Supporters Club Notes

Supporters’ Club Notes (4/7/16)

JOYLESS AGAIN

The pitch and the evening were perfect. That, alas was as good as it got. Within two minutes of kick off we were one down. Despite plenty of possession, we once again failed to make any impact where it counts most. A few people thought the introduction of Don Cowan might made some difference but when he was red carded for a rash challenge, that ended that spark of optimism. To add to the joyless occasion, our visitors on Saturday night were a very poor mediocre outfit and their travelling support was way short of what they brought last year. When word filtered through that Bray had scored three and grabbed three precious points, well, was it any wonder the small group of hard core supporters left the CCS in a sullen, solemn, sombre mood. Hard times.

DOUBLE PRESENTATION

Congratulations to Philip Gannon and Conor Powell who were the May and June winners of the player of the month awards. Both lads were presented with their trophies by Raymond Grehan and Phil Pike before the kick off on Saturday night last.

WIN A CRATE OF BEER

Yes, you read that correctly. You can win a crate of St Mel’s Brewing Company award winning craft beer by simply finishing a simple slogan. For all details, just click on the club’s Facebook page. The presentation of the crate of beer will be made at the next home game which will be against Sligo Rovers, so you’ve plenty of time. Once again, a huge and sincere thank you to the lads in St Mel’s Brewing Company, Eoin and Liam, for sponsoring last week ends game as well as sponsoring Kevin O’Connor.

CAR BOOT SALE

With a rainy July already here, some people are already planning for our next Car Boot Sale. The date is Monday, August 1st which will be our second last of the season. Many have e mailed wondering about how to get a stall. Well, it’s easy enough. The CCS car park will be open around dawn and all you have to do is turn up after that, whenever suits. It’s amazing how many stall holders are already ready to set up as the first rays of sunlight rise from the east. But, don’t worry, you don’t have to be that early. The car boot sale goes on right up to 3pm, so anytime in between is good but, certainly the earlier the better. It’s only ten euro for a car and more for a bigger vehicle and rest assured, some friendly, hard working Supporters’ Club member will come around to collect the small entry fee.

WELCOME VISITORS

Stonepark FC U 11s had visitors from Sale FC, Manchester at the game on Saturday night and by all accounts, a great night was had by all. It was a busy week end for the Stonepark FC mentors as they held a week end Tournament over the week end. The final was played on Sunday and featured the hosts against their high profile visitors. The game was played in a very sporting fashion and despite the visitors having some incredibly talented players, the game ended 2-2 at full time with Sale eventually getting a winner in added time. Well done to all the players and mentors and no doubt, we’ll be seeing a few of the youngsters graduating to greater heights in the not too distant future.

NEXT UP

De Town face a daunting trip to Oriel Park, Dundalk this Tuesday,July 5th for a 7.45pm kick off. Dundalk trounced Derry City 5-0 in the Brandywell to stretch their lead at the top of the table to six points. Our run in has been slightly different. After Dundalk, July 15th sees us travel north to take on Derry City. Maybe by then, we’ll have added to our squad.

NUMBER TEN

Josh O’Hanlon’s short term contract with the club has expired as he heads back across the Irish Sea. His number 10 shirt will now be passed on to Cody Mulhall.

CONGRATS

The Supporters’ Club would like to send congratulations to Peter Nevin and Orla Thompson who got engaged recently. We wish you both many, long and happy years together shouting for De Town!

Supporters’ Club Notes (20-06-16)

HARPS HERE ON FRIDAY

We play Finn Harps this Friday with a 8pm kick off. Please note change of date and time, even though some national papers have the game down for the next night. It was re scheduled in case the Republic of Ireland team qualified for the last 16 in the Euros.

So, it’s certainly back to the bread and margarine following the baguettes and champagne of the Euros as we face Finn Harps. Just before the break the Harps hammered near neighbours, Sligo Rovers 3-0 and of course beat us too in our first game up in Finn Park. Our friendly against Cabinteely was called off as, seemingly the opposition couldn’t field a team. Hopefully though, we’ll have a few bodies rested and raring to go for the second half of the season.

That we need to improve is an understatement and that we need more local support is also an understatement. But if we could could win both our next game which are at home, then the second half of the season takes on a whole new and optimistic look.. See you there.

ST MEL’S BREWING CO.

The Supporters’ Club, following some pleasant discussions with St Mel’s Brewing Co. Ltd have just secured a welcome deal with the local brewers. Not alone have they decided to sponsor Kevin O Connor (and a case of St Mel’s brew when he scores) but they’re also sponsoring next week’s game against Bohemians. Full credit to local men Eoin Tynan and Liam Hanlon of St Mel’s Brewing Co. for their valued support for De Town.

The Supporters’ Club will be running a competition on the club’s Facebook page in conjunction with our local craft beer company with a crate of beer for the winners. Well worth checking out.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

The presentation of the Player of the month award for May to Philip Gannon will be made before the game on Friday night. Even though, June will be a short month from a games point of view, we will also be having a June winner and that presentation will be made the following month.

CONGRATS

Congratulations are in order for the hard working supporter Liam Healion on his recent golfing success. If only Shane Lowry had contacted Liam for some last minute tips, we could have had some international sporting success at the week end.

STEP DOWN

Former Town manager Alan Mathews has stepped down as manager of our near neighbours Athlone Town and who could blame him. Very often, like in life, you don’t get what you deserve. If Alan could pen a book about his managerial experiences, it’d make for fascinating reading.

WELCOME HOME

Welcome home to our legions of supporters who travelled all over France supporting the Green Army. Many photos appeared on social media and one group even managed the front page of the Leader but will we ever hear the full stories behind the travels?

Supporters’ Club Notes (6/6/16)

SEASIDE STALEMATE

Both struggling clubs really wanted all three points from this bottom of the table match but De Town and Bray had to be content with a point each. Tony Cousins was probably the happier of the two managers at full time, since his side were again reduced to ten men after just about an hour. This time Kerry ref, Kevin O’Regan flashed red at Jamie Mulhall. In fairness, Paul Skinner brought off a number of saves to ensure we got a point . Towards the end of the game, Davy O’Sullivan thought he had done enough to nab three points but their keeper Cherrie made a super save to ensure a seaside stalemate.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH / MAY

Congratulations to Philip Gannon on being nominated May’s player of the month. There were discussions about extending May into one game in June and adding our last June game into July, but the maths simply confused our nomination panel, so the award for June will be based on a shorter match sequence. Philip will be presented with his merited trophy before the home game against Finn Harps at the end of the month.

WELCOME BREAK

As a number of locals brush up on their French language skills and the price of wine or beer in anticipation of a long stay in France for the Euros, De Town take a much needed break. Sitting at the bottom of the table isn’t too comfortable and it’s not easy to see what we can do some to start climbing out of the danger zone. But something has to happen, otherwise we’re back down in the dreaded First Division.

BON VOYAGE

The Supporters’ Club would like to wish the very best of luck to Charlene, Farnagh who recently emigrated to Australia. Charlene was a loyal and true Town supporter and it’s really difficult to see so many of our young and talented people leave the area as they seek out a better future for themselves. Charlene may be many, many miles away from the CCS but she was texting home recently to catch up on the latest scores and our league situation. The very best of luck Charlene and hopefully we’ll see you back home in the not too distant future.

SOME FINE MESS

Our near neighbours and oft times rivals are currently in a spot of financial bother. Last weekend they weren’t able to field a team to play Waterford (who are also struggling financially). But the reaction of the league director Fran Gavin wasn’t too helpful. He commented that Athlone were bringing the game into disrepute and that their action was totally unacceptable. The league is supposed to be a soccer family. So what happens when a member gets into trouble? Kick them when they’re down ? Despite Athlone having no money, the league will probably fine them.

CAR BOOT SALE

Well done once again to Liam Healion and his mighty team of volunteers who organised yet an other successful Car Boot Sale. Our next one will be the August Bank Holiday Monday when once again, the weather will be perfect and once again we’re asking for volunteers to help out our present overworked gang.

YOUNG GUNS

At our last home game against Cork City, we had an excellent group of youngsters playing a game at half time. By all accounts, these same youngsters have a very bright future in the game. Inny FC under the expert guidance of Richie Fagan and Brendan O’Callaghan entered the Longford Schoolboy League for the first time this season and finished their season without defeat. At any level, this would be deemed an incredible feat. So well done to all the players and mentors who play the game with dash, flair and lots of good fun.

FRUSTRATING SIGNS

Seemingly the NRA have complained to the local council about our signs along the national road net works. And then the local council complain to us. We’re trying to promote our games and also our town. It’s frustrating then when you drive across the county border and within five miles see huge flashing signs advertising sheep shearing and later on, red and black signs promoting horse racing.

TESTING TIMES

Good luck to all our young supporters who are facing the dreaded Leaving and Junior cert exams around now. At least they won’t have to worry about getting to De Town games for the next couple of week ends and so will have oodles of time to study and revise.