Paddy Sheelan ACC Cup Round 1

Date: Thursday 14th February, 2007
Venue Monasterboice
Time: 8.00pm

Naomh Mairtin 2-03 Dundalk Young Irelands 0-03

We got off to a poor start in the subsidiary league against Senior team Naomh Mairtin in a game played under lights at Monasterboice on Thursday night.

A goal in each half from former Louth star, Nicky McDonnell proved thedifference between the sides, but Pat and Adrian will be more concerned withthe fact that it took them until midway through the second period to register a score.

Half-time Naomh Mairtin 1-02 Young Irelands 0-00

We only got 0-1 from play during the 60 minutes, however it is difficult to judge this game as Martins are playing in Division 1 compared to our Division 3. The one consolation would be that, with a full panel, we wouldn't be disgraced playing against teams of this level. Next weeks game against Intermediate side Geraldines will be a better indicator of where we are at.

In this game Best for the Martins were McDonnell, newcomer Brendan Reilly and Mark
Byrne while Graham Carr, Robbie Farrell and the returning Sean Watters were best for Irelands.

Dundalk Young Irelands
Craig McKenna, Shane O'Connell, Graham Carr, Gerry Hanratty, Robbie Farrell, Aaron Rogers, Simon Flynn, Gerard Nixon, Sean Watters, David Bailey, Michael Shields, Mark Savage (0-1)1f, Conor Nixon (0-2)1f, Alan Haughey, Tom Rogers.
Subs used: Andrew Nixon for Alan Haughey, Donal Duffy for Robbie Farrell, Paul McDonald for Michael Shields, Martin O'Reilly for David Bailey, Ryan Moran for Gerard Nixon.

Naomh Mairtin
Nicky McDonnell 2-0, Ollie Ginty 0-2, Damien Carroll 0-1.

Referee: John Kelleher (Clogherhead)

Paddy Sheelan Cup ACC - Group D Round 2

Date: Saturday 23rd February, 2008
Venue Pairc Eire Óg
Time: 7.30pm

Geraldines 1-09 Dundalk Young Irelands 1-04

A strong 2nd half seen Geraldine's get the better of Young Irelands in Saturday evenings floodlit Sheelan ACC Cup Group D game at Upper Marches.

The 1st half was even with a 26th minute Irelands goal from Michael Shields cancelling out an earlier 3 pointer from Geraldine's John Sands.

Half-time: Gers 1-03 Young Irelands 1-02

Irelands Mark Savage and Geraldine's Shane Thornton swapped points in the early part of the 2nd half before the Haggardstown men took control of proceedings with points from the impressive Benny Connolly, Brendan Molloy, Colin Lynch, John Sands and Emmet Duffy. Irelands only response was a solitary point late on from top scorer Mark Savage.

Best for the winners along with the aforementioned Connolly were Paudie Lynch and Shane Thornton while Donal Duffy, Aaron Rogers and Simon Flynn were Irelands best.

Dundalk Young Irelands:
Craig McKenna, Shane O'Connell, Graham Carr, Donal Duffy, Aaron Rogers, Simon Flynn, Andrew Nixon, Gerard Nixon, Tom Rogers, Michael Shields (1-0), David Bailey, Conor Nixon, Alan Haughey, Mark Savage (0-4)1f.
Subs: Robbie Farrell for Tom Rogers, Ian Campbell for Alan Haughey

Geraldines
Paul Casey, Ollie Smith, Eddie Smyth, Paddy Hoey, Benny Connolly (0-1), John Lynch (0-1), Cathal O'Brien, Paudie Lynch, Shane Thornton (0-1), Roger Lynch, Shane McKenna, John Sands (1-01), Emmet Duffy (0-2), Brendan Molloy (0-2), Colin Lynch (0-1).

Paddy Sheelan Cup ACC - Group D Round 3

Date: Sunday 2nd March, 2008
Venue Pairc Eire Óg
Time: 11.30am

Dundalk Young Irelands 2-09 Oliver Plunketts 1-12

Young Irelands and Oliver Plunketts shared the spoil in this keenly contested Sheelan ACC Cup Group D game at Upper Marches on Sunday morning.

It was the Drogheda men who opened best and they led 1-01 to 0-02 after the first quarter, their goal coming from Sean Brassil. Irelands went ahead before the end of the half with a Derek Maguire goal.

Half-time: Young Irelands 1-05 Oliver Plunketts 1-03

Plunketts opened the 2nd half with three quick points to take the lead, and with a breeze at their backs, the Drogheda lads looked to be in a comfortable position. Irelands however stayed in touch and indeed took the lead again with a fine individual goal from Peter Nixon. Plunketts piled on the pressure however with points from John Moroney, Rory Taaffe, Brian Fitzpatrick, Emmet Kelleher and Gavin Sullivan. It was left to the accurate free-taking of Derek Maguire to keep the Dundalk team in touch, scoring 6 pointed frees in total over the hour.

Best for Irelands were Derek Maguire, Sean Watters and Shane O'Connell, while Rory Taaffe, and Brian O'Neill were best for the Drogheda men.

Dundalk Young Irelands:
Craig McKenna, Shane O'Connell, Graham Carr, Ryan Moran, Robbie Farrell, Aaron Rogers, Michael Shields, Andrew Nixon, Gerard Nixon, David Bailey (0-1), Sean Watters, Mark Savage, Derek Maguire (1-07)6f, Conor Nixon (0-1)f,
Peter Nixon (1-0)
Subs: Peter Flynn for Ryan Moran, Paul McDonald for Aaron Rogers

Oliver Plunketts
Keith Martin, Brian Carrig, Trevor Walsh, Michael McDonnell, Neil Clinton, Brian O'Neill, Colin O'Hanlon, John Kermath (0-2), Emmet Kelleher (0-2)2f, Brian Fitzpatrick(0-1), John Moroney (0-1), David Campbell, Rory Taaffe (0-3), Sean Brassil (1-0), Cian Matthews (0-1)f
Subs: Gavin Sullivan 0-1 for Brian Carrig, Sean Og Walsh 0-1 for David Campbell,
Eddie Carr for John Moroney

Referee: Liam Bird (Roche)

Paddy Sheelan ACC Cup Round 4

Date: Sunday 9th March, 2008
Venue Newfoundwell
Time: 3.00pm

Newtown Blues 3-14 Dundalk Young Irelands 0-05

We got a nasty rude-a-wakening in Drogheda on Sunday afternoon suffering a heavy defeat from Newtown Blues on their home patch.

Playing with the aid of a breeze in the 1st half, Blues were quickly into their stride, and were streets ahead of Irelands in every sector. It was 1-06 to 0-00 after 15 minutes with the goal coming from John Kermode. This was extended to 1-10 before the break with our only point coming from Mark Savage. Mark was put through on goal and his chip just went over the bar when a goal was badly needed

Half-time Newtown Blues 1-10 Young Irelands 0-01

We opened the 2nd half brightly with a brace of points from Derek Maguire and a free from David Bailey. Blues steadied again and landed a few scores against the breeze before a goal from Thomas Costelloe finished the contest. Blues third goal came from the penalty spot and was neatly dispatched to the net by goalkeeper Michael Harte.

So all in all a poor day in Drogheda. Being critical, I would look at the performance rather than the result as a Div 3 side shouldn't be beating a Div 1 side in the normal run of things. However, in the last 25 minutes of the game we created barely nothing even playing with the aid of a considerable breeze…..3 shots at the target, only one of those from a forward.

A day to be forgotten….if it is any consolation, you will be lucky to see any Division 1 teams take anything from the Blues at Newfoundwell in 2008...

Dundalk Young Irelands
Craig McKenna, Shane O'Connell, Graham Carr, Gerry Hanratty, Robbie Farrell, Aaron Rogers, Ryan Moran, Andrew Nixon, Gerard Nixon, Martin O'Reilly, David Bailey, Mark Savage (0-1), Derek Maguire (0-2)1f, Conor Nixon, Sean Watters
Subs used: Paul McDonald for Martin O'Reilly (20 mins), Sean Laverty for Paul McDonald.(45)

Newtown Blues:
Michael Harte (1-0)p, Thomas Costelloe (1-2), Aidan O'Brien, Ged Kellett (0-1), Cormac Reynolds, Ray Hughes, Emmet Judge, Brian Kermode, Keith Lynch, Daniel Donovan (0-2), Brian Philips, Hugh McGinn (0-5)2f, John Kermode (1-0), Barry Sharkey (0-4), Martin Phillips.

Paddy Sheelan Cup Round 5

Date: Sunday 16th March, 2008
Venue Pairc Eire Og
Time: 11.30am

Dundalk Young Irelands 1-08 Mattock Rangers 2-13

Mattock Rangers enjoyed an eight point win over Division 3 side Young Irelands in a game played in good conditions at Pairc Eire Og on Sunday morning

Robbie Brennan goaled for the Collon men after seven minutes as they raced into a 1-05 to 0-01 lead at the end of the first quarter. Irelands hawled themselves back into the game with a Derek Maguire goal and indeed could have narrowed the gap further only for a missed penalty before the break

Half-time: Mattock 1-08 Young Irelands 1-02

1-1 from Darren Brennan in the opening minutes of the 2nd half finished the game as a contest. However Irelands to their credit battled gamely and were unlucky with a few goal attempts. Sean Watters and Mark Savage got two points each while Ryan Whyte also pointed when introduced. For Mattock, David Reid finished the game with a personal tally of 0-6.

John McCabe and David Reid were best for the winners while Sean Watters and Derek Maguire impressed most for the home side.

Dundalk Young Irelands
Barry McDermott, Donal Duffy, Ryan Moran, Gerry Hanratty, Tom Rogers Aaron Rogers, Robbie Farrell, Sean Watters (0-2), Graham Carr, David Bailey (0-1), Michael Shields, Mark Savage (0-3), Derek Maguire (1-1)1f, Andrew Nixon, Conor Nixon.
Subs used: Michael Mone for Gerry Hanratty, Ryan Whyte (0-1) for Michael Shields, Ciaran Conlon for Conor Nixon, Craig McKenna for Ryan Moran.

Mattock Rangers:
David Reid (0-6)2f, Darren Brennan (1-1), Robbie Brennan (1-0), Alan Finnegan (0-2), Mark Brennan (0-2), Garreth Duff ! (0-1), David Brennan (0-1),

Referee: Gerry Malone (Cooley)

Louth Division 3 League - Round 1

Date: Saturday 12th April, 2008
Venue Pairc Eire Óg
Time: 6.30pm

Stabannon Parnells 1-10 Dundalk Young Irelands 0-11

Stabannon Parnells got their Division 3 campaign off to a good start with a two point win at Upper Marches on Saturday morning.

This was a very keenly contested game from the outset. We led 0-6 to 0-1 after the first quarter with good points from David Bailey and Derek Maguire. However we basically fell apart from that stage on conceding 1-08 to 0-01 in the next 25 minutes. 1-1 from Stephen Gorman in the space of a minute brought Stabannon right back into the game and indeed the mid-Louth outfit went on to knock over a further five points to take a 1-07 to 0-06 lead coming up to half-time. Shane Sweeney and Aongus Giggins got a brace each with Gorman also bringing his tally for the day to 1-02. Stabannon were really dominant at this stage with our only response being a Michael Shields point on the stroke of half-time.

Half-time: Stabannon 1-07 Young Irelands 0-07

The visitors again opened the 2nd half brightly, adding a further two points from John McConnon and Giggins to establish a commanding 1-09 to 0-07 lead. Conor Nixon pulled back a point on 38 minutes but with the game slipping away, it was a further 12 minutes before our next point from Michael Shields. Giggins immediately extended the cushion to four points again and we were left chasing the game late on. Michael Shields and Peter Nixon scored points but the goal we required never came, allowing Stabannon to hold out for a deserved, but hard earned win.

For the winners, Colin Quinn was their top-man with good assistance from Peter Shearman, Martin King and Stephen Gorman. Irelands best were Simon Flynn, Aaron Rogers and Michael Shields.

So a disappointing start to the league. Stabannon were a decent outfit and will be in contention. For Irelands, from the high of winning the JFC in 2007, there now appears to be a lot of problems, most notable being the discipline problems, on and off the field. Next match is away to Westerns on Sunday 27th April at 3pm

Dundalk Young Irelands:
Barry McDermott, Shane O'Connell, Simon Flynn, Gerry Hanratty, Robbie Farrell, Aaron Rogers, Donal Duffy, Graham Carr, Peter Nixon (0-01)f, David Bailey (0-03)2f, Michael Shields (0-04), Sean Watters, Derek Maguire (0-01), Mark Savage, Andrew Nixon (0-01).
Subs: Conor Nixon for Peter Nixon, Peter Nixon for Conor Nixon, Craig McKenna for Barry McDermott, Conor Nixon (0-1) for Derek Maguire, Derek Maguire for David Bailey.

Stabannon Parnells
Joe McGrath, Eanna McCartney, Padraig Lynch, Cathal Halpenny, Peter Shearman, Martin King (0-01), Bernard Lynch, Colin Quinn, Cathal Sweeney, Stephen Gorman (1-02), Joe McConnon (0-01), Gavin Kearney, James Lynch, Shane Sweeney (0-2)1f, Aongus Giggins (0-04)
Subs: Seamus Lynch for Cathal Sweeney

Referee: Seamus Thornton (Cooley)

Louth Division 3 League - Round 3

Date: Sunday 27th April, 2008
Venue Reaghstown
Time: 11.00am

Westerns 0-11 Dundalk Young Irelands 2-13

We got our first brace of points in the League with this comprehensive win over Westerns on Sunday morning. The win also gives us the perfect tonic in the run up to the Intermediate Championship opener against Clans on Friday next 2nd May in Dowdallshill, throw-in 6.30pm

Derek Maguire scored a goal in the first half to give us a cushion at half-time

Half-time Young Irelands 1-08 Westerns 0-05

In the 2nd half, Westerns had a man sent off in the 12th minute while a second Young Irelands goal from Mark Savage sealed the win.

Best for the DYI was Gerry Hanratty, Aaron Rogers, Mark Savage, Derek Maguire and Andrew Nixon.

Dundalk Young Irelands
Kevin Keelan, Shane O Connell, Simon Flynn, Gerry Hanratty, Sean Laverty, Aaron Rogers, Donal Duffy, Peter Nixon, Graham Carr 0-02, Mark Savage 1-01, Michael Shields 0-01, Sean Watters 0-02(2f), Derek Maguire 1-05(5f), David Bailey 0-02, Andrew Nixon
Subs used: Conor Nixon for Michael Shields (45)
Wides: 1 in first half, 2 in second half

Westerns: scored 0-06 from play and 0-5 from frees.

Referee: Malachy Craven (Na Piarsaigh)

Louth Division 3 League - Round 5

Date: Sunday 11th May, 2008
Venue Cusack Park, Tullyallen
Time: 11.30am

Glen Emmets 0-15 Dundalk Young Irelands 4-08

Two goals in either half laid the foundation for our victory away to Glen Emmets on Sunday morning.

On a lovely morning for football, we got off to a great start and lead 2-04 to 0-01 after only 11 minutes. Following 2 opening pointed frees from Derek Maguire, Mark Savage got our first goal on 5 minutes. Two minutes later Sean Watters played a delightful ball to leave Derek Maguire in the clear and he slotted to the net to give us a good lead. Sean Watters and Mark Savage added points.

After the great start, we sat back on our laurels and stopped moving the ball forward quickly. This led to a number of players being dispossessed resulting in the Glen Emmets scoring nine unanswered points before the break. How long is it going to take for the message to sink in that our major strength is moving the ball forward quickly to our forwards, particularly Derek Maguire and Mark Savage who need first time ball to use their pace.

A David Bailey pointed free was the last score before half-time.

Half-time Young Irelands 2-05 Glen Emmets 0-10

Westerns opened the 2nd half with a point from Eamon Taaffe to level the game. Derek Maguire put us back in front with a pointed free before we again hit a purple patch. Mark Savage got his second goal before Sean Watters finished to the net to give us a 6 point cushion. Emmets sub Martin Morgan pulled back a few points but it was too late as we held on to win by five

DYI had good performers in Simon Flynn, Mark Savage, Alan Haughey and Derek Maguire while Keith Lynch and Mark Noone were best for Glen Emmets

Dundalk Young Irelands
Craig McKenna, Donal Duffy, Simon Flynn, Gerry Hanratty, Peter Flynn, Aaron Rogers, Sean Laverty, Andrew Nixon, Gerard Nixon, Michael Shields, Alan Haughey, Mark Savage (2-01), David Bailey (0-01)f, Sean Watters (1-01), Derek Maguire (1-05)4f,
Subs used: Ryan Moran for Donal Duffy (21), Conor Nixon for David Bailey (40), Martin O'Reilly for Michael Shields (59)
Wides: 3 in first half, 5 in second half

Glen Emmets:
Fergus Barnett, Colin Carolan, Gordan Healy, Aidan Monahan, Danny Whyte, Stephen Healy (0-1), Alan Whyte, Keith Lynch (0-1), Jason Finnegan, David Bracken (0-1), Eamon Mullen (0-1), Eamon Taaffe (0-2), Mark Noone (0-4)1f, Joey Carolan (0-2), Keith Farnon (0-1).
Subs used: Dean Byrne for Alan Whyte, Martin Morgan (0-2) for Joey Carolan, Stephen Murphy for Danny Whyte, Anthony Murray for Jason Finnegan, Keith Rooney for Keith Farnon.

Referee: T Mulholland

Louth Intermediate Football Championship Round 2

Date: Thursday 15th May, 2008
Venue Ramparts
Time: 7.30pm

Roche Emmets 1-12 Dundalk Young Irelands 0-11

It was what could have been for Young Irelands !! We lost our second game of the IFC to Roche by 4 points however that does not tell the whole story of the game. This was a great performance by our team and with any sort of luck, we could have come away from the Ramparts with a victory. After a great battling performance by Irelands, the game was at a knife edge in the closing 10 minutes with a point between the teams and a goal was always going to win it. Roche keeper Aidan McCoy had already made two point blank saves to deny Irelands. Then in the closing minutes it was Roche who got the vital score when Joe Bishop netted and there was no coming back from that.

It was nip and tuck in the first half. The sides were level 0-3 each after 10 minutes. Derek Maguire opened the scoring in the first minute and after two points for Roche, Andrew Nixon scored a good point to level. Martin Craven put Roche back in front before Mark Savage levelled again. Roche had a good spell half way through the opening period with points from Paudie Callaghan and two from Barry O'Hare. Two pointed frees from Derek Maguire before the break brought it back to a one point game.

Half-time Roche 0-06 Young Irelands 0-05

In the 2nd half, we opened brightly with a further brace of points from Maguire and this was the time we needed to take hold of the game and push on. Roche however moved Darren McConnon from full-forward to midfield and he made a big difference winning kick-outs. Barry O'Hare scored four points in succession, 2 from frees, and his accuracy along with McConnons midfield display was the saving grace for Roche.

Roche were 0-10 to 0-07 ahead going into the final quarter but we never gave up with Robbie Farrell, Ryan Moran, Peter Flynn and Gerry Hanratty doing great in defence. Derek Maguire scored three pointed frees to Roches one point from Daniel O'Connell. There was 59 minutes on the clock when Bishop collected a rebound of Kevin Keelan and finished to the net. Paudie Callaghan immediately added a point before Graham Carr pulled one back in stoppage time.

For Irelands, Kevin Keelans kick-outs got good distance but he will be disappointed to have conceded in the last minute. Ryan Moran did well on his return and if he can keep things simple and move the ball fast, he is definitely one of the best defenders we have. Simon Flynn was steady at full-back while Baresi turned in a good performance after coming to terms with tricky Roche forward Tommy O'Hare. Sean Laverty started at right-half back and ended up wing-forward when Robbie Farrell was introduced. Robbie did his usual, winning a lot of loose ball and he has a major role to play in the future of this team. Aaron played well at centre-back giving his usual 100%. He gets up the field well but should give a simple lay off to a forward rather then shooting himself. It is very difficult for any player to shoot after running 30/40 yards while a ball given to a forward near goal should invariably be popped over the bar at ease. Peter Flynn was marking Barry O'Hare, Roches best forward. Peter struggled at times to be tight enough, but he still got through a lot of hard work and certainly has the quality required to back-bone this team in the future.

Andrew and Gerard Nixon had their hands full with the high fielding of O'Connell, Martin Carroll and Darren McConnon. Andrew scored a good point before he had to retire injured being replaced by Graham Carr. Michael Shields was quiet and should get more involved foraging for breaks around the middle. Alan Haughey has done well in the last two games completing well for kick-outs. Mark Savage is in a good form and always looked dangerous. Derek Maguire is the same and was unfortunate with two goal chances. Sometimes we forget that the two lads are only 20 and 19 and they will get better in the next few years. David Bailey didn't get into the game and was replaced in the first half. Sean Watters was quiet and I feel midfield is a better option when Ciaran Conlon returns up front.

On the down side we have nil points from two games and the next IFC game against Dreadnots is now a must win game. However we must look at the bigger picture and put this game down as a very positive performance. I didn't see the Clans game (thankfully!) but the first thing we had to do here was bury the ghosts and that was done to good effect. Secondly, rather than one game, we must be looking at the next 3/4 years and building a strong outfit with a system of playing to our strengths. We came some way to doing that in this game but there is a lot of work to be done on the training field yet.

So where are we? We need to push on and win Division 3 to get playing regular football against opposition like Roche. That is the only way to improve and should be the priority for 2008. A very successful year would be a League win and the retention of our IFC status. A league victory over Lannleire on Sunday 3pm at home is now vital.

Dundalk Young Irelands
Kevin Keelan, Ryan Moran, Simon Flynn, Gerry Hanratty, Sean Laverty, Aaron Rogers, Peter Flynn, Andrew Nixon (0-01), Gerard Nixon, Michael Shields, Alan Haughey, Mark Savage (0-01), Sean Watters, David Bailey, Sean Watters, Derek Maguire (0-08)6f.
Subs used: Robbie Farrell for David Bailey, Graham Carr (0-01) for Andrew Nixon
Wides: 3 in first half, 2 in second half

Roche: Aidan McCoy, Sean Kirk, Dermot Craven, Duane Callan, Brendan Callaghan, Harry O'Connell, Colm Callaghan, Daniel O'Connell (0-1), Martin Carroll, Paudie O'Callaghan (0-02), Barry O'Hare (0-7)3f, Tommy O'Hare (0-01), Darren McConnon, Martin Craven (0-01) .
Subs used: Joe Bishop (1-0) for Colm Callaghan, Paddy Reilly for Tommy O'Hare
Wides: 5 in first half, 5 in second half

Referee:

Louth Division 3 League - Round 6

Date: Sunday 18th May, 2008
Venue Pairce Eire Og
Time: 3pm

Dundalk Young Irelands 3-13 Lannleire 0-09

Young Irelands kept their Division 3 title hopes alive with a convincing win over Lannleire at Pairc Eire Og on Sunday afternoon.

Playing with the aid of a strong breeze, the home side took full advantage and led 1-10 to 0-01 at the break. Alan Haughey got Irelands goal while Derek Maguire scored 0-6 during the first half blitz.

It was expected that the Dunleer men would reduce the deficit in the second half, however the challenge never materialised and Irelands ran out comfortable winners. Alan Haughey grabbed his second goal three minutes after the restart while Ryan Whyte helped himself to 1-01 when he was introduced after missin gover a year through injury.

Best for Irelands were Robbie Farrell, Andrew Nixon and Derek Maguire while Brendan McEvoy and Carlos Lambe were to the fore for Lannleire

Dundalk Young Irelands
Kevin Keelan, Donal Duffy, Simon Flynn, Ryan Moran, Robbie Farrell, Aaron Rogers, Peter Flynn, Andrew Nixon (0-01), Gerard Nixon (0-01), Michael Shields (0-01), Alan Haughey (2-00), Mark Savage (0-01), Sean Laverty, Martin O'Reilly, Derek Maguire (0-07)3f.
Subs used: Conor Nixon for Peter Flynn, David Bailey (0-01)f for Martin O'Reilly, Ryan Whyte (1-01) for Derek Maguire.

Lannleire
Carlos Lambe (0-4)3f, Alan Murphy (0-01), Shane Stack (0-1), Paul McGeough (0-01), Mark Carney (0-1), Thomas Martin (0-01)

Referee: Gerry Connor (Geraldines)

Louth Division 3 League - Round 7

Date: Sunday 26th May, 2008
Venue: Pentony Park, Drogheda
Time: 3.00pm

St. Nicholas 1-7 Dundalk Young Irelands 2-11

Dundalk Young Irelands travelled to Drogheda on Sunday afternoon and had a convincing win over St. Nicholas, in the process remaining well in contention in Division 3 with a fourth successive League win.

Playing with the aid of a very strong breeze, Irelands led 0-8 to 0-2 at the interval, Derek Maguire and Sean Watters scoring 0-2 each during the half.

Half-time Young Irelands 0-08 St. Nicholas 0-02

Facing into a stiff breeze for the second half, Irelands got the perfect start with Derek Maguire grabbing a goal straight from the throw-in. Mark Savage chipped in with a point a minute later before the Nicks settled with points from Keith Arnold, Des McDonnell and Derek Kierans. Andrew Nixon scored a good point for Irelands before Irelands Sean Watters and Nicholas' Keith Arnold swapped points entering the final quarter.

The result was put beyond any doubt when Mark Savage goaled for Irelands in the 55th minute latching on to a high centre from Watters. A Keith Arnold goal in injury time was little more than a consolation for the home-side.

Best for the Irelands were Gerry Hanratty, Alan Haughey and Ryan Whyte while Paddy O'Boyle and Keith Arnold tried hard for the Nicks.

Dundalk Young Irelands
Kevin Keelan, Gerry Hanratty, Simon Flynn, Ryan Moran, Robbie Farrell, Aaron Rogers(C), Peter Flynn, Andrew Nixon (0-2), Gerard Nixon, Michael Shields, Alan Haughey (0-1), Mark Savage (1-01), Ryan Whyte (0-1), Sean Watters (0-3), Derek Maguire (1-03)2f.
Subs used: Sean Laverty for Ryan Whyte (44), Donal Duffy for Ryan Moran (51), Conor Nixon for Michael Shields (59)
Wides: 10 in first half, 4 in second half

St. Nicholas:
Alan Sweeney, Niall Brannigan, Darren Thornton, Ciaran Brannigan, John Breen, Shane Downey, John Carter, Adrian Gates, Paddy O'Boyle (0-1), Jason O'Boyle, Des McDonnell (0-2), Ian Hackett, Keith Arnold (1-02), Barry Byrne, Derek Kierans (0-2)
Subs used: Pat McHugh for John Breen (20), Alan Gregory for Niall Brannigan (45)
Wides: 1 in first half, 6 in second half

Referee: Peter Bannon (Castlebellingham)

Louth Division 3 League - Round 8

Date: Sunday 1st June, 2008
Venue Pairc Eire Óg
Time: 3.00pm

Dundalk Young Irelands 7-13 Wolfe Tones 1-04

We moved closer to the top of Division 3 with a big win over Wolfe Tones at Upper Marches on Sunday afternoon. This brings our tally to 5 wins out of six with the next round of fixtures being the key League game away to Dowdallshill who have won six out of seven.

An avalanche of first half goals laid the foundations for our win. Mark Savage was first to strike a three-pointer on 3 minutes and before the half was over Peter Flynn, Derek Maguire and Sean Watters also helped themselves to goals.

Half-time: Young Irelands 4-05 Wolfe Tones 1-02

If the visitors were to have any hope, they needed to rally early in the 2nd half with the aid of a breeze. It was Irelands however who kept on the pressure. Derek Maguire grabbed his 2nd goal and following good points from Maguire and Michael Shields, the pacey Mark Savage brought Irelands goal tally to six. Tones were a beaten team at this stage with Irelands full-back Simon Flynn finishing to the net for Irelands seventh goal in the 52th minute. Subs John Boland and Conor Nixon added points before the end.

This was in the main, a decent professional performance doing what we had to do against weak opposition. Some of our play was excellent at times with the forwards being very dangerous scoring 5-12 from play. A slight critisism would be that we didnt take more points from our possession in the first half while the mindless indiscipline which we have now become accustomed to was in evidence yet again. It didnt matter much today, but while it continues to go unpunished by the club, will no doubt haunt us someday possibly when there is more at stake. For Irelands, Derek Maguire was in top form and he was ably assisted by Mark Savage and Sean Watters. Wolfe Tones had good triers in Kevin Bull and James Kelly.

Dundalk Young Irelands:
Craig McKenna, Ryan Moran, Simon Flynn (1-0), Gerry Hanratty, Robbie Farrell, Aaron Rogers, Peter Flynn (1-0), Andrew Nixon, Gerard Nixon, Michael Shields (0-03), Alan Haughey, Mark Savage (2-0), Ryan Whyte, Sean Watters (1-03), Derek Maguire (2-05)1f.
Subs: David Bailey for Ryan Whyte, Martin O'Reilly for Derek Maguire, Conor Nixon (0-1) for Gerard Nixon, John Boland (0-1) for Mark Savage, Stephen Coburn for Michael Shields.

Wolfe Tones:
F Owens, A Owens, P Nulty, G Delaney, F Farrell, R Daly, J Kelly, K Bull (0-2)2f, G Fanning, J Reilly (0-1), D Brannigan, D Weldon, G Monahan, J Kelly (1-1), D Rice.
Subs used: R Campbell, D Coyle, P McEneaney, P Fanning.

Referee: Paul Finnegan (St. Pats)

Louth Intermediate Football Championship - Round 3

Date: Sunday 15th June, 2008
Venue Stabannon
Time: 7pm

Dundalk Young Irelands 2-08 Dreadnots 1-11

Former Louth star and Dreadnots manager Colin Kelly was launched from the bench in the closing minutes of their Intermediate Championship clash with Young Irelands and made an quick impact scoring the equalising point entering stoppage time. Kelly indeed had another chance to clinch victory a minute later however this time his effort went narrowly wide. The draw gave Young Irelands their first point of the 2008 IFC while 2007 finalists Dreadnots now have three points going into Round 4 of the group games.

Irelands off to a great start in this game with a fine individual goal after 7 minutes from Mark Savage. Louth Minor star James Califf scored 0-4(3frees) for Dreadnots during the opening half to keep them in the game which Irelands were dominating. They didn't capitisalise on the scoreboard however and it took a goal five minutes before the break to give Irelands a half time cushion. It was Conor Nixon who fisted a Derek Maguire centre to the net.

Half-time: Young Irelands 2-03 Dreadnots 0-06

The Clogherhead team performed much better in the 2nd half with Darren Malone and Chris Mulroy winning a lot of ball around midfield. They were very wasteful in front of goal however, with 9 second half wides racked up before Kellys late introduction.

After Sean Watters opened the 2nd half scoring with a point for Irelands, Califf continued to be accurate from placed balls with a further brace of points for Dreadnots. Conor Nixon scored another point for the Dundalk team to open up a three point lead again before Dreadnots had a good spell in the middle of the half. Their crucial score came in the 43th minute when a high centre from Nigel Shevlin was punched to the net by young Califf to put Dreadnots ahead for the first time. Conor McCaughey immediately added a point and it looked like the more experienced Dreadnots would pull away to win. Irelands to their credit responded well with a gutsy display which yielded three pointed frees from Derek Maguire to put them one ahead going into stoppage time. It was left to veteran Kelly to rescue a point for Dreadnots.

Dreadnots had good performers in Pat Rath, Chris Mulroy and James Califf while Peter Flynn, Mark Savage and Andrew Nixon were best for Irelands.

Dundalk Young Irelands:
Craig McKenna, Ryan Moran, Simon Flynn, Gerry Hanratty, Robbie Farrell, Aaron Rogers, Peter Flynn, Andrew Nixon (0-1), Graham Carr, Michael Shields, Alan Haughey, Mark Savage (1-1), Conor Nixon (1-1), Sean Watters (0-1), Derek Maguire (0-04)3f.

Dreadnots:
Niall ??, Danny Sutherland, Paddy McGuigan, Brian ??, Alan Smyth, Pat Rath, Liam ??, Darren Malone, Fergal McGuigan, David O'Brien, James Califf (1-6) 4f 1x45, Chris Mulroy, Ronan Connolly (0-2), Conor McCaughey (0-2)1f, Nigel Shevlin.
Subs: Pat ?? for Alan Smyth, Colin Kelly (0-1) for James Califf

Referee: Liam O'Neill (Togher)

Louth Division 3 League - Round 9

Date: Sunday 27th July, 2008
Venue Dowdallshill
Time: 7.30pm

Dundalk Young Irelands 3-06 Dowdallshill 0-12

Young Irelands leapfrogged Dowdallshill to the top of Division 3 following a 3 point win over the 'Hill on Sunday evening.

The goals made the difference between the teams with Irelands getting two in the first half through Mark Savage and Conor Nixon. The home side responded well however with good points from Paul Gill, Noel Mohan, Noel Finnegan and Donal O'Callaghan

Half-time: Young Irelands 2-02 Dowdallshill 0-07

Derek Maguire got a third goal for Irelands 2 minutes into the second half, however the 'Hill responded again with three pointed frees from Noel Finnegan. Irelands then had a good spell midway through the half with a Derek Maguire pointed free followed by points from Graham Carr and John Boland to go three points clear.

The homeside were left chasing for a goal but Irelands had resilient defenders in Simon Flynn, Robbie Farrell and the outstanding Aaron Rogers. Eamon Duffy brought the gap back to two in the closing minutes before Graham Carr closed the scoring with an excellent point for Irelands.

The winners best were John McGahon, Aaron Rogers and Derek Maguire while 'Hill were best served by Paul Gill and Noel Finnegan.

Dundalk Young Irelands:
John McGahon, Peter Flynn, Simon Flynn, Gerry Hanratty, Robbie Farrell, Aaron Rogers (c), Graham Carr (0-02), Andrew Nixon, Gerard Nixon, Conor Nixon (1-00), Mark Savage (1-00) Sean Rafferty, David Bailey, Sean Watters (0-01), Derek Maguire (1-02)2f.
Subs: John Boland (0-01) for Conor Nixon, Peter Nixon for David Bailey, Donal Duffy for Sean Rafferty.

Dowdallshill:
Gary Corrigan, Damien Murphy, Enda Hughes, David Agnew (c), Ciaran Kelly (0-01), Eamonn Duffy (0-01), Seamus Agnew, Ciaran O'Callaghan, Noel Mohan (0-02),
Kevin McParland (0-01), Donal Sheridan, Noel Finnegan (0-04)4f, Ciaran Sheridan, Paul Gill (0-02) Donal O'Callaghan (0-01)
Subs: Vincie McKevitt for Ciaran Kelly, Damien Fannin for David Agnew, Barry O'Hanlon for Ciaran Sheridan

Referee: Kevin Levins (Hunterstown)

Louth Intermediate Football Championship - Round 4

Date: Saturday 9th August, 2008
Venue Haggardstown
Time: 6pm

Dundalk Young Irelands 3-07 St. Josephs 1-09

Young Irelands got a lifeline in the Intermediate Championship with a 4 point win over St. Josephs at Haggardstown on Saturday evening. This win for 2007 JFC winners Irelands has thrown Group A wide open going into the final round with O'Connells the only team not in contention for a play-off spot.

With the sky darkening and two matches on the Haggardstown programme, referee Paul Finnegan got proceedings underway a few minutes before the throw-in time of 6pm. Indeed both teams got into the groove early as goals were exchanged in the first 2 minutes. Irelands Derek Maguire broke through the Joes defence and centred to Conor Nixon who in turn set up Sean Rafferty for a goal. Not to be outdone, David Reilly rounded his marker and finished to the net. 1-00 each and only 2 minutes on the clock. This set the game up nicely and the sides were well balanced during the half with Irelands Derek Maguire and Joes Alan McKenna exchanging points. Irelands introduced sub Peter Nixon just before half time and he made an immediate impact firing to the net in the 26th minute. Derek Maguire followed up with his fourth point of the half to give the Dundalk team a cushion at the break

Half-time: Young Irelands 2-04 St. Josephs 1-03

Irelands again opened the 2nd half brightly with their top scorer Maguire and Mark Savage causing havoc for the Joes defence. Maguire (2) and Graham Carr grabbed points and Irelands would have been further ahead only for their wastefulness and the resilience of long serving Joes stalwart David Reilly who kicked 0-3 in the third quarter.

The Dromiskin lads finally started to wake up midway through the 2nd half and they began to apply a lot of pressure on Irelands defence. Derek Mulligan and Mark Gorham chipped in with points to reduce the deficit to 0-2 with 10 minutes to play. Irelands were then reduced to 14 when Gerard Nixon received a second yellow and they had to defend bravely to hold on their lead in the closing minutes. The game was put beyond Joes in stoppage time when sub John Boland rounded the Joes goalkeeper and finished to the net. Peter Mulligan replied with a point for Joes but it was too late as Irelands held out to win by five points.

Joes will be disappointed to have slipped up here and to qualify they must now beat the improving Clans in the final group game. Along with the aforementioned Reilly, Mark Gorham was prominent especially in the first half. Sub Peter Mulligan was also lively when introduced. For the winners, Derek Maguire again demonstrated why he is rated so highly scoring some fine points. He was well assisted up front by Mark Savage and Peter Nixon. The half back line of Robbie Farrell, Aaron Rogers and Graham Carr were also on top throughout. Irelands have improved with each IFC outing in 2008 and now play O'Connells and a win would keep alive hopes of a quarter-final place.

Dundalk Young Irelands:
Craig McKenna, Peter Flynn, Simon Flynn, Gerry Hanratty, Robbie Farrell, Aaron Rogers, Graham Carr (0-1), Andrew Nixon, Gerard Nixon, Michael Shields, Alan Haughey, Sean Rafferty (1-0), Mark Savage, Conor Nixon, Derek Maguire (0-06)3f.
Subs: Peter Nixon (1-0) for Alan Haughey, David Lally for Gerry Hanratty, John Boland (1-0) for Conor Nixon.

St. Josephs:
Paul Drumgoole, Conor Lynch, Anthony Keenan, Mal Carolan, Philip Kinahan, Mark Gorham (0-1)f, Andrew Cluskey, Conor Murtagh, John Murtagh, Alan McKenna (0-1)f, Peter Brennan (0-1), Daire Smyth, David Reilly (1-03), Brendan O'Donoghue (0-1), Derek Mulligan (0-1).
Subs: Peter Mulligan (0-1) for Peter Brennan, Declan Sullivan for John Murtagh, Aaron Smith for Mark Gorham

Referee: Paul Finnegan (St. Patricks)

Louth Intermediate Football Championship Group A - Round 5

Date: Friday 22nd August, 2008
Venue Dunleer
Time: 7pm

O'Connells 2-12 Dundalk Young Irelands 1-07

O'Connells gave themselves a lifeline in the fight to avoid relegation from the Intermediate grade with a comprehensive eight point win over fellow strugglers Young Irelands. Going into the game two points behind Irelands, nothing but a win would suffice for the Castlebellingham team to avoid finishing bottom of Group A. The win now places the two sides on equal points at the foot of the group and they must now play again with the loser facing a further relegation play-off.

Two first half goals from O'Connells Sean Geeney gave O'Connells a foundation in this game which they never lost. Following an early exchange of points from O'Connells Niall Conlon and Irelands Derek Maguire, Geeney struck for his first goal on 4 minutes. O'Connells had the better of the first half exchanges and this was bolstered when the alert Geeney finished a long ball to the net for his second goal on 20 minutes. Midfielder Stuart Reynolds added a long range point while Niall Conlon chipped in with a pointed free to give the Bellingham lads a comfortable lead at the break.

Half-time: O'Connells 2-05 Young Irelands 0-03

Irelands again opened the 2nd half brightly with a Derek Maguire pointed free followed by a Mark Savage point. The same pair combined again on 36 minutes when Maguire set Savage up to punch in for a badly needed Irelands goal. Stuart Reynolds settled O'Connells with a long range free before Derek Maguire brought it back to a 3-point game with his fourth pointed free. O'Connells enjoyed a purple patch midway through the second half with points from Stephen Hoey, Dean Stansfield, Salem Rafai and further pointed frees from Reynolds and Wayne Kierans to settle the contest.

Irelands lone scorer from play Mark Savage added a point near the finish but there was still time for O'Connells to kick a number of wides before Sean Geeney finished off a fine hour with the last point of the game. Irelands Derek Maguire and O'Connells Jason Carroll both received second yellows near the end.

O'Connells will be delighted with the manner of this win with both midfielders and five forwards scoring. Along with the aforementioned Sean Geeney, they were well served by Jackie Agnew and Stephen Hoey in defence, Colm Kearney at midfield and tricky corner forward Niall Conlon. Robbie Farrell and Mark Savage were best for Irelands whose performance was well below that of their previous win over St. Josephs.

O'Connells:
David Eager, Jackie Agnew, Conor Byrne, David Doyle, TJ Doyle, Jason Carroll, Stephen Hoey (0-1), Stuart Reynolds (0-03)2f, Colm Kearney (0-1), Dean Stansfield (0-1), Paul McKeever, Salam Rafai (0-1), Niall Conlon (0-2)1f, Sean Geeney (2-01), Wayne Kierans (0-2)2f.
Subs: Jonathan Conlon for Niall Conlon (59)
Wides: 11 (6 in 1st half)

Dundalk Young Irelands:
Craig McKenna, Peter Flynn, Simon Flynn, Gerry Hanratty, Robbie Farrell, Aaron Rogers, Graham Carr, Andrew Nixon, Gerard Nixon, Michael Shields, Peter Nixon, Sean Rafferty, Mark Savage (1-03), Conor Nixon, Derek Maguire (0-04)4f.
Subs: Sean Watters for Conor Nixon (29), Ryan Moran for Peter Flynn (HT), Donal Duffy for Gerry Hanratty (54), John Boland for Sean Rafferty (56). Alan Haughey for Sean Watters (59).
Wides: 3 (1 in 1st half)

Referee: Liam Bird (Roche)

Division 3 League back-fixture – Round 4

Date:  Wednesday 9th September, 2008

Venue Pairc Eire Óg

Time: 8pm