Latest news with #Swifts'
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Super-shooter's 71 goals as Fever end Swifts' streak
The great Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard has scored 71 goals as the West Coast Fever ended the NSW Swifts' unbeaten start to the Super Netball season with an impressive 79-68 win at Ken Rosewall Arena. In a heavyweight blockbuster between the competition's two best teams, the Fever (7-2) started quickly and finished with a flourish, extending their winning streak to seven and ending the Swifts' eight-game unbeaten run in 2025. Remarkably, NSW have never tasted victory against West Coast at their Sydney home base, a trend that continued on Saturday night. "It's really good," said Fowler-Nembhard, the world's best shooter, who missed just one shot attempt all evening. "I came up against some brilliant defenders. "The Swifts are an incredible team and we couldn't come here and underestimate them." At the other end, NSW shooter Grace Nweke racked up a whopping 13 rebounds to go with 48 goals at a less efficient 80 per cent. After a goal-for-goal opening, the Fever created some separation through Fowler-Nembhard, who hit 21 in the opening stanza to give the visitors a 22-16 buffer at the first change. Fowler-Nembhard's connection in attack with the likes of Alice Teague-Neeld, Jordan Cransberg and Shanice Beckford was a feature. The home side rang in the changes in the second period, particularly in defence, as the contest became scrappier and more physical after opening in clean, clinical fashion. Fowler-Nembhard had 37 by half-time, while Nweke was off-target in the Swifts' attack, hounded relentlessly by Kadie-Ann Dehaney. West Coast held sway 39-32 at the main break before NSW lifted through co-captain Paige Hadley and goal attack Helen Housby. Housby's sixth two-pointer trimmed the margin to three before Fowler-Nembard's second-chance goal put the Fever in front 59-55 with a quarter to play. But the last term belonged emphatically to West Coast, who shot 20-of-20 to the Swifts' 11-of-19 to put the rest of the competition on notice. The great Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard has scored 71 goals as the West Coast Fever ended the NSW Swifts' unbeaten start to the Super Netball season with an impressive 79-68 win at Ken Rosewall Arena. In a heavyweight blockbuster between the competition's two best teams, the Fever (7-2) started quickly and finished with a flourish, extending their winning streak to seven and ending the Swifts' eight-game unbeaten run in 2025. Remarkably, NSW have never tasted victory against West Coast at their Sydney home base, a trend that continued on Saturday night. "It's really good," said Fowler-Nembhard, the world's best shooter, who missed just one shot attempt all evening. "I came up against some brilliant defenders. "The Swifts are an incredible team and we couldn't come here and underestimate them." At the other end, NSW shooter Grace Nweke racked up a whopping 13 rebounds to go with 48 goals at a less efficient 80 per cent. After a goal-for-goal opening, the Fever created some separation through Fowler-Nembhard, who hit 21 in the opening stanza to give the visitors a 22-16 buffer at the first change. Fowler-Nembhard's connection in attack with the likes of Alice Teague-Neeld, Jordan Cransberg and Shanice Beckford was a feature. The home side rang in the changes in the second period, particularly in defence, as the contest became scrappier and more physical after opening in clean, clinical fashion. Fowler-Nembhard had 37 by half-time, while Nweke was off-target in the Swifts' attack, hounded relentlessly by Kadie-Ann Dehaney. West Coast held sway 39-32 at the main break before NSW lifted through co-captain Paige Hadley and goal attack Helen Housby. Housby's sixth two-pointer trimmed the margin to three before Fowler-Nembard's second-chance goal put the Fever in front 59-55 with a quarter to play. But the last term belonged emphatically to West Coast, who shot 20-of-20 to the Swifts' 11-of-19 to put the rest of the competition on notice. The great Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard has scored 71 goals as the West Coast Fever ended the NSW Swifts' unbeaten start to the Super Netball season with an impressive 79-68 win at Ken Rosewall Arena. In a heavyweight blockbuster between the competition's two best teams, the Fever (7-2) started quickly and finished with a flourish, extending their winning streak to seven and ending the Swifts' eight-game unbeaten run in 2025. Remarkably, NSW have never tasted victory against West Coast at their Sydney home base, a trend that continued on Saturday night. "It's really good," said Fowler-Nembhard, the world's best shooter, who missed just one shot attempt all evening. "I came up against some brilliant defenders. "The Swifts are an incredible team and we couldn't come here and underestimate them." At the other end, NSW shooter Grace Nweke racked up a whopping 13 rebounds to go with 48 goals at a less efficient 80 per cent. After a goal-for-goal opening, the Fever created some separation through Fowler-Nembhard, who hit 21 in the opening stanza to give the visitors a 22-16 buffer at the first change. Fowler-Nembhard's connection in attack with the likes of Alice Teague-Neeld, Jordan Cransberg and Shanice Beckford was a feature. The home side rang in the changes in the second period, particularly in defence, as the contest became scrappier and more physical after opening in clean, clinical fashion. Fowler-Nembhard had 37 by half-time, while Nweke was off-target in the Swifts' attack, hounded relentlessly by Kadie-Ann Dehaney. West Coast held sway 39-32 at the main break before NSW lifted through co-captain Paige Hadley and goal attack Helen Housby. Housby's sixth two-pointer trimmed the margin to three before Fowler-Nembard's second-chance goal put the Fever in front 59-55 with a quarter to play. But the last term belonged emphatically to West Coast, who shot 20-of-20 to the Swifts' 11-of-19 to put the rest of the competition on notice.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Football Fever strikes as hundreds of excited fans line Dungannon streets
Dungannon has never witnessed a night quite like Monday's rousing celebration of the Swifts' historic Irish Cup triumph. Hundreds – possibly thousands – of jubilant fans lined the streets and packed Market Square to welcome home their champions. As the open-top bus carrying the victorious team stopped at the top of the town, the streets exploded with sound and colour. Blue and white flags flew high, flares lit the evening sky, and the voices of young and old rang out in song, as 'Buskerman' provided the soundtrack for a night that will long live in the memory. Supporters spoke of their pride in a small-town team that has defied the odds, drawing comparisons between the Swifts' footballing community and a tight-knit family. Lucy Redmond, Captain of Dungannon Hockey Team, said: 'To be here tonight is amazing. It's so good for the Swifts to bring it home. Unbelievable game and Dungannon Hockey team can hopefully do the same this Saturday.' Ken Harker, who was at the final and out again for the homecoming, added: 'I think it's absolutely brilliant for everybody involved with them. I'm only a blow-in so I'm late in coming to support them but am glad to see them win.' His wife, Dorothy, reflected on her family's links to the club: 'I couldn't go to the match but watched it on TV. It's really good for the community and has brought everyone together.' Family ties and lifelong loyalty The event was a family affair for many, including Kenny McAree, cousin of Swifts' manager Rodney McAree. 'The Swifts are in the McAree blood. I've been a lifelong supporter. It's incredible, it's just hard to believe but I'm so proud for Rodney, Joe and the whole McAree family – as well as the town itself. I've been a follower of the Swifts all my life and never thought I'd see them win an Irish Cup final. It's lovely that the community is out to show their support. It's brilliant that it's properly celebrated and see the town filled tonight and celebrate it the way that it should be.' Adam Palmer, 26, from Armagh, came to the celebration with his family – including his father, Arnie, who hails from Dungannon. 'I've watched the match about 30 times back and it's magic. Even now, when I see the equaliser going in, my heart still sinks. Deccie Dunne is a legend like – to save two penalties, it's brilliant. The kids didn't get to go to the final on Saturday so we wanted to bring them tonight to see the trophy. You have to support everything the club does. I went to my first Swifts match whenever I was five years old with my dad when they were in B Division. There's no other club for me.' Arnie added: 'I was at the last cup final when we lost. When it went to penalties this time, I thought, 'No, we've been here before.' It was brilliant to win, I can hardly talk.' Eight-year-old Ezra Hassin declared the final 'the best day of his life.' His father, Ashley, agreed: 'On Saturday, they kept us on the edge of our seats for a long time! It's important to celebrate events like this. A lot of people have a lot of negative things to say about Dungannon and, to see a wee town like this absolutely punching above its weight in Irish football, and bringing some good energy back to the town has been fantastic.' Atmosphere, emotion and pride Bobbie Jo Wilson and Michelle West were among those at both the final and the homecoming. Bobbie Jo said: 'The atmosphere, the noise was amazing. My fiancé has been a fan since he was no age.' Michelle added: 'Their achievement is unbelievable for the club, especially with not having a big source of funding but it's a community club, it's a family club. We're delighted for all those who have been fans for years. It's great to see Rodney McAree who grew up in my village, do so well. I remember Joe managing the Swifts. Given the small budget they have, it's unbelievable. It's hard to attract players when you're not offering big money. You have all the big Belfast clubs and they were playing one of those on Saturday – they have double the fan base but I don't know that we even heard them. I think our fans were ten times louder and had the backing of the crowd – as well as all the neutrals who were hoping the Swifts would win.' Terry McQuaid kept it short and sweet: 'Congratulations to the Swifts. I watched the final in the house though could hardly watch it. I was running in and out of the kitchen.' Sean Paul McAleer, of McAleer's Bar, said: 'We're all delighted for the boys, a great win at the weekend. We showed the match on Saturday and there was a good crew watching it. It was emotional and tense. I had a feeling they were going to do it. Proud of Dungannon and delighted for Joe and Rodney McAree – brilliant people – and all the lads.' A fitting tribute and a town on the rise Trevor Boyd, brother of club chairman Keith Boyd, wore a Swifts t-shirt from the 1990s as he reflected on both personal loss and communal pride. 'Every single person involved in the club was amazing. Our club is all about involving everybody, making sure everybody's enjoying themselves, making them feel welcome so it's really good to see so many people supporting us tonight and see Philomena Begley sing – it's amazing. 'My father passed away only four weeks ago and he would have loved it. It's massive. Me and my two brothers have been involved in the club for years and this here is just the icing on the cake. It's a fitting tribute. My father was always in the background and my brother, Keith, who is the Chairman, has put a lot of time and effort into Dungannon Swifts. We volunteer at the club and Keith is the main steering wheel behind it and I do think he's done a massive job, turning the club to where it is today. Yes, you can have a great manager, you can have a great players, but if you haven't got the right captain steering the ship, it's not going anywhere. 'As chairman, he's responsible for the everyday running of the club and he has a good committee behind him. It's a team effort. Everyone turned out on Saturday. It was hard and tough emotionally as a family – but that's football. 'My son Dillon is the head of the supporters club, SO49, which has risen higher and higher. He's been a Swifts fan since he was four or five years old.' Eddie McCombes, Phillip Cross and Matthew Cross described the final as one of the best days of their lives. Phillip said: 'It was incredible, it's only beginning to sink in now to be honest. A very special day. It's great news for the town. The hockey club are doing well, the rugby club is doing well and the Swifts winning the Irish Cup – sport is really taking off in Dungannon, it's great to see. I'm very proud of all the clubs in the town.' Eddie added: 'It was a great turnout on Saturday and a great turnout tonight too. We've our passports all ready for going away to Europe. Phillip's buying the suntan oil!' Dungannon woman Arlene McFarland summed up the emotion of the night: 'It's an amazing day for our boys to have won this. If you know the history of the Swifts, you'll understand why this has been a very emotional moment. It's a very family orientated team, the fan base is absolutely awesome. They're a great bunch of lads and to come this far, the world's their oyster. I've always been a background fan but I really got brought into it this year and I'm so glad I did – the atmosphere when you're at the match, you can't but get emotional. It's fantastic for the town – it puts Dungannon on the map for all the right reasons.' Dungannon Swifts' Irish Cup-winning Class of 2025 has made history – and now, with Europe ahead, they prepare for the next chapter in a journey that has already united a town.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Hard luck stories' turned into success by Swifts
"European football for Dungannon, scoring a goal in an Irish Cup final and winning the first ever Irish Cup for the club is something to write in history." John McGovern perfectly summarised a glorious day for him and Dungannon Swifts in the Irish Cup final. Advertisement The strike netted the opener in the final for the Swifts, who played a large part of the game with 10 men, holding their nerve to secure a 4-3 penalty shootout win after a 1-1 draw after extra time. That result not only brings a maiden Irish Cup triumph but also European football to come with the Swifts entering the Uefa Conference League at the second qualifying round stage. Rodney McAree's side have indeed written their names into the Swifts' history books and wherever you look across this well-assembled Dungannon side, there are hard luck turned success stories everywhere. Irish Cup win 'cherry on top' for prolific McGovern McGovern, for example, was a striker who struggled for consistency and injuries during his time at Newry City but has been a revelation since arriving at the Swifts last summer. Advertisement Namechecked by Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill as a player of potential, he has been linked with a host of full-time clubs but declined to speak about his future after the final, instead choosing to savour the momentous occasion. "I'm absolutely buzzing. Coming into this people had us as underdogs but to go out and put in the performance we did, especially going down to 10 men, shows the characters in our dressing room," he said. "We've been unbelievable, and I know finishing fourth is a great achievement but putting an Irish Cup on the table with the league campaign we had was the cherry on top." There is also goalkeeper Declan Dunne, the hero in the shootout who saved Shea Kearney and Luke Conlan's penalties to win the Irish Cup. Advertisement He was playing in the Swifts' promotion/relegation play-off victory against Annagh United just two years ago and knows they must enjoy the good times as there have been "bad times" as well. The stopper was sure that the Swifts were going to win the trophy when the game went to spot-kicks and he was vindicated as they scored all four of their penalties. "When we have the boys that we did going up to hit penalties, we practiced them on Thursday in training and you knew they were going to score, we have confidence oozing out of the team," he added. "When you save it, you have to enjoy it. I fancied myself to save two at least so I'm happy." 'It's so special' for midfield maestro Bigirimana Then there is man-of-the-match Gael Bigirimana, who scored his penalty in the shootout win after clearing an Eric McWoods chance off the line in extra time. Advertisement The midfielder played in the Premier League with Newcastle before eventually coming to the Irish Premiership. After an unhappy spell at Glentoran, he has found a home at Dungannon and has been a standout player this season. "For me it is so special, we played Cliftonville and a few months ago and I said to the boys 'I feel like we are going to do something special' and Cliftonville beat us 4-1 so I thought maybe not!" he joked. "The boys have been magnificent, I'm speechless but I'm over the moon." Finally, there is Andrew Mitchell, who under McAree, has returned to the Swifts with renewed vigour and has formed a great partnership with McGovern up front after almost stepping away from the game before going back to Stangmore Park. Advertisement "I was very emotional after the game, 18 months ago I wasn't going to play again, I was retiring, and I'm just glad I have had the chance to come back again and it's wonderful for everyone at the club," he explained. "I'm so glad we have been able to deliver for the people of Dungannon and especially Rodney and Dixie [Robinson], good people who have trusted me to come back." Mitchell reserved special praise for McAree, who has knitted the squad of experienced pros and young, hungry players together to such good effect. In doing so, he mentioned another in Danny Wallace who has been transformed since swapping Glenavon for the Swifts. Advertisement "Rodney is the best manager in the league no question, he instils belief in every single one of us going out every game that we are the best players in our positions. "He has signed so well, Danny Wallace has done so well, someone who was treated really poorly and I love to see people turning around their careers and proving other people wrong." Something which so many in this Dungannon Swifts squad have done and they now have an Irish Cup to show for it.
BBC News
04-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Hard luck stories' turned into success by Swifts
"European football for Dungannon, scoring a goal in an Irish Cup final and winning the first ever Irish Cup for the club is something to write in history."John McGovern perfectly summarised a glorious day for him and Dungannon Swifts in the Irish Cup strike netted the opener in the final for the Swifts, who played a large part of the game with 10 men, holding their nerve to secure a 4-3 penalty shootout win after a 1-1 draw after extra result not only brings a maiden Irish Cup triumph but also European football to come with the Swifts entering the Uefa Conference League at the second qualifying round McAree's side have indeed written their names into the Swifts' history books and wherever you look across this well-assembled Dungannon side, there are hard luck turned success stories everywhere. Irish Cup win 'cherry on top' for prolific McGovern McGovern, for example, was a striker who struggled for consistency and injuries during his time at Newry City but has been a revelation since arriving at the Swifts last by Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill as a player of potential, he has been linked with a host of full-time clubs but declined to speak about his future after the final, instead choosing to savour the momentous occasion. "I'm absolutely buzzing. Coming into this people had us as underdogs but to go out and put in the performance we did, especially going down to 10 men, shows the characters in our dressing room," he said."We've been unbelievable, and I know finishing fourth is a great achievement but putting an Irish Cup on the table with the league campaign we had was the cherry on top."There is also goalkeeper Declan Dunne, the hero in the shootout who saved Shea Kearney and Luke Conlan's penalties to win the Irish was playing in the Swifts' promotion/relegation play-off victory against Annagh United just two years ago and knows they must enjoy the good times as there have been "bad times" as stopper was sure that the Swifts were going to win the trophy when the game went to spot-kicks and he was vindicated as they scored all four of their penalties."When we have the boys that we did going up to hit penalties, we practiced them on Thursday in training and you knew they were going to score, we have confidence oozing out of the team," he added."When you save it, you have to enjoy it. I fancied myself to save two at least so I'm happy." 'It's so special' for midfield maestro Bigirimana Then there is man-of-the-match Gael Bigirimana, who scored his penalty in the shootout win after clearing an Eric McWoods chance off the line in extra midfielder played in the Premier League with Newcastle before eventually coming to the Irish an unhappy spell at Glentoran, he has found a home at Dungannon and has been a standout player this season."For me it is so special, we played Cliftonville and a few months ago and I said to the boys 'I feel like we are going to do something special' and Cliftonville beat us 4-1 so I thought maybe not!" he joked."The boys have been magnificent, I'm speechless but I'm over the moon."Finally, there is Andrew Mitchell, who under McAree, has returned to the Swifts with renewed vigour and has formed a great partnership with McGovern up front after almost stepping away from the game before going back to Stangmore Park."I was very emotional after the game, 18 months ago I wasn't going to play again, I was retiring, and I'm just glad I have had the chance to come back again and it's wonderful for everyone at the club," he explained."I'm so glad we have been able to deliver for the people of Dungannon and especially Rodney and Dixie [Robinson], good people who have trusted me to come back."Mitchell reserved special praise for McAree, who has knitted the squad of experienced pros and young, hungry players together to such good doing so, he mentioned another in Danny Wallace who has been transformed since swapping Glenavon for the Swifts."Rodney is the best manager in the league no question, he instils belief in every single one of us going out every game that we are the best players in our positions."He has signed so well, Danny Wallace has done so well, someone who was treated really poorly and I love to see people turning around their careers and proving other people wrong."Something which so many in this Dungannon Swifts squad have done and they now have an Irish Cup to show for it.
BBC News
28-01-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Dillon goal wins Mid-Ulster Cup for Swifts
Dungannon Swifts won the Mid-Ulster Cup with a 2-1 victory over Loughgall at Stangmore McAree's side led 2-0 at half-time after strikes from Brandon Bermingham and Kealan Dillon before Jordan Gibson pulled one back deep into added time. Bermingham's goal came as early as the 11th minute but the attacker's joy was short-lived after he hobbled off soon after having picked up a knock in the act of Swifts' lead was maintained only after Danny Wallace cleared Jay Boyd's goal-bound effort off the line and that intervention loomed all the larger when Dillon doubled the advantage in first-half injury time. In the second half, substitute Tomas Galvin thought he had made it 3-0 only to see his effort flagged for strike reduced the arrears in the final minute of the game but, after defeats in the past two finals, Dungannon held on to win the trophy for a first time since 2016.
