Dundalk boss Kilduff looking forward to much needed mid-season break
SSA Airtricity Men's First Division
Dundalk FC manager Ciarán Kilduff admits his young side are 'massively' looking forward to the mid-season break which follows this Friday's trop to Ferrycarrig Park to face Wexford FC.
While the Lilywhites won 2-0 against Kerry FC last weekend, to make it 16 games unbeaten and extend their lead at the top of the SSE Airtricity Men's First Division table to six points, it was - by their own admission - a sub-standard performance from the table toppers.
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Irish Independent
41 minutes ago
- Irish Independent
Shane Tracey has no regrets moving from Bohemians to Dundalk FC
It went somewhat under the radar that the midfielder from the Avenue Road had signed amateur terms with his hometown club when it was announced just 79 minutes prior to the Lilywhites' season opener against Athlone Town on February 14. Perhaps the reason that Tracey isn't as well-known as some of the other youngsters who have featured for Ciarán Kilduff's side this season is because the bulk of his footballing education up until this point has come in Dublin, having initially come through the underage ranks at Shelbourne before going on to join Bohemians, where he made three first-team appearances – all in the Leinster Senior Cup. Indeed, his last outing for the Gypsies came at Ferrycarrig Park on February 3 when he scored in a 6-3 victory against Wexford FC. Fast forward a little under four months and Tracey was again shining in the sunny south east recently when he came off the bench for his tenth senior appearance for Dundalk to help his side turn a 2-1 deficit at the time into a 3-2 victory. While there have been just three starts for Tracey so far, all at home, his cameo appearances and confidence on the ball have certainly caught the eye with the 19-year-old playing a big role in helping his side turn around the game against Stephen Elliott's men to ensure they maintained their six point lead at the top of the table heading into the mid-season break. Speaking to The Argus after that victory, Tracey said he was enjoying life at Oriel Park right now. 'I'm really enjoying it,' he beamed. 'I thought I did well when I came on. It was tough but we got the two goals in the end so it was good.' Having made a couple of Leinster Senior Cup appearances at Bohemians earlier this year, Tracey admitted to enjoying life at Dalymount Park. However, the persuasive powers of Dundalk assistant Ken Kiernan ensured he returned home on the eve of the season commencing – and he admits it is one of the best decisions he could have made. 'I was at Bohs and I decided to stay but then Ken was ringing me and I just decided to take the risk to come here. I'm happy that I took the risk now and it's starting to pay off. 'It's a young team but everyone is hungry. We're top of the league at the moment and enjoying the journey so hopefully now it can continue because we all want to go on and win this league.' While somewhat shy to speak to, Tracey has no problems expressing himself on the field, with his range of passing reminiscent of a young Keith Ward – a team-mate that he admits to learning so much from in their short spell together. 'I'm learning so much from him,' he said of the 34-year-old. 'He's so good in training technically and he's just so good around the group as well. He's always having a laugh. It's good to learn off someone like Wardy. 'You have to believe in yourself. You need confidence. It can be hard sometimes but you just have to believe in your ability and the gaffer definitely gives us all that.' Tracey's adjustment to life back in Dundalk has been helped by his old St Mary's College school pal, Eoin Kenny. 'Myself and Eoin went to school together and we were in the same friend group in school so we were close already and it was kind of easy coming in with him here. He was always here to help,' he said. While Tracey's arrival at Oriel Park may have been a little more low key than some of Dundalk's other signings this season and he might not be as well-known as some other locals at the club, he is quickly making a name for himself. His story has just begun though. 'Hopefully I can keep knocking on the door for a few more starts. That's all I can do, just try my best,' he said. 'I just want to kick on, keep doing well and hopefully start more games.'
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Irish Independent
Dave Devereux: It wasn't easy, but here's my Wexford Football League Premier Division team of the season
Unsurprisingly, the line-up is dominated by double winners North End United, who also went all the way to the final of the FAI Junior Cup, only to lose out to a strong Fairview Rangers outfit. Other things, like performances for Wexford's All-Ireland winning Oscar Traynor team, were also taken into account in what was a very successful season for football in the county. Besides North End, the other three teams in the big four – Gorey Rangers, Shamrock Rovers and Forth Celtic – make up the bulk of the remainder, although it's far from an easy task to whittle them down, considering we are lucky enough to have one of the biggest leagues in the country, with numerous quality players involved. The final squad certainly isn't beyond reproach – in fact I changed my mind two or three times while compiling it, and, if it was written tomorrow, allegiances may have switched once again. You could easily choose an entire squad from players that didn't make the cut and still end up with a formidable selection that would be a match for any team in the county. Defenders like Stephen Moloney, Ryan Cullen, Ian Sinnott, Seán Carmody, Chris Hooker and Ronan Devereux immediately spring to mind and there are many more besides. Midfielders Stephen Kinsella, Ethan Vickers, Gavin O'Brien, Luke Greene, Chris Kenny, Jack Mullan and Dermot Flood would grace most teams, while no defender would relish having Niall Connolly, Robbie Kane, Ciarán Paige, Paul Brennan, Adam Territt or Joe Finn running at them. Having seen certain teams more often than others during the campaign and watched Wexford's run to the national Oscar Traynor Trophy crown, it's undoubtedly a subjective list, and I'd be keen to hear the view of others. There's sure to be players that I have overlooked that deserve special mention. I've gone for a 1-4-3-3 formation, but feel free to have your say and compile a squad of your own. After all, it is a game of opinions. Unquestionably the best goalkeeper playing at Junior level in the county at present. The former Wexford FC netminder does his primary job of keeping the ball out of the net superbly. He is also extremely adept at playing out from the back and can ping a long pass to a team-mate, allowing them to run on to the ball without breaking stride. He was also the number one for Wexford Oscar Traynor manager Willie Peare as they claimed All-Ireland glory. Right-back – Conor Casserly (Gorey Rangers) Mr Dependable. The Gorey Rangers right-back has been consistently one of the top performers in the Wexford Football League Premier Division for a number of years. He rarely puts a foot wrong for either Gorey Rangers or Wexford. A great reader of the game that was one of the three players nominated for the Premier Division player of the year award. Centre-back – Gary Delaney A teak-tough tackler and commanding in the air, he is also comfortable on the ball and a true leader that starred for his club and the Wexford Football League. The former Wexford FC and Waterford United man often pops up with a crucial goal from a set-piece, as he did when he headed a late, late equaliser against Forth Celtic to force extra-time in the cup final. Centre-back – Reece Murphy The stylish young North End United player is more that capable of performing at a higher level and one or two clubs at League of Ireland level are bound to be interested in securing his services. He does his primary job of defending with quiet efficiency, while he is also extremely comfortable on the ball and can chip in with a goal or two. He showed in the FAI Junior Cup and Wexford FC Cup finals that he can do a job in midfield when called upon. Left-back – Todd Hynes The former Wexford Bohemians player is probably still finding his feet with North End, but he certainly became more influential as the season wore on. Being part of a Sky Blues defence that only conceded nine league goals all season speaks for itself, while he also played a huge role in Wexford's Oscar Traynor triumph. An attacking full-back that can produce cracking deliveries – both from open play and set-pieces. Midfield – Alan Rhodes (North End United) An often-underrated player, whose work sometimes goes under the radar. A quality, hard-working midfielder, who leads by example and always seems to put in a solid performance for his club North End United and the Wexford Oscar Traynor team. As well as being an assured footballer, he's also a great talker and brings a calmness to all around him as he encourages his team-mates. He was shortlisted for the Premier Division player of the year award and captained Wexford to All-Ireland glory. Midfield – John Peare (North End United) Peare is a player with an abundance of skill. A creative midfielder, who is also comfortable on the wing or in the number ten position. The former Moyne Rangers player loves to take on his man, can pick out a pass and, also knows how to find the net. Another All-Ireland winner with Wexford, who is a nightmare for opposition defenders. He gave a brilliant performance in the Wexford FC Cup final. Midfield – Cathal Dowd (Forth Celtic) The Forth Celtic man has come through the underage ranks at his club and has put in tremendous performances throughout the season. An all-action player, who has boundless energy and has chipped in with plenty of goals. He's still only 22, so he has an exciting future ahead of him in the game. Winger: Raphael Abidoye (Shamrock Rovers) Another Wexford Oscar Traynor player to make the cut, the Shamrock Rovers man is a potent force in front of goal when on song, which he illustrated when scoring four goals against the Defence Forces in the group stages. He reached double figures in league goals for his club this season, while also providing an impressive number of assists in the Premier Division. Winger: Ryan Busher (Forth Celtic) The Forth Celtic man was the leading scorer in the top-flight this term with 19 goals and he was named the top performer at the recent Wexford Football League player of the year awards. He is an attacker with an abundance of skill and a real eye for goal and he helped Wexford to Leinster and All-Ireland Oscar Traynor success. Centre-forward: Eoin Rhodes (North End United) Rhodes may not have matched the astronomical numbers he hit in the league in the previous season, but he's still the best target man around. His hold up play is second to none and he also contributed vital goals for the Sky Blues in their run to the FAI Junior Cup final as well as being a vital cog in the wheel for the Wexford Oscar Traynor team as the claimed All-Ireland glory – particularly his two goals in the semi-final in Ferrycarrig Park, when they beat holders Waterford 2-1. SUBSTITUTES Clive Lawler (Forth Celtic) The Forth Celtic netminder was the unfortunate player to miss the vital spot-kick in the Wexford FC Cup final as they agonisingly lost out to North End United in a penalty shoot-out, but that shouldn't take away from the consistently good performances he puts in for his side. An experienced and commanding presence in the box that always gives his all. Paul Murphy (North End United) It was difficult not finding a place for 'Spot' in the starting eleven as he's undoubtedly the best ever to play in the Wexford Football League. Murphy may be in the twilight of his career, but he still oozes class, and his leadership qualities can never be questioned. Tucked away his penalties in both normal time and the shoot-out in typical ice-cool fashion in the final to help his side win the Wexford FC Cup. Adam Beary (Forth Celtic) Beary may have lost a yard of pace since the days when he terrorised defences in a North End United shirt, but he still has an eye for goal. By topping the assist charts this season, he also showed his importance as a provider, linking up with fellow frontman Ryan Busher to devastating effect. Seán Fitzpatrick (Shamrock Rovers) The former Wexford FC player made a massive impact in the latter half of the season, scoring 12 goals in just 12 league appearance for the Enniscorthy outfit. His impressive haul included two hat-tricks and he certainly has a bright future in the game. Dapo Abidoye (Shamrock Rovers) Like his brother Raphael, Dapo is lethal in front of goal and was second in the Premier Division scoring charts this season with 14 goals. Having spent some time with Norwegian third tier side Bergsoy, the Shamrock Rovers attacker returned to help his side to a third-placed finish in the top-flight. Glen O'Brien (Gorey Rangers) O'Brien can play in the defence or in a more advanced position on the wing and he is sure to do a good job wherever he is asked to play. The Gorey Rangers man also played his part as Wexford claimed All-Ireland glory in the Oscar Traynor Trophy. Eryk Borowiec (New Ross Celtic) It's not easy to excel in a struggling team, but Borowiec did just that, shining in front of goal despite his side's relegation. He scored eight league goals, while also adding six in the LFA Junior Cup and two in the FAI Junior Cup. The striker is sure to terrorise Division 1 defences next season. Manager – Gary Dempsey He may have talent as his disposal that other coaches could only dream of, but to win a domestic double in his first full season as sole manager of North End United is a tremendous achievement, nonetheless. Dempsey also guided the Sky Blues to only their second-ever FAI Junior Cup final, where they unfortunately they came up short against a strong Fairview Rangers side.
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Dundalk boss Kilduff looking forward to much needed mid-season break
SSA Airtricity Men's First Division The Argus Dundalk FC manager Ciarán Kilduff admits his young side are 'massively' looking forward to the mid-season break which follows this Friday's trop to Ferrycarrig Park to face Wexford FC. While the Lilywhites won 2-0 against Kerry FC last weekend, to make it 16 games unbeaten and extend their lead at the top of the SSE Airtricity Men's First Division table to six points, it was - by their own admission - a sub-standard performance from the table toppers.
