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Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Bohemians confirm return of loan star as they soar to joint second in the table
Alan Reynolds has confirmed that Cian Byrne will return to Bohemians in July and help fill the void left by Sean Grehan's imminent departure. Grehan, who left Bohs for Crystal Palace in 2023 but returned on loan this season, is going back to his parent club for the start of July. The centre-back impressed again in last night's 1-0 win over Derry City at Dalymount Park and said his goodbyes to fans as he left the pitch in his final home game. Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Grehan, 21, will be available for the away matches against Cork City and Waterford when the league resumes on June 13, after the summer break. But then he will be returning to England, with Reynolds set to recall Byrne from his own loan spell at Galway United to help fill the void. The highly rated Leigh Kavanagh, who has been injured, will also be a centre-back option for the Gypspies and so will experienced Englishman Alex Lacey once he is fit. Reynolds said: 'Cian will keep playing for Galway but is back in July. He's been really good for them. We've obviously kept in touch and watched some of his games and I think the loan has been perfect for him. I'm not sure he wanted to go but we felt he needed to play.' Bohs maintained their impressive form to move joint second in the table on the back of the Candystripes win, with Dayle Rooney slotting home a second-minute penalty. It was awarded for a Mark Connolly handball after only 20 seconds and Reynolds said: 'Some say you give it, some say you don't, but look, we'll take it. There were a good few decisions that were tight but the performance, I thought we dominated a lot of it. 'What I'd like us to be is more clinical and put the game to bed earlier. But what I really like is the energy and commitment. Get that side of it right and the crowd will feed off it. That's the way we want to go about it, give them something to get behind us and next thing the place will take off.' The win was Bohemians' fifth in their last six home games and Dalymount Park is a happy hunting ground again for a team that struggled to win in front of their own fans not so long ago. Reynolds said: 'We've had a tough year here and we've finally settled down to a way of playing. Confidence is important and I think the players are getting that. 'It's great to see Rhys Brennan coming on there, a 19-year-old who can't believe his luck that he's playing. Derry are bringing on Gavin Whyte, a different end of it. But we have young players who are hungry to do well for the club.' Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Best fans in the world' – Dawson Devoy vows to use ‘Dalymount Park effect' in Bohemians' crunch clash versus Derry City
DAWSON DEVOY believes that Dalymount Park is now Bohemians' not-so-secret weapon. Alan Reynolds' men welcome Derry City to Dublin 7 on Friday night looking for a victory that would send the Gypsies into the top three in the table, at least, at the season's halfway point. 2 Bohemians face Derry City on Friday night Credit: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile 2 Bohemians will go into the Premier Division top three if they win Credit: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile Victory would also make it seven wins in nine games — after losing six of their opening nine — and their fifth win in six home matches as Dalymount has become something of a fortress. That had not always been the case. The stat led Reynolds to acknowledge that some of his players found it difficult to perform at home where expectations are high. Read More on League of Ireland Patience wore thin during that time. But Devoy believes that the flip side is there is no more daunting venue for opponents when Bohs are flying high. The 23-year-old said: 'We're in Dalymount, we're going to take the game to Derry and use Dalymount . . . the fans get behind us from the start. 'It's not an easy place for away teams to come so we're going to use that. Most read in Sport 'When we were struggling at the start of the year, the fans are probably understandably frustrated and that's normal. Every club is probably like that. But when things are going well, they're the best fans in the country. It's important we use that to our advantage.' When Bohs were labouring earlier this year, Devoy could understand the supporters' exasperation. Colm Whelan shakes fourth official's hand during Bohemians clash against Shamrock Rovers The Ashbourne native said: 'Where I am from, there are a few Bohs fans. When I do be walking my dog, there are a few fans. That's just part of it. 'The fans have every right to be annoyed when we're not getting results, that's what it is about. 'I think we were all hurting, we've got a few good results and we've got to keep pushing on. 'When we do get beaten, it probably affects the players, it affects your weekend and stuff like that. It's obviously a lot better when you win. 'When results are going your way, it's great, the atmosphere . . . things like that. 'But we're also not stupid, we're only a few results away from struggling again. We've got to continue the good form.' LATE LATE SHOWS The past series of games has seen some big moments — boss Reynolds reckons their only losses to Waterford and Drogheda were undeserved. And Devoy points to Easter Monday against Shamrock Rovers when, having trailed 2-0 at the break, the Gypsies rose from the dead as the midfielder scored the opener and That was followed by a comeback win over St Pat's, with two late, late goals wrapping up all three points. Devoy said: 'Something started to click, sometimes all it takes is one or two games. The game in Tallaght was massive for us, it gave us belief coming from two goals down. 'And that following Friday, beating Pat's when we're 1-0 down. So it gives you massive belief and since then we've been playing with a lot of confidence. 'We know what we're capable of as a group and we want to get the best out of everyone. We just want to keep going and pushing up the table.' Devoy, who returned to Bohemians from MK Dons last July, is also keen to live up to Reynolds' claim that he is one of the best in the country. He said: 'I think most players will tell you that they want to be spoken about. I believe I'm good enough to be like that. 'Once I just let my football do the talking on the pitch, I'll let other people speak like that. Of course I want to be good, but once we're winning, that's the most important thing.'
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Alan Reynolds reveals Bohemians' new strategy for upcoming transfer window, a different approach to last season
ALAN REYNOLDS revealed that any summer shopping is likely to be done at home rather than abroad. Bohemians host Derry City tomorrow looking for a win that would mean at least third place by the midway point in the Premier Division campaign. 2 A lot of work for Alan Reynolds over the 'break' 2 Bohs will be without Sean Grehan who is returning to Crystal Palace after his loan And with the transfer window just a month away, Rennie acknowledged that his phone will start buzzing soon. Bohs already know that on-loan defender Seán Grehan will be returning to Crystal Palace, and Reynolds predicts others may also depart. But while keen to strengthen, he admitted that he will look around the League of Ireland as players arriving from the UK are out of season and take time to get fit. That proved an issue last term when Bohemians' form suffered, though they are reaping the benefits this term instead. Read more on irish football Reynolds said: 'We signed four or five and it was extremely difficult for them. 'Ross Tierney and Dawson Devoy being two, Leigh Kavanagh — it took us ages to get them up to speed and then they were breaking down with niggles and the season ends. "It's only when we got a big pre-season into them . . . and that's why we came back early, for the likes of those. It's a challenge and something you need to be careful of. 'I'd also say that the players want to stay in the UK first before coming, so we'll see then if players in this country become available.' Most read in Football But the boss knows the work will begin soon if it has the potential to ruin his short mid-season holiday. Rennie joked: 'It's nice to go away but the f***ing phone will be going non-stop! Painful moment cheeky Chelsea star grabs team-mate's privates in X-rated celebration after Conference League triumph 'Last year we were trying to sign Ross Tierney, so this was all going on over this period and everyone was cracking up. 'We got it done eventually but that was nearly my full summer break last year — but it was worth it.' And while he suspects his phone will keep ringing, he has told his own players to switch off and recharge — but not overdo it either. His squad may have six days off after tomorrow, but there are demands. The players will be weighed before they depart and will still have fitness programmes to keep up. Drill sergeant Reynolds explained: 'We have spoken to them about these things. I suppose it's just to threaten them a little bit and behave themselves. 'They are young lads. I think we have all done it, so they need to relax.' And the Dalymount supremo admits his ideas of fitness have changed since he was a player. BACK IN MY DAY Reynolds, 50, said: 'When I was playing for Waterford, I was working on the drinks lorry, delivering drink. 'It was like my gym exercise, going upstairs with crates of drink, beer, whatever. That was my gym stuff and I didn't know it at the time! 'But now it's changed so much. In fairness when I signed for Shelbourne with Pat Fenlon, it was starting to come in, gym stuff and whatever. 'You have to read the room as well as a manager, reading the room to see what works and what doesn't.' But before Bohs head off, he is keen that they wrap up the first half of the season with a victory that would make it seven wins from the last nine, after just three in the opening nine. Rennie, a former Derry City No 2, added: 'The first series of games wasn't good enough. We played well at times and we were bad at times. The points total wasn't good enough with three wins. 'We have improved and I think confidence is everything. 'We have a way of playing and players have grown into it and have had a good second series of games — but it will be a really good one if we win on Friday. 'We are finding that level of consistency but Derry are a tough test looking at a lot of their games. 'They are really good and we know what we're facing.'
The Irish Sun
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Alan Reynolds & Kevin Doherty clash in heated row as Bohemians boss accuses Drogheda gaffer of chasing his job
RIVAL bosses Kevin Doherty and Alan Reynolds were involved in a heated row on Friday night. But neither manager was keen to discuss the incident after tempers had cooled. Advertisement 2 Alan Reynolds was in a foul mood after seeing his side lose 1-0 2 While Doherty was pumped up about having dug out a tight win Drogheda United After the game, Reynolds took exception to Doherty going over to celebrate with home supporters on the opposite side of the ground prior to shaking hands with him, although Drogheda staff claimed the Bohs boss had no interest in engaging in formalities between the game himself. Nevertheless, Reynolds took Doherty to task over the perceived snub when both men returned from the dressing room to the pitch to conduct media interviews. After Doherty dismissed his complaints, in earshot of many, Reynolds accused his counterpart of chasing his job at Dalymount Park last season. Advertisement Read More On Irish Football The Dubliner flatly rejected the accusation but hit back by suggesting he could have gotten the position easily enough if he had wanted. Reynolds has been under pressure at various points since succeeding Declan Devine in March of last year although they went into Friday's match on the back of six wins out of seven. Staff from both sides and Bohs players - who were doing a warm down - both headed in the direction of the rowing pair and it briefly looked like the situation might escalate but it was soon defused. Asked about what had happened, Doherty said: 'Nothing, I don't want to talk about it. Advertisement Most read in Football 'I was celebrating. You're allowed to celebrate a win. There's nothing to say, I'd have a lot of respect for people at Bohs.' Reynolds would say little either other than to suggest Doherty was too busy celebrating to greet him and that the issue of handshakes had gotten out of hand. Wild scenes in Naples as fans celebrate after Scott McTominay wins Serie A for Napoli Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley Advertisement He claimed Rovers staff did not deserve to have the courtesy extended to them after the game and added he had intended blanking Bradley beforehand too. That was because he was unhappy because And But, similar to Reynolds did on Friday, he had attempted to draw a line under handshake controversies by suggesting his falling out with Bradley was 'nonsense'. Advertisement DROGS DELIGHT For Doherty, he was chuffed to see Drogheda reach the midway point of their season with 29 points, just five short of their overall tally in 2024. He said: 'Both teams had chances. I turned around to Daire Doyle at one stage and said 'this is actually an exciting game', not that I cared. 'It shows you how far we've come. That's as many wins we had all season last year and well-deserved. You have to defend as well but I thought we were a threat going the other way. 'It probably seemed that we dropped off. Dropped off? We've lost three games all year. Advertisement 'We've played half the games now and I'm absolutely delighted that we're going down to Waterford in good form. 'It's one more before the break and if we can keep performing the way we are I'll be very happy. 'I said before that I think we needed the break. I probably need it myself. I think I hurt myself crossing the pitch, not like me to be injured.' RUEFUL REYNOLDS For Reynolds, he was left ruing the decision to rule out a goal for Jordan Flores in the first half and 18-year-old Hugh Smith being unable to convert a late chance. Advertisement But he had no issue with the penalty awarded against Sean Grehan for a foul on Conor Keeley. He said: 'We deserved more than we got. We dominated from start to finish, really, but gave away a soft penalty. I am disappointed with that, Sean Grehan is a young player and has been excellent for us. 'I am disappointed with the goal from Flores, I feel it's a goal but the linesman makes a decision, you can't appeal these things, you can feel sorry about it but there's nothing you can do. 'We kept knocking on the door, but missed chances to get the equaliser. We bring on a young lad, Hughie Smith on for his debut, he has a great chance and he will learn from that.' Advertisement Smith got his chance as Lys Mousset has suffered a recurrence of an Achilles injury which will keep him out until after the break with Reynolds confirming Grehan would return to Crystal Palace at the end of June when his loan expires.
RTÉ News
23-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Bohemians pay the penalty as Drogheda United get back to winning ways
Douglas James-Taylor is finally back in the goals for Drogheda United and that prompted a return to winning ways for the team who were in danger of seeing their stunning start to the season peter out. This victory over in-form Bohemians, who arrived at Sullivan and Lambe Park with six wins in seven matches, sends them back up to second in the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division table, climbing above Derry City, St Patrick's Athletic and Bohs in the process. For a player who only arrived at the club last July, a wait of 265 days for a league goal will come as surprise to many. James-Taylor hit six goals in his first two months as a Premier Division player before his league goals dried up. They continued to flow in the FAI Cup but then a major thigh injury has denied Drogheda of his services for the majority of the season. He is back now though and United will hope he can thrive again. With one victory in their last eight games, the Drogs had dropped to fifth in the standings which stands in stark contrast to Bohemians who have overcome an inconsistent start to the campaign to emerge as one of the Premier Division's form teams. Six wins from seven games have transformed the mood around Alan Reynolds side and the expectations around what they might achieve this season. They arrived at Sullivan and Lambe Park in third, having won as many games as leaders Shamrock Rovers. Bohs had yet to draw in their 16 outings but United were specialists in the form. Eight draws so far was a tally only matched by Shelbourne. In Dawson Devoy, the visitors had a player capable of identifying gaps in the United rearguard and with the quality of pass in his arsenal to split it upon. It was the Bohs captain who delivered a cross onto Dayle Rooney's head in the 12th minute. His effort beat Luke Dennison but not the upright. The same combination again caused problems when Devoy's diagonal pass gave Rooney a sight of goal but Conor Keeley's block denied him. James-Taylor had United's best opportunities in the first half, twice testing Kacper Chorazka with fiercely struck efforts – first from range and then much closer to goal. He would not be denied when scoring the winning goal from the penalty spot. Sean Grehan clumsily fouled Conor Keeley in the area on the hour mark and the on-loan Walsall striker scored from 12 yards. The visitors had ample opportunity to level but a combination of misfortunate and missed chances proved their undoing. Colm Whelan saw a shot from the edge of the area cannon off the crossbar. Then substitutes Hugh Smith and Archie Meekison were denied twice in a matter of seconds. Both their efforts were too close to Dennison and he preserved the points. Drogheda United: Luke Dennison; Elicha Ahui, Conor Keeley, Andrew Quinn; Owen Lambe, Ryan Brennan (Darragh Markey, 55), Luke Heeney, Conor Kane; Shane Farrell; Douglas James-Taylor (Kieran Cruise, 87), Warren Davis (Thomas Oluwa, 69). Bohemians: Kacper Chorazka; Niall Morahan (Archie Meekison, 83), Sean Grehan, Rob Cornwall (Rhys Brennan, 71), Jordan Flores; Adam McDonnell (Keith Buckley, 71), Dawson Devoy; Ross Tierney, James Clarke (Hugh Smith, 83), Dayle Rooney; Colm Whelan.
