Roy of the Rovers showing by Cappoquin in 1990
The weekend saw announcements that level 5 will probably run into the end of April/early May. What this means from a footballing scenario, is that the earliest football will be played in the WW/ EC Junior League will be May and this of course will in all probability mean playing during the summer if leagues decide to finish off their programmes. In the WW/EC Junior League, the clubs are left with the conclusion of the Bolger Cup. If the league and clubs decide to complete the Bolger Cup, the remaining games can be played off quickly, especially with the long evenings in May. But as we write our notes at the weekend, no decision has been taken by the committee as level 5 dictates that no committee meetings can take place physically.
As everyone in the league is aware, the AGM, which should have taken place last June, is yet to take place. The WW/EC Junior League is no different to other leagues throughout the country in that AGM’s have not been held.
We all hope that the underage boys and girls can get back out into the playing fields soon. We know they miss their friends and all of this unfortunately will have an effect on them, unless they are all meeting, regardless of the sport they are playing. With schools reported to be opening in early March, then all those children should be allowed to get back training, even if in small hubs, and let them start enjoying themselves again.
Of course, we very aware the virus has not left us and while the figures thankfully are starting to come down, we must still take care
Once again we say it is up to all of us individually to continue what the Government and the Department of Health have asked us to do and to stay safe.
Our ‘Blast from the Past’ this week is back in the 1989/90 season, when Brideview won the RHL and the Bolger Cup, while the final saw Cappoquin defeat Lismore in one of the greatest fight backs ever seen in the league.
THIS WEEK’S PHOTO
We publish a photo this week of the Oscar Traynor team that lost to the Desmond League 1-0 at Clonreask Park Askeaton on Sunday, 9th March 2008.
We did publish this same photo last year, but decided to do so again this week when we learned that Daithi Condon, who was manager of the team, became president of the West Waterford Golf Club recently.
The squad was - Kieran Cotter, Alan Landers, JP Grey, Eddie Walsh, Shane Kearney, David Condon, Shane Kelly, Camen Radley, John Broderick, Andrew Murphy, Shane Troy, Paul Murray, Michael O’Grady, Eddie Pollard, Cian O Lionan, Mossie Collins, Shane Fitzgerald.
Manager Daithi Condon, assistant manager Joe Tobin.
AIRTRICITY LEAGUE
Having issued the fixtures for the 1st Division in early February with one club named in the ten team league as TBC (to be confirmed), then last week we read from the FAI, the division could be extended to a twelve team league to include Shamrock Rvs B or their second team, and another club applicant Dublin County FC (TBC).
However, at the weekend the FAI announced that only Treaty Utd from Limerick (originally the club TBC) will be allowed into the division and that the 10 team division, with Treaty Utd travelling away to Bray in their first league match on March 26th. As we wrote two weeks ago, Cork City will host Cobh Ramblers at Turner’s Cross in the first game of the league on 26th March.
Last Sunday saw clubs play challenge games after they were given permission by the FAI with Government clearance to commence playing challenge or friendly games, provided the games were contested by the 20 league clubs. Cork City played their first game in Blarney with St. Patrick’s Athletic the opposition. This was an opportunity for manager Colin Healy to give his squad and especiall,y his new signings, an opportunity to impress. New goalkeeper Paul Hunt, signed from Cobh Ramblers in the close season, was beaten twice as Pats won 1-2 with one of the goals scored by former City player Ronan Coughlan, while former Waterford player Cory Galvin scored for Cork.
We learned over the weekend that Waterford have made a number of signings in the past two weeks, including Swansea’s Cameron Evans on loan and Adam O’Reilly from Preston.
So, for those who follow the Airtricity League, we can look forward to our Friday or Saturday nights for the next number of months. Roll on the 19th March when the Premier league commences!
Listening to Jeff Stelling on Sky on Saturday afternoon, delighted to hear of two ex Blues players getting publicity with Gavan Holohan scoring in injury time for Hartlepool Utd against Sutton Utd. The Kilkenny native also played with Cork City, Galway and Drogheda in the Airtricity League. Scott Twine scored the winner for Swindon Town against Crewe Alexandra in the 94th minute, with Stelling announcing ‘ Scott Twine has Crewe in a knot with his injury time goal’! Great to hear of ex RSC players doing well, even though in the lower leagues across the water.
CONGRATULATIONS
Sincere congratulation from the WW/EC Junior League to David (Daithi) Condon who has become club president of West Waterford Golf Club for 2021.
Daithi was chairman and treasurer of An Ghaeltacht Aontaithe, when they competed in the WW/ EC Junior League. When he was asked to take over as manager of the Oscar Traynor team in 2006, he did so and managed the team in January 2008 that defeated the Munster Senior League 2-1 in Cappoquin and the team then went on to lose to a last minute goal to the Desmond League 1-0 at Clonreask in Askeaton in the quarter-final of the competition in March 2008. As we have written before, the Desmond League went on to win the Oscar Traynor Cup final a few weeks later, defeating the Limerick League in the final.
From all in the WW/EC Junior League, we wish Daithi the very best as president throughout 2021.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
This week, we take a look back at 1989/90 season. The AGM was held on Monday, 12th June 1989 at the Red House Bar, Lismore. The chairman welcomed all those present, including Jimmy Searson and Noel Wallace from the Waterford and District League. In his address to the club delegates, league chairman Paddy Pollard said he was disappointed to see five clubs marked absent, Ballysaggart, Cappoquin, Grange, Killeagh and Valley Rgs.
In his report, he congratulated Ballyduff on becoming the first club in the league to complete the league and cup double the previous season.
Concluding, he thanked the sponsors Michael O’Leary of the Red House, Noel Faherty of the Dungarvan Tyre Centre Cup and John Lyons, Lyons Bar, Tallow for sponsoring the annual challenge game on St. Stephen’s Day.
The reports of the secretary, Paddy Mason and the treasurer, Len Fraser were adopted and both were complimented for two very comprehensive reports.
The election of the committee for season 1989/90 took place. Before the election, Liam Fraser proposed the fixture secretary should be added to the management committee. The proposal was seconded by Joe Tobin and passed unanimously.
Chairman - Paddy Pollard, vice chairman - Eddie O’Shea, secretary - Paddy Mason, treasurer - Leonard Fraser, assistant treasurer - Paddy O’Donnell, PRO - Liam Fraser, fixture secretary - Rod Rogers.
The chairman welcomed John O’Connell from Carriglea Rovers, a new club to the league and said that Youghal wished to return to the league having withdrawn during the previous season. Both clubs were accepted.
Mogeely were accepted into the league at a delegate meeting on 28th August, 1989 and the draw for the Tony Bolger Cup took place at this meeting, with 15 teams taking part.
The Bolger Cup commenced on Sunday, 10th September with four groups, three with four teams and one with three teams. Results from the opening day saw Brideview defeat Inch 5-0, new club Carriglea losing at home to Pinewood 2-3, Glenview defeated Affane with a PJ Dolan goal. In the second series of games, Pinewood drew at home to Brideview 2-2, Glenview lost at home to Valley Rgs 0-2. League and cup double
winning team Ballyduff lost at home to Cappoquin B in a cracking 13 goal game (4-9), while at the same time and played in Lismore, Cappoquin A defeated Ardmore 6-1. Killeagh at home beat Affane 5-0 and the following Sunday, Killeagh also had home advantage defeating Glenview 1-0. Brideview booked their place in the semi-final with a comprehensive win at home 7-3 against Carriglea. In Youghal, the home side qualified for the last four with a 6-1 win against Ballyduff.
The two semi-finals were held on Sunday, 1st October with Brideview defeating Youghal, played at Ardmore. Both teams had chances to win the game and with the sides scoreless, Youghal had a great chance to open the scoring in the 80th minute, but Thomas McCarthy cleared off the line. With only 3mins remaining, a wonderful move involving Paul Curley and Mickey Curley saw the latter’s cross blasted to the net by Pat O’Sullivan for the only score and a ticket into the final.
In Tallow, Cappoquin A defeated Killeagh 2-1. The report described the game as a drab affair. Colman Galvin gave the East Cork team the lead in the opening half, but Michael Morrissey levelled the scoring when he headed home a Billy O’Shea’s cross. After the break, Killeagh were much the better team with Martin Keniry and Jim landers on top at midfield, but the attack failed to convert the many chances presented. With 12mns remaining, Cappoquin scored the winner when David Power scored from a goalmouth scramble.
The Tony Bolger Cup final was played at Lismore on Monday, 30th October, 1989 between Brideview and Cappoquin A. Cappoquin took the lead in the 13th minute when ‘Gossie’ Mason scored. 2mins later a Stephen Curley effort came back off a post and Kevin Tobin saved well from ‘Wattle’ Moore. Mason’s goal was the only score at halftime.
The second half saw a player from either side dismissed in the 52nd minute. 5mins later Brideview were level when David Henley scored. In the 83rd minute Brideview sub Mickey Curley was fouled in the area and he converted the penalty himself. Dermot Henley scored the third Brideview goal in the 88th minute to secure the Bolger Cup.
Brideview - K Tobin, T McCarthy, M Hartnett, S Curley, David Henley, G Hogan, C Curley, P O’Sullivan, Paul Curley, Philly Curley, Dermot Henley.
Reserves - Mickey Curley, G Sice, M McCarthy.
Cappoquin A - L Morrissey, G Morrissey, M Morrissey, E McLoughlin, J Mason, D Moore, D Power, B O’Shea, J Morrissey, N Hackett, S Fraher.
LEAGUE
The league commenced on Sunday, 8th October with Brideview defeating Affane away 0-7. Killeagh at home defeated Valley Rgs 2-0. The following Sunday, the league champions Ballyduff defeated Valley Rgs 1-6 in Conna.
Sunday, 22nd October saw two local derbies of the ‘tough’ variety taking place. In Ballyduff we had a real local derby, with Ballyduff taking the lead in the 3rd minute, but Brideview fought back to level matters before half-time. The opening 20mins after the restart was scrappy, but in the 77th minute Brideview were awarded a penalty, but Mickey Curley’s spot kick was saved by John Quirke - the rebound fell to Curley who scored for the lead. The report tells us that all hell broke out and a free for all developed with a Brideview player being sent off. The ten men were then under pressure and finally, the pressure paid off when Ballyduff were awarded a penalty in the 83rd minute and James Scanlon converted for the equaliser and a share of the points.
In Cappoquin, we had another fiery local derby. A hotly disputed penalty was awarded to Cappoquin after only 3mns, but the spot kick, which had to be retaken, was driven wide. There was no score at half-time, but early in the second half a player from either team was sent off and the report says Lismore benefitted from the sending off, as play swung in their favour. Goals from Barney Prendergast and Kieran O’Gorman gave the points to Lismore.
As the season moved on, Brideview and Killeagh were setting the pace. Brideview defeated Lismore in Tallow 6-2 and then in November, defeated Killeagh in Tallow 5-2. This had the Tallow team top of the table. In Tourin, Ballyduff showed they had no intention of relinquishing their league title as they defeated Cappoquin 1-2 and a week later, the champions won at home 2-1 against Glenview. Killeagh travelled to Tourin in November and defeated Cappoquin 1-3 to keep the pressure on Brideview. The local derby in Conna saw Valley lose to Brideview 0-2 and Ballyduff drew away to Killeagh 3-3. 19th November saw Glenview defeat Lismore for the first time in the club’s history when a Philip McGrath goal saw the Melleray side take the two points. Brideview had wins at home to Cappoquin 2-1 and Affane 3-0.
At the start of December, Brideview beat Glenview in Tallow 5-1, while Killeagh got the better of Lismore at Sexton Park 3-0. Brideview and Ballyduff drew 0-0 in Tallow and Killeagh won away in Affane 1-3. Ballyduff won at home 5-1 against Valley Rgs.
The Sunday before Christmas, Brideview were shocked at the Castle Farm Ground when Lismore won 5-3 and Killeagh travelled to Melleray and came away with the points, winning 1-3. At the end of December, Killeagh had taken over the lead with 17pts, Brideview 16pts with a game in hand, and Ballyduff 14pts. All three had wins at the start of January and then on January 21st, Brideview joined Killeagh at the top of table when they defeated Cappoquin 4-6 at Tourin. Into February, Killeagh at home defeated Glenview, the following Sunday Brideview defeated Glenview in Tallow 5-2 and then April 1st saw the top level on points clash at Killeagh. Brideview led 0-3 at half-time with goals from Paul Curley and two goals from Dermot Henley and seemed destined to lift the championship trophy. But Killeagh battled back in the second half and scored in the 46th minute through Tom McCarthy. Dan Sexton scored a second and McCarthy scored his second and Killeagh’s equalizer, that saw a play-off necessary to determine the league winners.
The play-off took place at Lismore on April 15th with Jim Foley referee and his assistants, Michael O’Neill and Tom Griffin. Ger Aherne put Killeagh into the lead, before Gerard Hogan equalised and this was the score at halftime. Brideview had a player sent off early in the second half, before Aherne restored the Killeagh lead, but Hogan converted a Brideview penalty and the game ended 2-2 and a replay to decide the league winners.
The replay took place on Sunday, 22nd April at Lismore with Jim Foley referee, assisted by Paul Marks and Tom Griffin.
After a scoreless opening half, Killeagh had a player sent off in the 50th minute and six minutes later Brideview took the lead when Connie Curley scored. Killeagh fought back and three minutes later Paul Fitzgerald scored the equaliser – 1-1 full time. It was then onto extra time and within 3mins Killeagh were back in front when Tom McCarthy scored. Substitute Martin McCarthy scored the equaliser in the 98th minute and with penalties on the cards and just two minutes remaining, Paul Curley scored for Brideview to give them the championship trophy for the 1989/90 season. League sponsor Michael O’Leary presented his trophy to Kevin Tobin, Brideview captain.
The 2nd division kicked off with new club, Carriglea taking part for the first time and Youghal being re-admitted after withdrawing the previous season.
They were made favourites for promotion with Ardmore, having been relegated at the end of the previous season, set to bounce back up straight away. Both showed why many felt these were the top two as Ardmore beat Mogeely 1-4 in Mogeely and Youghal won 3-0 against Carriglea in Youghal. For the record, the Carriglea team in Youghal was: R Power, K Drummy, M McCarthy, E Collins, C Miller, P Ryan, J McGrath, E Curran, T Lennon, S Lennon, D Drummy. Reserves - C Brophy, J Sweeney.
Ardmore then defeated Pinewood 3-0 at Ardmore, while Cappoquin B beat Inch away 1-4. Youghal hammered Mogeely in Youghal 8-1, while Modeligo after two good wins, against Inch and Grange, lost at home to Ardmore 2-4. Carriglea playing in Bushy Park had a great win, defeating Mogeely 3-2 with Jim McGrath scoring twice and Darren Drummy scoring the third. In early November, Youghal could only draw at home with Grange 1-1, Ardmore won 2-0 at home to
Inch and Mogeely lost at home to Modeligo 0-3.
Going into December Youghal were setting the pace with Modeligo and Ardmore the nearest challengers. But losing away to Youghal and defeating Cappoquin B in Tourin, Ardmore needed more consistency to stay with Youghal and Modeligo. Ardmore travelled to Grange and looked on course for victory with Declan Hennessy hitting the net twice in the first half without reply. But in the second 45mins, Grange upped their game with Pat Manahan scoring a hat-trick and goals from D Whelan, D O’Connor and N Heaphy gave the home side the points and victory 6-2. A real setback for Ardmore. Modeligo lost away to Youghal 3-1 and at the start of the new year 1990, Youghal were definitely the favourites to win the division.
In the middle of January, Modeligo were shocked to lose at home to Grange 1-2, while Youghal continued to move further away at the top with another win away to Mogeely 1-3. Ardmore’s chances disappeared when losing away to Modeligo, who following this win went into 2nd spot in the table. At the start of February Modeligo defeated Cappoquin B, which was played at Kilbree, 0-3 with Liam Power scoring twice and Vince Donovan the other goal. Youghal defeated Ardmore in Youghal, Modeligo won away to Pinewood and then Youghal travelled Cappoquin, winning to lift the title and promotion.
On 18th March, Youghal as champions, played their final league game away to Modeligo, who needed a point to become runners-up and to be promoted with Youghal - the game ended 2-2 and both sides were to play in the 1st Division in 1990/91 season.
The Dungarvan Tyre Centre Cup commenced with a preliminary round on 14th January with Cappoquin B defeating Carriglea 2-1 in Tourin.
The scores from the 1st round played on 28th January saw Lismore win 1-0 at home to the cup holders Ballyduff, Affane win 0-1 away to Ardmore, Modeligo 7-0 at home to
Valley Rgs, Glenview lose at home to Cappoquin B 2-4 aet, Inch win at home to Mogeely 2-1, Cappoquin A win at home to Pinewood 3-0 and Brideview win away at Youghal 2-5.
In the next round, the two Cappoquins met at Kilbree with the A’s winning a penalty shoot-out 5-3 after the sides had finished 0-0 after 110mns of football. Lismore won at home 7-2 against Inch, Brideview beat Killeagh in Killeagh 1-4 and Modeligo lost at home to neighbours Affane 3-4.
The two semi-finals were played on 4th March and both games ended in draws, Lismore 0 Affane 0, Cappoquin A 3 Brideview 3.
The replays took place 11th March with Lismore winning 3-0 against Affane, played at Modeligo, while Cappoquin A defeated Brideview 1-0 in Ballyduff.
The scene was set for the final, Lismore v Cappoquin A at Ballyduff on Sunday, 25th March, a final anyone that was there will never forget.
Lismore 4 Cappoquin A 5 a.e.t.
We have reported on this final last year in our ‘looking back’ series, but it is worth a mention again as the report says the game is the stuff of ‘Boys Own’ legend.
Lismore led at the break 3-0 with Brendan Lawton getting 2 goals and a goal from Barney Prendergast. Lismore were totally dominant at this stage and 4mins after the break, Lawton completed his hat-trick with a brilliant individual score and as a contest, everyone felt the game was over and we saw some of the Cappoquin supporters leave the ground.
But then the Cappoquin management made a change which was to rejuvenate the spirit and commitment of the whole team. Donagh Cummins came on and all of a sudden his influence was seen as he attacked the Lismore defence and scored in the 60th minute. Pushing forward Cappoquin started to discover gaps in the Lismore defence and when Joe Henley scored, one felt this was game on. Brian Murray headed a corner to the net leaving only a goal separating the teams and just 2mins remaining. ‘Gossy’ Mason’s well flighted wind assisted free kick into a crowded area saw David Power head past a diving Busty Fitzgerald for the equaliser.
Extra time arrived and 7mins into the 20mins, we saw a goal worthy of winning any cup final when a free kick from Michael Walsh out on the touch line went into the top corner of the net for a goal to remember and the lead for Cappoquin, which they held to the final whistle.
A cup final anyone was lucky to be at will never forget and definitely a Roy of the Rovers experience.
Cappoquin A - L Morrissey, S McCarthy, E McLoughlin, J Morrissey, M Walsh, B Murray, D Power, D Moore, J Henley, J Mason, N Hackett. Reserves - D Cummins, G Morrissey.
Lismore - M Fitzgerald, F Power, Dave Landers, B Shanahan, P Bennett, C Barry, B Prendergast, T Pratt, K Lawton, B Lawton, Donal Landers. Reserves - B Landers, E Cusack.
Referee Jim Foley, assistants Michael O’Neill and Tom Griffin.
This concludes our look back at season 1989/90 and next week, we will take a look at the 1990/91 season.