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previous | next April 2007

» Portmarnock AFC ‘End of Season’ Social Evening
» Award for Portmarnock AFC Person of the Year 2007
» PAFC players called up for FAI Amateur Squad
» Match Report: St. Paul’s 2 – 1 Portmarnock AFC
» Match Report: Portmarnock AFC 4 – 2 Ballyouster FC
» Match Report: Portmarnock AFC 1 – 0 St. Kevin’s Boys
» Match Report: Portmarnock AFC 5 – 1 Knocklyon Utd
» FAI Summer Soccer Schools 2007
» Monthly Draw Results (March)

Friday, 27.04.07

Portmarnock AFC ‘End of Season’
Social Evening

The Portmarnock AFC ‘End of Season’ Social Evening will be held on Friday 25th May 2007, at 8.00pm in the Martello Room at the P.S.L.C. Music will be provided by a DJ and there will be Spot Prizes and a Hot & Cold Buffet on the night.

Tickets €15

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Tuesday, 24.04.07

Award for Portmarnock AFC
Person of the Year 2007

Last Saturday, April 21st, the PSLC Gala Awards Night took place in the Martello Room in the centre. The club, like all the other clubs attached to PSLC, was asked to put forward a nomination for an award. The committee went to great length to select someone that really shows the true meaning of club person of the year. The person selected was John Ryan. We congratulate John on this award and hope he is with the club for many years to come.

John Ryan, Portmarnock AFC

John played schoolboy football with St. Kevin’s Boys before joining Portmarnock AFC in the 1984/85 season.

He came to the club through his then ‘just good friend’ Cathy McWilliams, whom he married in 1987. At that time Cathy and her family were already represented on the team by her three brothers, Sean, Kieran and Brian and her brother in law Fintan O’Connor.

John, a right–sided player, played formerly as a ‘winger’ and midfielder and most notably as a central defender. John’s lighting speed, strength and ability to ‘read’ the game were his great attributes. In a newspaper report on a cup match, between Portmarnock and at the time the highly rated Ashtown Villa, he was famously described as the ‘troublesome Ryan’.

John played for Portmarnock 1st team from AUL division 2A in 1984 up to AUL Premier B in the early 1990’s. He later took up a role of player/ manager with the 2nd team winning a cup winners medal along the way. Subsequently he took up a similar position with the 3rd team at the same time as playing with the club’s over 35 team.

During this time John and Cathy’s three sons Mark, Shane and Darren joined the ranks and once again John gave up his time to play a part in the coaching and managing of several of the underage teams they were involved in.

John, along with Dave Mulligan,is currently managing the club’s U/12 team in which his son Darren is involved in and whom they have nurtured for the last four years, culminating in a four day football excursion to Glasgow over the Easter weekend.

John’s loyalty and commitment to Portmarnock AFC over the last 22 years has been exceptional. His enthusiasm and affable nature have made him, in the eyes of parents, fellow managers, players, past and present, one of the most popular and respected members of Portmarnock Soccer Club.

Known in the club simply as JR, there is no one more deserving!

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Tuesday, 24.04.07

Portmarnock AFC players called up
for FAI Amateur Squad

The committee, managers and players of Portmarnock AFC would look to pass on their best wishes and congratulations to Adrian McDonald, Brian Rickard, Austin Hannon and Alan Corcoran from our senior team who have been called up to the FAI Amateur Squad to face Scotland on Saturday April 28th in Frank Cooke Park, Kick-off 3.30pm.

Once again Portmarnock AFC has players representing their country. The players are have been called into the panel of 19 for this fixture. As a result we have the most players, from any club, in the squad. This is a great achievement for both the players and management of the clubs senior team.

Once again best of luck to the four players.

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Thursday, 19.04.07

Match Report
St. Paul’s v Portmarnock U15
22.04.07

U15 Cup Quarter Final
St. Paul’s 2 – 1 Portmarnock AFC

It was one of those days when you knew that something was going to go wrong. There was certain inevitability about it. It was just that you did not know what. There was such an air of depression about that was not logical but was proving very difficult to shift. It was a premonition of things to come.

The team was to meet at 9.45 on Sunday morning at the PSLC. When we met the manager Geoff Carr informed Joe O’Reilly and me that three players had reported in injured and would be unable to play the match. Paddy Egan reported ankle and knee injuries sustained in the midweek match with Rivervalley Rangers had failed to heal and so he was out of the game. Jamie Walsh and Kevin O’Brien, our twin strikers were out suffering with blistered feet following the midweek game. As if that were not bad enough there was a Gaelic match on in Templeogue and Johnnie Boyle asked if he could be excused to attend that match and was permitted to do so. We were now down to eleven players so we departed for Mac Auley Park. We thought that things could not get any worse. We were wrong. During the pre match warm up Brian Murray twisted his knee. As we had no substitutes he was asked to play and to make himself as much a nuisance to the opposition as he could. He was very disappointed but he undertook to do the best he could.

The opposition was St Paul’s who had played 11 games to date, won 11 and had a goal average of four to one. Our prospects did not look too good. Effectively, we were being asked to play against the best team we have played this season with a very under strength team, one of whom could not run. We knew that we were up against the biggest challenge we ever faced and we, the managers were prepared for the worst. We could see a good old fashioned hammering coming right down the line. Happily, our pessimism and sense of dread was totally unjustified. We had grossly underestimated the strength and courage of the team.

The game kicked off and immediately we were subjected to enormous pressure. The back four of Brian Murray, Jamie Carr, Morgan O’Sullivan and Stevie Rusk absorbed it like a sponge. Behind them Sean McKiernan had one of those inspired performances that only come once in a lifetime. Sean is nearly six foot tall so high floated corners into the box presented him with no problem. He is also one of the best shot stoppers that I have ever seen. He was sorely tested in this match in all aspects of goalkeeping and was not found wanting. His positioning and kicking were second to none. In defence the back four battled gamely, never yielding an inch in space to the opposition. They were made to work very hard for every half chance that came their way. In midfield we really felt the pressure and were on the back foot for most of the match. The four midfielders Anto Brennan, Stevie Tier (unaccustomed to playing this role), Michael Ring and Tadhg McCarthy although outplayed for large tracts of the game never gave up the fight. They chased down every ball and filtered back time and again to deny a very good St Paul’s team any time on the ball and space to use it. They played like demons. Michael Ring and Tadhg McCarthy played more than their part in carrying the fight to St Paul’s. Up front Josh Scannell and Niall Hoban ran tirelessly into spaces and chased every ghost of a pass to help release the pressure. At half time we were one nil down and we feared what was to come. Normally, in this kind of a game, when you concede one goal it undermines your self belief and the floodgates open. Not with these guys it doesn’t.

We need not have worried. Stephen Tier moved back to full back and the injured Brian Murray was moved to midfield to try and frustrate St Paul’s whenever he could. He never gave up. The onslaught continued where it had left off at half time. Jamie Carr and Morgan O’Reilly played like men inspired while on the flanks, the two Stevies, Rusk and Tier, grew into the fight. The midfielders Anto Brennan and Tadhg McCarthy on the wings filtered back with each attack to provide extra cover along with the limping Brian Murray and harassed the opposition into losing possession at the vital time. Josh Scannell and Niall Hoban guarded every little bit of possession to relieve the pressure as though their lives depended on it. If possible we showed even more courage in the second half than in the first. It would be unfair to single out any player because everybody gave everything they had and held nothing back. This was raw courage on display. Twenty minutes into the second half we conceded our second goal. Again, we awaited the floodgates. Still, we did not give up. Five minutes later, Michael Ring threaded a neat ball into the path of the running Josh Scannell. He was clean through on the keeper, veered left and drew the keeper. He then squared the ball across the goal but it outran the supporting Niall Hoban. Niall recovered and back heeled the ball past an amazed keeper into the net. It was a touch of genius. The keeper never saw it. It was 2–1. Now we had a match and St Paul’s knew they had a real fight on their hands. They again piled on the pressure but Portmarnock withstood all. In the last minute however, Anto Brennan won a 40–60 battle in the midfield and put Niall Hoban through on goal again with an advancing keeper. Niall tried a lob but the keeper caught it at the height of his jump. That would have made the score 2–2. We were confident that we could have taken them in a penalty shoot out. The referee blew the final whistle. We were out of the cup.

After the match I went over to the St Paul’s line to congratulate their manager on their win. He complimented me on the efforts of our team and their never say die attitude. I told him they were lucky to win it and that if it had gone to extra time we were confident of winning as they had nothing left! He told me that I was his first football manager when he played for St Martin’s under 10s in 1971. He says he still has a picture of me and the team. I also have a copy of that picture. He said that I was as big a chancer then as I am now.

Form Report: Sean McKiernan: 9. Brian Murray: 9. Morgan O’Reilly: 9. Jamie Carr: 9. Stevie Rusk: 9. Stevie Tier: 9. Anto Brennan: 9. Michael Ring: 9. Tadhg McCarthy: 9. Josh Scannell: 9. Niall Hoban: 9.

Comment: Geoff Carr, Joe O’Reilly and I were very proud to be associated with this team on this day. It was one of those days when all the effort, time and frustration endured was worthwhile. I feel sorry for those injured players who missed the match. They’ll never experience a thrill as high as that felt by our lads after the final whistle blew. No team ever deserved their treat in McDonald’s after the match as much as this one.

Mick Lawlor

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Thursday, 19.04.07

Match Report:
Portmarnock U11B v Ballyouster FC
14.04.07

Portmarnock U11B 4 – 2 Ballyouster FC

A four goal performance from man of the match Paul Scully rounded off a fine win for Portmarnock over a skillful Ballyouster side who travelled to Carrickhill on Saturday hoping to keep their good league run which includes victories over some of the leading sides in the division going.

Portmarnock took the lead early with Paul Scully taking possession just inside the opposition half and beating four playing before slipping the ball past the keeper.

A second followed soon after when following an excellent free kick from Luke Kavanagh ,Scully was there to tap in after the keeper parried the initial shot.

Ballyouster pulled one back mid way through the first half when the Portmarnock defence failed to clear the ball, Goalkeeper Curtis Hayden who had another excellent game was left with no chance from close range.

The start of the second half saw Ballyouster press for an equaliser but strong defensive displays by the Portmarnock back four of Luke Dowd, Luke O’Toole, Cillian McGreer and Leo McGuinn kept the advantage with the home side.

Karl Murray on the right side of midfield and Simon Prior on the left kept the home side pushing forward and the hat trick and fourth goal for Paul Scully followed in quick succession,both goals resulting from good passing movements through midfield.

Further chances to increase the lead came but as Ballyouster pressed to get back into the game Wesley Lennon in midfield gave the back four all the protection needed to secure the three points.

The visitors did break away in the last minute to get their second goal but by then it was too little too late and a sunny morning in Carrickhill sent all involved with the winners home happy with the result.

Man of the Match: Paul Scully

Team:Curtis Hayden, Luke Dowd, Luke O’Toole, Cillian McGreer, Leo Mc Guinn, Simon Prior, Luke Kavanagh, Wesley Lennon, Ghibeau Gerber, Paul Scully, Kieron O’Reilly, Karl Murray, Cian Walsh

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Monday, 16.04.07

Match Report:
Portmarnock U11A v St. Kevin’s Boys

Jimmy Flood Qtr Final
Portmarnock U11A 1 – 0 St. Kevin’s Boys

In one of the most well contested games witnessed by management/parents and onlookers, Portmarnock U11A triumphed in there quarter final game against tough opposition, St. Kevin’s.

Players from both teams should be very proud of there performance in this nail biting game. All square 0–0 at half time this was going to be a game that could have easily finished with spot kicks. It was our lads who broke the deadlock, strong work on the left flank by Dylan Murray, and his perfect cross was met by Aaron Mulvey and he delightfully headed home what was to be the winner. This was one of the best performances from the team; they dug in deep to hold on for the last 8 minutes.

Captain, Mark O’Connor is making a name for himself as a quality goalkeeper he kept the team motivated and had an outstanding game, his handling and shot stopping would put Shay Given under pressure to hold his place. The midfield of Aaron, David, Jordan, and Philip worked there socks off for the full 60+ minutes, although we had to make a few tactical changes when Simon Lenehan was injured. Our central defenders Conor Grant, and for his first time in that position Gareth Brant both had a very hard day. Constantly under pressure they both performed and done the job well.

It was a remarkable performance from everyone ready and willing to get the job done and this fine panel of 16 players deserve no less, than a semi–final place.

Well done lads!

Team:Ross King, Mark Keogh, Craig O’Neill, Simon Lenehan, Gareth Brant, Sam Boland, Conor Grant, David Stuart, Jordan Briggs, Phillip Smith, Mark O’Connor, Sean Bradshaw, Dylan Murray, Aaron Mulvey. Missing on the day: Robbie Kenna and Gabriel Denehy.

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Tuesday, 10.04.07

Match Report:
Portmarnock U11A v Knocklyon Utd
01.04.07

Portmarnock AFC 5 – 1 Knocklyon Utd

At last the summer has arrived and the sun was shinning on our under 11 squad last Saturday in Carrickhill as they gave an exhibition on passing football to our supporters. Missing this week from our squad was our goalkeeper Mark O’Connor, however ever since training during the week Robert Kenna insisted on playing in goals and did so for the entire game, although Knocklyon managed to score this was not a fault of a fantastic performance from Rob.

Things started well and within in 10 minutes we were one up. Dylan Murray winning possession in midfield and with his speed and sheer strength, that we all know Dylan is capable of; powered his way past the Knocklyon defence and smartly put the ball away. There was more to come with David Stuart working hard in midfield he managed to find himself out on the wing and sent a perfectly flighted ball, which was met with precision by Jordan Briggs to put us two up. A lot more chances came our way but unfortunately we missed the target.

The second half started exactly were we left of in the first half, fast and furious, and with the wind behind us it did not take long before we made it three, Dylan Murray adding a second to the score sheet. Three up and things were well under the teams control and it was the constant threat of the midfield that upset Knocklyon. Our fourth came from an assist by Dylan who cleverly pulled the ball back taking a defender and keeper out of the game leaving Craig O’Neill the task of scoring.

The lads however kept the best for last. Ross King found himself chasing the ball down the left and was well watched by the Knocklyon defence, they had Ross retreating, however while keeping the ball in his control he spotted the unmarked David Stuart advancing just inside the Knocklyon half, he played a superb pass between two defenders into Davids path, and he, cleverly dribbled past two more defenders and shot from about twenty yards to seal a 5–1 victory for the lads. A definite for "Match of the Day" goal of the season.

Excellent performances put in by all, including our subs, when they entered the game.

Team: Robbie Kenna, Simon Lenehan, Sean Bradshaw, Conor Grant, Gabriel Denehey, Jordan Briggs, Sam Boland, Mark Keogh, David Stuart, Philip Smith, Aaron Mulvey, Ross King, Gareth Brant, Craig O’Neill, Dylan Murray.

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Monday, 02.04.07

FAI Summer Soccer Schools 2007

Registration coming soon…

Details on the upcoming FAI Summer Soccer Schools 2007 will be posted very soon! In the meantime you can check out the official FAI Summer Soccer Schools website for more info.

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Monday, 02.04.07

Monthly Draw Results (March)

The March draw for the Portmarnock Soccer Club monthly draw was held in the PSLC on Thursday 30th March. Our two independent observers on the night were David Hughes and Brian Doogan. The results were as follows;

Congratulations to all. There are two more draws remaining, the next will be held on Thursday, April 26th in the PSLC.

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