Supporters Club Notes

Supporters’ Club Notes (08/08/16)

TALLAGHT TALLY

Despite a goal from David O’Sullivan to even things up just before half time, we weren’t able to equalise again as Shamrock Rovers ran out 2-1 winners. So unable to add to our points tally at Tallaght, we remain rooted to the bottom with Wexford five ahead of us. Again, it was a pretty good Town performance but the hosts were that bit sharper and hungry to consolidate their fourth position in the league. That game ended the second series of games so the runway now comes into view and hopefully it’ll turn out to be a smooth landing despite all the turbulence during the long flight. Make sure your seat belts are fastened for the remainder of the flight.

WEXFORD AWAY

This Friday we travel down to Wexford in what is probably our most important tie of the season. Some are calling it a six pointer but in actual fact, it’s an eight pointer because, should the hosts win, they go eight points clear of us. Unthinkable. Should we win down there for only our second win of the season and our second in Wexford, then we’re within two points of them. The gulf between the two scenarios is frightening to put it mildly. We have been improving of late but with little real return where it really matters. Wexford were hammered at home last week end and will be all out to avenge that result. Hopefully our will and skill will see us kick start our poor season. We must believe, there’s no other option.

MONEY MATTERS

The game at home and away certainly has many faces. At home Dundalk are flying so high and taking in millions that they took their eye of the ball to allow Galway defeat them at the week end. But fair play to Stephen Kenny’s side, hopefully they can beat the Poles too. The Supporters’ Club sent a letter of congratulations to both Stephen and Vinny on behalf of us all. Meanwhile we continue to make a few euro with our Car Boot Sales and cups if tea at one euro.

FANTASY LEAGUE

Please see the website for up to date details re the Fantasy League and prizes on offer. It’s a great chance to make a few euro for the club as well as test your knowledge of the game elsewhere and win some prizes for yourself too.

CONDOLENCES

The Supporters’ Club would like to extend its sincere sympathies to the families of Seamus Flaherty and Michael Sheridan, both of whom died recently. May they rest in peace.

BIRTHDAY BOYS

All the golden oldies appear to get older whatever about more golden….birthday wishes to Kevin Cox, Liam Healion and Paddy Conway.

Supporters’ Club Notes (20/07/16)

SORE FOUR

Following a brave and spirited display against Dundalk in Oriel Park where we netted three times, hopes were reasonably high for our next away game against Derry. After all, Dundalk had put five past the Candystripes. And we also had some new signings which we hoped would shine.

But, alas it was a sad case of deja vu. Once again we were reduced to ten men and this time conceded four and failed to score at all. The reality is it could have been worse as they failed one of their penalties.

It was a long trip up to Derry but it felt longer on the return leg.

SLIGO AT HOME

This week end, more supporters will have the opportunity to see our new signings, who hopefully, will shine this time out. If we could just get two wins, we could get into the play off position , when anything is possible. So if we can reproduce the form we displayed in Oriel Park, then surely this N4 derby could see us kick start our season. And now is the time we really need to see more support out in the City Calling Stadium. These are surely testing times and it’s now we could do with your support.

CAR BOOT SALE

Don’t forget, our next car boot sale is on the August Bank Holiday Monday, from very early till 3pm. People from all over Ireland travel to buy and sell so don’t miss this incredible opportunity right at your own doorstep. If you’re in a position to lend a helping hand, it’d be greatly appreciated. Give Liam a shout on 087 614 1926.

FAMOUS SEAMUS

Seamus Leavy is set to be become more famous when he picks up his crate of award winning St Mel’s Brewing Co. crate of beer before the game against Sligo Rovers. Seemingly he has already arranged extra security for the event. Sponsored by the Supporters’ Club, Seamus was picked by an international jury to be the winner in a caption competition. Hopefully, the international juror will be flying in to Knock to make the presentation. No expenses spared!

OTHER SIGNS

We know our sign saga is boring to many people but it’s equally frustrating to some others. Anyway, on the trip to the north west, a keen eye was kept on the road sides to compare and contrast with the set up in Longford. Between Derry and Longford, we pass through Leitrim, Roscommon, Sligo and Donegal. The contrast couldn’t have been more stark. To put it in a nutshell, it appears that there’s a mini industry making road side signs to advertise anything from agricultural shows to lavender fields and a host of services in between. If anything, these signs show that a community is active and thriving. Alas, Longford’s officialdom has a different outlook.

Supporters’ Club Notes (11/07/16)

ORIEL HEARTBREAK

After playing their hearts out against runaway league leaders, Dundalk, the team had nothing but heartbreak to show for their efforts. It was just an other example of how cruel sport can be. Unfortunately, we have more than our fair share of these examples this season. We haven’t been prolific in front of goal all season, yet we go up there and score three times, coming from behind. Dundalk haven’t conceded three in a very long time. And it was the very bottom playing the very top. You’d think three goals away would have meant at least a point. But no. The hosts scored a late, late winner to smash the hearts of the handful of supporters who made the long journey to the north east. Many Dundalk supporters were loud in their praise of our great effort and offered much sympathy. But, as we all know, sympathy won’t help us survive but at least it was good to celebrate three goals, a feeling felt too seldom this year. But, maybe, just maybe, this is the spark that may reignite the season. We must believe and we must support.

DERRY AWAY

We’re on the highways and byways again this Friday, July 15th when we head to the north west to face Derry City. It’s been a long, long time since we licked the Candystripes at home. But we know that every single game is vital and hopefully we can reproduce our performance from last week which netted us three goals. Safe travelling to all our supporters and don’t forget your sterling.

SUMMER CAMPS

The summer camps have been a huge success so far this season at the City Calling Stadium. The next LTFC summer camp will be from July 18th-22nd, contact 087 151 4859 as soon as possible. August 1st-5th will be the next FAI summer camp. Great coaching, great fun and great craic. We can do nothing about the weather though.

GREAT CRATE WINNER

Heartiest congratulations to wordsmith Seamus Leavy on his winning caption which won him a crate of award winning St Mel’s Brewing Co craft beer. “Whether brewing up perfection or taking the Cup home, it’s always more fulfilling when we celebrate our own” was his winning and poetic entry. Famous Seamus will be presented with his great crate of great craft beer at the game against Sligo Rovers. The party will be afterwards at his place!!

EURO LESSONS

Now that Portugal are the champions of Europe, it might be a chance to reflect on any lessons. Portugal won without Ronaldo playing for most of the final, which surely points to the passion and commitment of the entire squad. They played to their strengths and got the absolute maximum out of their abilities. Iceland, Wales, Albania, Northern Ireland and ourselves did something similar.

The incredible, positive influence of supporters can never be underestimated. Our supporters can sing better than most but not at home or in church. And finally, surely one of the quotes of the tournament must go to Switzerland’s Xherdan Shaqiri “I hope Puma doesn’t produce condoms” when referring to his team’s shirts disintegrating during their game against France.

THOSE SIGNS

The Council have returned our signs but won’t allow us to erect them. Yet, some other signage remained in place on approach roads to the town advertising anything from pigs on a spit to star piano players. And still on a musical note, surely the most distracting (and expensive) road side addition is that fiddle on the new bypass.

CAR BOOT SALE

Some more volunteers are needed for our fund raising Car Boot Sale on the August Bank Holiday Monday. Give Liam a shout on 087 614 1926 but not all at the same time, please.