club serving historian and programme curator. Pat has been involved with the club and the programme for decades. He’s also one of the friendly faces you encounter when entering the ground to buy your programme.
JIMMY
Following on from his father's (of the same name) 30 years of writing for the programme, Jimmy Edwards (Junior) continues the Pensive Points tradition.
JOHN
Statto supreme, we reckon he has shares in Microsoft Excel. An incredible range of knowledge, John was way too modest when he once described himself as just a ‘guy with a few spread sheets!’.
Our foreign correspondent. Writes, with considerable eloquence, from the UK with his observations on our league and particularly the Saints. Ever reliable, always has his copy in first.
Journalist with a passion for Pats, Ronan comes from good Saints stock, as his surname might suggest. Ever the optimist Ronan can put a positive slant on the most dismal run of form. We know, we gave him plenty of opportunities last season!
DARREN CONN
Originally from London, he has been following Pats since the first week he moved to Dublin. He is an avid programme collector and dedicated to keeping the match programem alive. He collects everything football related, much to the sorrow of his long suffering fiance.
KIERAN COUGHLAN
When not found on the Camac, Kieran is to be found finding inventive ways to torture Saints fans with his fiendishly tricky questions.
Seán is a full time languages teacher in Dublin and part time writer on football culture and cooking. He has been following St Pats since the early noughties and Serie A since the late nineties. A former resident of France, UK and Germany, he enjoys train journeys, radio, pasta and everything with the prefix ‘Euro-‘.
SEAN CREEDON
A Kerryman living in Dublin... a long time. He has been attending League of Ireland and Republic of Ireland home games for over 50 years. Interested in all sports, but mainly GAA, Soccer and Rugby. A member of the Soccer Writers’ Association. Writes on LOI and international matters.
SARAH TYNAN
Sarah has been a keen follower of the Saints since she was 6, getting to most games home and away and even the odd European adventure. She’s delighted to add a bit of youth and much needed diversity to the programme team.
From Palmerstown, Eoghan covers opposition analysis for The Saint. He has a background in media and communications, and can usually be found in Section G on matchday.
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
TWO fine strikes from Michael Holt helped St Patrick's Athletic through to the quarter-finals of the League Cup at Richmond Park last night.
With Friday's Premier Division showdown with Boehmians at Tolka Park firmly in mind, Shelbourne manager Pat Fenlon fielded practically an entire second string.
The visitors took the lead after only three minutes when Gerard Rowe beat James Gallagher with a first-time volley from a Scott Oakes' free kick.
However, Shels needing to win by two goals to qualify for the knockout stages, did not figure much after that as Keith Dunne began to have an increasing influence on the game for St Pat's, who drew level after 17 minutes.
Dunne played the ball into David Freeman after making an incisive run down the right flank and he set up Micheal Holt, who fired his shot past Chris Bennion in the Shelbourne goal.
Holt was on target again on the half-hour when, from the narrowest of angles, he
hammered home a blistering strike which gave Bennion no chance.
Shelbourne — who included Philip Byrne, son of Saints' championship captain Damien, at centre half — made a bright start to the second half and Wesley Hoolahan repeatedly had the Pat's defence in a tangle.
However, they just could not find a way through the home rearguard and the Saints wrapped up the win when Paul Marney headed home a Robbie McGuinness corner with a minute to go.
ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC Gallagher; Quigley (Donnelly 86), Harris, Marney, Casey; Dunne, Murphy, McGuinness, Holt; George, Freeman (Quinn 80).
SHELBOURNE
Bennion (Cranley ht); Sharkey, T McCarthy, Byrne, Dunne; Kinsella, Rowe, Oakes, Hoolahan (Whelahan 83); G McCarthy, Murphy (Lee 67).
REFEREE:
P Tuite (Dublin).
We would like to thank the following who have sponsored the club for the 2023 season...
Jimmy Edwards
Welcome to Kevin Doherty and all from Drogheda United for tonight’s game. It’s been an eventful couple of weeks to say the least since our last home game v Sligo Rovers. It was a Monday game at 3pm which is something were not accustomed too and probably one of the reasons the supporters were a bit quiet and the atmosphere was flat but the performance of the team certainly didn’t do enough to raise the support from the terraces.
It was, in my opinion, one of the worst performances I have seen in recent years. We had a couple of possession spells in the game but we never created anything from it whereas Sligo looked much more at it than us, they passed the ball well and created a number of chances and grabbed the winning goal through the impressive Max Mata in the 56th minute. The following day it was announced that Tim Clancy was to leave his post as Manager by mutual decision with the club. I’d like to wish Tim all the best for the future and have no doubt’s he will be back coaching on the side line again soon.
Jon Daly was announced as interim manager ahead of our away trip to Cork last Friday and there was a very familiar face in the Cork dugout acting as interim manager also after Colin Healy resigned. Liam Buckley was announced as Corks new Sporting Director last week but he probably wasn’t expecting to have to take the reins against his former club but that he did. We started really well in Cork and created a few chances before we took the lead in the 6th minute. The goal coming from Conor Carty we he stabbed home at the back post
right in front of the travelling Pats fans. The first half was end to end with both teams seeming like they were playing at 90 miles an hour and both creating chances. Cork were maybe unlucky not to get a penalty when it looked as though Noah Lewis pushed over ex saint Tunde Owalabi in the box but they got a deserved equaliser through Tunde when he bundled home after some sloppy Pat’s defending in the 15th minute. Cork took the lead through O’Brien-Whitmarsh in the 20th minute when he headed home a looping powerful header from the edge of the box. We went close to getting an equaliser when Jake Mulraney let fly from the edge of the box only to see his shot cannon off the crossbar.
Adam Murphy was introduced at half time for Noah Lewis and the change made an immediate improvement as Pats started to dominate. The equaliser was a beauty, another long range shot from Jake that flew into the top corner in the 55th minute. As dominant as we were we weren’t taking our chances and it was looking as though the game was going to peter out to a 2-2 draw, that is until Chris Forrester played a sublime eye of the needle pass through the Cork defence for Adam Murphy to run onto and Adam took full advantage when he lifted the ball over the Cork keeper and into the net in the 80th minute. We played some good football on the night and it was a good start to Jon Daly’s reign as interim manager. Here’s hoping for another Saints win tonight.
Due to our high emigration down through the centuries, it’s no surprise that so many Britishborn players have declared for The Republic of Ireland. The only surprise is that there have been very few players from the USA declaring for the land of their forefathers.
When FIFA changed their rules in 1964 to allow players to play for countries other than that of their birth if they qualified by ancestry or residence to claim citizenship of their adopted country, it was good news for the FAI.
Manchester United’s Shay Brennan, who was born in Manchester to County Carlow parents, was the first player to avail of the new rule. Brennan, who had been named in England’s preliminary squad for the 1962 World Cup, made his Republic of Ireland debut in a World Cup qualifier against Spain in May 1965 and went on to win 19 caps and was later player-manager of Waterford.
Over the past 59 years we have seen a steady flow of players declaring for the land of the parents and indeed in many cases grandparents. Two years after Brennan, Charlie Gallagher became the first Scottishborn player to be capped. The inside forward, who qualified through his Donegal-born parents, won only two caps. Others, who declared in the seventies included John Dempsey, who was the first-ever Irish player to be sent off against Hungary in 1969.
When Johnny Giles was appointed manager in 1973 he gave first caps to Gerry Peyton, Tony Grealish, Mickey Walsh and Terry Mancini. Mancini was born in London, and
was originally named Terry Seely. His Irishborn father died when Terry was seven and his mother remarried, changing her son’s surname to that of his stepfather.
Mature readers might remember Mickey Walsh, whose goal for Blackpool against Sunderland in February 1975 was voted BBC’s Goal of the Season. Walsh, who hailed from Chorley, scored the winner against Russia in a World Cup qualifier at Lansdowne Road in September 1984.
Two more of Giles’ recruits were also important, Mark Lawrenson was a classy defender, who could also play in midfield, while Chris Hughton was the first black player to be capped when he won the first of his 53 caps against the USA in October 1979.
When Eoin Hand replaced Giles in May 1980 he introduced goalkeeper Seamus McDonagh, Gary Waddock, Brendan O’Callaghan, Kevin O’Callaghan and Eamonn O’Keeffe. There is no prouder Irishman than McDonagh, who later managed Galway United, while O’Keeffe later played for Cork City.
Kevin O’Callaghan is the only Irish international of recent years to star in a film. He was due to start as goalkeeper in the famous game for the Allied Soldiers against Germany in the film Escape to Victory, but was replaced by Sylvester Stallone before the game.
Hand also gave a first cap in May 1984 to Mick McCarthy, who qualified via his Waterford-born father. Mick would go on to
captain The Republic in our first-ever World Cup final appearance in 1990 and later manage the team in two different spells.
Jack Charlton made good use of the FIFA rule, bringing in Oxford duo Ray Houghton and John Aldridge, both of whom would go to be great servants in the green jersey. It took Aldo a while to open his account, but he finished with 19 goals, while two of Houghton’s six goals are among the most remembered in our history, against England in Stuttgart and against Italy in Giant’s Stadium in 1994.
Other players who declared for the land of their grandparents during the Charlton’s era included: Andy Townsend, Jason McAteer, Phil Babb, John Sheridan, Chris Morris and Tony Cascarino, who years later revealed that his mother was adopted and that he probably wasn’t eligible.
The players I have mentioned were born outside of Ireland but had Irish parents or grandparents. However, Peter Thomas, who joined Waterford from Coventry City in the late sixties didn’t have
any Irish links before joining the Blues. He stayed in Waterford, became an Irish citizen and won two caps
Some ‘escaped the net’ and a few changed their mind, most notably Declan Rice, who played three friendlies in 2018, but later switched allegiance to his native England. Jack Grealish won 12 Irish under 21 caps and was named Irish under 21 player of the year in 2015, but he also switched back to England where he was born.
The total number of players who have declared for The Republic is now 109. That list included players like David O’Leary and Seánie Maguire, who were born in England, but moved to Ireland when they were very young.
The total comprises 97 English-born players, eight Scottish-born, Kevin Sheedy is the only Welsh-born, plus one each from Germany, Nigeria and the USA. And it’s not just pub talk, we could have got at least four more, players like Steve Bruce, Wayne Rooney, Martin Keown and Harry Kane, who all have the necessary qualifications.
Danny Rogers Mtiscot.land
David Odumosu The Dalton Family
Noah Lewis Lads off the Camac
Anto Breslin Dublin 12 Saints Finnegan Steel Fabrication Ltd
Joe Redmond Cian Menton Conro Services
Tom Grivosti PatsApp
Jamie Lennon Tommy Keyes John Paul & Christine Carney
Serge Atakayi saveenergy.ie
Chris Forrester The Bridge House Will Morgan
Eoin Doyle Will Morgan
Tommy Lonergen Fynch
Jason McClelland John Hudson
Harry Brockbank Katie Connolly
Mark Doyle
Conor Carty O’Callaghan Family
Vladislav Kreida Peter Boyne
Ben McCormack McDowells
Jake Mulraney Thompson Solicitors Peter Boyne
Axel Sjöberg John Cullen
Sam Curtis The Malt House Saints Rising
Adam Murphy The Patron Saints
Thijs Timmermans McCrudden Fitness
Jay McGrath O’Callaghan Family
As spring hits full blossom, most of the UEFA seasons wrap up to go on their holidays. We look at a few decisive games from the weekend.
Poland:
Raków complete their rise to the top.
Despite losing to Korona Kielce, Raków Częstochowa became Polish champions for the first time in their 102 year history. Legia losing at Pogon Szczecin allowed Raków claim the title with three games to spare. Raków’s success is largely a story of two individuals. Local e-commerce magnate Michał Świerczewski bought the club in 2014, fed up of seeing his hometown side languishing in the fourth tier. Two years later, Marek Papszun signed as manager. Two promotions in three years took Raków to the top flight. Two cup victories have also preceded the Częstochowa club’s meteoric rise to the title. This provincial outfit with a stadium the size of Richmond Park should have no business bothering the likes of Legia Warszawa or Lech Poznań, however in a league where Wisła Kraków aren’t even in the top flight, anything can seem possible. Papszun’s
mission is completed; he has already announced that he will leave the club at the end of the season. Where to, remains to be seen.
North Macedonia: FC Struga with maiden title.
8 years. That’s how long it has taken FC Struga Trim Lum to go from being founded to becoming national champions, a 3-0 win over Sileks sealing the title. Along with second placed KF Shkupi and third placed KF Shkëndia, FC Struga Trim Lum are an Albanian club in this Slavic country with 29% Albanian minority.
The ‘Trim Lum’ at the end of their name is the name of their owners; a property development company specialising in new build holiday apartments on the picturesque shores of the neighbouring Lake Ohrid.
Italy: Genoa back in the big time.
Friends of this column, Genoa FC have returned to Serie A at the first time asking; Mattia Bani and Milan Badelj scoring in a 2-1 win at home to Ascoli. Just in time, as their remaining two games are against first placed Frosinone and third placed, now play off destined, Bari.
France: Nantes slide into the drop zone.
Also featuring here earlier this season, FC Nantes have fallen into a dangerous situation. Fresh from a crushing 5-1 loss to Toulouse in the Coupe de France final, a defeat at home to relegation rivals Strasbourg has left them three points from safety. Four teams will be relegated this season, as Ligue Un switches to an 18-team format. Nantes have been Jekyll and Hyde this season; a cup final and drawing against Juventus in Europe, versus their abysmal league form. With four points from their last ten league games, they haven’t won in the league since I went to see them in February.
Germany: HSV can’t kick bad habits.
Following their dramatic derby win three weeks ago, Hamburg, it seems, are doing a Hamburg. A loss to Magdeburg and a draw with Paderborn has left automatic promotion effectively out of reach, as Darmstadt and Heidenheim look set to reach the Bundesliga.
A promotion-relegation playoff looks very unwinnable for HSV, with Stuttgart or Schalke possible opponents. St Pauli and Düsseldorf might yet even pip them to third place. Fans of Hamburg will understand that anything can happen in football, especially disappointment.
Ian Templeman
Regular readers of this column will know that I am involved in non-league football over here in England, and although my own club have finished their campaign, there have been play off semi-finals and finals along with the final of the main League cup competitions. As a life member of the league, I usually attend a few of the end of season games, and at one of the play off games a couple of weeks ago I had my first experience at a football match of a flare being set off in close proximity to where I was standing, minding my own business and watching the game.
The use of pyrotechnics, be they flares, smoke bombs or fireworks, is something that was pretty much a non-issue in our league until late last season, at which point there were increasing reports of them being set off by supporters. Our league’s response was to issue a full-page advert that every club had to include in their match programme from the start of this season, which stated that there was a zero tolerance approach to the use of pyrotechnics in stadiums, and that it is a criminal offence to enter a stadium carrying pyrotechnics, or set them off. Clubs were also instructed that anyone found carrying, or setting off pyrotechnics should be reported to the police authorities and banned from attending matches.
After having now experienced a flare being set off close to me, I have to say I am aghast at the idea that anyone would take one into a crowded area and set it off, thinking that it was a good idea that would add to the atmosphere of the occasion and be enjoyed by everyone in attendance. In this instance, the offender happened to let it off immediately after a goal was scored, but near to where a club steward and the hosting club chairman were positioned, and they moved quickly to take control of the situation. The flare was thrown on the ground away from other spectators, the offender was frog marched out of the ground by the two men, and nothing more could have been done to get the situation dealt with more promptly and under control. But having been positioned near
the offence, I found the smoke was dense, it was not comfortable to breathe in, and I along with many others moved quickly to get away from the area.
The game was delayed momentarily to let the smoke disperse, but I - and I imagine many others around me – had had their enjoyment of a pleasant afternoon watching a game spoiled by what was an unpleasant action taken by one individual. I personally felt annoyed that someone could indulge in such reckless behaviour that gave no thought about the discomfort, fear and inconvenience he would cause other supporters in the vicinity, in letting off a flare that had the potential to cause serious injury to someone.
By coincidence, just four days after my experience at that game, I noticed the press release issued by both the League of Ireland and Dublin Fire Brigade, announcing the launch of a new joint campaign aimed at bringing awareness to the dangers of pyrotechnics use in stadia. To quote from the official press release:
“The message to supporters is clear from the League of Ireland and the Dublin Fire BrigadeStay Away From Pyro. It is not safe for any pyrotechnic device to be used in spectator areas within football stadia”.
Given my recent experience of this, it seemed like a sensible and welcome response to what I know has become a growing issue around this league, but I was slightly taken aback when I read in the Irish Independent’s reporting of the event that the announcement had generated quite a response from many supporters, who believe letting off pyrotechnics can be done safely and adds to the atmosphere at games. In response, the league plans to hold “a series of consultations with supporters’ groups throughout the season where fans can voice their views on the issue”.
Well, I am not a member of any of these
supporters groups who will be consulted, but I certainly have an opinion on the subject and I’d be grateful if anyone reading this, who is going to be in a position to attend one of these consultations, takes my comments on board and relays them to those who do attend such gatherings.
To quote again from the League press release, Acting District Officer Garrett Fitzpatrick of Dublin Fire Brigade, said: “Unfortunately over the years our Firefighter / Paramedics have had to deal with some horrific injuries caused by pyrotechnics and illegal fireworks".
League of Ireland Director, Mark Scanlon, said: “We are asking supporters to Stay Away From Pyro before we have a serious incident". So what exactly is there to discuss here? Are there positives surrounding the use of pyrotechnics that I am missing? I don’t think so.
I have a major problem with someone taking an explosive device into a game, where letting the device off will potentially endanger me and other spectators, inflict my airways with potentially toxic smoke that I don’t want to inhale, and is likely to delay the start of a game, or cause a delay during one if a device is detonated. For me, it constitutes a public order offence and anti-social behaviour in the same way as
threatening someone with a baseball bat would be treated. Anyone trying to take a baseball bat into a football ground probably would - and certainly should - be stopped, and flares are no different.
By a further coincidence, a few days after the League of Ireland’s statement was issued, I tuned in to live coverage on the following Sunday of the Scottish Cup semi-final between Celtic and Rangers. Lo and behold, as the teams came out, supporters of both clubs, situated at opposite ends of Hampden Park, let flares off to the extent that the whole venue was shrouded in such dense smoke that the start of the game was delayed for several minutes. Even when it began, the smoke was only starting to disperse so although the referee was happy that at pitch level the smoke was clearing, that wasn’t the case higher up in the stadium where the cameras were positioned, and for the first couple of minutes you could barely see anything on the television coverage.
Can someone please explain to me how that enhances the experience of an occasion? A game in front of a packed house that everyone is looking forward to seeing – which is first of all delayed, and the first few minutes are then played in a fog that leaves you desperately trying to see what is actually going on at pitch level? What’s good about that? And why
does anyone think it’s acceptable to affect a fellow supporter’s enjoyment of an occasion by carrying out an act that any sensible person would consider irresponsible and dangerous?
The good news is that the Scottish Government moved quickly in the aftermath of the Celtic v Rangers game to take action in tackling the problem in Scotland. The upshot is that new legislation making it a criminal offence to possess fireworks and flares at events like football matches will come into force next month. It will empower police to search and remove pyrotechnics from people as they enter the stadium, as it will become a specific criminal offence in Scotland to possess a firework or other pyrotechnic at certain places or events such as football matches. And I say Amen to that.
Football stadiums, and indeed all stadiums and areas where there are large gatherings of people, should be pyrotechnic free zones, in the interests of everyone. I hope this current trend is literally snuffed out quickly, and then we can all start enjoying the spectacle of a football match without having it ruined by selfish individuals carrying explosives. There are many ways for supporters to enhance the atmosphere at football matches – but the use of pyrotechnics is not one of them.
It’s been a busy two weeks for the U17 girls, as they have faced both Bohs and Bray in the final stretch of the first round of the competition. With Bohs and DLR sitting comfortably at the top of the table, and Dundalk still on zero points in fifth, the battle for third place has begun between the Saints and Bray.
The girls faced Bohs on Saturday the 29th of April away at the Oscar Traynor astro pitch, and unlike most of their other games, the sun was splitting the stones. With the kickoff at 12pm it was an early start for those at the Derry match the night before.
With the first chance of the game falling to the Saints, the half looked promising until twenty three minutes in, Bohs found the back of the net with a strike in the box. With the ref pausing the game for a much needed water break. The half ended with a shot from Bohs which was blocked by goalkeeper Annie O’Brien.
Half time came and went, and several substitutions were made, and the girls went into the second half with a renewed sense of determination. However, the
Bohs forwards were working hard, and eleven minutes in managed to score again. Soon after, they were awarded a penalty, and their striker sent it into the top right corner.
Bohs grabbed their last goal half an hour into the half, with a brilliant strike from outside the box. With the girls four nil down, spirits were low, until seven minutes later, Amber Cullen stole the ball and ran with it, smashing the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner. The game ended four nil to Bohs, but Amber's late goal gave a fighting spirit into the last few minutes.
The following week, with the sun yet again beating down, the Saints faced their next opponent, Bray at home, on the sixth of May. With Bray sitting just one point behind us on the table entering the
game, they were clearly looking for a win. They had suffered an 8-0 loss at the hands of Bohs in their last game, before having a weekend off to reflect and improve.
Unfortunately, only nine minutes in, the Bray striker powered past our defence and keeper and sent the ball into the back of the net. However, the Saints did not give up, and in an incredible display of the defensive capabilities of the girls, they held back another Bray goal again and again, with Holly Telford taking on three girls at once and coming out the other side with the ball.
Soon after, Bray was awarded a penalty, which confused both Bray and Pats supporters alike, as no one on the sidelines could see the reason behind it. The crowd held their breath as
the Bray striker stood up to take her shot, but it was sent wide, and several cries of ‘karma!’ were heard from the Saints’ supporters.
A great chance came for the Saints a few minutes later as Kaylyn Corcoran broke through several attacks to come out the other side, but it was caught by the keeper before she could take her shot.
The half time whistle blew, and the girls filtered off the pitch. With heartwarming scenes of a young child kicking a ball around with an old dog, the fifteen minutes flew by as the crowd got to observe the best halftime youth performance I’ve ever seen.
The second half kicked off to the sounds of nostalgic ice cream van music wafting over from the surrounding estates. The chances started piling up for the saints, with several shots on target just missing the mark.
We also got to welcome back Eimear Flood after her injury, as she came on for Kaylyn Corcoran and took her place on the left wing. She made an instant impact, adding a new
level of energy and determination onto the pitch as the clock ticked on towards the final minutes.
It was incredibly frustrating as they were unable to get an equaliser, although Eve Moloney almost scored a wonder goal in the ninety eighth minute from near the corner flag but it just fell over the corner flag.
It looked like the game was going to end as it was, until a cross came into the box from Lucy Doheny, and fell to the feet of Marian Bissett, who buried it into the back of the net, making it one all, two minutes into injury time. Three minutes later, the game came to a close, with the girls getting a well deserved draw.
The girls have a weekend off, before facing their final opponent of the first round, Dundalk away on the twentieth of May. Support is welcome as always as the girls battle it out for third place.
Women Under 17s Table
Team v Bohs
1 Annie O’Brien
2 Jess Moore
3 Katie Power
4 Holly Telford
5 Aoife Kavanagh
6 Marian Bissett
7 Amy Dobbs
8 Simone Reilly
9 Eve Moloney
10 Rebecca Yates
11 Nina Kearns
Subs
13 Leona Heffernan
12 Numi Makinwa
14 Molly McGauley
15 Lucy Doheny
17 Amber Cullen
18 Kaylyn Corcoran
19 Eimear Flood
Team v Bray
1 Leona Heffernan
2 Jess Moore
3 Katie Power
4 Holly Telford
5 Aoife Kavanagh
6 Marian Bissett
7 Amber Cullen
8 Amy Dobbs
9 Kaylyn Corcoran
10 Eve Moloney
11 Nina Kearns
Subs
12 Numi Makinwa
14 Molly McGauley
15 Simone Reilly
16 Rebecca Yates
17 Lucy Doheny
18 Eimear Flood
Unconscious and
Unresponsive and
Absent or abnormal breathing
Would you like to join a Dublin City Council Community Cardiac Programme in Inchicore Community Sports Centre?
It is great to be back watching live football after a long off season and it is also great to see such big crowds in Richmond roaring the team on.
The Patron Saints recently had a very successful AGM and would like to announce that the new committee is comprised of James Byrne, Johnny Keegan, Dermot Meagher, Paul Maguire, Paul Murphy, Jennifer Murray, Danny Quinn, Liam Temple and Ian Walsh.
We would like to thank the following who stepped down from the committee this year Andy Ayres, Philip Bergin, Ulick O'Sullivan, Joan Stapleton and Ger Sweeney.
2022 was a good year for the Patron Saints when we increased our membership by over 30% to over 100 members and this year we want to get nearer to the 150 mark so we can contribute more to Saint Patricks Athletic both on and off the pitch.
During the year we organised various events including Player of the Year awards night, Santa in Richmond, Euro Raffle draw, Patron Saints in the Directors box and a Q&A in The Saint pub with Tim, John, Joe Redmond and Adam O'Reilly.
Also during the year we funded work on the gents toilet on the Camac terrace to the tune of €10,000 and also contributed €1500 to the publication of "Saints Rising" by Dermot Looney which is an excellent historical account of the founding of our great club.
The Patron Saints will again be sponsoring a player this year and we raffled at the AGM last years players jersey (Adam Murphy) which was won by David O'Hara. Also at the AGM we raffled 2 "Saints Rising" books which were
signed by Dermot Looney and Brian Kerr. They were won by Juliana Lawless and Joan Stapleton. We would also like to announce that the 100th member raffle was won by Orla Nolan (Adam O'Reilly's jersey).
The club recently put in a fund request to improve the home dressing rooms, provide after match recovery equipment, provision of safety lighting and procure training and video equipment for the youth academy. We would ask all members to check their emails and vote as they see fit on all fund requests (at the recent AGM these fund request met with general approval).
Due to the huge increase in crowds and insurance restrictions on the numbers allowed into the club shop the Patron Saints will have a desk inside McDowells lounge from 1820 till 1920 on match nights on a trial basis. The committee will be available for members to collect their 2023 membership badge and fixture card or pay subscriptions or buy a Golden Goal. We will also be giving out Patron Saints information sheets to prospective members.
We have a number of new positive ideas that were raised at the AGM to promote and raise the profile of the Patron Saints, so that we can become bigger and stronger and offer more support to the Club so look out for these during the coming season.
If you would like to join the Patron Saints please call in to McDowells before the match to meet us or look on facebook spafcpatronsaints or twitter @PatronSaints or email us at stpatssc@gmail.com.
Everyone at St Patrick's Athletic was sorry to learn of the passing of lifelong Saints fan, former TD for Dublin Mid-West, and Ballyfermot man, Derek Keating this week. Derek's love for the club began at an early age when his Dad took him and his brother to the games and his passion for the Saints never dimmed through the years. We would like to pass on our sincerest condolences to his wife, Anne, his daughters Niamh and Sinéad, his extended family and many friends. He will be greatly missed.
Number in brackets represents appearances of which were substituted ON.
LEAGUE TABLE