Ten Men Secure The Win

Winter is well and truly here, it was a dull cold day as I made my way to Bernard Curtis Park to catch some LSL Premier Sunday action.  It has been a while since I have seen an Inchicore team in action with me being away last week and games being cancelled before that.  After a minor blip against Wayside Celtic Inchicore returned to winning ways last weekend away to St Marks and were hoping for another good result against early season pace setters Lakelands FC.

Ciaran Ronan is surrounded

Inchiocre got off to a flying start when John Luby, who I believe has a road named after him in Inchicore, struck a sweet shot barely five minutes into the game low into the corner of the goal leaving the visitors keeper with no chance.  Stephen Fay then made it two minutes later with a neat finish to leave Lakelands in a total state of shock.  The away side threatened as the shock of conceding two early goals wore off but were thwarted time and again by a resolute Inchicore defence leaving new goalkeeper James Hillis with little to do.

The second half got off to a muted start but Inchicore soon found themselves under pressure when midfield maestro Dean Costello received his marching orders from the referee.  Lakelands looked to find the gaps in the home teams defences from that moment onwards.  They were met with a passionate and determinde display of defending from Wes McDermott who almost single handedly kept them at bay.

Wes McDermott and Sean Blake stop another Lakelands attack

With time running out Lakelands launched one final attack  The visitors forward found some space and got a shot away that goalkeeper Hillis palmed onto the post but the bounce of the ball went the against him and suddenly Lakelands were back in the game.  It was too little too late however as the referee blew his whistle to Inchicores delight as they claimed maximum points from a very tricky encounter.

Wayside Grab The Points

All the attention in Inchicore was focused on Richmond Park for the League Title race involving St Patricks Athletic and Sligo Rovers.  Inchicores other team, and in my opinion the best, had their own league title race to deal with at Bernard Curtis Park.  A win for the black and ambers would see them leap to second on the table behind pace setters St Marks.

It was an uneventful opening half with both teams cancelling each other out in midfield for much of it.  Inchicores new signings Adam Morgan and Martin Quinn really stood out but Wayside were not intent on giving the home team an easy ride.  Ger Marshall was back in the team after a brief injury break but was looking as sharp as ever in defence alongside Robert Mahony.

Five minutes in to the second half and the game as a contest really sprang to life.  Alan Brennan, being his usual busy self up front, went close to giving 'The Core' the lead but it was Wayside who cleared from Brennans initial effort, swept down field and took the lead themselves.  Two more opportunities fell to the home team, one of them to John Byrne who was backing up from the previous days action in LSL Premier 1 Saturday, in a five minute spell before Wayside pounced again to double their lead.  It was a breathtaking ten minutes of football that stunned the home support.

As the clock ticked down Inchicore were awarded a penalty when Wes McDermott was tripped in the box.  It seemed however that Lady Luck was not smiling on Inchicore today as the usually dependable Robert Mahony struck the crossbar with his spotkick.  It just wasn't Inchicores day as the referee blew for full time shortly afterwards.

However it wasn't all doom and gloom around the village as local League of Ireland team St Pats, as mentioned above, finally brought the League of Ireland trophy back to Inchicore after a 14 year absence.  Hopefully by seasons end the boys in LSL Premier Sunday can match their achievement.

Unbeaten Run Continues

This week I took a trip to Markievicz Park to catch some more U-21 action as Tomo Byrnes team came up against Dalkey United.  It has been entertaining to say the least week in week out for the youngsters as they looked to continue their unbeaten start to the season.  The team also proved it's not all about winning though when they offered to replay last weeks game against Knocklyon after a controversial goal saw them come away with a win.  Dalkey, however,  were looking to spoil the party and put a huge dent in Inchicores title aspirations.

The home team were on the front foot from the first whistle and Caomh McCauley almost had Inchicore ahead within the first 60 seconds.  Dalkeys goalkeeper was alert and made a very impressive point blank save to keep the scores level.  Young 'Spanner' O'Toole almost opened the scoring with a long range effort but again Dalkeys keeper was showing he was in no mood to be beaten.  Captain Alex Dolan then had to react quickly to keep out an effort on goal as Dalkey looked to take the the lead just before half time.

Keifer Byrne, who was awarded The LFL player of the month for September, showed his class five minutes into the second half.  Having broken free from his marker Byrne unleashed an unstoppable drive from 30 yards that crashed back off the crossbar.  Following up for the rebound Keifer was then brought down in the box and 'The Core' were awarded a penalty.  Sean McGarry stepped up and coolly slotted past the keeper to give Inchicore the lead.  Inchicore worked hard for the all important second goal and survived a late scare when Dalkey had a great chance come back off Martin Carrolls post.

 There was relief all around when the referee blew his whistle for full time that kept Inchicores unbeaten start to the season intact.  Next week it will be a return to BCP and some LSL Premier Sunday action as the mighty Wayside Celtic come to town to take on Alan O'Briens team.

Shootout At The OK Corral

It was about time I took in some LSL Premier 1 Saturday action and 'The Core' delivered a breathtaking encounter against Pegasus FC at BCP.  The game was certainly not for the faint of heart, as Inchicores coach Mossy remarked with the game entering its final stages.  Both teams went out all guns blazing in one of the most frantic forty five minutes of football I have ever witnessed.

Sean Blake was in fine form scoring early for Inchicore but Pegasus hit back straight away within the opening ten minutes.  Two goals in five minutes from John Ojo and Jay Carey gave the home team a two goal cushion but Pegasus hauled themselves back into the contest with two quick fire goals of their own.  Thirty minutes into the game and I could hardly catch my breath.  The winner, as it turned out, was scored by Jay Carey in first half stoppage time as he pounced on an error by the visitors goalkeeper.

The second half, although not as fast paced as the first, did have some moments of note.  Firstly Robbie Mahony rattled the crossbar with a perfectly struck free kick while Pegasus had what they thought was another equaliser ruled out for offside.  There was even time for local legend Keith Marshall to pick up the first yellow card of his career, a minor blemish on another outstanding performance for one of my heroes.

Amongst all the madness I got to meet a true legend of the game, referee Alex Aldea.  Alex has refereed over 1,000 games and has documented each and every one of them with photos he takes himself, hopefully I get to meet him again as the season progresses.  Below are just a few images from the days action.

Cup Heartbreak In Inchicore

It was time for the first taste of cup football for Inchicore this season and not even the looming All Ireland Final was going to get in the way.  There was a change of venue as BCP was left behind and Inchicore took to the field against Bagnelstown from Carlow in the first round of The LFA Junior Cup at The CIE Sports Club.  Could a return to Inchicore spur the home team on to victory?

Sean Blake plays his way out of defence

It looked for the early part that Inchicore would continue their rich vein of form.  Adam Ryan came close to opening the scoring but his shot went inches over the crossbar.  Karl Cogan, captain for the day in the absence of Ger Marshall, then shot narrowly wide as Inchicore sought the opener.  The first goal arrived for the visitors against the run of play as half time approached after an unfortunate defensive mix-up.

It was a cruel blow for the home side but with a whole half of football still to be played you sensed that chances would be created.  There was a sucker punch from Bagnelstown minutes into the second half, however.  Again the visitors had a huge, huge stroke of luck when an Inchicore clearance was deflected into the path of their striker who rolled the ball into an empty net.  It could have been a real horror story at CIE when Bagnelstown were awarded an indirect free kick only 8 yards from goal, thankfully the resultant shot was not on target.

Inchicore survive an indirect free kick

Inchicore sprang back into action and thought they had pulled a goal back when John Byrne got on the end of an in-swinging corner but the referee had blown for a foul on the goalkeeper.  The referee was in the thick of it again waving away an Inchicore shout for a penalty.  It looked like it was just one of those days as the minutes slowly ticked away.

Bagnelstown hung on in the end to scrape through to the next round of the cup to the disappointment of Inchicore and their supporters.  Dublin winning the All Ireland later in the day went some way to making up the disappointment of Inchicores brief appearnace in this seasons LFA Junior Cup.  There is still the league to concentrate on and their is always next year for The LFA Junior Cup.

Weekend Preview

Well it was a superb weekend for Inchicore last week with all three teams recording very impressive victories.  There was a total of fourteen goals scored, four of which came from the boot of the talented Keifer Byrne, and only one goal conceded.

All eyes on the ball

This weekend kicks off with Mossy and the boys taking on Lorcan Celtic away from home.  With two solid wins in Premier 1 Saturday since these two teams last met anything could happen, can Mossy and the boys make it three wins on the trot?

Tomo Byrne and Derek Green then take the U-21s back to Markievicz Park for a game against Sacred Heart.  Having netted seven against Ballyoulster last week I'm hoping for another barnstorming performance from the youngsters.  The powers that be over at The LFL are predicting a very tight encounter for this one.

And finally wrapping things up with an early afternoon kickoff on Sunday Ali O'Brien and his band of lads take on Bagnelstown in the first round of the LFA Junior Cup.  With this game being moved to CIE with an early kick off I'm hoping the boys can get the job done within the 90 minutes so we can all head off and watch The Dubs take on Mayo in The All Ireland Final.

The Brace Mahony

Robert Mahony opened the scoring

There was an estimated 100,000 people in Dublin today for the Flightfest celebration along the River Liffey.  The best show in town, however, was down by the Grand Canal in Bluebell as Inchicore went up against Alpine / Oldchurch in an LSL Premier Sunday clash.  As the 737s', B-17s' and A380s' soared high above us in the sky the referee blew his whistle and it was time to forget all about the airshow.

The first real chance fell Inchicores way when a cross into the box was almost put into the back of the net by an Alpine defender, a let off for sure.  The visitors shot high over the bar soon after as the chances came thick and fast.  It was Robbie Mahony who opened the scoring with a wicked free kick that curled around the wall into the bottom left corner of the Alpine net.  It was a great start for the home team and the lead could have been greater if not for a great save by the goalkeeper from an Al Brennan shot.

The one nil halftime score was a fair reflection on the game but Alpine refused to go away and levelled soon after the restart.  A pass into the Inchicore area was headed goalwards and saved well by Rob Nolan but he couldn't keep out the rebound as Alpine threatened an upset.  Alan O'Brien didn't panic and seemed to rejig his team to cope with the Alpine attack and the go ahead goal soon arrived via the boot of Rob Mahony for his second of the game.  Alpines goalkeeper didn't know who to blame or where to look as Mahony lobbed the ball over his head from wide out on the left wing at the half way line, a tremendous effort that was fit to grace any arena.

Dean Costello beats his man while watched by Jay Carey

Rob Mahony looked to push on for his hat-trick but it was captain Ger Marshall who provided Al Brennan with a delightful through ball for the striker to grab the home sides third goal and put some daylight between the sides.  The rout was complete when Jay Carey tapped home after some wonderful build up play from the Inchicore attack as full time approached.  With the planes still flying high above our heads the ref decided that the crowd had seen enough and brought to an end another fine performance from 'The Core'.

Todays result moves Inchicore up to second on the table only a point behind league leaders Marks Celtic.    The win also capped a fine weekend for the club with all three teams scoring impressive wins in their respective leagues.  

The Thriller In Ballyer

I was back to watch Inchicores under 21 team again as I had to head to Belfast on Sunday for a race, denying me the chance to see some LSL Premier Sunday action.  It was a group decider in The William Sheeran Cup as Inchicore travelled to 'The Lawns' in Ballyfermot to take on the all conquering Ballyfermot United.

Keifer Byrne thwarts a Ballyfermot attavk

It took less than a minute for the home team to gain the lead as they played the first half with a very strong wind behind their backs.  It was an unfortunate deflection from goalkeeper Martin Carroll that struck Ballyfermots striker and headed straight to the back of the net.  You could say it was a bad start and there was still a long way to go.  Things got worse minutes later when a penalty was conceded and Ballyfermot doubled their lead.  On the half hour mark it looked like the game was over as a contest when the home team, with a vociferous crowd egging them on, scored a third after some neat work down their left flank.

Inchicore were thrown a lifeline as halftime approached when the mrecurial Keifer Byrne ghosted through 'Ballyers' defence and set up Caomh McAuley who blasted the ball into the roof of the net from close range.  Ballyfermots keeper then made a fine save on the stroke of halftime and early in the second half to keep the margin at two goals.  Inchicore then had Martin Carroll to thank as he pulled off a tremendous save, tipping a dipping effort onto the post that bounced away to safety.  Gareth Byrne was shifted to a midfield position as  the visitors upped the tempo and began to pile on the pressure.  The pressure paid off when star midfielder Keifer Byrne grabbed a goal after sprinting past the home teams defence and lifted the ball over the goalkeepers head.

Karl Timms looks to beat his marker

With five minutes remaining Ballyfermot were hanging on for dear life as the impossible was beginning to look possible.  A red card for a Ballyfermot defender gave Inchicore hope as time ticked away, Keifer Byrne sent the resulting free kick over the bar but made no mistake moments later when played through one on one with the goalkeeper.  The leveller stunned the home crowd into silence and sent Inchicore and their supporters into raptures.

Ballyfermot then had one last chance to take all three points when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of Inchicores penalty area.  The free kick was well struck but the crossbar came to 'The Cores' rescue.  The full time whistle was greeted with howls of delight from Tomo Byrne and his young team as they pulled off one of the greatest comebacks I have ever seen.

The comeback is complete

It was truly one of the greatest games I have witnessed, reminding me of another Inchicore team who came back from three goals down when St Patricks Athletic narrowly lost 4-3 against Slovan Bratislava.  It even rivalled Liverpool FCs' miracle in Istanbul for drama.  Now with qualification for the next round of the cup is their more to come from Inchicores young charges??

Nolan Saves Inchicore From Defeat

I missed last weeks round of matches in The LSL Sunday Premier Division which saw Inchicore pick up a huge 7-2 win against Park Celtic after a 4-1 loss away to Liffey Valley Rangers.  As I arrived at Bernard Curtis Park for Sundays encounter against Blessington it was apparent that something was up, I was asked if I had some boots and gloves (jokingly of course).  With only the bare minimum of 11 players available there was no goalkeeper amongst them.

With only minutes to kick off it looked likely that Inchicore would have to start without a recognised goalkeeper.  Rob Nolan arrived with seconds to spare to the teams relief and the game could finally kick off.  Blessington made a great start but found Nolan to be in inspired form.  Three top drawer saves from the net minder in the space of five first half minutes gave the home team a foundation from which to build upon.

Dean Costello had Inchicores first real effort but Blessingtons goalkeeper showed his agility to tip Costellos close range effort over the bar.  Inchicore upped the tempo and had two great chances to break the deadlock just before halftime but headed straight at the keeper on both occasions.  It was Blessington who headed to the break knowing they should have been ahead thanks but for the fine work of late Inchicore call up Rob Nolan.

John Luby sees his free kick come back off the wall

A stern half time team talk from coach Alan O'Brien saw an even more determined Inchicore take to the field for the restart.  Al Brennan, playing as a lone striker, saw a well hit strike off his right foot fizz inches over the bar.  It was midway through the second half that saw the deadlock broken when Blessington succumbed to Inchicores pressure and concede a penalty.  John Luby was coolness personified as he stepped up and put the keeper the wrong way with a finely taken spot kick.

Ciaran Ronan, making a return to the team, almost doubled Inchicores advantage moments later but his shot was cleared expertly off the line by a Blessington defender.  Blessington pushed for an equaliser but Sean Blake was a rock in the centre of Inchicores defence that kept their strikers at bay time after time.  The visitors thought they had a leveller when a deflected shot almost caught Rob Nolan in goal off guard, his legs came to the rescue and the lead remained intact.

The tie was settled as a contest with ten minutes remaining when a huge clearance from the edge of his own box by Dean Costello released Al Brennan who calmly slotted past the advancing keeper.  It was a fine goal for the striker and one that the home side thoroughly deserved.   Inchicore saw out the game with the clean sheet intact and the result sees them move up to fourth on the ladder with a trip to bottom club Cabinteely coming up next Sunday

Eight Of The Best

Keifer Byrne opens the scoring

Markievicz Park in Ballyfermot was the setting as Inchicore Athletics under-21 team began their season in earnest.  A late change of opponent saw Sallynoggin FC drafted in to their William Sheeran Cup Group H.  Tomo Byrne and Derek Greene were the nervous coaches on the sideline as the first ever Inchicore development team awaited kickoff.

There were no sign of nerves from the youngsters though as they put their more experienced opponents under severe pressure right from the word go.  First blood was drawn by the home team with barely five minutes on the clock.  Keifer Byrne lined up a free kick from the left and drove a low angled shot past the wall and out of the goalkeepers reach to nestle in the bottom left corner of the net.  It was a great start and it got even better soon after as Keifer Byrne doubled his tally with an accurate looping shot over the goalkeeper that went in off the crossbar.

Sallynoggin were rattled and had no answer to the pressure being applied by Gareth Byrne in midfield and Craig Doyle up front.  As half time approached midfield whizz kid Keifer Byrne killed off the game as a contest and claimed the match ball in the process.  This time it was a powerful shot from inside the box beating the goalkeeper at his near post.

Gareth Byrne battles for posession

A more determined visiting team came out for the second stanza but any hopes of an unlikely comeback were put to bed when Sean McGarry proded home a close range header.  Craig Doyle then made it five for the home side before Gareth Byrne found the back of the net with a stinging effort from twenty five yards that left Sallynoggins keeper diving in despair.

Keifer Byrne grabbed his fourth and Craig Doyle made it eight as the game slipped away from Sallynoggin.  The visitors somehow grabbed a consolation goal against the run of play as full time approached.  It was only a minor blip on an otherwise commanding performance however.

It was a great start to their cup campaign that sees them head their group albeit on goal difference.  Ballyfermot, favourites to top the group, scored an 8-2 win over Ballyoulster so Inchicore will have to be on their gaurd for that encounter.  Without a doubt I am certainly looking forward to that game, it should be a cracker.

The Comeback Kings

It was the big kick off at Bernard Curtis Park this afternoon as Inchicore Athletic got their LSL Premier Sunday league campaign underway.  After making the switch from LFL to LSL Inchicore were looking to keep up their good form that saw them claim last seasons Charlie O'Leary Cup.  Manortown were todays visitors and were looking to give Inchicore a baptism of fire.

It was the home team who got the first chance as Brian Atkinson went close with a curling effort from the edge of the box.  With some enforced changes and a couple of new signings on the pitch Inchicore settled into the game and looked to dominate their opponents.  It was Manortown who struck first though, against the run of play.  Karl Cogan, with a superb performance as captain on the day, gave away the penalty.  The spot kick was dispatched to the keepers left and suddenly there was a cat among the pigeons.

Nedu thwarts a Manortown attack

Inchicore are made of stern stuff however and set about finding an equaliser.  The lead lasted all of ten minutes as Wes McDermott, playing up front for the day, raced through on goal.  He was tripped by the keeper and John Luby blasted the spot kick high into the roof of the net.  Inchicore got to half time level, which was a fair reward for the pressure they had applied throughout the half.

Inchicore came out fighting in the second half and got the go ahead goal five minutes in when Wes McDermott stooped low to head past the goalkeeper after a long throw into the box from Sean Blake.    Ten minutes later and Inchicore moved two goals clear with a superbly crafted solo effort.  New signing Dean Costello showed us some nifty footwork as he weaved his way through the Manortown midfield and coolly slotted the ball past their keeper.

With fifteen minutes remaining it was lights out for Manortown as the goalkeeper failed to deal with a backpass that bobbled over his foot and into the net to give 'The Core' a 4-1 lead.  This goal proved to be the beginning of the craziest fifteen minutes of football I have ever witnessed as somehow Manortown resurrected themselves back to life.

Wes McDermott gets a shot away

Straight from the kick off Manortown equalised as a shot from halfway made its way past Ashley Medina in the home teams goal.  Five minutes later and Manortown were back in the game when a thunderbolt of a shot from twenty five yards out left Medina with no chance as the ball made its way to the roof of the net.  Then right on full time a well worked move down Manortowns right saw the ball delivered in to Inchicores penalty area and their striker was on hand to level the game up a four goals apiece.

The referees whistle was a welcome relief to Inchicores support and also gave us a chance to catch our breaths after a truly astonishing comeback.  It was a great advertisement for LSL football, no doubt about that.  Inchicore gave a great account of themselves but were equally matched by a determined Manortown.  I can safely say I am looking forward to both teams meeting again later in the season.

Pre-Season Update

All eyes will be on The Barclays Premier League returning to TV screens this weekend but my eyes will be fixed solely on Inchicore kicking off their new campaign in The LSL Premier Sunday division at Bernard Curtis Park. It will certainly be a step up from the LFL and I for one can't wait to head down and catch some quality Leinster Senior League action.

There were some friendlies played over the last week that unfortunately I was unable to get, however thanks to coach (or is that player coach now) Alan O'Brien I was filled in on some of the goings on.  Saturday saw a win against Glasnevin for the reserves and on Sunday a trip to Portlaoise came with a 2-1 victory against the home team.

Tomo Byrne and his U-21 side learned of their fate in The O'Neills William Sheeran Cup as they were handed a tough draw in a group containing Ballyfermot, Greystones and Ballyoulster.  It's certainly not the easiest of draws but with a friendly against Inchicores reserves tomorrow night lined up anything is possible for the Inchicore fledglings.

Long Ball Longwood

Last Friday night I had a choice to make, head to Richmond Park and watch St Patricks Athletic take on Drogheda or take the short walk to Bernard Curtis Park (BCP) to see how Inchicore fared as their pre season continued.  It was an easy choice as I made my way towards Inchicores home ground.

There was a bonus for me there as local legend Keith Marshall was making a return to the Inchicore team.  I haven't seen Keith play for almost 10 years so it was sure to be a good nights football at BCP.  Sporting a flash new kit Inchicore took to the field to take on a fired up Longwood FC from Kildare.  With a few new faces and some players from the U-21s on the subs bench the scene was set.

It was a cagey opening as both teams sized each other up, Longwood opting for the more direct long ball route as Inchicore looked to pass and move their way through the visitors defence.  Local hero Keith Marshall was in fine form commanding the back four with assured quality as Longwood tried to stamp their authority on the game. The first real chance fell to away side but a great strike came back off the post to keep the scores level.  A dubious penalty was awarded just before half time to Longwood but justice was served as the resultant spot kick was blazed high over the bar.

Inchicores front pairing of John Byrne and Alan Brennan caused some problems early in the second half.  The script for Inchicore, however, read like a carbon copy of Longwoods from the first half.  John Byrne struck a post with a close range effort and then Alan Brennan blazed high over the bar from a penalty kick.  It looked highly unlikely a goal would be produced until Inchicore found themselves a man down following a red card for an off the ball incident.

Two quick goals followed  as the men from Kildare made the man advantage count.  Keifer Byrne and a raft of youngsters from the U-21s made late appearances and gave a good account of their future potential.  Keifer impressing a few on the sideline as he showed us some silky skills and a sweet left foot while working his socks off in midfield to try and bring Inchicore back into the game.

It wasn't to be though as Longwood held on to claim the win as the light began to fade at BCP.  With the mighty St Patricks only gaining a point in a dour 0-0 draw my trip to BCP was the much better option for sure.

The Big Kick Off

It was the beginning of a new season at Bernard Curtis Park as Inchicore put together a team of youth and experience in a friendly fixture against CIE Ranch.  The weather recently, and even moments before kick off, has been sunny, humid and quite hot.  However just as the first ball of the season was kicked in anger the heavens opened, drenching the local support and greasing up the pitch.

CIE threatened early but Rob Nolan, starting in goal, kept out two close range efforts.  There were ten minutes on the clock when 'The Ranch' took the lead, a second soon followed.  The greasy underfoot conditions were proving difficult for the home team to deal with and three more goals followed for CIE to effectively kill the game off as a contest.

Inchicores wall lines up for the shot

Coach Alan O'Brien made some changes at half time along with some positional swaps to try stem the flow.  The changes worked a treat as Daren Atkinson began to stamp his authority on the game from midfield.  His trickery and interplay down Inchicores left wing released Philly O'Brien, whose rasping shot tested CIEs' goalkeeper.

John O'Brien on the ball

Inchicore finally got on the scoreboard midway through the second half from the penalty spot, and when a second arrived soon after it was game on.  Philly O'Brien went close on two occassions as it looked kike a comeback from the dead could just about happen.  Inchicores young replacement goalkeeper made two good saves of his own to keep the game alive but could do nothing to stop a low shot from CIE squeezing in as the 90 minute mark approached.

Mark Doyle controls the ball

A defeat to kick off not just the season but a huge week of football in the Inchicore area.  A game away to Saint Patricks is planned for tomorrow evening followed by the return of The Inchicore Athletic 5-A-Sides where the stars of tomorrow might just be discovered.

Kick Off Is Almost Here

It hasn't been too long, has it??  Less than two months after claiming the Charlie O'Leary Cup Final Inchicore take to the field against CIE Ranch in a friendly game to kick off the 2013 - 2014 season.  This will be a must see game as CIE Ranch could be considered one of Inchicores local rivals.

This season Inchicore will field two teams in The Leinster Senior League (LSL) and an under 21 development team in The Leinster Football League (LFL).  The whole squad have been training since the beginning of the month and are eagerly awaiting some game time to put their practice to good use.    

Remembering The Past

This season saw Inchicore celebrate their 40th anniversary in style.  Alas I was not around to celebrate with them but last night I was on hand to take part in the final piece of the celebration jigsaw.  To pay tribute to the clubs immortals who won The FAI Junior Cup back in 1978 a commemerative set of footballs were presented to the players who took to the field on that historic day.


Two balls were not presented that night, however a small gathering in The Black Horse were on hand to see those last two footballs presented to two club legends.  First up was Michael Nolan who was presented the ball for his commanding performance all those years ago.  Touchingly the final ball was presented to Colchester Uniteds current head coach Joe Dunne, along with a framed photo, on behalf of his father Joe Sr who famously coached Inchicore to glory.

Seasons End

After getting their hands on some silverware for the season Inchicore had a nervy wait to see if they could also bring home the league championship aswell.  Their fate was out of their hands and unfortunately HHFC couldn't upset Yellowstone in their final game that saw Yellowstone win the league by a slender margin of two points.

So with The Charlie O'Leary Cup safely tucked away all that was left was the end of season prize giving function.  Player of the season for both first and reserve teams was decided by player vote.

In two tight contests Adam Ryan (pictured with ball) for the firsts and Ken Furey for the reserves were awarded the prizes.  Two special achievements to be proud of for the two men in Inchicores 40th year of existence.

Next year sees Inchicore make the step up from The Leinster Football League to The Leinster Senior League.  It's a huge challenge and one I'm sure the team will be well able to handle with confidence.  Also with an under 21 team coming aboard it looks like next season will be a corker.

Champions

Well it finally happened, 11 years after I last saw Inchicore hoist a trophy aloft I can now say I was there when they won The Charlie O'Leary Cup.  There has of course been some success for Inchicore in the intervening years but I had not been on hand, actually make that not in the country to enjoy their success.

Inchicore, who had not played since losing out in The Dalton Cup at Tolka Park, came up gainst HHFC for the second time in the space of a month.  HHFC were themselves coming off a crushing defeat only five days previiously against Galty Celtic in The Sheeran Cup Final which was also played at Tolka Park.

Rob Mahony with his Man of the Match award

On a sunny spring evening in the Dublin suburb of Cabra both teams took to the pitch looking to dispell the demons of their earlier cup final losses.  Inchicore still had an outside chance of winning the league but their focus was on tonights game.  Darren Hennigan showed no sign of nerves as he calmly lobbed HHFCs' goalkeeper to give Inchicore the early advantage.

Ger Marshall goes close for Inchicore

Stephen Fay went close on two occasions and two goal line clearances by a frantic HHFC defence kept the game alive.  HHFC showed they still meant business though as they went close themselves just before halftime.  Not wanting to taste the bitter pill of defeat for the second time in a cup final this season coach Alan O'Brien rallied his troops during the interval and urged them to keep going right to the full time whistle.

Ger Marshall accepts The Charlie O'Leary Cup from Charlie O'Leary

The second half was end to end drama as Inchicore continuously looked to double their advantage but HHFC always looked dangerous on the break as they refused to go away quietly.  There were a couple of heart stopping moments at the death for the Inchicore defence but they held firm until the final whistle when the joyous shouts from the travelling band of supporters could be heard all around Cabra.

Rob Mahony was awarded the Man of the Match award for a superb defensive display and then it was time for the trophy to be handed over to the victors.  Former Republic of Ireland kitman  and all round legend Charlie O'Leary, who the trophy is named after, was on hand to present the trophy to Ger Marshall who raised it high above his head as the team and supporters showed their delight.  It was then back to club sponsor Tom Kellys pub for a night of celebration for the team where the cup was filled and then duly drained by the team!!

Cancelled

I'm still gutted after the close loss in the O'Neills Cup Final twelve days ago.  There were two league games to be played before tonights Charlie O'Leary Cup Final but unfortunately both were cancelled last minute with the six points from both games handed to Inchicore.

The six points came were very welcome for Inchiocre as it sent the league down to the wire with Yellowstone Celtic needing a win to be crowned champions.  It would have been nice to have seen an Inchicore victory on the pitch as itwould have helped forget about that heartbreaking final loss to Yellowstone.

Tonight, out in Cabra, Inchicore finally get their chance to put that loss to bed against HHFC.  Both teams are out for redemption, HHFC suffered a 6-0 loss at the hands of Galty Celtic at Tolka Park last Sunday so it should make for an interesting encounter for Inchicore and their band of supporters tonight.  

Dalton Cup Heartbreak

There was an air of anticipation on the bus to Tolka Park as a band of Inchicore Athletic supporters made the short trip to Drumcondra for the Dalton Cup Final.  After suffering defeat at the hands of Romstar in last years showpiece there was a feeling amongst the faithful that this was Inchicores year.

Alan O'Brien and David McManus discuss tactics

I have to admit I was a nervous wreck as both teams made their way out onto the hallowed turf but skipper Ger Marshall looked like calmness personified as he led his troops out.  The travelling faithful made their voices heard as they roared on coach Alan O'Brien and his troops right form the kick off.  There was some good news in the team line up as Karl Cogan overcame the injury he sustained against the same opposition earlier in the week.

The first chance of a cagey affair fell to 'The Core' only for the post to come to Yellowstone's rescue.  Yellowstone then threatened with a couple of chances of their own but Robbie Nolan was showing no sign of any nerves to keep both efforts out.  The deadlock was broken on thirty minutes when a sweeping Yellowstone move from the back saw their centre forward  beat the offside trap and finish with aplomb to the joy of their supporters in the stands.

Robbie Mahony wins the header

Yellowstone defended for their lives thereafter as Inchicore poured forward for the equaliser.  John Luby had his shot blocked on the line just before halftime and a superb curling effort from Brian Atkinson had Yellowstone worried, as time ticked away, but it curled agonisingly wide.  Stephen Fay then thought he had grabbed a leveller however the referee had blown for a foul in the lead up.

Ger Marshall beats his man

Inchicore eventually ran out of time as a resolute Yellowstone defence sent them crashing to a second successive Dalton Cup Final defeat.  It's not all doom and gloom though with the team now setting their sights on some more league action before a second cup final at the end of the month.  Hopefully todays heartbreak will be well and truly behind us by the time the Charlie O'Leary Cup Final rolls around.