Pearse Rangers v Tempeogue F.C 4:1

No messing with 'Hogans Heroes'!

This under 17s match was the semi-final of the Greegan Cup, which produced five goals, four for the home side. Pearse, who are currently third in their league, with games in hand over the leaders could be looking for a league and cup double after today's performance.

The game was only minutes old when the opener came after confusion by Templogues keeper and defender, which gifted Harry Eager an open goal 1:0 and what a start that was for Mark Donahoe's team.

On the 20-minute mark David Hogan upended a Templeogue player and the resulting freekick drew things level 1:1. Over-committed Hogan got his name in the referee's book minutes later with his aggressive tackling.

Templeoge did have a good spell at this stage but could not find a way past Craig Reilly, Willie Keegan and David Hogan, who were all rock solid.

On the 40 minute mark Pearse took a deserved lead through Eager again as he latched onto a Reilly cross to finish in fine style 2:1 and just when Templeoge eagerly awaited the half-time whistle so they could re-group, up stepped John-Paul Whelan to make it 3:1 off a rebounded effort by Eager.

I had hoped Templeoge would have changed their game plan in the second half but no, they continued to play the high ball into Pearse's defence and every time he won ball, yes Hogan himself, which was bread and butter to him.

Templeoge did control the middle of the park in the second half but that was about it, they did not create one half chance, and to the end of the game as a contest, super-sub Joey Prendergast makes it 4:1 and sends his team to the AULComplex for the final.
Starman: David Hogan
Attendance: 73

Railway Union v St. Pat's CYMS 3:3

Honours Shared in Local Derby!

This was a mammoth contest, for an enduring and enthralling ninety minutes, it balanced on the proverbial knife edge and was played throughout at a furious pace with the exception of St Pat's first 10 minutes which has been a regular occurrence in their last half-dozen games or so.

Right from the off, this game promised goals, there were six in total with the first coming after only 4 minutes from a Fergus Weldrick throw in to the feet of 'no messing' Figo Murphy, 1:0.

The frantic pace of Railway continued and was rewarded by a second goal on the 9 minute mark by veteran sticker Bob Kelly with his glorious strike, 2:0. At this stage Pat's could only look at each other in disbelief.

By now, Pat's players, who were second to every ball, started to get in gear and the first few Pat's players to wake up were Patrick Kavanagh, Alan Murray and Mark Flood. Pats were unlucky not to pull one back after Kavanagh's free kick effort thundered off the cross bar.

It was now the turn of St Pat's to put Railway under the cosh. Late into the first half Pat's only effort came from more free kicks but they lacked everything and then Railway keeper Christian Moran pulls down Steven Mantle in the box and the visitors were offered a lifeline and it was taken by Neil Hughes 2:1.

Pat's continued the second half as they finished the first and they were quick to exploit the unease that was starting to run through Railway's back four. Then came a moment of magic from Wayne Byrne as he made it 2:2 from an outside the box volley.

At this stage with 35 minutes left, there wasn't one player of Pat's who could be criticised and one who stood out best was Conor Bernie with his quality runs.

In the 70th minute St Pat's took the lead from a controversial goal (well at least it was from Railway's point of view!). Not only did Ciaran O'Gorman play everybody onside, the goal scorer himself was on side as he ran from the middle of the park onto a Julian Frugehie ball and it was tucked away bottom corner by Neil Hughes, 2:3.

Now Pat's looked like they were to win the game they were destined to lose but Railway's striker Figo Murphy was to have his say and right from the restart Pat's defence still celebrating their lead, were caught napping and Figo punished them 3:3.

The best chance of winning the game came to Barry Montgomery, as he had a one-on-one with the keeper he decided to lob Pat's keeper, and that he did, also his lob went over the crossbar as well and over the rugby posts behind the goal. In Rugby it would gave been the perfect conversion but in football it was a nightmare effort. I suppose these things happen but I'm sure if the chance fell to in-form Figo, Railway could have taken all 3 points. In the end, a fair and entertaining result.

The committee of St Pat's would like to take this opportunity to thank Alan Flanagan who is currently their main sponsor. Thanks Alan!
Star man: Conor Bernie
Attendance: 128

Coming Soon:
South Lotts 5-a-side in aid of St Michael's House, a school for children with special needs- open to everyone. Watch this space!
The Kingsend Cup is back, Congratulations to last year's winners, Liffeys. Last summer's 8 teams will have first refusal this year. At the moment there is one available place, contact Derek Buckley for more information. Competition starts July and finishes early August.

Help is required to either coach or manage Railway Union kids' football teams. For more information Contact Steven at 086 8103606 or Tommy at 086 2451342.a

The Pearse Rangers Golden Trio, from left: Scott Foley, David Hogan and Harry Eager.

St Patrick's CYMS.

Pearse Rangers.