LIFE OF RYELEY!
YOUTHS Park United 5 Shannon Town 0
At a windswept Brigown Pk on Sunday afternoon last a hattrick from winger Ryeley McDonald propelled Park through to the last eight of this year’s Munster Youth Cup. It wasn’t all about the hattrick hero though as the whole Park squad put in a huge effort to see off their Co Clare counterparts.
It was a strange feeling for some of these lads, playing on a different surface and in front of a bigger crowd, but in fairness they weren’t overawed and went about their business as normal. Indeed the scoreline might suggest it was one way traffic but this wasn’t the case. The game hung in the balance for long periods. On 12 mins Ryeley was unlucky not to put Park ahead. It was nip and tuck with half an hour gone. Sean King in Park’s goal was excellent with his handling and distribution. With 35 gone Evan Hickey was unlucky not to have put Park in front and mins later Cian O’Brien saw his shot whiz past the post.
Then as half-time loomed Park took the lead. Luke Keane broke up play and passed to Luke Keating, he put an inch perfect pass in behind the defender carving out Ryeley’s run, he shot low across the keeper and into the bottom corner putting Park 1 nil up. Park weren’t going to leave this slip as Jamie Fogarty and Callum Burke excelled in front of Sean King in goals.
The second half saw Park aided by the stiff breeze. Colin McNamara came on for Cian O’Brien, within minutes Evan Hickey shaved the post with a snap shot as Park laid siege. Then an injury to the hard working Luke O’Mahony saw him replaced by Jack McNamara. Minutes later Park had the ball in the net from a corner but the linesman flagged for an infringement and the goal was disallowed. Mins later came the turning point, a Shannon town free kick that looked like a certain goal saw keeper Sean King make a brilliant save and parry the ball to safety. This rallied Park and mins later it was 2nil. Great composure in the back from Jamie saw him pick out Luke Keane, he fed the ball the line to Ryeley who left his marker in his wake and slotted under the advancing keeper.
Evan Hyland then came on for Keelan Hogan who had put in a great shift and within mins he was involved in Park’s 3rd. He whipped in a cross for striker Anassi Kabundi to score Park’s 3rd. This was to be Anassi’s last bit of action as he had given his all and he was replaced by Colin Lyodd. Park’s 4th was a cracker and it came with 10 mins to go when the ball broke kindly to Luke Keating at the edge of the box he rattled the net with a fierce drive. Colin Lyodd’s introduction was almost immediate as shortly afterwards he was brought down by the Shannon town keeper and when the spot kick was awarded Ryeley completed his hattrick making it 5nil to Park.
Overall from 1 to 15 this was a great team display and a special mention must go to Park’s defence who kept a clean sheet. Park now await the draw to see who their opponents will be in the last eight. Thanks for your support on Sunday last. The visitors were gracious in defeat and thanked the club for their hospitality after the game. Thanks to all who helped out on the day and to the great support shown to the team.
Team: Sean King, Cian O’Brien, Jamie Fogarty, Callum Burke, Luke Keane, Luke O’Mahony, Keelan Hogan, Luke Keating, Evan Hickey, Ryeley McDonald, Anassi Kabundi. Subs: Colin McNamara, Cillian Lyodd, Evin Hyland, Jack McNamara.
PARK UNITED JUNIORS THE BIG 3
Park juniors travelled to Mayfield Park on Friday night last knowing nothing but a win would help their fight for survival in junior league div 2. It was by far their best performance of the season and after a tense game they came away with all 3 points.
The game was fairly even early on and it was a moment of magic that gave Park the lead. Leon (Ward-Prowse) Murphy stood over a Park free kick on the edge of the box and curled a left foot rocket into the top corner. Park had an early set back when Aaron O’Brien limped off after 15min and he was replaced by Liam McMillan who worked tirelessly up top after coming on. Just before half time Park were unlucky not to have added to their lead when Aidan O’Shea was only inches away from getting on the end of a dangerous cross.
As expected in the second half Mayfield pressed high and on the hour mark they equalized with what looked like a cross more than a shot but somehow it found the net. Park raised their game again and on 70 mins struck in front again. Some great build up play saw Ryan Dawson carve his way through the middle and as the keeper advanced he coolly chipped his effort over the keeper and into the net giving Park a 2-1 lead.
Park kept their shape with Eamon O’Connor and Jack O’Shea excelling in defence in front of keeper Jack O’Brien. Captain Mark Bane rose his troops and Park’s discipline and will to win saw them hold on for a vital 3 points with 7 games to go.
Team: J O’Brien, C Keane, K Finn, E O’Connor, J O’Shea, M Bane, S O’Connell, L Murphy, A O’Shea, O Morrissey, A O’Brien, R Dawson. Subs: T Dalton, P O’Flynn, L McMillan, R Heaphy, B Nolan.
WEEKLY LOTTO
Our weekly lotto draw took place in Dexy’s Bar on Monday night last. The numbers drawn were 11, 13, 15 and 24 which yielded no winner. See lotto results elsewhere in this paper. We thank you for your continued support, tickets available from usual outlets or from our door to door seller John Ryan.
CLUB GEAR
Our official Errea club gear is on sale at The Printhouse, Upper Cork Street. Club shorts, socks, bobble hats, tracksuits etc are all in stock. Every item purchased supports the club indirectly. Why not call in and see our rail display.
BEST WISHES
We wish club president Paddy Moloney best wishes on a long and healthy retirement. Who knows, we might see him back coaching one of the days!
WELL DONE
A massive thanks to our ground staff who had Brigown Park in great shape prior to the youths’ Munster Youth Cup game on Sunday. When you receive compliments from the opposition as well as from the local support, it’s nice to know that the work doesn’t go unnoticed.
FIXTURES
Saturday, March 5 - Senior Lge div 1: Kinsale v Park Utd: Madden pk 2pm. Sunday, March 6 - Junior Lge div 2: Park Utd v UCC Academicals: Brigown Pk 11.45am. Youth Lge cup: Mallow Utd v Park Utd: Town Pk 2pm.