I'd like to be happy for him, but he's only there as an extra warm body in training, and last year Kenny called up James Talbot as 4th goalkeeper, with the result that Talbot got injured, and missed 6 months. I'll save my whoops of delight for now.
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Unfortunately, one of the Kerry players was allegedly subjected to racial abuse by one of their Longford counterparts last night, and the matter is now the subject of a Garda investigation:
https://twitter.com/kerryman_ie/status/1700425577771966572
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Sorry to hear that DR, takes away from a good performance. It's also good to see that you are beginning to put players on professional contracts.Comment
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Longford Town release a statement denying the incident, which is their prerogative, but then video footage emerged of the accused individual stamping on and headbutting the Kerry player who subsequently made the complaint:
https://twitter.com/DOL17/status/1701267862520824207
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We're back after the international break, with a massive league game and four Cup quarter finals to be decided on the night.
Derry City v Shamrock Rovers
With the top two out of the Cup, this game is set up to be a title decider. As it stands, Rovers are four points clear with a superior goal difference, although Derry's 5.0 victory against UCD in their game in hand has narrowed that advantage somewhat. With five games each left after tonight ,a Derry win is essential. Both sides seem to be at full strength, barring Jack Byrne's lack of progress on his ankle injury. For the good of the league I'll say Home Win
FAI Cup quarter finals
Drogheda United v Bohemians
The only all Premier division game of the round, with both sides in need of a win to avoid a disappointing finale. Drogheda's win last time out leaves them on the brink of safely, while Bohs disappointing result last time out in the Dublin derby leaves 3rd place and Europe by that route an increasingly unlikely prospect. Bohs have won the first three meetings of theses sides, and I'm going for a fourth tonight Away Win
Galway United v Dundalk
Not quite an all Premier tie, but since Galway are all but promoted it may as well be. Eamonn Deacy park is likely to be at full capacity tonight, as Galway native Stephen O'Donnell brings his injury depleted and out of form Dundalk here. That said, any side that has already knocked out Shamrock Rovers this year has got to be treated with respect. I think that this one could go all the way to penalties. I'll just give Dundalk the nod Away Win
Finn Harps v St Patrick's Athletic
Harps have had a disappointing season following relegation, and are struggling to even reach the playoffs. St Pats must be cursing their early poor form, as they've been probably the form team of the second half of the season. They shouldn't have any problems reaching the semi finals Away Win
Cork City v Wexford FC
Heady days for the Slaneysiders as they reach the quarters for only the third time in their history. They've been helped by drawing non league sides in each of the last two rounds to get this far. Travelling to Turners Cross to face a struggling Cork will give them hope, but even leaving everything out there won't be enough I'm afraid Home WinComment
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Fair to say Galway are roaring into the semis, 4-0 up on Dundalk approaching HT.Comment
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Shamrock Rovers are one step closer to four in a row, Graham Burke's late penalty earning a point in a 1.1 draw away to Derry City, keeping the gap at four points, with five games each to play.
Three of the four premier division sides came through in the cup, though none had it all their own way.
Two second half Jonathan Ofalabi goals eased Bohemians into the semi finals, after a Drogheda penalty had equalised Kristian Nowak's first half opener.
St Patrick's Athletic left it late to get the victory against a battling Finn Harps, Tommy Lonergan with the winning strike.
As mentioned above, Galway blitzed Dundalk in an amazing first half, the four early goals more than enough to progress, with Dundalk manager Stephen O'Donnell under pressure with Europe very unlikely now.
Finally ,Cork City had to come from behind to beat Wexford FC 2.1, Keating and Dijksteel with the goals to put them into Tuesday's draw.Last edited by elguapo4; 16-09-2023, 10:44.Comment
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There was further good news for Galway United last night. As well as reaching the Cup semi finals, Waterford's home defeat to Cobh Ramblers means that Galway are all but automatically promoted as champions. Waterford can match them on points, but Galway's goal difference and head to head is superior. It also guarantees Cobh a place in the playoffs, a terrific achievement for such a small club.Comment
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And Galway's very next match is at Mounthawk Park, so should see a sizeable travelling contingent in Tralee next Friday.Comment
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Also Virgin Media will have their TV cameras at the ground to cover the expected promotion party.Comment
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How many away fans can Mounthawk accommodate?Comment
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Technically, 10% of capacity, which would be 120, but if Galway fans were to find themselves in possession of "home" tickets, I'm sure a blind eye would be turned.Comment
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The draw for FAI Cup semi finals has been made
Men's
Cork City v St Patrick's Athletic
Galway United v Bohemians
Women's
Sligo Rovers v Athlone Town
Shamrock Rovers v ShelbourneComment
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Matchday 30
Things are beginning to wind down, with Derry City and St Patrick's Athletic looking less likely to catch Shamrock Rovers after every game, and UCD's two seasons in the top flight likely to come to an end tonight
Drogheda United v Bohemians
These two meet for the second week in a row, following Bohs win at the same venue in the Cup last week. With an important game against Shelbourne on Monday, Bohs manager Declan Devine has hinted that he'll make a few changes tonight, which could give the Drogs a chance of their first points in this fixture in 2023. I'll go for a Draw
Shelbourne v Cork City
Hats off to Shels, they've improved all season to stand on the brink of fourth place, and possible European football. Cork just aren't improving, though desperation might get them a Draw
St Patrick's Athletic v Dundalk
Pats are in the position where they don't know whether to stick or twist. With a Cup semi final coming up, do they rest players, and risk opening up third place to Bohs or Shelbourne. Dundalk were awful last week, and look a beaten docket either way. Home Win
Sligo Rovers v Derry City
Sligo are another team who desperately needs points to avoid the dreaded relegation playoff place. Although they have been Derry's bogey side recently , I can't see the Candystripes showing any mercy Away Win
UCD V Shamrock Rovers
The students need a win to avoid relegation for another week. The bookies have them at 22/1 to do it. Rovers to stop scoring when they get tired. A massive Away WinComment
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UCD are relegated, but they go with their heads held high following a 0.0 draw with Shamrock Rovers. What could have been a major blip for Rovers was eased by Derry City losing to their bogey side Sligo Rovers 1.0. St Patrick's Athletic are now back in the picture, their 3.1 victory over Dundalk leave them six points behind Rovers with a game in hand, win that and they lie 3 points behind, with a home game against Rovers still to go. Shelbourne leapfrog Bohs into fourth, a 2.1 victory leave them a point clear of the Gypsies, who, having gone over a hundred games without a 0.0, now have had their third in 12 games.
In the first division, Galway United are champions and promoted, although three of the four goals in their 4.0 win over Kerry fc were scored in the last 20 minutes. Waterford staty second and Cobh move to third, beating preseason favourites Finn Harps 5.1Comment
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All four Cup semi finalists play tonight, with vital points still to be played for in the Premier league games.
Bohemians v Shelbourne
Shels rise from strugglers to the top four has been impressive, and they go to Dalymount tonight knowing that a win would consolidate their position. Fourth place could be worth more than bragging rights, it will get you into Europe if St Patrick's Athletic win the Cup. There's an outside chance for the winners tonight to push for third ,and automatic European qualifying given Derry City's current loss of form. There's only been two goals in four games between these sides, so no one is expecting a feast of football. Draw
Dundalk v Cork City
The wheels have really come off Dundalk's season and playing for pride was not part of the plan. Cork City have to win, but I think its another Draw
St Patrick's Athletic v Drogheda United
Having had a dreadful start to the season, St Pats have only lost two of the last 17 league games, to give them hope of catching Rovers. They have to start the chase against a stubborn Drogheda side, who will defend stoutly, but Pats have too much to play for to blow this Home Win
In the First Division, Galway United were crowned champions on Friday, and will receive the trophy tonight. With a Cup Semi Final to come, they can rest players, which will give managerless Finn Harps a chance to snatch a win, to boost their unlikely play off hopes.Comment
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Indeed, even if Harps were to win, they would literally have to claim every possible point between now and season's end. Wexford v Longford is intriguing - the home side would be virtually assured of a play-off place with victory, whereas the Strokestown Road outfit would vault right back into contention with an away win.Comment
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Could Declan Devine be facing the axe at Dalymount, as defeat to Shels leaves them fifth and within touching distance by Dundalk? Damien Duff, on the other hand, sees his Tolka Park side only two points off second, and Cork appear resigned to the play-offs after a 6-0 hammering by the aforementioned Louthmen. Galway celebrate their promotion with victory over Finn Harps, and Wexford are looking upwards after defeating Longford.Comment
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Bohs and Shels drew 1-1 to leave Shels in 4th one point clear of Bohs. With 4th possibly giving a European spot (if Pat's win the cup), it's all still to play for. And of course Bohs could still win the cup. However, looking at the Bohs backline and the two centre halfs in particular, I would say Galway would fancy their chances. Bohs were very poor defensively in the first half.
Meanwhile, Pat's don't take advantage of their game in hand over Rovers, losing 2-1 to Drogheda and finishing with 9 men. Saw the winner when I got home from the Bohs match, and it was a beaut. Does anyone want to win the league, with Rovers, Derry and Pat's all taking turns to squander opportunities.
As for Devine, I would say the jury is out. He can still make a big success of the season by winning the cup and thereby securing European football. Pip Shels to 4th and that might be enough in itself. My opinion is that he deserves a second season even if European football is not secured - but he had to sort out that defence and move out some dead wood.Comment
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Two weeks before the season kicked off we had only two defenders of any type and we are still starting games with two midfielders at full back. It was only when we moved Keith Buckley to midfield that we took control of the game.
Jesus, Shelbourne are a tough team to watch ,a niggly, time wasting shower of shithousers. I'm always wary of teams managed by former flair players, because they immediately think " what worked against me" , and set up their teams accordingly. If Damien Duff turns up at your club, be afraid, be very afraid.Comment
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Matchday 31
Four games after tonight, with the top five seperated by 10 points, more importantly for Europe, 2nd to 5th are seperated by 5 points. Every point counts.
Shamrock Rovers v Shelbourne
1st against 4th in the game of the night, with all the talk about whether Rovers boss Stephen Bradley will stay on in the job, and about possible investment into the squad for Shels next year.
On the pitch , despite their recent improvements, Shels still don't carry enough punch up front to impress me, so I'm going for a Home Win
Bohemians v Sligo Rovers
After a bright start to the season, it's all threatening to fizzle out a bit for Bohs. Sligo have won their last two games to almost leave them safe for another year. Probably another Draw
Cork City v St Patrick's Athletic
Pats defeat to Drogheda on Monday was a huge blow to their chances of winning the title. This is a dress rehearsal for next Fridays Cup semi final, so it will be interesting to see what sides they put out. Pats to shade it Away Win
Derry City v UCD
I know that the Students put up a terrific show against Rovers last Friday, but I'd be amazed if they did it a second time Home Win
Drogheda United v Dundalk
Dundalk have had the better of the Louth derby in recent years, and have won all three so far. I still think that Drogheda have enough in them to take it this time Home WinComment
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It's as you were in the top three as they all secure 1.0 victories. Bohemians go two points above Shelbourne with a 3.1 win over Sligo Rovers, while Dundalk continue to improve, coming from behind to beat Drogheda United 2.1.
With four games to go, it's Rovers title to lose. They now have a three week gap ,due to cup and international breaks,before three games in sevenLast edited by elguapo4; 30-09-2023, 12:09.Comment
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It's FAI Cup semi final weekend, but first we have two league games tonight.
Drogheda United v Derry City
These two teams go into tonight's game with contrasting reasons to hope for victory. In Derry's case, a win will push them four points clear of St Patrick's Athletic in second place , and more importantly, 8 points clear of Bohemians in fourth place.
For Drogheda, who are nearly safe for another year, a win tonight would make them mathematically safe, which would be a tremendous achievement
Drogheda will hope to make the most of home advantage, but I'm going for the Candystripes Away Win
Shelbourne v Dundalk
Fifth play sixth in the increasingly desperate push for Europe. Shelbourne have been badly hit by injuries, while Dundalk welcome players back. This could swing the balance in what's usually a feisty affair. Away Win
FAI Cup Semi final ( Saturday 2.40 pm )
Galway United v Bohemians
This has the makings of a cracking game. Normally a tie between 4th in the Premier division and any 1st division side would be a fairly foregone conclusion , but this Galway side are no ordinary minnows. They come into tomorrow's game with a home record of 15 wins from 15 , with zero goals conceded in the last 8 home games, and a 4.0 win over Dundalk in the last round. Although I think ( and I'm biased) that this Bohemians side has more ammunition than anything they've played before. Bohs superior strength from the bench to win it narrowly Away Win
Cork City v St Patrick's Athletic ( 2.40 pm Sunday)
This year's Cup has been a huge bonus for Cork, in a year of struggle in the league , but I can't see them, even with a vocal home crowd behind them, coping with this Pats side Away Win
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