The Saint (Vol 33 #18)

2021 Season • Premier Division • Vol. 33 • No. 18 Fri 12 November • Richmond Park, Inchicore, D8 • KO:7.45PM

Nahum Melvin-Lambert

Editorial

Ronan O’Flaherty

Ruairi Kavanagh

@stpatsprogramme

Good Evening Welcome to Richmond Park, or wherever this programme finds you, for our final Friday Night Lights of the 2021 season. It seems like we were just getting into our stride in terms of getting our matchday experience back on track, when we will need to put it into cold storage for a few months. Let’s hope that 2022 sees a season in the shape that we all know so well and have missed so much.

It’s been a very good season for St Patrick’s Athletic. We have been solidly the second-best side in the country, we want to be the best, but in terms of the ecology of the league, we have disrupted the rhythm in terms of pecking order.

Nobody saw us coming this year and we have blindsided several sides who thought a European spot was a given. One Dublin side in particular, not too far away. In fairness, we probably didn’t see it coming either, but it’s been such as a welcome surprise. The mentality, hunger and attitude of our players has been

immense. Well done to Stephen O’Donnell, Alan Mathews, the players and all involved. We are now looking to the FAI Cup Final, a game we go to win, with or without a poet.

Finally some thanks, to an incredible team at The Saint, particularly Joe O’Rourke for being an incredible designer and great to work with.

Also, the rest of the team; Pat O’Callaghan, Dermot Looney, Stephen Bennett, Damien Byrne, Johnny Keegan, Jimmy Edwards, Paul Maguire, John Owens, Ian Templeman, Sean Brennan, Sean Creedon, Dave Kelly, Karl Stafford, Jamie Moore, Donal Burke, Anthony Delaney and indeed anyone else who helped out. It has been an absolute pleasure.

Come on the Saints!

And enjoy your issue of the Saint!

See you in print next season!

Contents 12 Dodge’s Data!

30 Eurozone

18 Pensive Points

34 Finn Harps & The Cup

22 Opposition Watch

36 A View from Afar

26 Pats from the Past

40 Club History

Programme Production Editor Ruairi Kavanagh

Design Joe O’Rourke

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v FINN HARPS

Photo Sportsfile & Inpho 3

Tonight’s Squads Fáilte Tá áthas orainn fáilte a chur roimh mbainistíocht, imreoirí agus lucht tacaíochta Chlub Pheile Cláirsigh na Finne go Phairc Richmond.

Welcome We are pleased to welcome the management, players and supporters of Finn Harps Football Club to Richmond Park.

/stpatsfc stpatsfc

Finn Harps

Manager:

Manager:

Alan Mathews

Head Coach: Stephen O’Donnell

Asst Manager: Paul Hegarty 1 Mark Anthony McGinley GK o

GK o

2 John Mountney

D

o

4 Kosovar Sadiki

D

o

3 Ian Bermingham

D

o

5 David Webster

D

o

4 Sam Bone

D

o

6 Ryan Connolly

M

o

5 Lee Desmond

D

o

7 Karl O’Sullivan

M

o

6 Jamie Lennon

M

o

9 Sean Boyd

F

o

7 Robbie Benson

M

o

10 Mark Timlin

M

o

8 Chris Forrester

M

o

11 Barry McNamee

M

o

9 Kyrian Nwoko

F

o

14 Mark Coyle

M

o

10 Ronan Coughlan

F

o

15 Jamie Browne

F

o

11 Jason McClelland

F

o

16 Shane McEleney

D

o

12 Matty Smith

F

o

17 Mark Russell

D

o

14 Kyrian Nwoko

F

o

18 Niall McGinley

M

o

15 Billy King

F

o

19 Adam Foley

M

o

16 Alfie Lewis

M

o

20 Conor Barry

M

o

17 Darragh Burns

F

o

21 Stephen Doherty

M

o

18 Ben McCormack

M

o

22 Ryan Rainey

M

o

19 Nahum Melvin-Lambert F

o

23 Joel Bradley-Walsh D

o

20 Shane Griffin

D

o

24 Ethan Boyle

D

o

21 Barry Murphy

GK o

25 Patrick McGarvey

GK o

22 Jak Hickman

D

26 Tony McNamee

M

o

25 Josh Keeley

GK o

27 Ronan Gallagher

M

o

28 Cian Kelly

D

o

28 Will Seymore

M

o

29 Paddy Barrett

D

o

29 Ryan Shanley

F

o

31 Kian Corbally

M

o

31 Lee McLaughlin

D

o

34 Adam Murphy

M

o

32 Luke McNicholas

GK o

36 Sam Curtis

D

o

45 Babatunde Owolabi F

o

38 Thomas Lonergan

S

o

57 Stephen Folan

o

39 James Abankwah

D

o

o

Match Officials

/stpatsfctv

Referee Neil Doyle

Assistant 1 Brian Fenlon

Half-Time

Full-Time

stpatsfc.com

Ollie Horgan

1 Vítězslav Jaroš

/stpatsfc

info@stpatsfc.com

4

St Patrick’s Athletic

Assistant 2 Eoin Harte

D

4th Official Oliver Moran

MOTM 2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v FINN HARPS

President’s Welcome Tom O’Mahony

@jimmyedwards41

Good Evening Good evening and welcome to Richmond Park, whether in person or virtually, for our final home league game of the season. We extend a particularly warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters of Finn Harps.

The season has a couple of weeks to go, of course, with a trip to Waterford for our final league game before our big day out in the Aviva for the cup final. But as these are my last programme notes for this year, I want to take the opportunity to thank all those involved in making this a very memorable season.

First and foremost I want to thank Stephen, Alan and all the coaching and playing staff for the enjoyment they have given us. It's been our most competitive season in the league for seven years and of course that has been topped off with our first Cup Final in the same period. It has been very satisfying to see the restructured team start to gell - from the evergreen Ian Bermingham in his 12th season with us to the immensely promising debutant James Abankwah, with a fine blend of those who have been stalwarts in recent seasons and some astute additions this year. The results have followed, but it has been particularly pleasing to see them achieved with skilful, entertaining football. We are, of course, still in the development phase with this team, and we can all identify room for improvement. But there is a very solid foundation to build on and I'm already looking forward to next season with more than a little excitement.

Our small complement of non-football staff have also worked extremely hard during the year, meeting the additional challenges posed by Covid and contributing to our success through their work on administration, sales and ground maintenance. The Board and its subcommittees have been working on a number of projects to improve the longterm outlook for the club.

I could never overstate how important our volunteers are to the club. In fact, without them there would be no club - it would be impossible to run our matchday operation without their work and we are immensely grateful to them. We also greatly appreciate the support we get from the Patrons through their willingness to help us fund necessary improvements in the ground. And, of course, the programme is an important part of the matchday experience. I believe that in content and production values it matches or surpasses anything that's available in the league.

Finally, the club exists for its supporters.

Over the last two years, when circumstances made your support even more vital, you came up trumps. I am immensely happy that we have an Aviva appearance to reward you with and I know that the team will be determined to make that as joyful an occasion for you as our last visit there. In the meantime, enjoy tonight's game!

Tom O'Mahony President St Patrick's Athletic FC

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v FINN HARPS

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC FOOTBALL CLUB 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 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

5

OUR GAME IS ON THE BALL

UMBRO TEAMWEAR

TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT UMBRO.IE OR CONTACT ALAN (086 7880808)/ RICHY (086 0317672)

The Dugout

Ronan O’Flaherty

Alan Mathews & Stephen O’Donnell

We would like to welcome Ollie Horgan, his players and everyone connected with Finn Harps to Richmond Park for this evening’s match.

This is an important match for both teams. We go

With this being our last home game of the season,

into it aiming to bounce back from last Friday’s

it is a good time to reflect. As was pointed out in

disappointing defeat against Sligo Rovers. It was a

the last programme, we set some targets at the start

strange game in that we had lots of possession and

of the season, one of which was to qualify for

the 3-0 scoreline was perhaps a harsh reflection on

Europe. The team has achieved that, and now we

the game in its entirety. However, our work-rate and

want to consolidate our position in the table.

intensity just wasn’t where it could be, especially in the first half. We weren’t aggressive enough, with and without the ball, and that cost us dearly. Our level of desire wasn’t as intense as it needed to be.

Ultimately, we were punished by a strong Sligo team who continue to push us for second place.

Another target was to make the most of our home games and try to turn Richmond Park into a fortress.

We have come relatively close to achieving that too.

Our home form has been very good, for the most part. This is a good opportunity to thank you, the supporters, for making such a positive impact on

With all of that said, it has been an excellent season

the team. Ever since fans were allowed back into

up to this point, so we were mindful not to go

grounds following the relaxing of restriction, the

overboard on the sense of disappointment. We

players have had an extra pep in their step. This

discussed the result as a group, as we generally do

evening will be the last time we see the fans out in

after matches. Just as it is important not to get too

force until the cup final at the Aviva Stadium.

high after a win, we don’t dwell on disappointments, instead putting all our energy into recovering from them. To be second in the league heading into the last two games, and also to have reached the FAI Cup final, is an outstanding return from the players. If anything, last Friday might just have been a welcome kick up the back side.

We understand that everyone is looking forward to the final and it promises to be a fantastic day out for all the supporters. Truly, you all deserve it and we will be doing everything in our power to bring the trophy back to Inchicore. However, there are still league games to be played and that is where all of our focus and energy must be channelled. We look

We still have a lot to play for, and a win tonight will

forward to benefiting from your wonderful support

secure second place. So that is our primary

once again tonight. Keep it noisy and enthusiastic.

motivation as the team goes in search of victory.

Harps have plenty to play for themselves. They have already turned us over this season, so we are well

Enjoy the match, Alan Mathews and Stephen O’Donnell

aware of their strengths and have prepared for a battle.

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v FINN HARPS

7

Oh My Word!

Ronan O’Flaherty

Damien Duff is right. Football facilities in Ireland could, and should, be much better. This is hardly news, but when someone of his stature says it, it carries weight.

He is preoccupied with the facilities issue. Everyone with an interest in Irish football should be.

It is the single biggest blockade to progress on a number of fronts.

Duff represented Ireland 100 times at senior level. He appeared at a World Cup and a European Championships. When Chelsea were crowned English champions for the first time in 50 years, he was one of the team's key players. Similar complimentary sentiments can be made about his contribution to Fulham's unlikely run to the Europa League final in 2010. To paraphrase Brian Kerr, he is probably the most technically gifted to ever play for Ireland, in terms of his ability in the attacking part of the field.

When a man of such pedigree speaks about the biggest obstacle facing Irish football at all levels, we ought to listen.

golf, swimming, badminton or boxing, and certainly not mixed martial arts.

Football people deserve better.

Especially the children, with so many years of playing, supporting and perhaps even coaching ahead of them.

Duff wasn't finished. He added: "It's ridiculous what Gaelic have and then I look at the football.

Everybody talks about Roadstone, but Gaelic wipes the floor with Roadstone.

"That’s what we have to give the kids. I don’t know who’s to pay for it, because I’m not educated enough on it. But there are no training grounds. Who is responsible and where has it gone wrong?

TV and in print. Most of them need a facelift. In fact, apart from Tallaght Stadium and Turners Cross, they could all be better.

Duff is very familiar with Tolka Park. He played there for Ireland underage and B teams in the past. Now, he manages there. It is, as he puts it, a special place.

We last visited the Drumcondra venue for a Premier Division match on February 28, 2020. It was a sellout of just over 3,000.

Tolka used to hold around three times that figure.

St Patrick's dominated possession for sustained spells, but chances were at a premium. Jaze Kabia ensured that the Saints supporters would go home disappointed.

“I pass Ballyboden because I was born and grew up there. Even the entrance – ‘wow’ – I don’t need to go inside. The Wicklow Centre of Excellence, Bray Emmets around the corner from me, Kilmacanogue, where I am. The environment they build is beautiful. I’m sending pictures to Stephen Mulhern from the Shelbourne board every Sunday, saying ‘look at this, it’s a joke’. It’s night and day.

Our abiding memory was not of the 1-0 loss or the empty feeling in the pit of the stomach as the full-time whistle was sounded.

Horrific is a strong word. But its use here is justified.

“I’m thinking about the whole country. That’s the future of Irish football and it’s poor, so poor."

Football is the biggest participation sport in Ireland. Not Gaelic football or hurling. Not rugby, basketball or hockey. Not tennis,

His disappointment is largely fixed on training facilities, but stadia might be an even bigger issue. They are highly visible on

Last Friday night was a bit like walking into a time capsule. Tolka Park remains the home of Shelbourne, but its days are numbered. Shels are due to groundshare with Bohemians in a redeveloped Dalymount Park, but the timeframe on that project remains unclear.

Upon his unveiling as Shelbourne manager, the 42-year-old told journalists: "Forget about Shelbourne and me. This is the most important thing that I’ve said today: the League of Ireland facilities across the board, Premier and First Division, are horrific when you compare it to Gaelic. It breaks my heart and startles me."

8

The match programme for the following week's home game against Cork City provided an opportunity to write about the Tolka Park experience of seven nights earlier.

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v FINN HARPS

@ronanoflaherty Entering the ground required the assistance of Google maps. It wasn't the straightforward stroll down Richmond Road of yesteryear. Away fans were sent on a wild goose chase that felt unnecessary. Once inside, in order to reach the Riverside Stand one must walk past the Ballybough End. Formerly a fully functioning stand with capacity for around 900, it is now a condemned mound. The seats have been removed from the first 11 rows, exposing the moss-filled steps in all their glory.

A set of goalposts sprawl across rows seven to ten, seemingly slung there with little care.

The nets are still attached but they have become loose and frayed in parts. The seats that remain beyond those steps all appear to be broken. Only stewards and gardaí are permitted to stand here during the game.

At the opposite end of the ground is a stand that many people, including this writer, still view as new. It, too, is condemned, although it does house the dressing rooms. The Riverside Stand once had capacity for 4,000.

It now holds approximately one-quarter of that figure.

Not so long ago, Tolka Park was the jewel in the crown of League of Ireland stadia. That honour now applies to Tallaght Stadium, which is owned and operated by South Dublin County Council. The new Dalymount Park will equally be reliant on central funding. Following the disappointing lack of political support for the Richmond Arena project, which would have breathed fresh life into a neglected part of the city, the solution for St Patrick's Athletic is now clear.

With our three Dublin rivals all due to benefit from what are, in essence, free stadiums, we should be seeking equal treatment.

Opposition to the groundshare is growing stronger among Shelbourne supporters.

Walk around Dublin City centre and you stand a decent chance of spotting a sticker bearing the words "Save Tolka Park". It remains to be seen how it plays out. We wish them well in their endeavours to remain at home, but it will be a hefty challenge. And if they do stay there, what next?

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v FINN HARPS

People like Finn Harps.

Much of that is down to their affable manager, Ollie Horgan. We look forward to seeing Ollie doing his thing on the sideline this evening.

Harps are an interesting case study in the conversation about facilities.

Their home of Finn Park is a stone's throw from the Donegal county GAA ground of MacCumhaill Park. The contrast between both venues is stark. It is not speaking out of turn to say this, as Harps have been trying to move to a new stadium in Stranorlar for well over a decade. The shell of a stand is visible to all who pass by the site, and the long delay serves as a major disappointment.

It has been stated, but not rubberstamped, that the development at Stranorlar will receive a significant cash injection from the Government. With building work stalled since 2014, this money would have been welcome years ago.

The last word falls to Damien Duff.

“Shelbourne have plans for the AUL, but listen, I’ve told the gang here that I was at the AUL for Irish trials nearly 30 years ago.

It hasn’t changed one bit. The toilets I’m going into and chairs I’m sitting on are exactly the same. How has that not improved?

"We’re light years behind everywhere… Go see every country, the training grounds, what players are given. It’s gone wrong somewhere along the line.”

9

Pitchside Sponsors We would like to thank the following who have sponsored the club for the 2021 season...

10

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v Finn Harps

Who’s Who at The Saint?

Like so many other things on match night, it takes considerable effort to compile the issue of The Saint you’re viewing. So who’s who?

RUAIRI KAVANAGH: EDITOR

KIERAN COUGHLAN

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.

When not found on the Camac, Kieran is to be found finding inventive ways to torture Saints fans with his fiendishly tricky questions.

JOE O’ROURKE: DESIGNER 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! PAT O’CALLAGHAN 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 EDWARDS 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 OWENS 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!’.

IAN TEMPLEMAN 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.

RONAN O’FLAHERTY 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!

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v Finn Harps

STEPHEN BENNETT Journalist with the Herald and a lifelong Saints fan.

Inchicore born and bred, a lover of soccer history both home and abroad. He's not great at getting trains back from away matches, however.

DERMOT LOONEY Dermot is from Greenhills and has followed Pat's since he was a teenager in the 1990's. He is working on a St Pat's History project, researching and collecting information on the history of our club. You can check it out at @HistoryStPats on Twitter. Get in touch with him with any memories or memorabilia from the club's history.

SEÁN BRENNAN Seán is a full time languages teacher in Dublin a 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-‘.

PAUL MAGUIRE Inchicore born & bred, Paul has been following the Saints since the late 80s. Favourite ever Pats player is Eddie Gormley. Used to host The All Saints Show and Pats match commentary until the FAI closed it down so now writes about the opposition rather than talking about them. Has around 50 Pats jerseys but can only fit into 10 of them. Plays guitar and sings, likes trains.

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.

11

Dodge’s Data!

John Owens

League Record v Finn Harps HOME GAMES

AWAY GAMES

TOTAL GAMES

7 21 20

34

13

14

34

33

68

7 14 7 GOALS

63

GOALS

42

GOALS

45

50

108

92

Record League Scores v Finn Harps 17/02/85 Richmond Park

5-1

06/07/08 Richmond Park

5-1

18/08/17 Richmond Park

4-0

15/01/78 Richmond Park

0-3

23/09/78 Richmond Park

0-3

27/01/80 Richmond Park

1-4

13/04/01 Richmond Park

1-4

20/03/99 FINN PARK

3-0

11/04/08 FINN PARK

3-0

30/12/73 FINN PARK

0-4

13/04/75 FINN PARK

0-4

NOVEMBER

LAST 5 GAMES

12

2004

Tolka Park

LOI

Shamrock Rovers

1-3

Keith Fahey

2000

Belfield

LOI

UCD

1-1

Robbie Griffin

1999

Belfield

LOI

UCD

0-0

1989

Dalymount Park

LOI

Bohemians

2-1

12

Mark Ennis, Tony O’Connor

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v Finn Harps

Ronan O’Flaherty @seidodge

Last 10 games v Finn Harps Date

Venue

Competition

20 Aug 2021

Finn Park

League

WIN

DRAW

LOSE

1-3

C Forrester (p)

League

4-1

Finn Park

League

2-0

Finn Park

League

2-3

10 Aug 2020

Finn Park

FAI Cup 1st Rnd

0-1

07 Aug 2020

Richmond Park

League

2-0

Finn Park

League

2-1

League

1-0

League

2-0

21 June 2021 Richmond Park Coughlan 2, Benson, Lewis

24 Apr 2021 B King, M Smith

28 Oct 2020 L McNally, G Kelly

G Kelly 2

6 Sep 2019

D Markey, R McCabe

14 June 2019 Richmond Park J walker

22 Apr 2019

Finn Park

C Clifford, M Drennan (p)

25 Feb 2019

Richmond Park

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v Finn Harps

League

0-0 13

Squad Sponsorship Vítězslav Jaroš

John Mountney

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2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v FINN HARPS

Robbie Benson

Chris Forrester

Kyrian Nwoko

Midfield

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Forward

7

8

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DECED

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2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v FINN HARPS

15

Squad Sponsorship Billy King

Alfie Lewis

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Forward

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2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v FINN HARPS

Barry Murphy

Josh Keeley

Cian Kelly

Goalkeeper

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Defender

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28

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2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v FINN HARPS

17

Pensive Points Jimmy Edwards

Welcome to Ollie Horgan and all from Finn Harps for our last home game of what has been a brilliant season so far, in which we have secured European football for next season.

Finn Harps, Waterford and

We will need to be a lot better

made two changes at half time

Drogheda are all still playing to

tonight than we were last Friday

with Billy King and Matty Smith

avoid the relegation play-off spot

at home v Sligo Rovers in what

both coming on for Ronan

and we will have a big say in that

was a very disappointing 3-0

Coughlan and Alfie Lewis and

particular race because we have

defeat. Like the previous game v

immediately it had the desired

to play both Finn Harps and

Bohs we again made 6 changes

effect as the Saints had Sligo

Waterford in our remaining

to our previous line up as

penned into their half for most

games, and both teams also have

Stephen and Alan are trying to

the duration of the game, but

to play the already relegated

keep everyone match fit and

scored again late on to make the

Longford Town, Drogheda are 4

available for selection for the Cup

scoreline a flattering 0-3 for the

points better off but have played

final. It was a tentative start by

visitors.

a game more and their last game

both teams but Sligo took the

is away to Shamrock Rovers so if

lead in the 11th minute when De

This result for Sligo, along with

both Finn Harps and Waterford

Vries intercepted a misplaced

Derry City dropping points on the

win their remaining two games

pass about 35 yards out from

night, meant that Liam Buckley

and Drogheda don’t beat Rovers

goal and he drove forward to the

has secured European football for

then they will drop into the play-

edge of the box and cutting

the second season running so big

off spot.

inside before brilliantly curling

congratulations to Liam, John

home into the far corner giving

Russell and Davy Campbell. Well

We can still finish on an

Jaros no chance. It was end to

done lads.

impressive 66 pts plus we also

end after this but without any real

still need a point to secure

quality in either box until the 38th

I have no doubts that Liam will

runners up in the league. Throw

minute when Ian Bermingham

still be trying to catch us for the

in the fact that everyone in the

went on a mazy run and cut

runners up spot so we will have to

squad is playing for cup final

inside to let fly at the Sligo goal

be at our best over the next two

places so we will be going all out

only to see McGinty make a great

games in order to finish second.

in both our remaining games to

near post save to push it around

Regardless of how the remaining

secure two wins. It will be tough

for a corner.

games go from here on in it has been a fantastic season for us Pats

luck on whichever team ends up in the play-off because all 3 have

Sligo increased their lead in the

fans as we have seen a team give

had impressive spells this season

42nd minute when the impressive

their all week after week. We

and all 3 are great away grounds

Johnny Kenny prodded home at

have had some disappointing

to visit.

the second attempt after having a

nights and results throughout the

header parried by Jaros. We

season but we turned up in those

18

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.17 • St Patrick’s Athletic v SLigo Rovers

games and were very unlucky in

support the lads on the day and I

something and let’s make sure

some of them. Big thanks to

will be bringing all my crew from

the Aviva is red and white on the

Stephen, Alan, all the backroom

Ringsend.

day.

players for giving us a season to

I have seen lots of reports to say

I would just like to finish off by

be proud of and for bringing us

that tickets are selling really well

saying a big thanks to Ruairi

the chance to compete in

for the game and it would be

Kavanagh, Joe O’Rourke and all

European football next season.

great for the players from both

who give their time and effort in

teams to get the chance to play in

producing the digital match day

Of course we have a big day out

front of a massive crowd. Most

programme.

on the 28th November in the

people I know are bringing some

Aviva Stadium when we meet

extra family members and friends

Bohs in the FAI Cup final with the

with them on the day so let’s

chance to lift some silverware. We

hope it’s a great occasion and if

Up the Saints

are going there to win. I have no

possible please keep

Jimmy

doubts the people of Inchicore,

encouraging friends or family to

James Street, the Liberties,

get a ticket and come along on

Ballyfermot, Clondalkin,

the day. Also the club have some

Palmerstown, Tallaght, Leixlip,

great deals on merchandise,

Celbridge, and beyond will be

shirts, polos, jackets, scarves and

making the trip to the Aviva to

hats so please purchase

staff and most importantly the

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.17 • St Patrick’s Athletic v SLigo Rovers

Enjoy the game

P.S Pats for the Cup.

Any views expressed in this article are the contributor's own.

19

Irish Press Monday 13 November, 1967 League of Ireland • Richmond Park NOVEMBE

R

12 1967

ST PATRICK'S ATH 2 CORK CELTIC 2

IT was the same venue . . . but the display of Jim Sheridan was ever so different. Jim made his debut for St. Patrick’s Athletic in a 2-2 draw with Cok Celtic at Richmond Park yesterday.

It was in the same park in mid-September that Sheridan starred for Swilly Rovers in the FAI Junior Cup final replay against Orchard United. Pats took a fancy to the player then. He is theirs now. But the Sheridan they saw yesterday was only a shadow of the star of the junior match. Tim, who had a short spell with Sligo Rovers last season, found his return to League of Ireland football strewn with obstacles.

He could make nothing of the Celtic attack in the first half, and the talented Carl Davenport availed of the freedom of the penalty area to head two goals.

The home attack included two young players - Foster and Noel Campbell, both of whom had been with Arsenal.

Where is the Highbury grooming? It was not in evidence yesterday. Campbell did not leave his mark on the game at any stage; Foster put in his best work in the second half.

But it was in the third minute of the game that he got a copybook goal. The ball left the winger's boot and went on to Noel Dunne who transferred to Noel Bates. The centre-forward laid on a perfect pass for Foster, who flashed the ball to the net.

In the 36th minute, Pat O'Mahony sent the ball into the penalty area, and with the home defence "looking on", the visitors' player-coach picked his spot and headed past Dinny Lowry.

Although the Celtic goals should not have been conceded their interval lead of 2-1 was well deserved.

They were playing so well that a decision to bring Frank McCarthy into the game was delayed. It was finally decided upon 15 minutes from the end, when panic had crept Into the ranks.

Achieved Little During his short spell he achieved little of note. But in the dying minutes, he had a great shot saved by Lowry.

The Pats goalkeeper was more reliable than Tommy Taylor who showed a tendency to drop balls. It was a failing which should have yielded goals to Campbell and Bates. The forward play, in general, was poor. Chances galore were missed through slowness or poor shooting.

John McCarthy, the Celtic centre-forward, had his name taken for some offence that was not visible from the stand, Foster was "booked" for a foul on Charlie O'Mahony. But, by and large, it was a game to please the crowd.

Well Worked

ST. PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: Lowry;. Dowling, Parkes; Hennessy, Sheridan, Ryan; Foster, Dunne, Bates, Campbell (N.), Carroll.

Sub: Monaghan for Carroll.

Davenport's goals were also well worked. For the first in 22 ninutes, Charlie O'Mahony sent out to David O'Driscoll and he sent over a high ball for Davenport to head in off the under side of the crossbar.

CORK CELTIC: Taylor; Leahy, O'Mahony (P.); Allen, Heffernan, O'Mahony (C); Shortt, Davenport, McCarthy (J.), Carroll, O'Driscoll.

Sub: McCarthy (F.) for Shortt.

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v Finn Harps

21

Opposition Watch - Finn Harps Another opponent from the north-west! Finn Harps are facing as familiar challenge, but one they're well capable of dealing with.

Like our previous opponents,

have since had a drop off in

Drogheda nearly paid the price

Sligo, they have announced plans

performance levels and now sit in

as the ball came to Harps’ to

for a new stadium and, having

eighth position on 40 points,

scorer Tunde Owolabi but he

avoided the play-offs last season

along with Waterford, below

fired across the face of goal and

by a single point they are

them on goal difference.

wide.

for the third season in a row.

They pulled themselves out of

The home side began the second

They will be hoping to make it

the relegation playoff spot

half on a positive note with Boyd

four with a win here tonight. But

courtesy of a hard fought 0-0

coming more into the game and

even if they land in the dreaded

draw with Drogheda United, the

conjuring up a couple of chances.

play off slot, nobody from the

team directly above them in the

In the 69th minute, Drogheda

First Division will be looking

league on 44 points. They

won a free in a dangerous

forward to facing Ollie Horgan’s

followed that up with another

position after Killian Philips was

men. Harps briefly topped the

draw 1-1 against close rivals

taken down by Ethan Boyle, but

league earlier in the season but

Derry City, with the visitors

Mark Anthony McGInley saved

earning a point thanks to a

from Jake Hyland. A minute later,

penalty.

Hyland was sent-off after

enjoying Premier division football

clattering Tunde Owolabi and After some of the recent thrillers

suddenly the pendulum swung in

at Finn Park, such as the 2-2 with

Harps’ favour.

Sligo, the Drogheda game was a more subdued affair. Harps had

But Boyd then saw red for Harps

an early scare on five minutes

on 85 minutes following an

when Mark Doyle steered the ball

incident with Gary Deegan and

into the net after Mark Anthony

neither side was able to grab a

McGinley had parried a Dane

winner.

Massey shot but an off-side flag Ollie Horgan

22

was raised. On 15 minutes Conor

Against Derry, Ollie Horgan's

Kane lost possession and

side, while not creating much,

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v Finn Harps

were the better team in the

on McGonigle.

opening 45 minutes and certainly coped better on the poor Finn

On 82 minutes the deadlock

Park surface.

should have been broken as James Akintunde clever pass

Derry were second best for large

over the top released

parts of the first half and they

McGonigle, but with McGinley

never tested Harps goalkeeper

to beat, the substitute's

Mark Anthony McGinley in the

attempted lob over the outrushing keeper, sailed over the bar.

That missed chance came back

Mark Anthony McGinley

to haunt Derry, as Harps took the lead on 84 minutes as Ryan Connolly's free-kick from the left

encounter. However, we ran out

found Boyle at the back post, and

easy winners in the previous two

the defender rose well to

clashes. Barry McNamee will try

powerfully head home.

to dictate from midfield and there is a good balance of experienced

Ethan Boyle

entire first half, in fact their only effort on goal came on 40 minutes, but Harkin’s tame strike from the edge of the box trickled wide.

Derry slowly started to get into

To their credit Derry went straight

pros like ex-Saint and Harps

up the other end and won a

captain Dave Webster, John

penalty as McGonigle's left wing

Dunleavey and Ethan Boyle in

cross was handled inside the box

their ranks and you can bet that

by goalscorer Boyle, referee Ben

Ollie Horgan will fire up his

Connolly had no hesitation in

players every time they cross the

pointing to the spot and the

white line this season. Interesting

Dungiven man made no mistake

aside is that both managers have

with the resulting effort from 12

had to serve suspensions for red

yards, planting the ball low into

cards so it might even get a bit

the bottom left hand corner, to

spikey on the touchline!

earn Derry a point.

the game after the break, but once again they failed to create anything worth while until the final quarter when they brought

The Saints can expect a real battle here tonight, as is always the case with Finn Harps, who beat Pat's 3-1 in our last

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v Finn Harps

Any views expressed in this article are the contributor's own.

23

OUR GAME KNOWS YOUR NAME THE OFFICIAL MATCH BALL FOR THE 2021 SSE AIRTRICITY LEAGUE, FEATURING BESPOKE BALLS MADE FOR EACH CLUB

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2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v FINN HARPS

Pitchside Sponsors We would like to thank the following who have sponsored the club for the 2021 season...

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18• St Patrick’s Athletic v Finn Harps

25

Friday 18 July 2017, Airticity League of Ireland - Premier Division

ST PATRICK'S ATH 4 FINN HARPS 0 Graham Kelly, Kurtis Byrne, with a brace, and Conan Byrne provided the goals as St Patrick's Athletic equalled their biggest win of the season to trounce Finn Harps at Richmond Park.

The victory, their fourth in five games, moves Liam Buckley's side three points clear of the relegation zone.

Defeat sees Finn Harps drop into the bottom three for the first time in three months.

Though Harps started the better with Jonny Bonner and Ibrahim Keita availing of hesitant defending to fire shots wide, St

Patrick's soon came alive with right-back Michael Barker getting forward to force Harps' keeper Ciaran Gallagher to turn his shot round a post for the first corner of the game.

Conan Byrne then curled a free kick not far wide of Gallagher's left-hand post as St Pat's took general control.

Gallagher then had to be alert off

his line to come and punch clear a dangerous cross from Byrne as the home side got well and top.

And it was little surprise when they went in front on 23 minutes.

Josh O'Hanlon, starting in place of the absent Christy Fagan, and Paul O'Conor worked the opening for Kelly who showed terrific skill and composure to cut past a defender before drilling a low drive to the far corner of the net.

Harps soon had Damien McNulty to thank for spurning another promising St Patrick's attack on five minutes later as the rightback took the ball off Kelly's toe inside the area after Byrne had pulled the ball across from the end line.

The visitors did remain a threat when they got forward with ex-St Pat's midfielder Mark Timlin finding room to get off a shot that wasn't too far wide on 33 minutes.

Graham Kelly of St Pat's shoots to score his side's first goal .

26

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v Finn Harps

Kurtis Byrne of St Pat's celebrates after scoring his side's second goal v Finn Harps at Richmond Park.

But serviced resumed at the other end as Harps struggled to deal with a Billy Dennehy corner on 39 minutes and might have found themselves further.

The ball fell to Lee Desmond whose shot was cleared for another corner by Harps' skipper Ciaran Coll.

Harps did finish the half well with Eddie Dsane's quick feet creating room to get a low shot away which Barry Murphy ably dealt with.

St Pat's began the second half on the front foot and were close to extending their lead a minute in.

O'Conor threaded a delightful ball through for the run of O'Hanlon.

The striker slipped the ball past the advancing Gallagher, but defender Kilian Cantwell did well to get back and hack the ball off the line.

Though St Pat's continued to dominate, Harps were a threat on the counter and might have levelled on 59 minutes.

Kurtis was there again three minutes later to rifle his second of the game to the roof of the net to complete the rout.

Sean Houston did well on the right to cross for Dsane who planted his diving header wide when he should have at least hit the target.

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC

But St Pat's extended their lead on 83 minutes.

Dennehy got free on the left to whip over a cross which was met by sub Kurtis Byrne to crashed the ball past Gallagher.

Harps then finished with ten men when Dsane was shown straight red card, apparently for dissent.

And St Pat's had the final say with Byrnes Conan and Kurtis combining for the former to tap home their third goal in the first minute of added time.

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v Finn Harps

Barry Murphy; Michael Barker, Jordi Balk, Lee Desmond, Ian Bermingham; Owen Garvan (JJ Lunney 69), Paul O'Conor; Conan Byrne, Graham Kelly, Billy Dennehy (Darragh Markey 90+2); Josh O'Hanlon (Kurtis Byrne 74).

FINN HARPS Ciaran Gallagher; Damien McNulty, Kilian Kantwell, Ciaran Coll, Gareth Harkin; Ethan Boyle, Sean Houston, Jonny Bonner (Danny Morrissey 68), Mark Timlin (Thomas McBride 87); Eddie Dsane; Ibrahim Keita (Pascal Millien 67).

REFEREE Robert Harvey.

27

Patron Saints This scheme is a special and unique initiative aimed at ALL St Patrick’s Athletic fans...

The main aim is to aid the long-term development of this great football club.

We firmly believe for any LOI Club to be successful, it needs the fans to play a huge part. As it’s your club, we are urging all fans, where possible, to join the scheme today.

For the past few years the Patron Saints have run: • The St Patrick’s Athletic Awards Night • Santa Claus visit to Richmond • The Hano Cup These were all fundraised through Golden Goals, raffles and innovative events such as snail racing.

Projects the Patron Saints have contribute to: • Emmet Road Mural • U19s Team Kit • Heart Monitoring Equipment • Media Room Renovation • West Stand Repairs • Club Shop • Grounds Keeping Equipment • Strength and Conditioning Equipment.

Benefits of joining the Patron Saints: • Badge & Membership Card • Priority access to Match tickets • Voting rights on what projects Patron Saints funds will go on • Twice yearly meeting with club officials

• Discounts on most Patron run events • Free annual raffle for player signed jersey sponsored by the Patron Saints • Free annual raffle for a set of signed programmes of the season

TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP GOLD MEMBERSHIP

€10 per week | €40 per month | €480 per year

SILVER MEMBERSHIP

€5 per week | €20 per month | €240 per year

BRONZE MEMBERSHIP

€5 per month | €60 per year

For more information or to sign up: email stpatssc@gmail.com, go to facebook.com/spafcpatronsaints or pop by the Patron Saints desk in the club shop on match nights.

28

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18• St Patrick’s Athletic v Finn Harps

The black magic of the Cup Stephen Bennett

@stebenn15

So, in this, our final home game of the season. I'm going to visit our love-hate relationship with the FAI Cup final.

It's around this time we get twitchy. Start thinking ridiculous thoughts.

The nerves, the worry that certain players will get injured - even where we're positioned in the ground.

The mind starts to wonder to the darklands of previous FAI Cup final mishaps before being rescued from the cliff edge by that wondrous day in 2014 when Liam Buckley and Christy Fagan lifted the 'voodoo hoodoo' as Keith Fahey labelled it.

So thoughts turn once again to the Aviva Stadium.

In keeping with these pre-final nerves I have heard gripes from the Camac and beyond that we're the second class citizen in this final and - I can picture the editor's eyes looking skywards it's hard to disagree with them.

The way the FAI Cup final cards have fallen, Pat's fans have, in a sense, a right to be dismayed.

The club lost the toss for the dressing rooms (as long as that's all they lose, we'll be grand).

It means that Pat's are the 'away' team on November 28.

The powers that be have also deemed Pat's to have the lesser fanbase, so we're being shoehorned into the glass menagerie known as the North Stand.

Mini-rant incoming...

Bohs have been awarded the South Stand of the Aviva Stadium where their fans can maximise their numbers and create a special atmosphere.

We know the South Stand well.

It's been 'christened' The Christy Fagan Stand after his 2014 heroics.

We know the advantage it gives.

Moreover it's not the opposite end - and there lies the problem.

The so-called North Stand of the Aviva stadium is a bit of an excuse for a stand. In an otherwise beautifully designed ground, the old Havelock Square end is what happens when you want to build a state of the art stadium but don't have the sufficient space.

It's a compromise and the reason that the stadium looks like a sort of elongated doughnut with one end melted. The North Stand - if you can call it that - is the melted end.

It's usually used for visiting fans on international matchdays. On final day it's given to the club the authorities feel will bring the smaller crowd.

So the assumption by the powers that be in the aftermath of the semi-finals was the Bohs will bring a bigger crowd to the Aviva than that of Pats. And that's fair enough if that's the case, but

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18• St Patrick’s Athletic v Finn Harps

how in a Dublin derby final can you measure that exactly?

So, when you stack it all up, the away team, the end of the ground given to the club, you get the feeling that we are mere extras on a day where Bohs try to make Hollywood.

Now they've tried that a number of times before with moves that have absolutely zip to do with football, but this time they want to end their wilderness years with a trophy. And Pat's don't?!

If a Bohs win would be more romantic, they've certainly been given the tools, pre-game, to achieve it.

It doesn't always work out like that and having such tools can bring its own pressures, so good luck to them on that.

Pat's will carry on regardless and bring their own special atmosphere once again to Dublin 4.

You get the sense that Stephen O'Donnell and Alan Mathews have assembled a very tidy squad. They've been brilliant all season and have far exceeded expectations.

Now is their chance to end that season with silverware.

And then the nerves can settle.

'Ní neart go cur le cheile' indeed.

29

Eurozone Seán Brennan

Dystopian Champions – Shakhtyor Soligorsk and State Interference in Sport As the League of Ireland season draws to a close, so too do the other UEFA member championships operating on the summer schedule. Aside from Ireland, this timetable is limited to a few of Europe’s colder regions; Scandinavia, The Baltics, Kazakhstan, and today’s focus, Belarus.

player from the country.

The ex Soviet republic is far from a footballing powerhouse; their national team has never qualified for a tournament and they have three points from seven games in their current qualifying group.

Beyond former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Alexander Hleb, and Championship Manager cult figure Maxim Tsigalko, only the most well read aficionados would Iikely be able to name another

The next big force in Belarusian football, Shakhtyor Soligorsk, have just secured their second consecutive title. With 23 wins from 28 games (2 games still remain), they have finished comfortably ahead of the Big Two. This name will be vaguely familiar to Ulsterbased football fans, as Omagh Town, Derry City and Glenavon have all suffered heavy defeats in Soligorsk in the last 20 years.

BATE Borisov have recently been Belarus’ headline act, gaining Champions League victories over Bayern Munich, Athletic Bilbao and AS Roma, while traditionally Dinamo Minsk were the country’s leading club, winning their only Soviet Championship back in 1982.

Olympic sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya

30

Gambian striker Dembo Darboe has been instrumental to their title charge this season, topping the goal scoring charts and giving good value for the €700,000 Shakhtyor paid Macedonian club FK Shkupi for his services.

Shakhtyor can afford quite a few imported players, with 8 squad members from former Yugoslav countries, as well as a Nigerian winger.

The club is financed by local manufacturer, Belaruskali, who employ 20% of the 100,000 population town, producing fertiliser extracted from the neighbouring potash mine (‘Shakhtyor’ meaning ‘Miners’ in Belarusian). Company sponsored clubs are not uncommon in Belarus; BATE Borisov are from the automobile and tractor industry and Torpedo BelAZ are the sporting branch of a large dump truck exporter.

While investment from a major firm can be retrieved quickly with a strong run in the Champions League, the economic situation looks challenging for Belaruskali and thus Shakhtyor; following last year’s disputed elections, sanctions have restricted their exporting capacity to the EU, USA and Canada, and last year 4,000 of their

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18• St Patrick’s Athletic v Finn Harps

@SBahnManc staff went on strike protesting the election results, resulting in violent crackdowns and further bad publicity for the company and the country.

Belarus is no stranger to controversy and has made international news a lot in the aftermath of their most recent election.

Opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya (herself formerly a regular visitor to Roscrea on charitable visits for kids affected by the Chernobyl disaster) had to flee to Lithuania last year for her own safety, in May of this year, journalist Roman Protasevich had his Ryanair flight forcibly diverted to Minsk by military aircraft in order to facilitate his arrest, and at the Olympic Games, sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya required Japanese police protection to escape from the Belarusian secret service. Even Shakhtyor’s title victory last year was absurdly probably the most followed season ever in the Vysheyshaya Liga, as their league was the only one in Europe to continue at the time due to the government’s denial of Covid’s existence.

To make matters worse, a report released in October from the Belarusian Sports Solidarity Foundation claimed that the Belarusian sports ministry “threatened to stop state funding to football clubs whose players did not sign pro-government letters”, as well as threatening referees not wearing pro-government armbands with suspension.

President Lukashenko showing off his hockey skills The man at the centre of these controversies, President Alexander Lukashenko, came to power in 1994, promising to “Take people away from the abyss” in a country which then had 50% of its population below the poverty line (That figure has since dropped to 10%). Although like many of his countrymen, he is more of an ice hockey fan, any sporting victory is keenly celebrated by the administration, hence the interference with footballers and Tsimanouskaya.

State media site belarus24.by patriotically declares in an authoritative manner: “The achievements of Belarusian athletes are the reason to be proud of our country and its talented people.”.

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18• St Patrick’s Athletic v Finn Harps

Nonetheless, Shakhtyor’s future capabilities to produce good news headlines are likely to be limited.

The standard of footballers produced locally is not of a Champions League nature, as seen in the national team’s long running malaise. The model for a club of Shakhtyor’s size, Sheriff Tiraspol, hold only a handful of locals, which suggests that high standard international recruitment is a must.

This however is unlikely, given the political climate and poor salaries on offer.

With Lukashenko’s regime running late into extra time, Shakhtyor and Belarusian football’s success seem increasingly subject to matters off the pitch.

31

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Quiz Time Kieran Coughlan

Who was the first LOI club to play Celtic in a European competition?

6

Which Englishman was the only player to be sent off twice last season in the Premier League?

Who were the main shirt sponsors of the Saints when they won the League in 1990?

7

Who is the only Premier League winning manager to have played in the Premier League?

Finn Harps player Ryan Connolly is a native of which county?

8

Who are the only two Dutchmen to have scored over 100 Premier League Goals?

9

Which country has hosted a World Cup semi-final but never a final?

Dundalk player Raivis Jurkovskis is a full international for which country?

Celtic suffered their biggest ever defeat in a European competition in 2016.

10 Who was the last newly promoted side to finish in the top 4 of the Premier League?

Answers Hasselbaink. Q.9 South Korea. Q.10 Nottingham Forest, 1995.

Lewis Dunk. Q.7 Roberto Mancini. Q.8 Robin van Persie, Jimmy Floyd Q.1 Waterford. Q.2 DHL. Q.3 Mayo. Q.4 Latvia. Q.5 Barcelona. Q.6 2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18• St Patrick’s Athletic v Finn Harps

33

Finn Harps & The Cup Seán Creedon The late Fran Fields was one of the main driving forces behind Finn Harps bid to join the League of Ireland in 1969. At that time Derry City were still playing in the Irish League, but ‘The Troubles’ had started in The North and Derry were forced to play their home games in Coleraine. Fields obviously felt there was need for a League team in the north-west.

In 1969 Athlone Town and Finn Harps joined the League of Ireland. Nobody forgets Harps debut, a City Cup game in Ballybofey on August 17, 1969 where they were beaten 10-2 by Shamrock Rovers.

Harps finished seventh of the 14 clubs in 1969-70, sixth in 197071, fourth in 1971-72 and in second place in 1972-73. In the 1973-74 season Harps were

fourth in the League and that season they also won the FAI Cup for the first and only time, beating the Saints 3-1 in the final at Dalymount Park on April 21, 1974.

In his book ‘The Official History of the FAI Cup’ (Liberties Press), Seán Ryan said that Harps chairman Fran Fields gave credit for their 1974 success to the club’s most expensive signing, former Northern Ireland international Tony O’Doherty.

Fields said: ‘‘We had paid £4,000 for Tony. I held a meeting in Jackson’s Hotel in Ballybofey and got £100 a head from 40 people. Tony hadn’t kicked a ball for two months because of a groin injury, but we kept it quiet and he was our trump card.

When it was announced the night before the final that he was

in the team, it gave everybody confidence.’’

Worried about O’Doherty’s fitness Harps manager Patsy McGowan started the former Coleraine player at the back in the final, which was played at Dalymount on April 21, 1974.

O’Doherty was moved to midfield when Seán Byrne equalised for the Saints after 19 minutes. Tony, who is still involved his native Derry City, orchestrated Harps’ revival.

Charlie Ferry had got the first goal of the game after four minutes and then legendary striker Brendan Bradley won it for Harps with goals in the 79th and 88th minute.

Tony had won two caps for Northern Ireland and four years earlier he played in the Northern Ireland team along with George Best as they lost 3-1 to England before a full house at Wembley in the Home Championships.

On route to the final the Saints had beaten non-League club TEK 2-0 at the Carlisle Grounds in Bray in the second round and then won 2-1 away to Cork Hibernians in the third round. In the semi-final, played at Dalymount Leo Flanagan got the winner in a 1-0 over Drogheda.

Sean Byrne heads the ball over Murray for St Pat’s equalising goal

34

Meanwhile Harps beat Home Farm 4-1 in the second round and needed a replay to beat Bohemians in the third round.

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v Finn Haprs

Harps’ semi-final against Athlone Town was played in Oriel Park where they won 5-0.

Paul McGee has played for 17 different clubs in his career, but his only FAI Cup final medal was won in 1974 with Harps.

McGee, who celebrated his 67th birthday earlier this year, said he has no doubt the drawn game against Bohemians was the turning point that year. Paul said: ‘‘We were 1-0 down and being run off the park. With a few minutes to go the ball broke to me and I tried a first time shot.

It was going for the corner flag when Charlie Ferry stuck his head out and headed the ball into the net.’’ Ferry got both goals as Harps beat Bohs 2-0 in the replay at Finn Park.

McGee made his debut for his home town club Sligo Rovers at the age of 16 in November 1971.

He would later help the Bit o’ Red win the League of Ireland title in 1976-77. Paul’s other Irish clubs apart from Harps and Sligo, where he spent six different spells, were: Athlone Town, Ballymena United, Derry City, Dundalk, Galway United, Shamrock Rovers and Waterford United.

There was a brief spell with English clubs Kidderminster Harriers and Hereford United and then loans spells in Canada with Toronto Italia and Montreal

30 April 1980: Paul McGee in action for Ireland v Switzerland

Castors. His big move was from Sligo to QPR then in the English first division in 1977, followed by Preston North End, Burnley, Haarlem and back to the League of Ireland again.

Paul scored on his international debut against Turkey at Lansdowne Road in April 1978 and won 14 more caps, scoring three more goals. He was appointed manager of Limerick in 2007 and the following year was assistant to Alan Mathews at Cork City. McGee’s last club as manager was Salthill Devon in Galway.

Golfer Jack Nicklaus would only be in the ha’penny place compared with McGee.

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v Finn Haprs

FAI Cup final teams from 1974: Finn Harps: Gerry Murray, Gerry McGranaghan, Jim Sheridan, Tony O’Doherty, Peter Hutton, Paddy McGrory, Declan McDowell, Jimmy Smith, Paul McGee, Brendan Bradley, Charlie Ferry.

Sub: Donal O’Doherty for Smith.

St Pat’s: Tom Lally, Jack Burkett, Ernie Reynolds, Paul Doyle, Brendan Myles, Seán Byrne, Leo Flanagan, Paddy Munroe, Ben O’Sullivan, Paul Smith, Dermot Shields.

Sub: Mick Dempsey for Smith.

Referee: Eamon Farrell (Dublin)

35

A View from Afar Ian Templeman

It’s the last home game and final edition of the season of “The Saint” for 2021, a season that began with games behind closed doors, and for all Saints fans will finish in front of what will hopefully be a large crowd at the Aviva Stadium.

In the dark days at the start of

doubt that all of us who follow

was a blow, but the young

the current campaign, we looked

the club will have been happy

players who stepped up to

forward with hope amid the

with how the season has panned

replace them never let the side

uncertainty that the LOI season

out. Right from the word go

down. The likes of Darragh

would provide us with the

we’ve been up near the top of

Burns, Ben McCormack and

entertainment and feelgood

the table, which has made a

James Abankwah in particular

factor that we craved, and for all

pleasant change from some of

are now well and truly part of

of us who follow the Super

the more nervy finishes to a

the first team squad, which is

Saints, it’s fair to say that those

campaign we have seen in the

great news for the club and

hopes have been met.

recent past. The football has

shows the everyone involved in

been good, the strength in

the club’s academy structure is

Here's my take on some of the

depth of the squad has been

really doing a good job.

talking points from the season,

tested and been up to the

both from a Pats perspective and

challenge, and I think all of us

Not only that, the young players

across the league in general.

can say it’s been a season we

are being recognised at interna-

have enjoyed.

tional level too with Ben, James and Kian Corbally all being

Starting with a look close to home, I don’t think there is much

Early season injuries to players

called up for International duty with the Ireland U19's last month. In fact, our game was one of four league fixtures postponed that weekend because of players being selected for international duty, which is a boost not only for us, but the league in general.

As well as enjoying our form in the league, we have had the added bonus of the FAI Cup run,

St Pats fans before the Dundalk Cup game.

36

and a bit of a mixed bag of

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s

Ronan O’Flaherty @iantemplemanloi games it was too. We’ve had

absence has dulled everyone’s

comfortable wins over Bray and

match day enthusiasm. The

Wexford, the narrow squeak

support from the stands and

down in Cork that needed a

terraces has been fantastic, right

penalty shoot out, and then the

from the moment that spectators

atmospheric night that was the

were allowed back in for the

back drop for a semi-final win

game against Sligo Rovers in

over Dundalk. A cup final

June. Long may it continue, and

appearance is a great way to

hopefully it won’t be too long

round off the season, and fingers

before I can make a trip over

crossed that we end on a high.

and be back enjoying the match day atmosphere first hand

The other bonus from this

myself.

DARRAGH BURNS ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

season is of course the return of European nights, and the 2022-

Looking at the wider picture

Few of us who follow this league

23 UEFA Europa Conference

around the league in general,

could have envisaged that

League becomes the latest

there has been no shortage of

Dundalk would have the season

European competition that the

talking points. Looking back at

they had, and you do wonder

club has been involved in. If we

my end of season observations

what the future holds for them

can have a few nights like those

on these pages a year ago, I said

now that more of their

that Bohemians experienced this

“we wait to see if Shamrock

established names are set to

season, I’m sure that few of us

Rovers will see the loss of Jack

leave at the end of the season.

will be complaining.

Byrne and Aaron McEneff as

Sure, Vinny Perth is back, there is

little more than a minor blip“.

talk of a local consortium taking

As we know, UEFA restrictions

Well it’s fair to say that the

over control of the club, and

mean that not all European

Hoops negotiated the problem

there is a nucleus of a team that

games can be staged at

of losing those two players fairly

could challenge next season –

Richmond Park, which is a pity as

well, and the league table

but those of us looking in from

the atmospheric evenings at

doesn’t lie, anyone who wins the

the outside await with interest

home games on the banks of the

league with four games to spare

further developments at Oriel

Camac seem to have been re-

are worthy champions.

Park.

energised as fans have returned.

However, it is only fair to point

Unfortunately another year has

out that late goals played a big

Elsewhere, you get the feeling

passed without me getting

part in their success, and scoring

that Derry City will be a force to

across for a game at Richmond

three late goals in the three

be reckoned with next season,

Park, but watching on the live

Dublin derbies against Pats

with further investment already

streams it certainly doesn’t

didn’t half make a difference to

being made into their squad,

appear that the enforced

their points tally – and ours.

Bohemians have continued to build on the progress they made

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v FINN HARPS

37

A View from Afar Ian Templeman

@iantemplemanloi

last season, Sligo under the

I hope I’ve not heard and seen

shrewd stewardship of Liam

the last of them.

Buckley have done well, and the appointment of Damian Duff as

And finally, there is “The Saint” –

the manager of Shelbourne is

which through necessity started

likely to add further to the

off as a digital edition and has

competitive nature of the league

maintained that format

in 2022. It could be one of the

throughout the year. During the

most fascinating seasons in

dark days early in the season, I

recent years, and I’m looking

noticed several comments on

forward to it already.

social media that fans were enjoying being able to read a

However, I can only hope and

digital copy of “The Saint”

pray that going forward I am

online, prior to watching the

able to follow the league in the

game being streamed live. I can

way that I have done in 2021.

certainly relate to that because I

Thanks to the combination of

did too. world is back to what we used to

Watch LOI and LOITV, I’ve not

remember as normal, the digital

missed a Pats game all season –

Even though I am obviously

how good is that for someone

biased, I do think that everyone

who hasn’t set foot in the

involved has really stepped up

country? I’ve seen the majority

to the mark this season, and the

of them live and those I haven’t,

result has been some stonkingly

I’ve been able to pick up on

good editions. Under the

catch up. Being able to watch

superb guidance of editor Ruairi

the team’s performances week in

and Joe on design, I like to think

week out during such a

that many football followers, and

successful campaign has been

not just Pats fans, will have

fantastic, and I know I have been

enjoyed the output this season.

In the meantime, let’s all enjoy

banging on about this for

I’ve certainly saved all my digital

the last two league games of this

months on the pages, but to say

copies and in many ways, they

campaign, the finale at the Aviva

once again, I really do hope that

are unique historical documents,

Stadium, and then look forward

the service continues in some

containing a snapshot of how

to even better times in 2022 for

form or another in 2022 and

everyone was viewing the times

us all.

beyond. And an extra big shout

we were living in.

out to the team involved in Pats TV, with a special mention to Jamie Moore and Ger O’Brien for their excellent commentaries.

copies of The Saint will be a keepsake like no other, a reminder of how we were all feeling while football was played firstly behind closed doors, and then small handfuls of spectators before everyone was allowed back in.

Stay safe, have a good Christmas We don’t have tangible hard copies of each issue to hold, but in years to come, when the

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v FINN HARPS

and see you in the New Year.

Any views expressed in this article are the contributor's own.

39

Club History Dermot Looney

The Ladder Climbed: Admission to the League of Ireland As a group of teenage apprentices and other young staff of Inchicore’s GSR Works kicked off the 1930/31 Intermediate League season on Pitch Number 4, one of the many dotting the 15 Acres of the Phoenix Park, there was little to hint at the meteoric rise to come over the next twenty years for their brand new club; St Patrick’s Athletic.

The Athletic’s climb up the uneven ladder of Free State football was truly impressive. After winning the Intermediate League in their first year, they made the jump to the AUL Division III and won it on their first attempt. Next came the AUL Division II, and another League win in 1932/33. By 1937/38 they had won the AUL Division I and advanced to Division II of the Leinster Senior League, which they also won at their first attempt. However, promotion to the top division of the LSL didn’t come until a second Division II title in 1945/46.

By this stage the Inchicore club was a footballing force to be reckoned with. They had won the biggest amateur competition in the country, the FAI Junior Cup, in 1940/41, and had a host of other cup wins to their name to add to the League successes.

Division I of the LSL played host to several powerhouses of the game such as St James’ Gate, Jacobs, Transport, and the B teams of all the Leinster-based LOI clubs. The tough competition didn’t phase St Pat’s, with a decent first season in 1946/47 followed by an extraordinary run of four LSL Division I titles in a row between 1947 and 1951.

The League wins came along some extraordinary successes in Cup football. The Saints won the treble of League, FAI Intermediate Cup and Leinster Senior Cup in 1947/48, a year dubbed as “the greatest Pat’s team ever.” Further FAI Intermediate Cup success came the following season. The team’s opening forays in the FAI Senior Cup saw them reach the semi-finals in 1948 and 1950. Along the way there were famous Cup victories

40

over LOI opposition such as Shelbourne, Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers and Drumcondra.

It was during this era of extraordinary success in the LSL that the St Patrick’s Athletic Committee began to seriously entertain the prospect of the club’s advancement to the League of Ireland. By the 1940’s, the club had been able to attract a host of former League of Ireland players to Inchicore, including Jimmy Kinihan (ex-St James’ Gate), Billy Mulville (ex-Brideville), Larry Palmer (ex-Shamrock Rovers), and John ‘Barreller’ Cassidy (ex-Shelbourne). And, while Richmond Park remained somewhat outdated, the club, who had secured a long-term lease on the ground in 1939, were not lacking in ambition for developing the ground. By 1944 Pat’s were running sweepstakes and other fundraising initiatives for a ground development

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v FINN HARPS

@dlooney

programme, as well as requesting financial aid from the FAI. One of the major obstacles standing in the way of St Patrick’s advancement to the League of Ireland was the size of the League itself, which at the time comprised a single division. Founded in 1921/22 following the split from the Belfastbased IFA and Irish League, the Free State League of Ireland had had ten or twelve members for most of its first 20 years. During World War II, however, that number had dropped to eight and remained that way until the end of 1947/48, when pressure came on to expand the League.

The Athletic’s remarkable showing that season certainly put them in the picture for advancement. They had defeated League of Ireland giants Shelbourne and Bohemians in the Leinster Senior Cup, showing “the present standard of LOI football in a bad light,” according to WPM in the Irish Independent.

Selection to the LOI was made, not on the basis of promotion or relegation, but on the say-so of the League’s Management Committee (comprised of a mixture of club and FAI officials). The -realpolitik and self-interest of those involved meant that it would take four years of applications before St Pat’s were granted admission.

1948 – First Application

1949 – Second Application

Transport, St Pat’s and Sligo Rovers were all touted as applicants for the 1948/49 LOI season in the Herald on May 19th 1948, and both Dublin clubs were confirmed to have submitted their applications the following day. Sligo, who had played in the League of Ireland from 1934 to 1940, submitted their application in June.

Pat’s again applied for LOI membership the following summer, on the back of their successful 1948/49 LSL Division One season.

Another team touted as potential candidates were Belfast Celtic, who had withdrawn from the Irish League at the end of the previous season. However, Celtic’s application seems not to have been formally made and the Pat’s one was unsuccessful, with Bohemians and Sligo Rovers being re-elected by the League’s Management Committee on July 7th.

It was confirmed in the Cork Examiner on June 25th in a statement from JL Brennan, Secretary of the League of Ireland, that Waterford and Bohemians would be seeking re-election to the League (having finished in the bottom two in the 1947/48 season), and that Transport, Sligo Rovers and St Pat’s had sought admission. Four of the five would be selected to enter the 1948/49 League.

The vote on Monday June 28th was unanimous in favour of Waterford and Bohemians to be re-elected and for Sligo Rovers and Transport to join the League. Despite winning the Leinster Senior League, the FAI Intermediate Cup and the Leinster Senior Cup, Pat’s had received the grand total of 0 votes on the Management Committee. Financial troubles at Limerick FC later that summer meant their League place was in doubt, with St Pat’s being tipped to replace them, but Limerick managed to keep their place.

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v FINN HARPS

1950 – Third Application By the 1949/50 season, Pat’s were attracting bigger crowds than some League of Ireland clubs for their games, particularly the high-profile Cup ties. On the field, they were more than a match for the elite; they held League winners Cork Athletic to two replays in the FAI Cup semifinal, prompting Irish Press correspondent Socaro to note, “once again, St Patrick’s Athletic, the Leinster League team, showed that they are not one whit inferior to League of Ireland teams.”

NAT, writing in the Herald on January 11th, called for more teams to be added to help improve crowds. Bemoaning the loss of Brideville and St James’ Gate from the LOI, he pointed out that vast swathes of the growing suburbs of

41

Club History Dermot Looney applications were received,” according to the following day’s Irish Independent.

A lengthy editorial appeared in St Patrick’s Athletic’s programme for the FAI Cup game v Shelbourne on February 19th, with the club making its own case for inclusion.

“Our record on the field of Leinster League champions for the past two seasons and dual holders of the FAI Intermediate Cup, places us above any possible opposition on the question of merit.”

the capital, including Crumlin, Kimmage and Inchicore, were without a local club.

“St Patrick’s Athletic, the Leinster League club, have been quick to see and exploit the above fact. They have their headquarters convenient to the built-up area of Inchicore, and at 6d a head have collected ‘gates’ approaching £100 for the more attractive of the Leinster League games.” This suggests League attendances of between 2,000 and 2,500 at Richmond Park for Leinster Senior League games of the era.

The League of Ireland’s Management Committee decided on January 15th to extend the following season’s League from 10 to 12 clubs “provided that suitable

42

“Despite the fact that League of Ireland football has been played on our ground in the past, it may be considered by some as not being up to present requirements. How many of the present League of Ireland clubs entered the League with a ground of the required standard?

Very few. We appreciate our shortcomings and have systematically planned to eliminate these difficulties in turn. Plans are at present in hands to provide cover for approximately 3000 and it is expected to be completed for next season’s play; other necessary requirements are also in hands, so that the opening of next season will see us in a position of being able to play our home Cup ties on our home ground.”

“Our record, our location, and our supporters demand League of Ireland football. Will we be given this opportunity or must we, like Distillery, or other prominent Leinster League Clubs, be satisfied to ‘farm’ the trophies in our own grade?”

Reporting on May 31st, NAT in the Herald noted that “it is fairly certain, unless there is an unexpected surprise, that the League and its subsidiary competitions, the City Cup and Shield for 1950/51, will be extended from ten to twelve teams by the addition of St Patrick’s Athletic of Dublin and Evergreen of Cork.”

“St Patrick’s Athletic’s enclosure at Inchicore would not be passed as suitable by the League, and they have, if elected, arranged to play at Tolka Park under a tenancy agreement with Drumcondra, pending the putting their own pitch in order for the following season.

The Leinster League champions previously sought provisional accommodation at Dalymount Park for home matches, but Bohemians did not approve of the proposal.”

The League of Ireland Management Committee met on Tuesday, June 27th to make their decision.

Evergreen’s admission was noted by the Herald as being “far from a certainty” due to the opposition of Cork Athletic to a second club from Cork city being elected. Meanwhile, the proposed Pat’s arrangement with Drumcondra to rent Tolka Park was “hardly to the liking of Bohemians as it encroaches on their territory and might mean a reduction in their ‘free days.’”

“Other Dublin clubs are not too enamoured of the idea for other reasons,” reported the Herald.

The delegation from St Patrick’s Athletic at the meeting was Club President Mr J McDowell (also the landlord at Richmond Park),

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v FINN HARPS

@dlooney Honorary Secretary Mr W McCormack and Committee Member Mr B J Cummins. They gave commitments to improve Richmond Park beyond the existing improvements at the entrance, and noted the club’s location in an “extensively populated district.”

Speaking in support of their application, Mr Hunter of Drumcondra, who had agreed to rent out Tolka Park to the Saints, noted that Richmond Park was in a similar state to Tolka Park when Drums had entered the League eleven years previously.

The proposal to extend the League from ten to twelve teams was defeated, with a vote of 5 to 3 to keep the existing format. Cork Athletic had been one of the main opponents of the extension, with no further details as to which way representatives from other clubs had voted. The refusal to admit St Pat’s to the League for the third season in a row was no doubt a huge blow to the club officials, but it would be the final refusal.

1951 – Fourth Application NAT in the Herald reported on January 31st 1951 that “St Patrick’s Athletic are as keen and anxious as ever to get into premier football.

They will be in the field again when the League are deciding on the personnel of their competitions for next season.”

With the League of Ireland XI competing well against the English league XI that week, on April 11th the Herald asked, under the headline “Now It Is Up To League of Ireland Officials,” “what do we want?”

“St Patrick’s have shown for years that they know how to produce good sides. They have a shrewd management committee, a good following and a ground which they believe they can develop into a miniature stadium.”

The LOI Management Committee met at the new FAI Offices on Merrion Square on the evening of Wednesday, June 27th with three main items of business; to re-elect the two bottom clubs from the season just finished, Limerick and Waterford; to elect new officers; and to consider the applications of St Patrick’s Athletic and Evergreen for League membership.

The following day’s Irish Independent reported that St Patrick’s Athletic President and Chairman Martin Dunne addressed the meeting, stating that arrangements were in place to play at Shamrock Rovers’ home ground of Milltown if elected. He also stated that the club were “not satisfied with their playing strength” and intended to improve the squad.

Dunne told the meeting the financial situation of the club was sound and that they would have their own ground (ie an upgraded Richmond Park) within two to three years. The Irish Press reported that the Pat’s delegation to the meeting stated that “their supporters would guarantee the away travelling expenses of the club.”

1951/52 would be the first time since 1940 that the League of Ireland fielded twelve teams, having dropped to as few as eight during the Emergency. And lining up alongside Irish football grandees such as Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and Shelbourne were the new kids on the block from Inchicore, formed barely twenty years previously, who had climbed the ranks with remarkable determination, skill, and support.

St Pat’s began their status as a League of Ireland club with a Dublin City Cup match against Drumcondra on August 18th, 1951. Just as the players lining out in the Phoenix Park 21 years earlier had no idea of what was to come, few in attendance in Tolka Park could have expected the remarkable debut season which lay ahead, or the 70 straight seasons in the top flight – and counting – which were to follow.

By a unanimous vote, Pat’s and Evergreen were admitted to the League. The Munster club would rebrand as Cork Celtic in 1959 and would stay in the LOI until their demise in 1979.

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v FINN HARPS

43

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2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v FINN HARPS

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2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v FINN HARPS

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Player Apps & Goals 2021 League of Ireland

FAI Cup

Total

Start

Sub

App

Goals

Start

Sub

App

Goals

Start

Sub

App

Goals

Vítězslav Jaroš

33

0

33

0

4

0

4

0

37

0

37

0

John Mountney

18

2

20

2

0

1

1

0

18

3

21

2

Ian Bermingham

22

7

29

1

4

0

4

0

26

7

33

1

Sam Bone

25

3

28

1

2

0

2

1

27

3

30

1

Lee Desmond

26

2

28

1

2

0

2

0

28

2

30

1

Jamie Lennon

21

5

26

0

4

0

4

0

25

5

30

0

Robbie Benson

19

4

23

6

0

1

0

0

19

5

24

6

Chris Forrester

32

1

33

8

3

0

3

1

35

1

36

9

4

9

13

3

0

1

1

0

4

10

14

3

Ronan Coughlan

21

5

26

7

1

2

2

1

22

7

29

8

Jason McClelland

11

10

21

2

2

1

3

1

13

11

24

3

Matty Smith

29

2

31

11

3

0

3

1

32

2

34

12

Paddy Barrett

24

3

27

0

3

0

3

1

27

3

30

1

Billy King

25

9

34

6

4

0

4

3

29

9

38

9

Alfie Lewis

23

6

29

3

3

1

3

0

26

7

33

3

Darragh Burns

15

9

24

4

3

0

3

3

17

10

27

7

Ben McCormack

6

18

24

0

2

1

3

1

8

19

27

1

Shane Griffin

9

3

12

0

0

2

1

0

9

5

14

0

James Abankwah

5

3

8

0

2

1

3

0

7

4

11

0

Kyrian Nwoko

1

4

5

0

0

1

1

0

1

5

6

0

Josh Keeley

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

0

0

1

1

0

Kian Corbally

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

0

0

1

1

0

Tommy Lonergan

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

0

0

1

1

0

Sam Curtis

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

0

Jak Hickman

4

2

6

0

2

1

3

0

6

3

9

0

Cian Kelly

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Barry Murphy

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

1

0

Own Goal

0

0

0

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

Nahum Melvin-Lambert

PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE

Pld

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

LAST 5 MATCHES

1

SHAMROCK ROVERS

34

23

6

5

56

24

32

75

W D W W W

2

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC

34

18

6

10

54

40

14

60

L W W D

3

SLIGO ROVERS

34

16

8

10

42

29

13

56

L

D W W W

4

BOHEMIANS

34

13

9

12

56

44

12

48

D

L

D D W

5

DERRY CITY

34

12

12

10

45

41

4

48

W L

D D D

6

DUNDALK

35

13

9

13

43

44

-1

48

D

7

DROGHEDA UNITED

35

12

8

15

44

41

3

44

W L

D

L

8

FINN HARPS

34

10

10

14

37

50

-13

40

L

D

L

D D

9

WATERFORD

34

12

4

18

35

55

-20

40

W W L

D

L

34

2

8

24

21

65

-44

14

L

L

L

10 LONGFORD TOWN

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18• St Patrick’s Athletic v Finn Harps

L

L W W W

L

L

L

47 47

Results & Lineouts 2021 Date

Opposition

Venue Comp Score

Starting XI

Fri 19 Mar

Shamrock Rovers

Away

Series 1

1-1

Jaroš

Mountney

Griffin

Desmond

Barrett

Lennon

King

Sat 27 Mar

Drogheda Utd

Home Series 2

2-1

Jaroš

Mountney

Griffin

Desmond

Bone

Lennon

McClelland

Sat 03 Apr

Bohemians

Away

Series 3

1-0

Jaroš

Mountney

Bermingham

Desmond

Bone

Lennon

Burns

Fri 09 Apr

Derry City

Home Series 4

2-0

Jaroš

Mountney

Bermingham

Desmond

Bone

Lennon

King

Sat 17 Apr

Dundalk

Away

Series 5

1-1

Jaroš

Mountney

Bermingham

Desmond

Bone

Lennon

McClelland

Tue 20 Apr

Waterford

Home Series 6

1-0

Jaroš

Griffin

Bermingham

Desmond

Barrett

Lewis

McCormack

Fri 23 Apr

Finn Harps

Away

Series 7

2-0

Jaroš

Mountney

Bermingham

Desmond

Bone

Barrett

Lennon

Fri 30 Apr

Longford Town

Home Series 8

3-0

Jaroš

Griffin

Barrett

Desmond

Bone

Lennon

Burns

Mon 03 May

Sligo Rovers

Away

Series 9

1-1

Jaroš

Mountney

Bermingham 1

Desmond

Bone

Barrett

Lennon

Sat 08 May

Shamrock Rovers

Home Series 10

1-2

Jaroš

Mountney

Bermingham

Desmond

Bone

Lennon

King

Fri 14 May

Drogheda Utd

Away

Series 11

1-3

Jaroš

Mountney

Bermingham

Desmond

Bone

Lennon

King

Fri 21 May

Bohemians

Home Series 12

2-1

Jaroš

Mountney

Bermingham

Desmond

Bone

Lennon

King

Mon 24 May

Derry City

Away

Series 13

2-2

Jaroš

Mountney

Griffin

Desmond

Bone

Barrett

King

Fri 28 May

Dundalk

Home Series 14

0-2

Jaroš

Mountney

Bermingham

Desmond

Bone

Barrett

Lennon

Sat 12 June

Longford Town

Away

Series 15

3-1

Jaroš

Mountney

Bermingham

Desmond

Barrett

Lewis

Benson

Fri 18 June

Sligo Rovers

Home Series 16

2-0

Jaroš

Mountney

Bermingham

Desmond

Barrett

Lewis

Benson

Mon 21 June Finn Harps

Home Series 17

4-1

Jaroš

Mountney

Bermingham

Desmond

Barrett

Lewis

Fri 25 June

Waterford

Away

Series 18

1-1

Jaroš

Mountney

Bone

Desmond

Lewis

Burns

Benson

Fri 02 July

Bohemians

Away

Series 19

2-3

Jaroš

Barrett

Bermingham

Bone

Desmond

Lennon

Burns

Fri 09 July

Derry City

Home Series 20

1-0

Jaroš

Barrett

Bone

Lennon

Lewis

Burns

Benson

Fri 16 July

Drogheda Utd

Home Series 21

2-0

Jaroš

Barrett

Bone

Desmond

Lewis

Burns

Benson

Fri 23 July

Bray Wanderers

Home

Rnd 1

6-0

Jaroš

Barrett

Bermingham

Bone

Desmond

Lennon

Lewis

Fri 30 July

Shamrock Rovers

Away

Series 22

1-3

Jaroš

Mountney 1

Barrett

Bone

Desmond

Lewis

Benson

Fri 06 Aug

Dundalk

Away

Series 23

4-1

Jaroš

Mountney

Bermingham

Barrett

Desmond

Lewis

McCormack

Fri 13 Aug

Waterford

Home Series 24

2-1

Jaroš

Bone

Bermingham

Barrett

Desmond

Lewis

McCormack

Fri 20 Aug

Finn Harps

Away

Series 25

1-3

Jaroš

Bone

Bermingham

Barrett

McClelland

Lewis

McCormack

Fri 27 Aug

Cork City

Away

Rnd 2

1-1

Jaroš

Hickman

Bermingham

Abankwah

McClelland

Lewis

Lennon

Fri 03 Sept

Longford Town

Home Series 26

3-2

Murphy

Bone

Bermingham

Abankwah

Barrett

Lewis

Forrester

Sat 11 Sept

Sligo Rovers

Away

Series 27

0-2

Jaroš

Hickman

Bermingham

Bone

Barrett

Lewis

Forrester

Fri 17 Sept

Wexford

Home Qtr Final

3-0

Jaroš

Hickman

Bermingham

Bone

Barrett

Lennon

McCormack

Fri 24 Sept

Shamrock Rovers

Home Series 28

0-1

Jaroš

Abankwah

Bermingham

Bone

Barrett

Lennon

Lewis

Fri 01 Oct

Drogheda Utd

Away

Series 29

1-0

Jaroš

Abankwah

Griffin

Bone

Barrett

Lennon

Lewis

Fri 15 Oct

Derry City

Away

Series 31

0-1

Jaroš

Abankwah

Griffin

Bone

Desmond

Lennon

Lewis

Fri 22 Oct

Dundalk

Home Semi Final

2-1

Jaroš

Abankwah

Bermingham

Barrett

Desmond

Lennon

Lewis

Mon 25 Oct

Dundalk

Home Series 32

1-0

Jaroš

Hickman

Griffin

Bone

Desmond

Lennon

Lewis

Fri 29 Oct

Longford Town

Away

Series 33

4-1

Jaroš

Abankwah

Bermingham

Bone

Barrett

Lennon

Forrester

Mon 01 Nov Bohemians

Home Series 30

2-2

Jaroš

Hickman

Griffin

Bone

Barrett

Lewis

Forrester

Fri 05 Nov

Sligo Rovers

Home Series 34

0-3

Jaroš

Hickman

Bermingham

Desmond

Barrett

Lennon

Burns

Fri 12 Nov

Finn Harps

Home Series 35

0-1

Fri 19 Nov

Waterford

Away

Series 36

0-1

Sun 28 Nov

Bohemians

AVIVA FINAL

0-1

1

1

1

1

1

Benson

Won 4-1 on penalties AET

48

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v Finn Harps

1

1

1

1

1

1

League

FAI Cup

1st Sub

2nd Sub 3rd Sub

4th Sub

5th Sub 1 Goals Scored

P Penalty OG Own Goal For

* Own Goal

Yellow Card

Red Card

Substitutes Benson

Coughlan

Forrester

Smith

McClelland

Bone

Bermingham

Benson

Coughlan 1

Forrester

Smith

Bermingham

Burns

King

Coughlan 1

Forrester

Smith

Barrett

McClelland

Coughlan

Forrester

Smith

Burns

McClelland

Benson

Coughlan

Forrester

Smith

Barrett

King

Coughlan

Forrester

Burns

Coughlan

Forrester

Smith

Benson Benson

King

1

1

Lewis

King

Forrester

King

Coughlan

Forrester

Lewis

Coughlan

Forrester

2

1

Burns

Kelly

McCormack

Melvin-Lambert

B Murphy

Keeley

Corbally

Lewis

McCormack

Melvin-Lambert

B Murphy

Keeley

King

Corbally

Lewis

McCormack

Melvin-Lambert

B Murphy

Keeley

Lewis

Melvin-Lambert

Barrett

McCormack

Corbally

B Murphy

Keeley

King

Lewis

Corbally

Burns

McCormack

Melvin-Lambert

B Murphy

Keeley

1 Benson

Mountney

Smith

Lennon

Bone

Corbally

Melvin-Lambert

B Murphy

Keeley

1 Lewis

Griffin

McCormack

Corbally

Burns

Norris

Melvin-Lambert

Keeley B Murphy

1

1

Smith

Coughlan 1

Mountney

Bermingham

McCormack

Corbally

Norris

Melvin-Lambert

Smith

Burns

Lewis

McCormack

Corbally

Griffin

Norris

Melvin-Lambert

B Murphy

Smith

Griffin

McClelland

McCormack

Melvin-Lambert

Norris

Corbally

B Murphy

Keeley

Barrett

Benson

Griffin

Corbally

Norris

B Murphy

Keeley

Barrett

Melvin-Lambert

Griffin

Norris

Corbally

B Murphy

Keeley

McCormack

Norris

Corbally

B Murphy

Keeley Corbally

Lewis

Coughlan

Forrester

Smith

Lewis

Coughlan

Forrester

Smith

Lewis

Coughlan

Forrester

Benson

Bermingham Melvin-Lambert Coughlan

McCormack

1 Benson

Melvin-Lambert 1

1 McCormack

King

Smith

Forrester

Benson

Lewis

Melvin-Lambert McCormack

Corbally

Norris

King

Smith

1

Forrester

Coughlan 1 Burns

McClelland

McCormack Norris

Corbally

Lonergan

B Murphy

Keeley

King

Smith

1

Forrester

Coughlan 1 Burns

Lennon

McClelland

McCormack

Bone

Norris

Lonergan

B Murphy

Keeley

King

Smith

Forrester

Coughlan 2 Burns

McClelland

McCormack

Bone

Corbally

Norris

Lonergan

B Murphy

Keeley

King

Smith

McClelland

McCormack

Forrester

Barrett

Bermingham

Lennon

Corbally

Norris

Lonergan

B Murphy

Keeley

Benson

King

Smith

Forrester

McClelland 1 McCormack

A Murphy

Abankwah

Corbally

Norris

Lonergan

B Murphy

Keeley

McClelland

Coughlan

Smith

Forrester

1 King

Abankwah

McCormack

Lonergan

B Murphy

Keeley

Smith

Forrester

1

McCormack

Bermingham

Lonergan

Abankwah

Corbally

Fay

Smith

McCormack 1

Mountney

Corbally

Lonergan

Abankwah

Burns

Benson

McClelland

Coughlan

Melvin-Lambert

McCormack

Nwoko

Bermingham

McClelland

Bone

King

Lennon

Coughlan

Nwoko

1

McClelland

King

McClelland 1

King

Burns

King

Forrester

Melvin-Lambert 1

Forrester

King

Melvin-Lambert 1

Forrester

Burns

Lennon

Coughlan

McClelland

King

Melvin-Lambert

Forrester

1

Smith

Hickman

Burns

Coughlan

Nwoko

Burns

King

Forrester

1

Coughlan

Melvin-Lambert Griffin

McCormack

Coughlan

Smith

Hickman

McCormack

King

Coughlan

Smith

McCormack

King

Forrester

Smith

Burns

Coughlan

Forrester

Burns

Coughlan

Burns

King

Smith

2

Burns

1

Burns Burns

2

King

2

1

B Murphy

Keeley

B Murphy

Keeley

Lennon

Abankwah

B Murphy

Keeley

Corbally

Curtis

B Murphy

Curtis

Corbally

Nwoko

Lonergan

B Murphy

Abankwah

Corbally

Lennon

Curtis

B Murphy

Nwoko

Curtis

Corbally

Lonergan

B Murphy

Keeley

Griffin

Nwoko

Melvin-Lambert Corbally

Lennon

McClelland

Keeley

Melvin-Lambert

Lennon

Nwoko

Abankwah

Corbally

Griffin

McClelland

B Murphy

Lewis

Coughlan 1

Abankwah

McClelland

Melvin-Lambert Corbally

Griffin

Nwoko

B Murphy

Smith

King

Griffin

Melvin-Lambert

McCormack

McClelland

Corbally

Hickman

Nwoko

B Murphy

Forrester

Smith

Desmond

King

McCormack

Nwoko

Melvin-Lambert

McClelland

Hickman

Corbally

B Murphy

Forrester

Smith

Benson

McClelland

Bermingham

Coughlan

Nwoko

Melvin-Lambert

Hickman

Corbally

B Murphy

Hickman

Benson

Coughlan

McClelland

Griffin

Melvin-Lambert

Nwoko

Keeley

B Murphy

Barrett

Abankwah

Corbally

A Murphy

Keeley

B Murphy

Hickman

Griffin

Melvin-Lambert

Nwoko

Keeley

B Murphy

Lonergan

Corbally

Keeley

B Murphy

Griffin

Nwoko

Abankwah

Keeley

Smith

1

King

1

Forrester

Smith

Benson

King

1

Nwoko

McClelland

Burns

Melvin-Lambert

Bermingham

Benson

Burns

Smith

McClelland

Desmond

King

Lewis

Melvin-Lambert

Smith

McClelland 1 Abankwah

Burns

Benson

Bermingham Desmond

Coughlan

Forrester

Benson

King

Melvin-Lambert

Bone

Burns

King Lewis

1

1

B Murphy

Forrester

1

3

1

Smith

2021 Season • Vol. 33 • No.18 • St Patrick’s Athletic v Finn Harps

1

McClelland

OG

49

OG

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