Waiting for the go-ahead to recommence the season

We can be almost certain there will be no football played until May at the very earliest. Following a webinar held last week attended by the grassroots of the association, the new FAI CEO, Jonathan Hill, said they are awaiting word from the Government and the Department of Health as to when sport can recommence. Elite sport, the professional game - League of Ireland and rugby - is at present taking place and it is hoped that when the announcement is made on the review of the current lockdown at the end of March, to be announced on 5th April, all hope it will see level 5 changed to at least level 4, that will allow training to take place once again.

The WW/EC League was represented by Dick Sheehan, fixture secretary and Sean Sheehan, league registrar. The meeting was attended by 200 or so from grassroots and all were able to give their views to the CEO. The feedback we hear has been very positive on all aspects of the association. The CEO made it clear to all at the meeting that there will be changes and some are happening at present, that the association will be more transparent and all at grassroots level will be kept up to date on the various happenings within the FAI.

He explained that the new general assembly, that replaces the old FAI senior council, will have representatives from all sections of the game and there is no doubt this is very welcome. For the general assembly to commence, there will have to be a rule change and this is going to happen at an EGM of the FAI, to be held in the next few weeks.

Speaking to a few colleagues from other leagues at the weekend, the general consensus is that the FAI is going in the right direction and that at last there may be more positive news than the negative stuff we have been hearing and reading for the past twelve to eighteen months. Unfortunately, so much of the negativity has been brought on the association by actions in the higher echelons and this has affected all of those at grassroots level and for all the volunteers in every club in the country, all of this was disheartening.

A few leagues feel it may be better to wait now for the new season, commencing in August, while others believe, if at all possible, to complete the current season which commenced last September, even if a shortened version of the league and to conclude it in July.

All of this will be discussed by the WW/EC Junior League management committee and the clubs when meetings are allowed again. We will, of course, relay in our notes whatever decisions the committee is planning.

This week in our Blast from the Past, we take a look at season 1997/98, a season that saw Pinewood win their only league title, Brideview win the Dungarvan Tyre Centre Cup and retain the Bolger Cup. What may interest many, is the number of teams that competed in the league that season, a total of 25 across three divisions. How times have changed.

THE WORLD CUP IN IRELAND?

Last week the press was in full throttle with the breaking news that Ireland, along with England, will be making a bid for the 2030 World Cup finals. Almost immediately we had the keyboard warriors working their fingers off on all forms of social media. Needless to write, none of this was complimentary and then we had many sports writers showing their scepticism.

In fairness, while we would all like to see this bid succeed, one must be realistic that much work and planning has to take place before this bid could be successful. It would of course be a great boost to the game in this country if the bid was successful, but when we hear Prime Minister Boris Johnson say “bring football home in 2030”, that we feel might sound good to those in England, but definitely not to the majority of those in football throughout the world. Our opinion, the game of football does not belong to England, it is a world game remarks like Boris Johnson made are no help to anyone. In fairness to the Taoiseach, Micheal Martin when asked, he said the Irish Government will help in the bid.

One well known scribe mentioned it may be better to wait for the 2034 World Cup to put in a bid. He could be correct in that. We will look at this again next week.

AIRTRICITY LEAGUE

All 20 clubs are now playing friendly or challenge games at the weekends or midweek with the Airtricity League Premier ready to commence on Friday week, 19th March, with the 1st Division starting a week later.

Waterford played out a draw at home to new club Treaty United at the RSC in midweek. The honour of scoring the first goal for Treaty fell to former Cork City player, Joel Coustrain and at half-time, the Limerick side led. In the second half, John Martin equalised for the Blues.

On Saturday, Waterford had Cork City as visitors. Waterford had Matt Conor in goal, while Cork City had Mark McNulty between the posts and also had former Cobh Ramblers ‘keeper Paul Hunt on the bench.

City led at the break through a Dylan McGlade goal. Immediately after the break the visitors increased their lead when Cian Murphy found the net and with 10mins remaining, substitute Alec Byrne scored the best goal of the game to give City a 3-0 victory. There was no doubt Cork City were by far the better team and had the more experienced players on the park, with team captain Gearoid Morrissey outstanding in midfield and Murphy at centre forward was a real handful for the Waterford defence.

Waterford have a young panel and when the league commences and the “big boys” arrive at the RSC in a few weeks time, these players will have to step up to a much higher level. In fairness, this was only their second competitive game and those games give new manager Kevin Sheedy the opportunity to see how strong his panel of players is before Friday week.

This Saturday, Waterford play at home again in another friendly when Wexford Youths play at the RSC. Cork City will also be playing a friendly on Saturday v Finn Harps. We believe this game will be played in Dublin.

BLAST FROM THE PAST

This week we are going to take a look back to season 1997/98. The AGM was held at the Red House Bar, Lismore on Monday, 21st July, 1997. The chairman welcomed all present that included Noel Wallace and Dick Barry from the Waterford League. Four clubs were marked absent, Youghal, Araglen, Gortroe and Pinewood.

The reports of the secretary, Michael McBride and treasurer, Pat Casey were adopted.

The delegates were informed that plans for the holding of the Confined Members Draw were almost complete and four clubs had offered to host the draws and these would be announced at the first delegate meeting of the new season.

The election of officers took place: Chairman Paddy Pollard, vice chairman Liam Fraser, secretary Michael McBride, treasurer Pat Casey, fixture secretary Jim Foley, league delegate to Waterford League Eddie O’Shea, PRO Sean Kerins. Committee - Joe Hartnett, Michael O’Neill, Pat Power, Len Fraser, Joe Tobin and Maurice Jacob.

At the first delegate meeting held on Monday, 25th August, 1997 correspondence had an application from Dungourney and a letter from Valley Rgs wishing to enter a second team in the league. The committee accepted both requests. The draw for the Tony Bolger Cup saw a record 23 teams entered, with three groups of six teams and one group of five teams.

The venues for hosting the four draws in the Confined Members Draw were announced. The first draw, hosted by Lismore AFC, would be held at the Red House Bar in Lismore on 15th September, the 2nd draw would be hosted by Inch FC at the Inch Inn on October 25th, the 3rd draw would be hosted by Clashmore Ramblers at Decie’s Bar on November 22nd and the 4th draw was to be hosted by Castlebridge Celtic at Pat and Mary’s Bar on 20th December.

The Tony Bolger Cup commenced 13th/14th September, 1997 and some results from the weekend show An Ghaeltacht defeated Blackwater 3-0 with S Drohan, T Power and P O’Mahony the goal scorers. Castlebridge lost at home to Youghal 2-5, with D Stack and K Gould the Castlebridge scorers. In the big local derby in Tallow, Brideview A defeated the B team 4-1, with B Henley scoring twice and a goal each for D Henley and E Cusack for the winners, while Brian Donnelly scored for the B team. Valley A won at home to Ballybridge 4-2 with Tony Harpur, G Bryan, Billy Carr and an o.g. the scorers for the home side. Kilworth lost at home to Modeligo 2-5. G O’Riordan scored both Kilworth’s goals, while for the winners JP Ryan, B O’Connell, Sid Power, A Bending and P Condon were on the score sheet. Valley B lost 2-6 to Ballyduff in Conna. A Hogan and A Hurley scored for the home team, while the Ballyduff scorers were O Corcoran, D Bolger, K Geary, J Twomey and two own goals. Cappoquin A won at home, defeating Pinewood 2-1 with the goals coming from P Landers and C Barry, while A Walsh replied for the Ballymac team. Lismore lost at home to Gortroe with an Alan Dowling score the only goal of the game. Araglen won at home to Ardmore 3-2 with Tom Kenneally (two) and James Kearney scoring a penalty. Affane lost at home to Inch 0-3 with Colman Galvin, Tom Murphy and Peter Savage getting the goals.

As the group games continued, Brideview A and Ballyduff were topping their groups, as were Valley Rgs A and Cappoquin A from their groups.

The semi-finals took place on St. Stephen’s Day 1997 with Brideview A defeating Ballyduff 3-2 aet in Conna. The scorers for Brideview were Ger Sice, Stephen Curley and a Philly Curley penalty. John Quirke and Tom Molumphy scored for Ballyduff. Sean Kerins was referee.

The second semi-final was played at Tallow with Valley A victorious - Valley Rgs A 3 Cappoquin A 1. Valley’s scorers were Billy Carr (2) and Shane Kearney. The Cappoquin goal scorer was B Tobin. Tom Griffin was referee.

The Bolger Cup final did not take place until 10th May, 1998, played at Lismore.

For the second consecutive year, Brideview A and Valley A met in the final (the previous year Brideview won 2-0). Unfortunately for this season’s final there is no record of a report from the papers. The final scoreline was Brideview A 5 Valley Rgs A 2. We do have the Brideview goal scorers - Stephen Pratt (2), Stuart Barry and John Doyle and an o.g. Dermot O’Leary scored the two Valley Rgs goals.

Brideview team - JP Grey, S Curley, G Sice, D Martin, R Henley, S Pratt, S Barry, Paul Curley, D Henley, Philly Curley, J Doyle. Reserves - T Sheehan, M Hartnett.

Referee Pat Walsh, assistants Noel O’Donoghue and Willie Collins.

The RHL commenced on 2nd November, 1997 with 25 teams and three divisions. Holders Brideview travelled to Ardmore and won 3-0 with scorers Philly Curley (2) and John Doyle. Cappoquin A lost at home to Pinewood 1-3, with J Mason scoring a penalty for the home team and N Ryan, M Wall and J Walsh the Ballymac goal scorers. Youghal drew at home to Lismore with B Power scoring for the home team, Keith Hornibrook for the visitors.

In the next series of games, Ballyduff won away to Youghal 2-4, Lismore won at home to Mogeely 5-0, while Brideview defeated Pinewood in Tallow 3-2. As the season started to unfold, Brideview, Ballyduff and Pinewood were the three top sides and this was the case at Christmas, especially Pinewood who played two games in three days, winning away to Lismore 2-3 on 26th December (two goals from N Ryan and a goal from D Ryan) and away to Ballyduff on December 28th 1-2, courtesy of Mike Guiry and an o.g. In January 1998 Pinewood completed the double over Lismore (1-0), while Ballyduff hammered Youghal at home courtesy of a John Twomey hat-trick, two goals from Owen Corcoran and a Jimmy Scanlon goal. The following week they travelled to Ardmore and won, with Paudie Prendergast and John Twomey scoring, while Keith Morrell got the home side’s goal. But Brideview were still in the hunt and defeated Mogeely at Station Park 2-3 with two goals from John Doyle and a Philly Curley goal; Alan Collins and A Bowens scored for Mogeely. The first Sunday in February the big local derby at the top of the table saw Ballyduff lose at home to Brideview 1-2. Stephen Curley and Philly Curley scored for the visitors and Pa Molumphy scored for Ballyduff. This defeat saw the village side lose ground on Pinewood and Brideview.

The Ballymac team had two very important wins in February, winning away in Youghal 1-2 with goals from M McCarthy and C Ryan, and the following week at home to Ballyduff winning 2-1 - goals from L Walsh and D Ryan and John Twomey for the visitors, guaranteed Pinewood top spot, with Brideview breathing down their necks and all to play for with only a handful of games remaining.

The end of February saw Brideview lose in Lismore 2-1 with Dave Howard and Eoin Bennett scoring for the home team and Stephen Curley for Brideview. The same Sunday, Pinewood, thanks to a Mike Guiry goal, won in Ardmore. Into March and Brideview could only draw away in Cappoquin 1-1, while Pinewood won at home to Mogeely 5-0. Another home win against Ardmore saw them move clear at the top of the table, while on St. Patrick’s Day at Tallow a Roy Henley goal was enough for Brideview to beat Lismore.

The following week Pinewood scored four at home to Ardmore, while Brideview did likewise at home to Cappoquin. The last Sunday in March, Brideview lost ground when drawing at home to Ballyduff 1-1 and this set up the final league game as both Pinewood and Brideview met in Ballymac on Sunday, 5th April with the home side needing only a point to win the title, while Brideview needed two points for a play-off. Goals from M Guiry, N Ryan and D Ryan to goals from Philly Curley and P Henley, saw Pinewood win 3-2 and lift the title by 4 points from Brideview, with Ballyduff in third spot on 21 points.

This was Pinewood’s first ever league title and the record shows the only occasion Pinewood have won the league. Youghal and Mogeely were relegated.

The 2nd Division had Valley Rgs, Castlebridge, Clashmore and Ballybridge favourites for promotion. Valley set the pace from the start hammering Araglen in Conna 6-0 with G Bryan scoring four and goals from Jim Lane and Shane Kearney, and drew away in Melleray to Glenview 2-2. Castlebridge lost away to Clashmore 1-0, lost away to Ballybridge 4-0 and in the middle of November, got their first point when drawing 2-2 at home to Inch with K Gould and K Cotter the scorers. Ballybridge picked up points from Castlebridge before losing away to Clashmore 1-2, with J Rogers scoring for the visitors and Joe Salmon and C Casey scoring for the winners.

The next series of games, saw Clashmore draw away to Inch 1-1. Ballybridge at home defeated Araglen 2-1 with Tony White converting the visitors penalty, but in early December Araglen won at home to Clashmore 2-1. Clashmore then lost at home to Valley Rgs 2-4 with Franny O’Rourke and Paudie Allen on the mark for the home team and a Shane Kearney hat-trick and a Tony Harpur goal ensuring the points for the Conna team.

The Sunday before Christmas, Valley recorded a 3-0 victory with goals from G Bryan (2) and D O’Leary. Clashmore won away in Castlebridge 1-3.

Into January and Valley started to open up a gap at the top of the table with wins at home to Ballybridge 2-0, at home to Blackwater 5-1 and then at the start of February, they completed the double over Ballybridge when winning 1-3 in Ballymacoda. Araglen were battling for second spot ahead of Inch. Araglen won at home to Ballybridge 4-1 with goals from Hoye, P Mulhearne and J Kearney and a win away to Blackwater 0-3. But at the end of February, they lost away to Clashmore 2-0. Valley Rgs were still at the top of the table and in the middle of February, made the short trip to Castlebridge and won 1-3 with goals from K Hickey, S Kearney and P Higgins. B O’Connell scored for the home team, but could only draw 0-0 with Inch at the end of the month.

March 1st, Valley won at home to Clashmore 4-1, beat Blackwater away and then on St. Patrick’s Day had neighbours Castlebridge as visitors to Conna. Valley won 2-0 with G Lynch and G Bryan the goal scorers to complete the double over their neighbours. At the end of the game, Valley were crowned champions and promoted with second placed Araglen

Castlebridge then lost twice, away to Glenview 2-0 and away to Blackwater 4-0 and were relegated along with Glenview.

The 3rd Division had Gortroe, Kilworth, An Ghaeltacht and Modeligo as the favourites for the two spots for promotion. Kilworth drew at home with newcomers Dungourney 2-2. An Ghaeltacht won away in Modeligo 1-3, Brideview B lost at home to Gortroe 1-3 and felt having seen the East Cork team in action, they would be a strong force as the league progressed. Sure enough, the following Sunday we had the proverbial seven goal cracker in Gortroe with the home side defeating Dungourney 4-3. Gortroe then travelled to Affane and won 0-3. Modeligo defeated Valley Rgs B in Conna 3-4 – Valley’s scorers were A Hogan, M Lane and M O’Keeffe, while Modeligo’s Adam Bending had a hat-trick along with a W O’Grady goal. Dungourney won at home thanks to two goals from F Hegarty, as they defeated Modeligo 2-0.

Into December and it was evident Gortroe were firm favourites to win the division as their displays were getting points in each game. The Sunday before Christmas they drew in Modeligo 2-2 and the following Sunday beat Valley Rgs B in Conna 4-1, where Billy Carr scored for Valley Rgs B. An Ghaeltacht kept the pressure on the leaders, winning away to Cappoquin B 0-6.

The middle of January and An Ghaeltacht won at home to Modeligo 2-1, while Gortroe drew at home with Brideview B 2-2. Another victory, this time away to Valley Rgs B 2-5 and every point was crucial, especially in the middle of February. Gortroe’s great run took a battering in Dungourney as the home team won 7-0 with goalscorers F Hegarty (4), P Rigney (2) and D Hickey. This was Gortroe’s only league defeat in the season and back they came the following Sunday, winning 4-3 at home to Affane. March 1st and Gortroe continued winning, scoring 8 goals away to Valley Rgs B. St. Patrick’s Day and Gortroe travelled to Kilworth and came away with the points in 4-5 victory. The last Sunday in March, Gortroe won at home to Modeligo 4-1 and needed a point the following week when travelling to An Ghaeltacht - who themselves needed all two points for a play-off. Goals from Barry Sharkey and a Denis Murphy penalty saw Gortroe crowned champions and promoted with An Ghaeltacht.

The Dungarvan Tyre Centre Cup commenced 8th February. A few results from the 1st round saw a local derby in Blackwater and Clashmore came out on top with a Franny O’Rourke goal. Two goals by John Twomey saw Ballyduff defeat Kilworth 2-1 at home. Gortroe won away to Modeligo in a penalty shoot-out after the sides finished 2-2 aet. Lismore beat Cappoquin B 4-0 at Lismore. The 2nd round, saw Ballyduff beat Gortroe in Ballymacoda 1-3; a Philly Curley goal was enough to see Brideview A through against Cappoquin A in Cappoquin aet; Dungourney beat Clashmore in a penalty shoot-out after the sides finished 1-1 aet. A Wayne Hennessy goal saw Ardmore defeat Mogeely in Ardmore, Pinewood defeated Youghal on penalties.

The quarter-finals saw Ballyduff win away at Inch through a Brendan Hannon goal, while a Noel Ryan goal saw Pinewood get the better of Dungourney at Ballymac. A Philly Curley goal was enough for Brideview A to defeat Ardmore in Tallow and in Lismore, a Kieran O’Gorman goal saw them beat Valley Rgs A.

The two semi-finals were played on 19th April with Lismore and Pinewood drawing 2-2 aet. Lismore goal scorers were B Prendergast and P Prendergast, Pinewood scorers were D Ryan and N Ryan. Lismore won 5-4 on penalties. While Brideview A had a convincing win at home to Ballyduff 4-0, with scores from R Henley, D Henley, J Doyle and an o.g.

The stage was set for a real local derby cup final which was played at Youghal on 26th April, 1998 between Lismore and Brideview A.

It was a game that never reached the heights of the large crowd present. Brideview were by far the better team on the day. Lismore never lived up to their billing as the cup specialists, as Brideview played the better football and deservedly won on a 4-0 scoreline. The Brideview goal scorers were Denis Martin, JP Grey, Stuart Barry and Paul Curley

Brideview - B Sheehan, B Henley, G Sice, D Martin, S Curley, JP Grey, S Barry, Paul Curley, D Henley, Philly Curley. Reserves - R Henley, S Pratt, M Hartnett, T McSweeney.

Lismore - S Prendergast, B Crowley, A Meagher, P Prendergast, K Hornibrook, D Howard, B Prendergast, A Landers, G Keane, K O’Gorman, E Bennett. Reserves - W Walsh, M Ormonde.

Referee was Willie Collins, assistants were Pat Walsh and Michael O’Neill.

At the end of the season, the RHL held a function in Clashmore to make a presentation to Eddie Foley on becoming the first Irish referee to be selected to officiate as a referee’s assistant at the World Cup to be held in France that summer. Eddie started his playing career with Piltown in the RHL, before taking up refereeing and quickly joined the League of Ireland panel as assistant. There was a fantastic turnout on the night and all in the league wished Eddie the very best.