Supporters Club Notes

Supporters’ Club Notes (01-05-16)

FIGHTING SPIRIT

The trip to the west last Friday evening was for those who always maintain that the glass is half full. But even the most optimist had their resolve truly tested when Galway went ahead within two minutes of the kick off. When the westerners doubled their lead after 30 minutes, a few die hard Town followers were examining their sanity, let alone their optimism. It certainly looked like there was more than the setting sun going down in Galway Bay.

But then there was a second half that will live long in the memory of come backs and fighting spirit. Man of the match, Josh O’Hanlon found the back of the net with a sweet header on the hour mark which seemed to stun the hosts. Nine minutes later the stunned Galway were sickened when the same player struck the post, which in turn struck their keeper and eventually crossed the line for the most unlikely of equalisers. Suddenly the glass was half full again and a 2-2 draw was enough to send the Town supporters home as happy as if they had won.

Elsewhere Sligo won and there was a draw between Finn Harps and Wexford Youths which means we remain at the bottom of the table. But it didn’t feel that way as the fighting spirit (and a little luck) lifted hearts and made the start to the bank holiday week end just a little bit sweeter.

Supporters’ Club Notes (24/04/16)

POINTS GO WEST

One well known Town supporter walked into a bar in Sligo on Saturday evening and asked for a pint and three points. I suppose a 50% per cent return wasn’t exactly the best return. There was fair scattering of Town supporters who made the relatively short trip up the N4 to the Showgrounds. Hopes were fairly high as Sligo, like ourselves, were languishing at the wrong end of the table and had so far failed to win a game. But by half time the writing was on the wall and it didn’t make for pleasant reading. Like forming a government at the moment, there seems to be more questions than solutions.

Supporters’ Club Notes (18/05/16)

VALUABLE POINT

If Derry City arrived to City Calling Stadium expecting a fairly easy three points, they left mightily disappointed. De Town produced a vastly improved performance to record a well merited 1-1 draw. Most home supporters would have taken a share of the spoils at 7.30 and a move up a few places. All in all it was a satisfactory night’s work, with Davy O’Sullivan heading us in front in the first half. Paul Skinner also had an excellent game between the posts and apart from his vital penalty save, also made a couple of other fine saves too. Their goal, a rasper came from a throw where they were given just a little too much time and space.

From the kick off, De Town really got stuck in which in turn animated the appreciative crowd in the stand. There was a buzz in the Clubhouse at half time simply due to the fact that the team were really giving their all. Overall, it was heart warming display on a cold night. The new scoreboard’s clock may not have been working but at least the Luigi sign is now in its proper place. Progress signs?

SLIGO AWAY

On Saturday night, 23th April we head up the N4 to face Sligo Rovers. Sligo also are having a slow start but they had an impressive display against Dundalk up in Oriel, going down to a penalty. But if we show the same industry and commitment, we can surely get something out of the bit o’ red. There’s a drinks billboard now at the City Calling Stadium car park with a tag line Dream Big, so why not! Here’s to three points.

BUS TO SLIGO

If you’re interested in travelling by bus to Sligo for the game, text Kieran on 083 167 0304 as soon as possible. There are family and child rates available. Text him only please, he wants to keep his job.

BEST WISHES

The Supporters’ Club would like to send get well wishes to Town supporter and former player, Mel Devlin who has been in hospital recently. Knowing Mel, his fighting spirit and upbeat attitude will see him home and fighting fit very soon. And on the subject of hospitals, it’s great to see Seamus Kiernan out and about and smiling again.

DIGGER APPROVAL

Last week, a gentleman, low in stature and wearing glasses was checking out the new pitches alongside the main pitch. At first his walk seemed familiar but it wasn’t until he removed the specs and starting talking that the man’s identity became clear. It was none other than Digger O’Brien, our former keeper, a legend in his right. He had been down on official business at Abbot and had just called out to have a look at where he staked his claim as one of our most famous keepers…and that’s in a long line of outstanding net minders. Anyway, he was most impressed with the ground’s progress since he left and getting approval from Digger never came easily. So, we must be doing doing something right.

CAR BOOT SALE

Don’t forget our Car Boot Sale which will take place on the May bank holiday Monday from very early till 3pm at the City Calling Stadium. Volunteers are always most welcome.

Supporters’ Club Notes (11/04/15)

DUNDALK TOPS

With Derry City going top of the table on Friday night, Dundalk were determined to regain top spot by beating us. Their large travelling support showed illustrated their intent and when one Louth fan joked that they intended to better Cork’s result against us, a long night loomed. Lady Luck has certainly deserted us of late and with Mulhall failing a pre match fitness test along with an early penalty, the signs were bad. At least the visitors didn’t better Cork City’s score against us but a four nil defeat is an other tough result. Despite awful weather conditions nationally, the pitch was in good order and groundsman Seamus Murray was even hard at work during the match erecting a Luigi’s sign under the ever changing score board.

DERRY CITY AT HOME

This Saturday night we welcome Derry City to the City Calling Stadium with a 7.30 kick off. The last time Derry visited we slotted four past them before we took the foot off the gas and they scored twice to leave us with a 4-2 win. Things have changed slightly since then with Derry now flying high and snapping at Dundalk’s heels. In other words, Saturday night’s game is going to be an other serious challenge for the home side. Apart from some luck coming our way, we really need more local support getting behind the team. It’s now when the struggle is toughest that we need the extra support. Well, can we count on you?

CARLOW

It’s seldom we can write that headline when writing about De Town. But last Monday night our match against Wexford was rescheduled to Carlow IT which was probably the first time ever two sides from the top division played in a town once known for its sugar factory. Unfortunately the result wasn’t too sweet for De Town who went down 2-1 after added time. There were less than 100 spectators at the College grounds but those who were present were impressed with the sporting facilities down there. They have a rugby pitch with covered shelter but it a plastic tape was our only protection. The toilets were a bit distant too. Present at the unusual setting were Padraig Connolly and Hugh Dolan both Keon Tce., Longford exiles but now representing the Supporters Club in Dublin and Carlow.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Mark Rossiter was the delighted recipient of the player of the month award for March. Tom Mc Guinness made the presentation to Mark before the game on Saturday night last.

CLUBHOUSE NEWS

This season’s new membership cards were available in the Clubhouse last Saturday night. Anyone who didn’t receive their new slim line 2016 edition can pick then up this Saturday night. We certainly could do with some more joining us, envelopes will be available in the Clubhouse before the Derry game. You’ll have noticed from the last match programme that many of the players are now sponsored by our members. This list will be added to in this week’s programme. Fair play to Avril Gilchrist who organised the Gaels Utd girls U11 team as mascots and players at half time. It’s great to see this happen again and was sorely missed for too long. And finally, you may have noticed that after 14 years, the price of the cup of the tea has finally caught up with prices in every other club.

BEST WISHES

The Supporters’ Club would like to extend a speedy recovery to Seamus Kiernan who was hospitalised in Tullamore recently. Hopefully, we’ll see him back in action and in uniform at the CCS as soon as possible.