Tag: supporters club notes

Supporters’ Club Notes (13/03/2018)

Sun May 13th 2018

SUCCESS ON THE ROAD

The 2-0 success away to Wexford at the week end rounded off a pretty successful period of travelling the highways and byways of Ireland. The EA SPORTS Cup loss to Cobh was merely a speed bump on a series of long trips. It was league points that we really needed and we couldn’t have done better than six out of six. Jamie Hollywood and Chris Mulhall‘s haul down in Wexford were vital so that we could keep in touch with the teams ahead of us in what is turning out to be a real case of Close Encounters.

SHELS AT HOME

The visit of Shelbourne this Saturday night is a huge game for us. Every Town supporter at the first game of the season between the two clubs, firmly believed we should have had all three precious points, being the better side. A certain former Town player is keeping them ticking over this season with his growing goal tally. His appearance back in the City Calling Stadium will be interesting – to put it mildly. As things stand, we’re a single point behind the Tolka Park outfit. Sitting in 6th place isn’t what anyone expected before the season kicked off, so Saturday night will be the perfect time to kick start our season with a much needed home win. It’s going to be another tense affair. But if we can eliminate giving away silly goals and increase our already growing home support base, then a leap frog could be on the cards. We need to see you there on Saturday night.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

The award for Player of the Month for April will be presented before the game on Saturday night. Aodh Dervin, who is currently injured will be the recipient with Phil Pike, of the Supporters’ Club making the presentation. The presentation is made as the players come off the pitch following their warm up.

HUGE THANKS

The May Bank Holiday Car Boot Sale was simply massive. There were so many people wanting space for stands that we had to turn away plenty of stall holders. Incredibly, by 8.30am the traffic was parked right back to the Westside Cafe. Seasoned car boot attendees maintained that it was the largest crowd ever – and that’s saying something.

A huge thank you to all who supported the event but most especially the group of volunteers who were on duty for long hours on what’s free time for most. Our next one is the June Bank Holiday Monday and remember, the show kicks off at 4am and not 10am.

THAT SONG

Singer/song writer supreme Ultan Conlon was passing the City Calling Stadium on Sunday and simply had to stop to take a photo. Straight away it was gaining likes and comments on his social media platforms including some from here. And why, what’s the connection? The Measure of You is his latest chart topping hit single and includes Longford Town in the lyrics. If you haven’t already done so, just Google or YouTube him. Guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

MEDIA MATTERS

The standard of communication on social media has soared so far this season. No sooner had we gone ahead against Wexford than the goal was posted as a video on the website. Minutes later it was followed by some excellent still photos from a local Wexford photographer. The days and nights of depending on our national broadcasting service have truly passed. But Padraig Stapleton, James Donnelly and Kieran Burke have played a blinder since being sprung from the social media bench.

Supporters’ Club Notes (15/04/2018)

Sun Apr 15th 2018

UNLUCKY FRIDAY 13TH

A one all draw away to the then league leaders, Drogheda United, sounds like a decent night’s work. But, we deserved all three points and were more than equal to anything the Drogs had to offer. Their goal was scored in the 5th minute of added time and with the second last kick of the game. It was the second time we’ve been kicked in the teeth with a last minute goal conceded. The other sickener was also away, in the game against Shelbourne.

Driving up twisty roads to United Park across country, many would have settled for a share of the spoils. Driving home and the talk was that we deserved a win. We played some superb football and our goal by Dean Byrne is surely an early contender for Goal of the Season. Following some excellent work by Chambers, Dean let fly from all of 25 yards giving Skinner no chance. We had plenty of resolute defending to do for the next 32 minutes and then the ref added a nail biting five minutes. But, like in life, you don’t always get what you deserve and Friday night was just an other cruel example.

However, there was much to take from the game. Once again, we played some very attractive , ground football and the travelling support can have no complaints on that front. Also, each week, we’re clearly demonstrating that we’re as good as any team in the league. Apart from maybe, Athlone, each team can cause an upset. So far the league is turning out to the tightest ever and sitting in 4th, we’re well positioned. Shels are just one point ahead of us, with Drogheda a single point further up. UCD sit on top with 14 points and hopefully they won’t be adding to that tally this weekend.

But in summary, it was certainly a case of unlucky Friday 13th for us. Not that we’re superstitious or anything like that but fingers crossed for Saturday night.

UCD AT HOME

This Saturday night, we host current league leaders UCD to the City Calling Stadium. Kick off is at 7.30pm as usual. UCD are obviously doing very well with a young, talented well drilled outfit. But then again, the same could be said about ourselves. It’s a huge opportunity for us to beat the current high flying students. We’re unbeaten at home and we are playing with a lot of verve and confidence. UCD are known for bring the smallest band of supporters in the league and on Saturday night, they’ll probably have their usual car load. While being an opportunity for the team to shine brightly, it’s also a great chance for the local sporting followers to come out and support our own.

Judging by the amount of empty seats at a certain cross channel game on Sunday last, we know that some supporters can be a fickle lot. We like to think that we have a solid support but we’d love to see some more enjoy the City Calling and real,live football. See it, sense it, support it….De Town!!

 

UNITED FACILITIES

Drogheda were relegated last season which means that their facilities had to have been top class. The only thing top class about United Park on Friday night last, was their prices. Twenty euro for their stand and fifteen to stand in a bleak away section. Even for OAPs, they charged a hefty twelve euro. They obviously forgot that they’re supposed to drop prices when they drop a league. Their floodlights, (installed late) are excellent but then they were paid for by the FAI. They did provide a chipper but their toilets left a lot to be desired. An awful lot.

CAR BOOT SALE

By now, you’re aware that our next car boot sale is on the May Bank Holiday Monday. But you may not be aware that we’ll be short some important personnel due to some May nuptials in Poland. All of which means, we could do with some more volunteers for the May Bank Holiday Car Boot sale. Give Liam Healion a shout if you can help out in any way.

SCORE BOARD

Despite our splendid facilities in the City Calling Stadium, we are lacking in one very important area – a scoreboard. We had a good working facility for years but it became sick, tired and weary and eventually headed to the great scoreboard in the skies. Everyone, home and away supporters , agree that we need an upgrade. The site is there ready to go, the technology is well tested. The only thing missing is the little question of money. So if you have a (good) few euro to throw our way, contact Johnny Nevin in the Clubhouse and he’ll provide all the details. It’s a chance to see your name in lights!

LONGFORD TOWN/ULTAN CONLON

This is a bit of a diversion. But did you know that The Measure, a lovely, catchy song by Ultan Conlon tops the RTE Airplay charts at the moment. So why is this appearing in these notes ? Well in the middle of his delightful song, Ultan mentions Longford Town. Now, how many chart topping songs do that ? The actual lines go something like this: “Paul came down from Longford Town, Threw his weight around with the in crowd and he made some noise – scared off all the good guys, Give us something to play for now that the city has lost of all of its light”.

Could he be referring to Paul Hunt heading back down to Cobh and leaving the City Calling Stadium in the dark? If you haven’t heard it yet, try YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHaYnyz_4jQ

AND FINALLY

Our first and final message is that we’d love to see you this Saturday night supporting De Town. The weather is promised to be balmy so you’ve no excuses. See you later!


Supporters’ Club Notes (08/08/2018)

Sun Apr 8th 2018

FLATTERED

The final score read 3-0 to De Town against Cabinteely in our game played last Saturday night. It looks good on paper and it secured us all three valuable points. However,being brutally honest, we were flattered by that final scoreline. We were fortunate throughout the game. Fortunate to have gone ahead early in the game with an og. Fortunate that our visitors missed golden goal opportunities. But the scoreline doesn’t lie and two late , excellent goals certainly added some gloss to a sometimes lacklustre performance.

We were fortunate too that the rain held off until the very end. Heading home from the CCS as a drizzly darkness enveloped the grounds, there were plenty of positives to ponder too. Our home record of remaining unbeaten was still intact, we kept an other clean sheet and netted a couple of memorable goals. It was also encouraging to see our two local lads start the game and show their total commitment – both were rewarded with yellow cards! Three goals and three points, we may have been flattered but we’re not complaining at all.

DROGHEDA AWAY

This Friday night, April 13th we travel over to Drogheda to face the current league leaders. The Drogs sit on top of the league with 13 points, ahead of Shelbourne and UCD on goal difference. We are breathing down their necks on 11 points. Leaving the City Calling Stadium on Saturday night, one young optimistic support explained to his bemused Dad that Drogheda shouldn’t prove a problem for us. Drawing on his knowledge of recent games, he pointed out that Cabinteely beat the Drogs and we beat Cabinteely, so therefore we had to beat Drogheda! If only it was so simple. As everyone is rightly saying, it’s the tightest of tight leagues and Friday night is going to be one heck of a tough, tight encounter. Hopefully, it’ll be unlucky Friday 13th for our hosts!

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Chris Mulhall was the popular recipient of the Player of the Month trophy for March. He was presented with his trophy by Bernie McLoughlin just as the players trooped off after their warm up. Each month, the award is presented by a different paid up member of the Supporters’ Club, with a lottery determining who makes the presentation. As well as making the presentation, Bernie now has a new profile photo for her social media. If you want to have a chance of presenting next month’s winner, make sure to join the Supporters’ Club.

LETTER OF REPLY

At our AGM at the start of the season, it was decided to nominate loyal Town supporter Padraic Gearty as the person after whom the new Camlin pedestrian bridge be called. A letter outlining our position was sent to the county manager and last week a reply was received from an official on his behalf. The business of naming the bridge, they said, will be carried out by a “ naming committee”. So now you know.

CAR BOOT SALE

When Liam Healion arrived out to set up the car boot sale, last Easter Monday morning, the time was 3.10am. And would you believe it, there was a stall holder already there, waiting patiently. He had travelled almost 100 miles from Co. Armagh. It was dark, wet, windy and cold but neither weather nor time seemed to deter this gentleman. By mid morning a group of young American students, part of a church community were busy cleaning up the litter along the approach road. And finally after 3pm, our own small dedicated group were out making sure the car park didn’t have even one piece of paper floating around. We have an incredible group of volunteers who can’t can’t be thanked enough but thank you again. The May Bank Holiday Monday is our next car boot sale.

BALL KIDS

We had a full turn out of our ball kids team last Saturday night. They may be young but they’re extremely professional in their approach and attitude and a credit to their mentors. As well as our excellent ball kids, we also had youngsters from Ballyboro entertain us at half time. None of this happens by waving a magic wand, so, again a big thank you to their mentors, parents and of course, Avril Gilchriest who keeps everything ticking over.

SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

De Town social media platforms are surpassing themselves so far this season. As well as regular twitter updates, we also have our LTFC website and a Facebook page for both the Club and the Supporters’ Club. At the end of each game, we post an array of photos, covering action on and off the pitch. Shortly afterwards, thanks to James Donnelly, there’s a video review of the match and some interviews with the manager and players. And then of course there’s the ground breaking podcasts from Between the Stripes by Kieran Burke and Jon Brier.

LONGFORD DUBLIN ASSOCIATION

This Saturday night sees the Longford Dublin Association hold their Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony. The venue is the Moran Red Cow Hotel, Dublin 12 and the night kicks off at 8pm. The principal organisers, who also raise funds for local charities are loyal Town supporters and if you’d like a last minute ticket, contact either Tony Gilleran or Padraic Connolly. This year Liam Fenlon, Padraig Farrell and D. Glennon are receiving awards.


Supporters’ Club Notes (01/04/2018)

Sun Apr 1st 2018

NO GOALS, ONE POINT

Galway United, according to many of their supporters and a few pundits were firm favourites for automatic promotion. Therefore, there was some trepidation ahead of our trip west to face the Tribesmen last Friday night. But after a nervy start, it was the visitors who looked the better side by far. Led by Aodh Dervin, De Town got stuck in and played some really attractive football. In truth, if we had been able to convert our chances, we’d have returned home with all three points and very happy Easter bunnies indeed. Before kick off, some home fans were talking about it being a six pointer but by the final whistle, both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils. The same Galway fans were hugely disappointed with their own performance and went as far as to say that promotion for them was already slipping from view. With their floodlights failing for a while on Friday night, maybe their pre season hype is also failing to materialise. There was a small travelling support from De Town but they were certainly heard right throughout the game and full credit to Section O for their full throated ,vocal support.

CABINTEELY AT HOME

This Saturday night, April 7th, we welcome Cabinteely to the City Calling Stadium with a 7.30pm kick off. Cabinteely shocked the socks off high flying Drogheda last Friday night, beating them 3-2. So we can’t say we haven’t been warned. So far we’ve played pretty well at home and so far remain unbeaten. To maintain this record, we need many more supporters getting out to the City Calling Stadium and to be the 12th man. Three points would be the perfect start to April which sees us face UCD and Finn Harps later in the month.

SHAMROCK ROVERS AWAY

Monday evening, April 2nd, Shamrock Rovers are our opposition at Tallaght Stadium in the EA Sports Cup, which kicks off at 7.00pm. Our hosts overcame our struggling neighbours ,Sligo Rovers 1-0 on Friday last. According to some Sligo fans en route home, Shamrock Rovers were poor enough and were there for the taking and said we could provide the shock of the round with a bit of luck. Personally, I’d prefer a win on Saturday night.

CAR BOOT SALE

At the time of writing this, our Easter car boot sale has yet to happen. But, once again, a massive thank you to the incredible volunteers who rise from their warm cosy beds before some even go to bed. The gates open at 4am and the last of the bargains happen 11 hours later. It’s a tough, long thankless job. But their superb dedication helps bring in much needed funds to keep De Town’s show on the road. Well done lads.

 

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

Although our division gets little or no media coverage nationally, the standards have soared and this season so far is the closest ever. UCD are on top with 13 points with Drogheda and a resurgent Shelbourne on 10 points. Galway are on their shoulders with 9 points while we, along with Finn Harps have 8. Cabinteely are a mere 2 points behind on 6. It really couldn’t be much closer at this early stage. The cliché says that every game is important but surely this has never been truer than the 2018 season. Every goal and every mistake matters. Be part of the real drama and follow de Town to the top!

PLAYER OF THE MONTH / MARCH

Heartiest congratulations to Chris Mulhall who is the Supporters’ Club Player of the Month for March. Bernie McLoughlin was drawn in a lottery from the paid up members of the Supporters’ Club and will make the presentation. The presentation is made in front of the stand just as the players come off after their warm up.

JOIN US

If you haven’t joined the Supporters’ Club, then there’s a chance to do so this Saturday night. All you have to do is fill out the form on the envelope and pop in €10. The envelopes are available on the counter in the Clubhouse. It couldn’t be simpler. We’d love to see you join our happy family!


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