Latest news with #Pat's
The 42
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The 42
History against St Pat's and Shamrock Rovers as European journey continues
STEPHEN KENNY WAS asked about his memories taking League of Ireland clubs into European action when he made sure to switch the focus ahead of St Patrick's Athletic's Uefa Conference League second-round tie with Nõmme Kalju of Estonia. 'Yeah, but as always it's about players, and hopefully our players can turn it on, a big performance,' he said. They've already delivered two during qualifying. St Pat's cruised past Hegelmann in their first-round clash, with Mason Melia and Kian Leavy's performances away in Lithuania particularly impressive. 'Some people say Europe suits our team and so forth, they are fantastic. The St Pat's support seem to really embrace it, marching down from Inchicore with their banners last week, the ground is limited, the capacity is much less, but they made more noise than in a league game, we have good numbers travelling away which is terrific so hopefully we can repay that,' Kenny said, recalling the display last week. 'Our most influential player on the day was Kian Leavy, he was very influential, hopefully he can continue that form, he had been injured last year, then played both games against Istanbul [Basaksehir] when Romal [Palmer] got injured and did brilliant in both games, he has taken that on from last season.' For Pat's, just like Shamrock Rovers who travel to Gibraltar for the first leg of their second-round qualifier against St Joseph's, there is no safety net like the one afforded to Shelbourne along the champions' path. Advertisement Joey O'Brien's side had a testing night on Wednesday, losing 3-0 at Tolka Park in the first leg of their Champions League second round qualifier with Qarabag and, barring the biggest turnaround in European history for an Irish club, will drop into the Europa League third round with a play-off spot in the third-tier competition guaranteed at a minimum. Rovers, of course, benefitted from the same route in Europe last year although Stephen Bradley's men did make it as far as the Europa League play-off before losing to PAOK from Greece. They eventually progressed to the knockout stages of the Conference League, earning the club over €6 million in the process, but there is no margin for error for Pat's or Rovers this time around. If even one of them could go the distance and reach the league phase they will become the first League of Ireland side to do so without the benefit of the champions' path. 'If we lose we are out, that's the ruthless nature of cup competitions so you can't really get ahead of yourself,' Kenny said. 'We had a very good run last season and the season before they were knocked out early so it can go any way for you. 'Even Hegelmann, we played very well, people say they weren't that good but it's about putting in the performances and we have to put in a big performance on Thursday night.' Goalkeeper Joey Anang has already benefitted from the profile European football brings. Now in his second spell at the club, after joining on loan from West Ham United in 2022 before returning last year following a brief spell with Derby County, the St Pat's No. 1 is primed for the challenge. 'Obviously, as footballers, you want to play against the big boys, so if that happens then obviously we're ready to go,' he said. Tonight will be Anang's 13th appearance in Europe – only seven players in the club's history have featured more times – and his performances in all six games last year when St Pat's were knocked out by Basaksehir in the Conference League play-off led to Ghan reviving their interest in him. They first made contact when he was a West Ham player but it was only for a double header of friendlies with Nigeria and Trinadad & Tobago in May that he earned first-call up. The 25-year-old has yet to win a cap but he is prepared to bide his time and hopefully become a permanent fixture in the squad that is also on course for next summer's World Cup. They are currently top of their qualifying group and two wins from their remaining four games would be enough for an automatic place. 'I think they are watching me more playing in Europe than in the league, for sure,' he admitted. Anang kept two clean sheets in the last round and with back-to-back shutouts in the Premier Division he is aiming to extend that streak to five-in-a-row as Pat's bid to march on in Europe.
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Stephen Kenny's first-leg ambitions outlined as St Pat's bid for glamour tie
Stephen Kenny wants his St Patrick's Athletic side to repeat their Europa Conference League first round heroics - by taking a lead with them to the Baltics. Last time out, they flew to Lithuania with a one-goal advantage against FC Hegelmann, where they scored twice to wrap up a 3-0 aggregate win. Next up on Thursday night is the visit to Richmond Park of Estonians Nomme Kalju - and Kenny is eager for his side to be in the ascendancy when they head to Tallinn next week. The Pat's boss is missing Sean Hoare and Romal Palmer for Thursday's game, but otherwise has a strong squad for the game. Describing Kalju as a step up from their first round opponents, he said: 'They will be tough opposition. We'd like to take a lead ideally to Estonia, that has to be the objective.' Kenny got the lowdown on their second round opponents from former Pat's star Ian Bermingham, whose club European appearance record was beaten last week by Chris Forrester. Bermingham watched Kalju in action against Albanian side Partizani - and he brought home a detailed report of the Estonian side. 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 . 'Ian was in Tirana and he saw that game. It was a big win for Nomme Kalju in Tirana because Partizani are ranked higher than us I believe,' said Kenny. 'So it was a big win in the second half of extra-time and they were value for it over the two legs, I thought. We'll dust ourselves down for a new challenge and get ready. '(They play a) 3-4-2-1 model, Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers are playing 3-4-2-1. The striker is Brazilian and they have a Ghanaian forward as well. 'They have a lot of energy, they're a very fit team and some good attacking players. They finished second in that league last year, they split the Tallinns. We'll get a real tough game.' Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email .
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
St Patrick's Athletic boss in FAI Cup draw quip as tough tie awaits the Saints
Stephen Kenny reckons someone was double-jobbing this week - with his St Patrick's Athletic side landing two tough draws within 24 hours of each other. First up was Monday's Europa Conference League third round draw. The reward for progress over Estonian side Nomme Kalju will be a tie against one of two European group stage regulars. Turkish giants Besiktas are managed by former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, while Ukrainians Shakhtar Donetsk won the UEFA Cup in 2009. Then on Tuesday, in the draw for the third round of the FAI Cup, Pat's were handed a home tie against League of Ireland champions Shelbourne. The St Pat's boss quipped: 'I think the same person was doing the two draws! Two tough draws, Shelbourne is a tough game, Pat's v Shels is a great game. As for the prospect of facing either Besiktas or Shakhtar, it wasn't the draw Kenny was after. He said: 'I always want a draw that gives us the best chance of progressing. People want a big one, but I'm always wanting the draw that gives us the best chance of got to the play-off round last season. 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 . 'Obviously, there is an incentive for both teams when they see the draw. They are big names, Besiktas or Shaktar. There are institutions in their own countries. They have a great pedigree. 'For both teams it's a huge incentive, but from our point of view we want to… European games can be the pinnacle of players' careers. 'We played in Lithuania last week and we go to Estonia next week. You want to continue on that journey and go again. You don't want to stop.' Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email .
The 42
17-07-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Leavy and Melia lead the way as classy St Pat's march on in Europe
Uefa Conference League, first-round qualifier, second leg Hegelmann 0 St Patrick's Athletic 2 St Patrick's Athletic win 3-0 on aggregate THIS WAS CLASSY and clinical from St Patrick's Athletic as they cut through Heglemann on their own patch to begin what they hope to be a resurgence in their season. Mason Melia and Kian Leavy did the damage with a goal each and all-round performances that were beguiling. Stephen Kenny has said his players have been doing all the right things during their sticky patch in the Premier Division and this display backed up such belief as the European campaign goes on. This was an Irish side going to Lithuania and looking stronger in every element of the game – tactically, physically and technically. The first leg was a story of missed opportunities but after six minutes of the return St Pat's were sharp and ruthless and, crucially, leading by two legs in the tie. The excellent Leavy started with purpose, perhaps with a point to prove given he was the one change to the starting XI in Dublin and began in place of Brandon Kavanagh. He drifted dangerously and blithely across the final third, taking the ball with his back to goal or turning and running with impressive decisiveness. It was this willingness to act on the front foot that created the opening goal, cutting in from the right wing, across the penalty box and getting his head up and the perfect time to see the run of Jason McClelland between two ball-watching Heglemann defenders. 😍 The assist by Melia 🎯 The finish by Leavy ⚽️⚽️ The Saints double their advantage on the night & now lead 3-0 on aggregate Our 2025 Goals are sponsored by @kavanaghspubd8 #StPatsFC 🔴⚪️ — St Patrick's Athletic FC (@stpatsfc) July 17, 2025 The left back faked to take the shot first time, his marker stuttered just enough to allow him take a touch and powerful shot that was palmed by the goalkeeper straight into the path of the on-rushing Melia who tapped home inside the six-yard box. It was the perfect start to soothe any nerves and allow the Pat's players settle into their groove. Advertisement Leavy typified this confidence and spent the half with his head on a swivel and defenders with blurred vision trying to keep up his quick feet. The manner in which Pat's completely took charge of the game bodes well as their European run now sets to continue into the second qualifying round of this competition. At least €700,000 has been banked and with their opponents to be confirmed later this evening – the winner of Partizani from Albania and Estonia's Nõmme Kalju FC await – Kenny's side look to have rediscovered their mojo in the final third at just the right time. On the evidence of this performance it's baffling to realise Pat's had scored just once in 10 hours of football prior to the first leg. In Lithuania it looked as though they were capable of carving Hegelmann open at every opportunity. The way in which they made certain of progress with a second goal of the evening on 56 minutes illustrated the gulf in class, and there was no surprise to see Melia and Leavy combine to such devasting effect. The 17-year-old striker dropped into the centre circle, recieved a pass under pressure but had the close control and running ability to sprint away from pressure and end up on the opponents' 18-yard box within a matter of seconds. After doing all that hard work he maintained his cool to play an easy pass to his left for Melia. Others might well have overhit or miscued the ball after expending such energy but instead it was ideal for Leavy to take one touch, swivel his hips and leave a defender on the astro, then carefully rifle a finish into the roof of the net. It was lethal all round and the end of whatever resistance was left from the home side had wilted. Yet another clean sheet was never in danger for the Saints. The hosts were lucky not to concede a penalty when Melia was body checked in the box, and by that stage it was game-management for the Saints. Chris Forrester's substitute appearance on 80 minutes means he now holds the record for Pat's in Europe with 25. There will be at least two more opportunities to add to that tally and if this is the start of a resurgence who knows when it will end. Hegelmann: Vincentas Sarkauskas; Klaudijus Upstas, Vilius Armalas, Nikola Doric, Carlos Duke; Domantas Antanavicius, Lazar Kojic, Artem Shchedryi; Donatas Kazlauskas, Kader Njoya Abdel, Leo Ribeiro. St Patrick's Athletic: Joey Anang; Ryan McLaughlin, Joe Redmond (captain), Tom Grivosti, Jason McClelland (Anto Breslin 80); Jake Mulraney (Zach Elbouzedi HT), Barry Baggley, Jamie Lennon, Kian Leavy (Al-Amin Kazeem 88), Simon Power (Chris Forrester 80); Mason Melia (Aidan Keena 72). Referee: Mads Kristoffersen (Den).
RTÉ News
17-07-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Teenage star Mason Melia bags first European goal as St Patrick's Athletic progress in Conference League
Mason Melia demonstrated why he is a rising star in Irish football as Saint Patrick's Athletic cantered into the next stage of the UEFA Conference League in Lithuania. The County Wicklow teenager's first goal in Europe early in the first half was bettered by a dazzling half-of-the-pitch sprint early in the second, setting up Kian Leavy to hammer home the second and the reality of a return of self-belief among Stephen Kenny's charges. Estonia's Nomme Kalju or Albanian side Partizani are up next for the Dubliners, who found confidence from their 1-0 home-leg win, despite poor league form, to cruise to victory in the Baltics. It was a first-ever victory by more than a single goal away from home in Europe for the Inchicore outfit. Heglemann's chronic inability to convert decent territory into a goal illustrated their limitations and, while Pat's will not get carried away with this, they will fancy their chance of getting through the next round too. Saints' European record under Stephen Kenny now reads: played eight matches, won five, their only defeat in those matches coming in the Conference League play-off round to smart Turkish outfit İstanbul Başakşehir last August. Pre-game Kenny noted the heat and how his players needed to adapt, Kian Leavy replacing Brandon Kavanagh because of his pace to trouble Hegelmann in the warm conditions, and that proved shrewd. Joe Redmond was calm throughout and, when needed, Joey Anang did the needful. All in all, Kenny will be thrilled. For all of that, Heglemann had a massive chance just over a minute in. A punt down the line saw Donatas Kazlauskas find space and he fed Klaudijus Upstas. Upstas's cross found Njoya Kader whose shot was blocked and Saints were lucky that full-back Carlos Duke lashed the rebound over. If Pat's needed a reminder of the challenge ahead, despite their one-goal lead, they had it. Jay McClelland struggled for that attack but he was central to the Saints opener. Leavy justified his selection by finding McClelland in space on the left and he drove the ball across stopper Vincentas Sarkauskas, whose parry was candy from a baby from a handful of yards for Melia. It was exactly what he and Pat's needed. Duke had a lively opening and he was wayward with a right-footed effort on 13 minutes – Saints had been warned. Still, Hegelmann looked ripe for picking off if Pat's got their press right. Melia was presented with the ball 16 minutes in and, rather than shoot, he got his pass all wrong, but the evening was young. There was no let-up and Leo Ribeiro had Jamie Lennon on the back foot but he blasted over from outside the box. The same scenario presented itself within a few minutes but this time Lennon fashioned a key block on Ribiero, who was causing problems for the Dubliners. Then Upstas crossed for Artem Shchedry but he could not quite connect, when he would have likely scored had he met the cross. Barry Bagley, who has revelled in European combat this year, showed sumptuous skill to find space midway through the half and McClelland teed up Power, whose low effort kept edging just beyond Sarkauskas' post. Melia's ability to create something with his first touch shows why Tottenham Hotspur are taking a chance on him. He burst into space and seemingly put the hitherto quiet Jake Mulraney on ten minutes before the break but Upstas got back to clear for a corner. Mulraney was growing in influence now but would not see the second half on the artificial terrain. The trio playing just off Melia – Mulraney, Power and Leavy – were critically involved six minutes shy of the break, Leavy blocked after a clever flick from Power. Lazar Kojic and Shchedry worked a lovely move early after the restart and Ribeiro's toe-poke may have been covered by Anang, but Saints were stretched. Leavy's end result can disappoint but not so for the second. Melia, having darted at goal from his own half, played a nice soft pass into the Ardee youngster and he was impressively averse to panic, taking control of the ball and blasting into the roof of the net. As the temperatures dropped to around 20 degrees, Saints were able to relax to a large extent thereafter. Substitutes Zach Elbouzedi, introduced for Mulraney at the break, should have done better after being fed by Aidan Keena, whose penalty conversion was massive last week, especially given his goal drought. Hegelmann's fans were tiring too, a faltering play on Homer Simpson's "Where's My Burrito" symptomatic of their malaise. That said, Anang produced an exceptional save from a stinging left-footed drive from substitute Patrick Popescu that would have made things a little more interesting. The stakes will rise for Pat's now with the question of whether they can bring this form back to the League of Ireland and repeat their run of last year in the Conference League. Hegelmann: Vincentas Sarkauskas; Klaudijus Upstas, Nikola Doric, Vilius Armalas, Carlos Duke; Artem Shchedry (Patrick Popescu 63), Lazar Kojic, Domantas Antanavicius (Abdoul Samad Harouna 70); Donatas Kazlauskas (Esmilis Kausinis 70), Njoya Kader (Rasheed Yusuf 63), Leo Ribeiro (Yanis Azouazi 84). Saint Patrick's Athletic: Joseph Anang; Ryan McLaughlin, Tom Grivosti, Joe Redmond, Jason McClelland (Chris Forrester 79); Barry Bagley, Jamie Lennon; Jake Mulraney (Zach Elbouzedi 46), Kian Leavy (Al Amin Kazeem 88), Simon Power (Anthony Breslin 79); Mason Melia (Aidan Keena 72).
