Mount Merrion FC Official Website

Mount Merrion FC

2008-09-01T19:36:00.002+01:00

All Information relates to season 2007 - 2008

Under construction season 2008 - 2009

Sun 24 Feb 08

2008-03-01T21:28:00.000Z

MT MERRION/YMCA 1 - 2 WAYSIDE CEL

Sun 17 Feb 08

2008-03-01T21:26:00.000Z

MT MERRION/YMCA 2 - 3 GREYSTONES

MM 1-1 Bluebell

2008-01-27T18:55:00.001Z

Intemediate Cup

2008-01-21T10:03:00.001Z

Wayside Celtic 1-0 MM

Intemediate Cup

2008-01-07T11:19:00.000Z

MM 0 - 0 Wayside Celtic

Not an entertaining game however Wayside Celtic got what they were looking for. Merrion had two claims for penalty however they were both turned down from the referee.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-17T11:01:00.000Z

Mount Merrion YMCA Football Club would like to wish all the players and club supporters a very Happy Christmas.

Malahide 0 - 0 MtMerrion YMCA

2007-12-17T10:40:00.000Z

This game was dominated by weather condition because of strong winds however Merrion had the better opening with McCann running through on goal after 5 minutes and Malahide's goal keeper making a very good save.

Merrion should have been awarded a penalty for hand ball but the referee decided against it and awarded a penalty for Malahide after 25 minutes. Merrion keeper was the hero saving the penalty and giving his team the chance to stay in this game.

Malahide may have nicked it with 10 minutes to go however Merrion keeper again came to rescue to give Merrion a point from this game.

Merrion goes into the Christmas break in great mood knowing that they are 5 points behind the leader Cherry Orchard and with a game in hand.

Mt Merrion 3 - 2 Cherryfield

2007-12-16T19:47:00.000Z

Merrion had a great win this Saturday with a 3 - 2 victory against Cherryfield. Merrion started slowly and Cherryfield took the lead after 15 minutes. Merrion were working hard to comeback on level and John Healy equalized after 30 minutes.

Merrion should have had a penalty straight after that however the referee gave a freekick outside the box and Cherryfield scored their second of the game 2 minutes later.

Ian Guilfoyle scored the second for Merrion after 75 minutes and the game was heading for another draw when Wayne Harper came in with the goods for Merrion with 5 minutes to go after Guilfoyle had headed the ball from a freekick.

Good Christmas present for everyone involved with the club finishing the year with a win.

McCann gives all 3 points to MM

2007-12-03T11:34:00.000Z

Moyle Park 0 – MM 1

Mount Merrion followed up there demolition of Skerries town last week with a very good victory against Moyle Park in atrocious conditions. Moyle Park played with the “Gale” at their backs for the first half and used the conditions to their advantage by lumping the ball forward at every opportunity to their excellent number 9. Heb caused the MM defence a lot of problems with his excellent first touch and pace.

Moyle Park could consider themselves unlucky not to go in at the break 1 up with one terrific effort off the bar and one goal disallowed for a very soft freekick given to MM inside the six yard box. But credit must go to an excellent defensive display by all the players especially the two centre half’s who battled manfully against atrocious condition for the first 45mins.

Predictably the second half was the opposite to the first half with Merrion camped inside the Moyle park half. At times Merrion tried to play to much football in those conditions with the final ball just not reaching its target. Austin Skelly came on in the second half and immediately started to cause a lot of problems with his robust tackling and ability to hold off defenders and play others in.

Still very few chances were created with Skelly unlucky with one drive and with a lob that looked certain to go in but the wind lifted it over the bar at the last second. Johnny King and Chris Barber also went close with efforts. Finally with three mins to go the game was decided by one moment of quality with great work down the right by Mark Cullen squaring the ball for Mikey McCann to bury it from eight yards with his first touch since coming on.

Credit must go to the management going for the win by taking off a CH and putting McCann on to take all the points for Merrion. In a day of little football but a lot of hard graft, Merrion just shaded it for better use of poession. Moyle Park are a very big and direct side and will take points off everyone. Their league position is not reflective of the quality they have especially upfront and you could see them moving up the table after Christmas.

Man of the Match award must go to one of the defenders as they set the platform for this victory. Man of the Match goes to our new recruit Stephen Murtagh who is proving himself to be vital component of this side.

FAI Umbro Intermediate Cup

2007-12-03T10:45:00.000Z

Third Round

Newtown Rangers 1- 1 Carrigaline FC
Lissadel UTD 5 - 0 Rigmahon Rangers
Terenure CYM 3 - 5 Liffeys Pearce
Fanad UTD 5 - 0 Loughshinny

This weekend Merrion team will play against Malahide UTD away. Merrion will be seeking revenge as they lost at home to Malahide 1 - 0 earlier this year.

Intermediate Cup Rescheduled Merrion's game against Wayside Celtic was rescheduled the 5th of january in Cleremont AV due to poor weather condition.

Our Saturday team will play at home in Leopardstown against Cherryfield at 2 PM.

BELGROVE 3 - 1 MOUNT MERRION

2007-12-02T18:05:00.000Z

As expected Satarday team had a tough game against Belgrove which they lost under really bad weather conditions this afternoon.

DRUMCONDRA 1-2 MOUNT MERRION

2007-12-01T17:58:00.000Z

Saturday team had a great win this weekend getting all 3 points against Drumcondra with 2 goals from Sean Kenny and Gabriel Maguire. Kenny had a great shot from 20 yards and Maguire took on 3 players before scoring past Drumcondra's keeper. This must be some relief for Conor's team as they would expect a tough game against Belgrove next weekend

Kinger Effect

2007-11-26T15:17:00.000Z

Merrion 5 - 1 Skerries

Johny King had a superb afternoon this Sunday in Clermount AV after helping Merrion to a 5-1 victory over Skerries town.

Kinger got 4 out of 5 in a game that Merrion were in control from the first whistle.

Brendan Markey got the fifth goal giving Skerries no chance at all.

Skerries had a consolation goal scored at the end of the second half.

Intermediate Cup

2007-11-19T20:38:00.000Z

Merrion 2 Tolka Rvs 1

Merrion won against Tolka Rvs yesterday in Soundymount Av under difficult condition.

Tolka open the scoring after poor goal keeping however Merrion got back level after 2 minutes from Bourbur the ex Tolka player.

10 minutes to go Mark Cullen got into the end of a ball that he didn't have the right to win and after being fouled in the box Brendan Markey converted the penalty to make it 2 -1 to Merrion.

Next in the Cup Merrion are going to face Wayside Celtic at home. This will be a tough draw however there is no reason why Merrion shouldn't get passed this round with the players they have.

Other Results

Beggsboro 1 - 2 Bamgor Celtic
Loughshinny 2 -1 Fairview CYM
Mt Merrion 2 -1 Tolka Rvs
Wayside Celtic 4 - 1 Larkview boys
Confey FC v ST James Gate - off
Moley Park v Drogheda town - off

Merrion 4 - 4 Broadford Rovers

2007-11-19T11:42:00.000Z

Ex Merrion striker Drew McGregor scored a hat-trick helping Broadford to gain a draw from this game.

Merrion were the better side and should have won this game however in football the better team doesn't always get what it deserves.

Merrion missed a penalty and could have easily won it as it could have gone the other way as Broadford also missed a penalty in this game.

This is the third draw of the season for Merrion's Saturday team and leaves them at the bottom 2 of Sat Major 1 league.

Tolka Rovers 1- 1 Mount Merrion

2007-11-12T10:42:00.000Z

Intermediate Cup

Intermediate Cup game between Tolka Rovers and MM ended up on a 1 - 1 draw. Reports suggests that Merrion were the better team on the day however couldn't take full advantage. Michael McCann looks to like the ground as he scored a beautiful goal from outside the box, same as in the first league game of the season where he scored a volley from 40 yards againts Tolka. David Lee missed a penalty for MM in the second half which could have won the game but instead they have a replay the following Sunday.

Mount Merrion 2 - 2 Beggsboro

2007-11-12T09:40:00.000Z

It could have been a big win for MM however this game ended by being a 2-2 draw. Merrion started the game brightly and missed a sitter within 10 minutes. Of corse in this beautiful game if you don't score you will be punished and this is what happen.

Beggsboro took the lead and Merrion started chasing the game as they have done in previous weeks. It was all about Merrion front there on however they could not find the net. Merrion hit the post at least 4 times during the game and had plenty of chances to score but panicked in front of the goal.

Finally the new lad Shane open the scoring for MM and gave Merrion something to fight about. After a few minutes Merrion took the lead from Hysa however poor defending again at the back in the dying minutes lost MM all 3 point from this game.

Merrion have deserved more than a point in the last 2 games however if you don't take your chances and give away poor goals you will be punished. A lot of positives to take out of this game as Merrion should have won with the commitement and effort they put in. With a bit of work in defence and in front of the goal Merrion team will be able to challenge at the top of Saturday Major 1 league.

Newtown 3 - 2 Merrion

2007-11-11T16:05:00.000Z

Merrion should have won the game by half time with a lot of chances and a clear shout for penalty however they were in their back foot again when Newtown scored with their first attack after 20 minutes.

Merrion equalised with a cracking goal from Paul O'Sullivan. This will be a strong contender for goal of the season as you wont see many of this even in the premiership.

Newtown scored on the break twice in the second half and gave Merrion no chance to get back into the game. Ryan Coyle got a penalty within minutes to go however Merrion were unable to find an equaliser.

If Merrion sort out their defensive problem they will have no problem surviving in this division. Wining is a habit and at the moment isn't going Merrion's way even with a very solid performance.

Merrion's next game

2007-11-11T09:43:00.000Z

Merrion will be full of confidence taking courage from their latest win against Tolka Rvs in the Intermediate Cup last weekend. They will have a full squad to chose from and are expected to take all 3 points from this game specially playing at home.

Saturday team will play away against NewTown Rangers hoping to win their second game of the season.

Players from the past

2007-11-06T14:01:00.000Z

Gregory Cabanetos

Greg join MM in July 2003 and spend 6 months helping Merrion in their fight to win the Senior 1 Div before going back to Belgium. Cabanetos was involved before that with Newbridge Town FC in Leinster Senior Div for 2 Years (1998 - 2000) where he played as a left midfield under Mark Ennis (Ex St Partick's FC soccer player) and won the league (1998 - 1999).

He moved to play for Kilnamanagh FC for a Year (2000 - 2001) as left midfielder then moved to play for Rathcool Boys FC where he played (2001 - 2002) as left midfield in Leinster Senior League 1st Division.

In June 2006 he joined Lontzen FC's in 3rd Div (Belgium) and is still playing there since as a left full back.

Greg has had other experiences before that in France with Nantes as prefessional in junior level and 2 caps with the French military team during 1997 - 1998.

Paul Whelan

Whelan played with MM last season and won the Senior 1 division. There have been more than a few clubs that Paul has played during the years (Lourdes Celtic, Oxford United, Shelbourne, Home Farm (Everton / Fingal), Shamrock Rovers, Dublin Bus, UCD, Iveagh Celtic)

Whelan was a junior international, now playing in England for a semi-pro team

Andy Delany was part of Merrion team and played from August 2002 to end of season 2005/6 under managers (Dessie, Phil and Dave)

Andy was part of the team which reached the Moore cup final with Merrion loosing to Newtown Rangers.

Andy won the Gilligan cup and Senior 1B. He was also part of the team that played in the FAI match vs Galway Hibernians.

Delany got Young Player of the year a couple of times.

Now Andy is in his 5th year medical student in UCD College also practicing in Vincent's Hospital.

Currently playing for St. Vincent's Hospital in a LSL Premier 1. (Won the UCL Div 1 two years ago, switched to LSL and won Div 2 last year) Andy plays at right back, right wing or centre mid.

Photos taken from the final of the Moore Cup vs Newtown Rangers in UCD.

Barry Flynn

was one of many MM players to have left the Club during the years. Flynn was with the Club for about 7 months and the same year Merrion won the Senior 1a division however Flynn wasn't there at the end of that year to collect his medal. Flynn helped Merrion in attack that year by scoring lots of goals. Now Barry plays for Valeview near his home at Bray and finds it very easy to score goals in weekly basis for his team.

Peter Lennon

Started playing with MM schoolboys team in 1995-1997, than joined the Senior team in 1998. Lennon scored in his debut against Irish Glass Bottle Company and was playing on the right handside of the mid-field (manager was Declan(decie) and a certain Pat Maher was the team captain.

Lennon than Left in 1999 to join Trinity while in college there. Played Eircom U21's for Trinity during 4 seasons and also played on the UCFL Oscar Traynor team in 2001.

Lennon came back to MM in 2003 after his graduation under Philly Fitz as a centre half. Played in Senior 1B and missed Gilligan cup final after breaking his nose 2 weeks before the game. In 2004 Lennon joined Glenmore Dundrum and the following year in 2005 joined Pegasus FC. He has been with them ever since.
Lennon works in Investment banking in the IFSC, Dublin.

Karl Cogan leaves the club

2007-11-05T13:35:00.000Z

Mount Merrion YMCA football club would like to thank Karl Cogan for his contribution this season and wishesh him all the best in the future.

MOUNT MERRION 1 - 2 RINGSEND ROVERS

2007-11-04T16:29:00.000Z

Mount Merrion Saturday team had a great chance to pick up at least a point from this encounter however poor defending and a goalkeeper mistake cost MM the points. Game started brightly with Mount Merrion having the better opening however the first and only chance up to that point that Ringsend had ended up in the back of the net. MM started working harder and found them self back in the game after a well taken header from Sully. From there on it was all about Mount Merrion with Ryan Coyle running the midfield however a bad goal keeping error gave Ringsend the lead. MM was pushing hard and missed 2 glorious chances in the second half. They were a lot of positives to be taken from this game however MM has to cut of silly mistakes id they want to survive in this division.

Hysa leave first team affairs

2007-11-02T11:19:00.000Z

Alban Hysa has been with the club since Mount Merrion were playing in Senior 1b and has been an asset in helping the club to achieve success during the years winning leagues 3 years in a row (2004/5, 2005/6, 2006/7) and the George Moore Cup by scoring the only goal of the game season 2004/5.

Now MM plays their football in LSL Senior Division and so far Hysa has scored 2 goals this season (1 in the league and 1 in the cup).

Hysa has been playing up front and on the left wing scoring more than 50 goals in all competitions.

Hysa leaves the first team in safe hands as MM full squad includes 23 players that have made their name known in the LSL Senior top Division and league of Ireland.

Alban will get involved as player/coach with the Saturday team.

Mount Merrion Football Club would like to thank Alban Hysa for his contribution during the years and wish him good luck in the new adventure.

Timmons scores again

2007-10-31T11:53:00.000Z

Timmons 3 goal of the season wasn't enough to get at least a point to the Merrion team. Timmons has been in great form this season and scored a well taken volley. Based on reports Bangor Celtic were not having a great game however looked very comfortable against a Merrrion side that find life in the top flight difficult this season. Merrion didn't have many chances however they did have a cast iron penalty not given. Sadly Bangor Celtic looked like they wanted it more and Merrion lost their 3 game of the season.

BLUEBELL 0 0 TOLKA ROV Sun 28 Oct 07
CRUMLIN UTD 1 1 GREYSTONES Sun 28 Oct 07
MALAHIDE 1 1 PHOENIX Sun 28 Oct 07
MT MERRION/YMCA 1 2 BANGOR CEL Sun 28 Oct 07
WAYSIDE CEL 1 1 SKERRIES Sun 28 Oct 07
BELGROVE 4 1 DUBLIN BUS Fri 26 Oct 07

Our Saturday team didn't have a game this weekend

Merrion 3 Belgrove 0

2007-10-22T09:25:00.000+01:00

MM back to winning ways against Belgrove after a solid performance yesterday afternoon in Claremont AV.

Brendan Markey made sure of MM's third win of the season after opening the score 10 minutes into the game with a well taken shot inside the box after good work and a clever pass behind the back four from Austin Skelly on the left hand side. That meant Merrion were in a driving position from the beginning which gave them the confidence to play some good football.

In the second half Belgrove were pushing high and had more than a couple of chances to score if it wasn't for MM's keeper to stop them. Michael McCann came in for Brendan Lee and after dribbling Belgroves left full McCann crossed for Cullen at the back post which had the easy task of taping the ball in the back of the net. From there on it was all about MM and Timmons added a third in the dying minutes.

Overall it was a good performance with a solid defensive display and the first clean sheet of the season.

Above picture againts Belgrove, from left to right - (Brendan Lee, Brendan Markey 10, Austin Skelly 11)

Saturday Team

2007-10-15T16:32:00.000+01:00

MM's Saturday team play their football in the Major 1 division. As the first team the same apply to MM's B string were they have brought in a lot of new players this year including a new manager and staff. At the moment they find them self third from bottom after 7 games played with 4 points so far but I am sure Connor Flynn
the new manager will come good later on during the season when all players are used playing with each-other.

Above right Chairman of MM football club Maurice Lyons and 2005 - 2006 young player of the year

Mark Cromwell leaves the club

2007-10-15T13:20:00.000+01:00

Mount Merrion YMCA football club would like to thank Mark Cromwell for his contribution this season. Mark was part of MM squad that won against Tolka Rovers, Bluebell and drew against Phoenix early in the season.

MM football club wishes Mark all the best in the future with his new club the Belgrove team.

30 Seconds

2007-10-15T09:46:00.000+01:00

This game was decided after 30 seconds of the start when good movement from the right hand side gave Malahide's RW the opportunity to open the scoring.

MM defense were static and it looks like they are learning life in the top division the hard way. Mistakes in this league will punish you and this is what's happening at the moment. Again MM came into the game slowly with their 2 centre midfield guys working hard throughout the game however chances were hard to find with a Malahide side working their socks of as a team. Their work ethic during the game was admirable and they were working hard for each-other.

MM trying to push for an equalizer wasn't helped by David McGill being dismissed for a 2 footed challenge late in the first half. MM made a substitution at half time with Brendan Dawson giving way for Ian Roche. That was a tactical change from MM management team and obviously gave Merrion some edge in attack. MM was presented with a couple of chances that could have ended up in the back of the net only for Malahide’s keeper keeping them in the driving position.

Malahide centre half was also send off for a second booking offence and the last 20 minutes of this game were played in Malahide’s half however MM weren't able to construct any fluent attacking with their back four trying to hit David Lee with long balls instate of using the width and play MM RW that was a threat to Malahides defense all day.

MM defense looked solid at the back throughout the game however that was after conceding the first goal. MM have build a new team that will probably take sometime to gel together and it will be interesting to see MM's reaction next week against Belgrove.

Reliable man Stephan Gifford as per picture above.

Recent Results

2007-10-14T11:40:00.000+01:00

Sunday 21 OCT 07

BANGOR CEL 3 3 BLUEBELL
CHERRY ORCH 1 3 MALAHIDE
GREYSTONES 3 1 DUBLIN BUS
MT MERRION/YMCA 3 0 BELGROVE
PHOENIX 0 1 CRUMLIN UTD
SKERRIES 1 1 MOYLE PARK
TOLKA ROV 2 1 WAYSIDE CEL

Match Report

2007-10-13T18:15:00.000+01:00

Sunday 14th OCT

Senior Div

Malahide UTD vs MM YMCA 1 - 0
WAYSIDE CEL vs BANGOR CEL 0 - 1

CHARLIE CAHILL CUP 2nd round

CRUMLIN UTD vs SKERRIES 3-1
BELGROVE vs GREYSTONES
DALKEY UTD vs CHERRY ORCH 2 - 1
DROGHEDA TOWN vs PHOENIX 0 - 4
DUBLIN BUS vs TEK UTD 1 - 0
GLENMORE DUNDRUM vs BLUEBELL 1 - 0
PEGASUS vs MOYLE PARK 0 - 3
TOLKA ROV vs NEWTOWN RANGERS 6 - 0

Games this weekend

2007-10-13T09:48:00.000+01:00

MMerrion Sunday team will play at home against Tolka Rvs in the Intermediate Cup replay match Sunday the 18th of November at 2 a clock in Claremont AV.

MMerrion Saturday team will also play at home against Broadford in Leopardstown with a 2PM kick of.

All support is welcomed in both matches

Merrion VS Bangor

2007-10-08T15:29:00.000+01:00

Merrion's next game againts Bangor Celtic will take place in Claremont AV Sunday the 28th of Oct.

Bangor Celtic have played a game less than Merrion this season however looking at the stats there is not much between the two teams. Merrion have won 3, drawn 2 and lost 2. Bangor have played 6, won 3, drawn 1 and lost 2. Merrion will go into this game knowing that a win againts Bangor Celtic will give them a 4 point lead between the two and start creating some space between them and the rest of the teams even at this early stage of the season.

TOLKA ROV 2 1 BANGOR CEL Sun 19 Aug 07
BANGOR CEL 1 0 CRUMLIN UTD Sun 26 Aug 07
BANGOR CEL 2 3 MOYLE PARK Wed 29 Aug 07
BANGOR CEL 2 0 SKERRIES Sun 09 Sep 07
WAYSIDE CEL 0 1 BANGOR CEL Sun 14 Oct 07
BANGOR CEL 3 3 BLUEBELL Sun 21 Oct 07

An even affair

2007-10-07T18:06:00.000+01:00

It could have gone either way by the end of ninety minutes however this game ended in a 2 - 2 entertaining draw. It was an even affair through out the first half with a few chances on both sides. Crumlin UTD started brightly and it took MM few minutes adjusting to the rhythm of the game. Austin Skelly was working hard Crumlin's defence and had a few half chances that could have well ended in the back of the net. He scored the first goal of the game after 33 minutes with a nice volley from 16 yards which brings his tally to 3 goals so far this season. MM looked comfortable up to that point however an error at the back same as the week before in the Cup at the end of first half gave Crumlin the opportunity to comeback at this game.

Again in the second half chances were not on a plate but some good movement on the right hand side from Crumlin's RW and a dummy in the centre of our defence by CF gave Crumlin the lead for the first time in this game. MM made a substitution up front with David Lee giving way for Brendan Markey and Merrion looked eager to find that equaliser. David Mcgill and James Timmons were pushing hard from midfield and a good pass from Skelly put Mark Cullen alone with the keeper and he made no mistake with his first of the season and second for Merrion on the day.

Merrion understandably at this point were pushing for a winner however a red carded Boby Byrne didn't help Merrion's cause at the dying minutes of this game. A draw is a fair reflection of what happen in the game and both teams wont feel harsh done. This was a very solid display from Merrion and probably the best game they have played so far. They were some outstanding performances from the back four and our midfield players however man of the match goes to Mark Cullen.

Sean Kelly pictured above right

November 9 & 10

2007-10-07T13:13:00.000+01:00

MM Saturday team play against BEGGSBORO in Clermount AV this Saturday the 9th of November at 2 PM.

MM Sunday team play in the Intermediate Cup this Sunday the 10th of November against Tolka Rovers at their ground at 2:30PM.

It will be interesting to see MM's Sunday selection and wonder if Barbour is going to start the game. He signed from Tolka a few weeks ago and was injured for sometime however he is back in contention now and if he start he will be playing againts people that he knows very well.

MM won their league game against Tolka 3 - 1 at their ground and would be hoping for a repeat in the Cup.

All support on both games is welcomed.

Top Scorer Michael McCann

2007-10-05T14:43:00.000+01:00

It is early in the season to say who will be MM's top scorer however there is some well knowing names in the league with a proven tracking record that will be pretenders at the end of the year.

MM striking force have done well so far by scoring 12 goals in all competition after only 6 games.

Michael McCann lead the chart with 3 goals followed closely by Austin Skely, Alban Hysa and David Lee with 2.

Brendan Markey, James Timmons and Jonathan King follow the chart with 1 goal.

Goal scorer Michael McCann pictured left

Two new signing for MM

2007-10-05T14:14:00.000+01:00

Stephen Murphy and Brendan Dawson are the latest signing added to Merrion's panel this year.

With this squad Merrion should be more than capable challenging for the league this year.

It will be great achievement to win the league this year bearing in mind that this is Merrion's first season in the top flight and arrives there with a lot of confidence after being promoted three years in a row as champions.

Good start to the new season with 2 wins 1 draw and 1 lost as per below.

League Results so far

2007-10-05T09:40:00.000+01:00

TOLKA ROV 1 - 3 MT MERRION Sun 26 Aug 07

BLUEBELL 1 - 3 MT MERRION Wed 29 Aug 07

PHOENIX 1 - 1 MT MERRION Sun 02 Sep 07

CHERRY ORCH 2 - 1 MT MERRION Fri 14 Sep 07

MT MERRION 2 - 2 CRUMLIN UTD Sun 07 Oct 07

MALAHIDE UTD 1 - 0 MOUNT MERRION YMCA

MT MERRION/YMCA 3 - 0 BELGROVE Sun 21 Oct 07

MT MERRION/YMCA 1 2 BANGOR CEL Sun 28 Oct 07

New signing for MM

2007-10-02T14:18:00.000+01:00

Stephen Murtagh joins MM from Malahide United

Picture taken: 19 August 2007

Stephen Murtagh, Malahide United, in challenge with Darren Mansaram, Bohemians, FAI Ford Senior Cup

Mount Merrion through the second round

2007-10-01T22:49:00.000+01:00

Mount Merrion are through to the second round of the Metropolitan Cup after a hard fought win over Dalkey.

MM had a very solid first half with their two forwards creating all sort of problems to the Dalkey defence. A David Lee header in the back post after 20min gave Merrion the lead after good work from Ian Roche on the left side. Lee added a second with a superb volley from 20 yards however a school boy mistake at the back in the end of the first half gave Dalkey the opportunity to get back into the game.

Second half started brightly as the first with Mount Merrion adding a third. Good work from Mark Cullen on the right side meant that Hysa had an easy job to push the ball into the net. The game looked over however poor defending again gave Dalkey the opportunity to comeback for a second time in the game. From there on MM where suffering and weren't able to use their experience to calm the game down. Dalkey understandable were pushing for their third and they had a couple of shouts for penalties. MM are next to the second round with some relief should be said as Dalkey deserved something more from the game. MM will have to defend better if they want to compete for the league this season.

Team (Whelan Paddy, Mitchell Anthony, Crowell Mark, Kelly Sean, Gifford Stephen, Roche Ian, Kelch Keith, Cullen Mark, Berigan Darren, Lee David, Hysa Alban) Sub - Cogan Karl for Ian Roach 75min

Goal scorer Alban Hysa pictured above right

Two in a row for Cherry

2007-09-25T09:12:00.000+01:00

Cherry Orchard 2 – Mount Merrion 1.

For the second time in seven days MM were beaten by cherry Orchard, while there could be valid complaints about the first result this defeat was justified. Orchard were the better side and simply made fewer mistakes then MM. Both managers could be accused of playing ducks and drakes as both sides had numerous changes from the last meeting.

The game started much like the previous encounter with MM looking like the better passing side up against a very functional Orchard outfit, the orchards simple philosophy of never playing football within fifty yards of there own goal and living off the oppositions mistakes won them a league last year and one them this game. MM had a great shout for a penalty in the first 15mis when Austin Skelly was blatantly taken down in the box, the referee seemed to be about to whistle but bizarrely gave a goal kick. Our new signing at the back nearly scored from a corner which would have been justified for MM early domination. The orchard however looked very dangerous on the brake with Sheppard causing a lot of problems for the MM back four and requiring one outstanding save from Paddy Whealen after another short pass between defenders let him get the strike away. Poor passing again at the back let Sheppard in just before the half and he made no mistake this time to put the Orchard one nil in front.

MM turned around with the wind behind them and started to put a lot of pressure on the Orchards defence but to there credit they defended very well as a unit and never looked in any real trouble. MM resorted to some long range shots which never really troubled the keeper. Then halfway through the half MM started to look stretched at the back as they pressed for an equaliser, Sheppard was making some great angled runs and got behind the defence on a couple of occasions, hitting the post once and narrowly missing with a lob. Then a very soft freekick awarded in the middle of the MM half finished the game as a tie. The orchard took a quick free kick and switched the ball wide for a good delivery to be headed home by the ever ready Sheppard to score his second. MM showed good resolve to keep going and grab a late consolation when Mikey McCann snatched his third of the season. On the positive side we have played the orchard twice and there is nothing to fear, they play a very direct style of football and have scored five goals against us over two matches four of which were unforced errors in our own half. There was another excellent performance from James Timmons who was the best midfielder on show, but man of the match has to go Sheppard who ultimately has been the difference between the two sides, hard to see how the Orchard can hold on to him when the LOI clubs will come knocking at Christmas.

MM 1 Cherry Orchard 3

2007-09-17T10:54:00.000+01:00

Mount Merrion vs Cherry Orchard in Charlie Cahill Cup first round goes to extra time.

MM bowed out of the Charlie Cahill cup in the first round at Claremont road yesterday. They can consider themselves unlucky to have lost the game to a dogged but unimaginative Orchard side. The pick of the chances in this game were all created in the first half by MM. Orchard started the better, they piled on the pressure on MM with numerous corners in the first 15 mins but they were well defended with no shots on target to show for Orchards early pressure . The match was dominated by huge kick outs from the Orchard goalkeeper and then both midfields scrapping off the knockdowns, with some very resolute defending from the Anthony Mitchell in the Merrion defence. The first piece of real quality in the half came from MM with Mikey McCann twisting and turning down the right and then providing an excellent cross to the near post, Johnny King with his first start upfront this year stole in to meet the cross with a deft header leaving the orchard keeper no chance. Within minutes Brendan Markey was put though one and one with the keeper but an excellent save to his right denied Markey and Merrion a 2 nil lead. Then just before half time Johnny King showed electric pace to break free from the orchard full back, he was supported by James Timmons who waited for the the pull back but the Orchard CH reached out a toe to make the vital interception to keep the game at 1 – 0.

The second half continued like the first with Merrion creating the better chances and the Orchard keeper making a couple of outstanding saves especially a free kick from the impressive Keith Kelch. Then half way through the half an inocous looking cross was very poorly defended by Merrion with a player trying to chest the ball back to his keeper and leaving it short, the orchard centre forward was quick to seize the gift and squeeze the ball under the Merrion keeper to level the game. Very few other chances were created during the half and the game limped towards extra time.

The first half of extra time both teams looked tired and with neither side prepared to commit to many players forward. The second period of extra time was similar in tempo to the first however in the dying mins an excellent arcing run by the busy Sheppard saw him fouled at the edge of the area. The subsequent free kick was cleared by a punch from Whealen to the opposite side of the box for the orchard defender to whip the ball back in to the far post, there the unmarked CM powered the header home to give Orchard an unlikely victory. In the last min and mix up between the keeper and defender left Sheppard with the easy task of passing into an empty net to put a gloss on Orchards win.

On the positive side MM defended well and created the better chances but the cynical way the Orchad converted there chances in the last two mins of extra time was a good lesson for MM to learn in there first season in the top flight. Special mention for good performances goes to Anthony Mitchell and Mark Cromwell but the Man of the Match award goes tellingly to the Orchard keeper Kennedy.

Phoenix 1 Mount Merrion 1

2007-09-03T11:17:00.000+01:00

MM third away game in a row ended with the points being shared with there promoted rivals on Sunday morning. The match was only 10 mins old when MM should have taken the lead with some good passing down the right hand side, but the final ball across the box was marginally in front of the unmarked Johnny King at the back post. Both sides seemed to be cancelling each other out in the middle of the park with the MM pair working very hard. With 10 mins to go in the first half Austin Skelly created a great chance for himself but slid the ball narrowly outside the post. There was also a fine save again by Vlad the former MM keeper from a firm shot by Skelly from outside the box.

The second half commenced with Phoenix starting to exert a bit of pressure, with the former league of Ireland star Mark Kenny at the forefront. With only five mines gone of the half Glen Campbell flashed a brilliant header towards the goal from about 10 yards Paddy Whelan seemed to see it late but stretched out a hand and pushed the header on to the inside of the post, the ball ended up rolling across the goal and was cleared by Sean Kelly. The warning was not heeded and within 10 mins Phoenix had taken the lead with a simple ball over the top catching Merrion square, there was a legitimate offside shout as Glen Campbell did look marginally offside but he used his pace a cool finishing to lift the ball over the onrushing Paddy Whelan for the opening goal.

For the second match in a week Merrion needed a goal from the opposition to get them really firing, they started to pile the pressure on phoenix which yielded the equaliser. With about 15 mins to go a neat header by Brendan Markey into the path of the onrushing Austin Skelly left the centre forward with just the keeper to beat which he obliged with a powerful shot below the keeper. The rest of the half was dominated by MM as they chased the winner. However a goal never materialised as some resolute defending ensured a battling phoenix shared the points.

There were a few performances to recommend this week with another very solid display by James Timmons and the ever reliable Brendan Markey, but the man of the match award goes to Austin Skelly (as per above) who constantly looked very dangerous and caused phoenix a lot of problems on the day.

New signing for MM

2007-08-30T14:06:00.000+01:00

David McGill the latest signing for MM comes from Shamrock Rovers. The ex MM player is back with MM squad for the season and will be an asset to the team already full of ex league of Ireland players (Austin Skelly, Anthony Mitchell, Alan King, Stephen Gifford, Brendan Markey, Michael McCann ect)

Bluebell United 1 Mount Merrion 3

2007-08-30T12:25:00.000+01:00

Merrion on a HY' with win (Irish Daily Star)

The introduction of substitutes Alban Hysa and Austin Skelly inspired Mount Merrion to victory over nine-man Bluebell at Prestige Park.

Although Mount Merrion were worthy winners the outcome could have been different if Bluebell had not seen Paul Kenny and Andrew Cleary sent-off for dissent.

In a tense opening quarter chances were scarce but Bluebell took a seventeenth minute lead when Darragh Hollingsworth chipped in with a goal seconds after the host had been denied by the woodwork. In the build -up Bluebell's Andrew Cleary directed a Glen Keddy corner onto the post, before Damien dunne saw his follow-up charged down by Alan King. The ball eventually fell to Ger Banbrick who made a mazy run through the static Merrion defence before squaring the ball for Darragh Hollingsworth to score. Former crumlin striker Bambrick was a constant threat, and five minutes later Keddy played him clean through on goalbut the former shot straight Paddy Whelan.

With Keddy, Hollingsworth, Bambrick, and Andrew Cleary in inpressive form the opportunity was there for Bluebell to seal a second win of the season. However Merrion got themselfs back in the match as half-time approched seconds after Hollingsworth limped out of the fray Bluebell conceded the equaliser. Following a clever through ball from Michael McCann, Jamed Timmons sprung the offside trap to fire the ball beyond Mark Clohessy with Merrions first shot on target. From Bluebell's perspective the second half was pretty forgettable although their cause was not helped by the fact that Paul Connaughton also went off injured at the break. Liam Reilly was forced to re-shuffle his pack - The Cleary brothers paired up at centre back while Stewart Smith reverted to right full. However the defining moments of this match occurred in the space of four minutes midway through the half when dave Fitzsimons was forced to dismiss Andrew Cleary and Paul Kenny.

Predictably Merrion pushed for all three points and both teams opted for three players at the back which made for an opening, exting finale. However with two extra players on the pitch Merrion always looked the more likely to score and they edged in front when Hysa raced up the right and whipped the ball accross the face of the Bluebell goal. The homeside were left streched and Skelly had ample time to leap unmarked and power a header beyond the stranded Clohessy. Merrion sealed the points with eleven minutes left when Hysa turned from provider to scorer with probing run which he finished with a clinical lob over Clohessy.

Next Merrion Game

2007-08-28T11:41:00.000+01:00

Next Mount Merrion FC game will be this Wednesday on the 29th of August away againts Belgrove. Merrion are heading to the game full of confidence from their win againts Tolka Rovers at the weekend. Players missing due to injuries are (Bobby Byrne, James O'Callaghan)

Tolka Rovers 1 Mount Merrion 3

2007-08-26T12:16:00.000+01:00

Played in Tolkas ground this was a very entertaining even affair. As it was MM first match of the season they looked very rusty for the first 20mins, with Barber & Whelan running the show with out really creating any chances. MM stared to get into their stride midway through the half with a decent shout for a Peno when the Tolka CH just through his hand up at a cross, ref bottled it and gave a free out to Tolka. Tolka then created a great scoring chance but a brilliant double save by Paddy Whealan kept it at nil all. Then with five mins before the break a great volleyed pass by Darren Berrigan to Mikey McCann created the opening for him to strike a thirty yard bullet into the top hand corner to put MM in front.

Second half was about ten mins old when a couple of decent blocks by Tolka CH sent the ball to the right hand side of the box where Mikey McCann pounced again to send left footed drive deflecting off a defender into the corner for 2-0. within five mins Tolka got there passing game going again and created a very good goal down the left hand side of the pitch with a good low cross swung in for CF to bury it from six yards. The game was very evenly balanced for the next ten mins with neither side really creating anything, then a terrible back pass by Tolka right full let Brendan Markey cap an excellent personal performance by beating the keeper to the race for the ball to slide it under him for 3-1. That ended the game as a contest. The scorline is probably a bit flattering but MM took the few chances they created while Tolka did not.

An excellent first outing in the Senior division for the club, there were many fine performances throughout the pitch but two stood out. Sean Kelly was outstanding in defence but the man of match award has to go to the two goal hero Mikey McCann with a contender for goal of the season.

History of Mount Merrion Football Club

2007-08-16T12:37:00.000+01:00

Football in the Mount Merrion area began in 1974. As new roads and new houses were added to the Mount Merrion area in the 1950s, consecutive children growing up found that there was no football pitch in the area and it was not until 1974 that the schoolboys club there commenced. It began playing football on the pitch, which is now nearest to the tennis court, and the park extended as far as the path just behind the far goals. Behind the pitch were the grounds of Mount Anville Convent, which were ringed by a high wall.

Two events occurred in early 1981, which were to change the course of football in Mount Merrion. Firstly, three childhood friends, all of them managers in the schoolboy section of the club, namely Maurice Lyons, Dermot Nolan and Jim Langton hit upon the idea of forming a senior section. The second event, which occurred, was that it became known that the Dublin County Council had purchased lands from Mount Anville Convent and it intended developing a second Gaelic pitch and a second soccer pitch in Mount Merrion. It had been suggested that if there were a Senior Section in the Club, its applications for the use of the second soccer pitch would be favourably considered for the season 1982-1983. It was therefore imperative that a Club was already in being in order to apply for the pitch for that season.

Consequently, a Senior Team was entered for the 1981-1982 season in the Amateur League Division 3A Sunday. The first team was managed by Dermot Nolan and captained by Maurice Lyons. The Secretary of the Club was Maurice Lyons, who held this post from 1981 to 1994 and again from 1996 to 1999. Having no home ground, it played out of Marley Park where each side had a different home ground each week.

The teams first ever match was against Quinnsworth in Marley Park and is famous because each side turned up in light blue tops, white shorts and white socks. As events turned out, it was quite a nice day and it was agreed that Mount Merrion would play the first half in their “skins” while the opposition would play the second half in their skins. For the record, we lost the match 1-0 with an own goal in injury time in the second half. The first team, which took the field, was as follows:

Alan Jones; Dermot Nolan, David Smith, Brendan McCudden, Phil Chambers; Maurice Lyons, Jimmy Byrne, Declan Keogh, Jim Langton; Paul Delaney and Mick Dunne.

As the season progressed, the team picked up some excellent footballers, notably big Phil Brennan, Alan O’Grady and the soon to be legendary Mark Quinn. This side finished second last in the league and was relegated to Division 3B Sunday for the following season. The application was duly made for the new pitch in Mount Merrion and granted. The following season was probably one of the greatest in the history of Mount Merrion Football Club. It began with several members of the previous years under 18s Schoolboy side joining the Club, and culminated in the team winning Division 3B Sunday (losing two matches only - the first match of the season and the last match of the season!) as well as capturing the coveted Clare Manor Cup, defeating Home Farm 3-2 in the Final. This was the only match that the Home Farm side lost that season, having won every other trophy available to it. That Home Farm side contained six players who by the end of the season had played League of Ireland football. The panel, which did the double, was:

Mick Benson, Tony Byrne, Phil Brennan, Dave Farrell, Dave Curtis, Mick Brennan, Paul Nolan, Alan Kane, Kevin Meehan, Finbar Murphy, Shane Crawford, Mark Quinn, Jim Nix, Eamon Canavan, Brendan McCudden and Jim Langton.

In the following season the side was promoted to Division 2A Sunday of the Amateur league and also started a Saturday team, which played in Division 1C Saturday. Dermot Nolan continued as manager of the Sunday side and also ran the Saturday team. The Sunday team won Division 2A beating NCR United 2-1 in a playoff. The Saturday side finished as runners up in Division 1C. The panel that won Division 2A Sunday was:

Pat Browne, Finbar Murphy, Tony Byrne, Phil Brennan, Barry Nangle, Dave Curtis, Mick Brennan, Alan Kane, Shane Crawford, Glen Pierce, Mick Allen, Mark Quinn, Jim Langton and Brendan McCudden.

The following season saw another leap up the divisions of the Amateur League, the first team rising to Division 1C Sunday, while the Saturday team was promoted to 1B Saturday. We also fielded an U-19 side in the Amateur League U-19 Division for the first time, which was managed by Bobby O'Connor. The Sunday team continued its story of success and finished as runners up in Division 1C losing just two games all seasons.

The following season saw the first team arrive in Division 1A Sunday with Dermot Nolan in charge at the start of the season. The Division 1B Saturday side was taken over by John Hunt, who sadly passed away earlier this year. The first team appeared to lose some of its appetite for the game at the start of the season and struggled for a time in the higher division. Two excellent new players were acquired however during the season namely Barry McGrane and Ally Smyth (who went on to play over ten years in League of Ireland with Bray Wanderers). Maurice Lyons and Alan Kane took over as joint managers of the first eleven mid-season and the side safely avoided relegation. The Saturday team finished safely in the middle of the table.

In the following season 1986/1987, John Hunt took over the reins of the first team in Division 1A Sunday. He brought a number of players through from the Saturday side and added other quality players such as Derek Smyth (who went on to play League of Ireland with Monaghan United and Bray Wanderers), former Junior International goalkeeper Pat O'Sullivan and ex-TEK United defender Derek 'Rosie' Lester. Alongside them, club stalwarts such as Brendan O'Reilly, Peter Leech, Alan Kane, Pat Maher and Shane Crawford as well as promising young players Des Fox and Robbie Hunt, combined to form one of the best teams the Club has ever had. The side finished as runners up in Division 1A losing a play off for the league on penalties after extra time.

The following season saw the 1st eleven in Division 1 Sunday of the Amateur league with Dermot Nolan back at the helm. The Saturday team remained in Division 1A Saturday this time under the reins of Mick Allen and Jim Langton. A new third team was formed which played in Division 3A Sunday under the guidance of Jimmy Harrison. This side finished as runners up in Division 3A Sunday. It is perhaps fair to say that one player stood out above all others that season namely the tall elegant Paul Osam, who transferred the following season to St. Patrick's Athletic with whom (along with Shamrock Rovers) he spent the next twelve seasons playing League of Ireland football. His successful career culminated in his being awarded the Footballer of the Year award in the League of Ireland in 1999.

The following season saw the first and second team of managers reversing their roles while Jimmy Harrison continued in Division 3 Sunday. The Sunday side had a most successful season with the likes of Gerry Hunt and Colm O’Snodaigh (now a hugely successful musician with Kila) enjoying excellent seasons. At the end of the season, the first eleven had earned its place in the newly constituted and expanded Major Division Sunday of the Amateur League, the top division in the League, an U-19 side also was added, managed by Dermot Nolan. The Club then decided that, having reached the top division in the League, it was an opportune time to recruit a top manager to run the side.

The then Irish Ladies International manager Fran Rooney was approached and he took up the reins as manager of the first & second teams. Fran is, of course, the same Fran Rooney of Baltimore Technology, now one of the richest men in Ireland. Fran brought with him excellent training techniques and his side was technically well organised, disciplined and very fit. Before the season started many tipped the Club for immediate relegation, as we were complete novices to the top level. This was soon proven to be totally unfounded as with the front line of Derek Smyth, Barry McGrane and Mickey O’Loughlin destroying defences throughout the league, the side finished well up the table while other famous names in Amateur League history namely Clover United, and Fairview CYMS were relegated.

The team went from strength to strength and in the following season 1990/1991, it maintained its league position and also finished as runners up in the prestigious Matt O’Leary Trophy. By this time, the club had added players such as Donnough Shaffrey (ex-UCD) and Steven Higgins (ex Home Farm and Bray Wanderers League of Ireland). Others to have good seasons were Liam Moulton, Gerry Hunt and Declan Flynn. Throughout these seasons from 1982 until the end of 1991, the team played out of Deerpark on the Senior Soccer pitch there.

At the end of the 1991 season however the Schoolboys indicated that they wished to expand their membership and wished to double the number of teams they were entering in competition. The arrangement made between the seniors and the schoolboys was that, if Dublin County Council were to allocate to the senior side alternative senior pitch accommodation, they would agree to allow the schoolboys take over the use of the senior soccer pitch. As it transpired, the Dublin County Council made an allocation of Brewery Road (which was used for Leinster Senior league football at the time) and with a formal letter to that effect from the Dublin County Council, the senior side agreed to vacate the senior pitch in Deerpark. What then happened is that the then occupants of Brewery Road objected to Mount Merrion being given a letting on that pitch and ultimately the Senior Club was left without a pitch. The schoolboys had by this time doubled their teams which had been entered in the league and had commenced playing on the Senior Pitch in Deerpark. The Council then withdrew, purely by reason of pressure, the letting to the Seniors of Brewery Road and the end result was that the senior side played its home matches in various locations for a 5 month period namely Leopardstown Park, Cabinteely Park and finally Ballyogan Road.

During that time, the team, due to uncertainty as regards pitches, had to forfeit home advantage in a number of matches. One famous match was the Leinster Junior Cup match against Cherry Orchard’s first eleven. This match was switched to the Cherry Orchard ground and Mount Merrion caused a major sensation in defeating Cherry Orchard 2-0 with goals by Mick Joyce and Paddy Joyce. We also fielded an U-19 side again that season, the side once more managed by Dermot Nolan.

The following season saw Phil Fitzgerald (the former captain of the Irish schoolboy's international side and ex-Arsenal player now managing Terenure CYM) take over as manager of the team. The side had applied for private ground accommodation at the Dublin Maccabi Club in Terenure and a deal was struck with them. Many top players were attracted to the club including Kenny Lynch (who went on to become a top Junior International star) Dermot Gaskin (ex-Bray Wanderers), Tim O’Driscoll (former Dublin Gaelic star and ex-League of Ireland player) along with other well known local stalwarts in Paul “Pablo” Boyle, Declan Daly, Gary “Slotsie” Ryan (ex- Junior International) and Colm Kelly and for a while the side lead the Amateur League Major Division. It eventually finished just outside the honours but the Saturday team finished joint second in Division 1 Saturday and also won the Ned Maher Cup courtesy of a goal by Alan Byrne. The team that won the Ned Maher Cup was as follows: -

Des Fitzgerald; Ray MacAufield, Paul Boyle, Dermot Gaskin, Colm Kelly; Kevin Windle, Pat Maher, Paddy Joyce, Alan Byrne; Tommy Hanrahan and Mick Joyce; Declan Daly, Liam Moulton

The side continued in Dublin Maccabi in the following season (1993 – 1994) with Mick Allen taking over the reins of the Major Sunday side. Maurice Lyons was manager of the Premier Saturday side and TJ Maher was the manager of the Division 3 Sunday side. All three sides had reasonably successful seasons with both the Major Sunday and Premier Saturday teams finishing well up in their Divisions. In addition, the Division 3 Sunday side, while in the running for the league for a long time, reached the Quarter Finals of the Leinster Junior Shield.

The cost of remaining in Dublin Macabbi was proving extremely expensive and the club therefore decided to return to Ballyogan Park, which was the only County Council ground available to them at that time. A proposal was put forward by TJ Maher that the club should merge with Sandyford F.C., with whom it shared the same pitch in Ballyogan Park. A series of meetings were held and this merger was agreed. Sandyford played their football in the Leinster Senior League and it was decided to switch to the Leinster Senior League, where the side took up a position in Premier Sunday. They also fielded a Saturday team in Premier 1C Saturday (also managed by Phil Fitzgerald) and a third team in Division 3 Sunday, which was managed by Dermot Nolan. The 1994-1995 season was one of the most successful in the Club’s history and it won Premier Sunday, came runners up in the Arthur Lynch Cup, were defeated Semi Finalists in the Polikoff Cup and were defeated Quarter Finalists in the Leinster Junior Cup. Among its notable scalps that season in the Leinster Junior Cup were Adare United and Tolka Rovers. In particular, they caused a major surprise by Tolka Rovers 2-0 on their home soil.

The amalgamation with Sandyford lasted for one more season and in 1996-1997, Pat Maher, who had played for the Club since 1982, approached Maurice Lyons to reform Mount Merrion FC. The Club obtained an allocation from Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County for Leopardstown Park and re-entered the Leinster Senior League at Division 3 level. The return of the Club was an immediate success in winning Division 3 Sunday together with the Vere Deane Cup with an impressive display in the final (beating Alpine Express 4 - 1) with Pat Maher as player manager.

The squad, which won the double on our return, was as follows: -

Des Donohoe; Declan Daly, Sean O'Shea (Capt.), Declan Flynn, Liam Moulton; Cosmo Flood, Pat Maher, Paul Higgins, Kevin Harty; Tommy Hanrahan, Mick Joyce. Donal Malin, T J Maher, Brendan Sweeney, Alan Byrne, Kevin Meehan.

In 1997, a Saturday team was added with Pat Maher running both sides. The Sunday team finished second to Cuckoos Nest in Division 2B Sunday with the Saturday team mid-table in Division 2. At this time the Sunday team played in Leopardstown Park with the Saturday team playing in Ballyogan Road. In 1998 Pat Maher 'moved upstairs' and Declan Flynn, along with Noel Mulhall, took over the reins of both teams. The club secured the use of Leopardstown Park for both teams. The 1st eleven finished runners up in Division 2A Sunday and also finished runners up in both the Barry Desmond Cup & Lillis Webb Cup.

Pat Maher returned to the helm for the 1999-2000 season and Dave Kennedy joined the club as trainer, bringing with him outstanding quality in training sessions. A major step was taken in relation to upgrading our facilities in Leopardstown Park with work beginning on improving the dressing room facilities. The side finished third in Division 2 Sunday and won the Tommy Cullen Cup (winning 1 - 0 against Castlerothery). The squad, which won the Cup, was as follows: -

Dave Horkan; Liam Moulton, Sean O'Shea, Alan Leonard, Kent Clarke; Stephen Phillips, Niall McNiff, Tim Bennett (Capt.), Des Hanrahan; Declan McNiff, Ruairi O'Shaughnessy; Robbie McCaul, Niall Corbett, Andrew Corbett, Cosmo Flood, Brian Fagan.
Des Roche was appointed as first team manager for the year 2000-2001 with Pat Maher remaining at the helm as manager of the Premier 1 Saturday side. The new pavilion was formally opened on 9th August by Olivia Mitchell TD and followed with a game against TEK United. To complete this project, both Paul Higgins & Pat Maher put in a tremendous amount of work and acknowledgement should also be given to John Higgins of Southside Building & Carpentry for his co-operation and financial support.

In addition, high praise must be given to the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, for all their help and assistance in making this project work – their assistance has been invaluable since they took over from the Dublin County Council as the local authority. In particular, the club wishes to thank Willie Connor and Jim Ellis of the Councils Parks Department.

Over the last number of years, the Club has focused it's efforts on recruiting young players to the Club, with special emphasis on players who have come up through Mount Merrion Youths schoolboys ranks. The current side managed by Des Roche and trained by Dave Kennedy, could be one of the best sides ever to turn out for the club. The Club has, over the years, tended to field young sides with high fitness levels and a brand of attacking football. The current side is no different from those that have gone before and it aims this seasons are to gain promotion out of Premier 1 Sunday and hopefully to win the League itself.

The ultimate aim of the club is to progress to the Intermediate Divisions of the Leinster Senior League (for which a great many of the sides that we previously played with in the Amateur League (and indeed finished well above) now ply their trade in.

It is essential for Intermediate Division football that clubs have a proper structure and framework in position, together with having a suitable pitch and suitable dressing room accommodation. It is the considered view of the committee that the Club has made huge strides over the past number of years to improve the pitch and the dressing room facilities. The Club has also striven to set up the internal structures within the Club necessary to allow the Club to succeed at a higher level.

The Club continues to have strong links with the schoolboy club, with whom the majority of players playing with the Club have played their schoolboy football. With the continuing flow of quality young players from the schoolboys club to the senior Club, the committee would like to think that the future of Mount Merrion Football Club is assured.

Squad

2007-08-09T14:19:00.000+01:00

2007 - 2008 Season

Manager
Ussher Paul

Assistant Manager
King Haward

Coach
Byrne Sean

Players
1
Berigan Darren
2
Cullen Mark
3
Gifford Stephen
4
McGill David
5
Kelly Sean
6
King Alan
7
King Jonathan
8
Markey Brendan
9
McCann Michael
10
Skelly Austin
11
O'Callaghan James
12
Roche Ian
13
Mitchell Anthony
14
Whelan Paddy
15
Lee David
16
Timmons James
17
Kelch Keith
18
Murtagh Stephen
19
Dawson Brendan
20
Murphy Stephen

Gallerie

2007-08-09T13:43:00.000+01:00

Click on the Photo to Enlarge

Player Profile

2007-08-08T20:42:00.000+01:00

Name - Darren

Surname - Berigan

Nickname -

DOB -

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Player Profile

2007-08-08T20:41:00.001+01:00

Name - Stephen

Surname - Gifford

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Player Profile

2007-08-08T20:41:00.000+01:00

Name - Mark

Surname - Cullen

Nickname - Markey

DOB - 18/07/1980

Position – RW

Favourite Team - Leeds

Former Clubs – Bluebell

Hardest opponents – Andy Farrell

Best player you have played with – Paul Byrne

Favourite Player’s of all time – Diego Armando Maradona

Favourite sporting moment of all time – World Cup 90

Best ground played in – Richmond Park

Player Profile

2007-08-08T20:39:00.000+01:00

Name - Robert

Surname - Byrne

Nickname - Boby

DOB - 03/12/75

Position –

Favourite Team - Celtic FC

Former Clubs – Crystal Palace fc

Favourite Player’s of all time – Roy Keanne

Best Manager – Ray O'Tool

Best ground played in – White Hart Lane

Player Profile

2007-08-08T20:27:00.000+01:00

Name - David

Surname - McGill

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Coach Profile

2007-08-08T20:21:00.000+01:00

Name - Sean

Surname - Byrne

DOB - 12/05/1971

Position – Qualified Uefa A Coach

Former Clubs – Shamrock Rovers, Limerick, Bray Wanderers, Drogheda UTD

Favourite Player’s of all time – Zidane, Liam Brady

Favourite sporting moment of all time – Ireland VS England 1988

Player Profile

2007-08-08T19:21:00.000+01:00

Name - Sean

Surname - Kelly

Nickname - Kellier

DOB - 06/12/1982

Position – Centre Half

Favourite Team - Liverpool

Former Clubs – Shamrock Rovers, St Patrick Atletic, Dundalk, Monaghan

Hardest opponents – Charles Mbabazi Livingstone

Best player you have played with – Keith Fahy

Favourite Player’s of all time – Paulo Maldini

Favourite sporting moment of all time – When signed for ST Patrick Atletic

Best Manager – Pat Scully

Best ground played in – Dalymount Park

Player Profile

2007-08-08T19:18:00.001+01:00

Name - Brendan

Surname - Markey

DOB - 19/05/76

Position – Striker

Favourite Team - Man U

Former Clubs – Bohemians fc, Millwall, Shamrock Rovers, Waterford, Dublin City, Athlone, Mognahan, Dundalk

Hardest opponents – Colin Harkins

Best player you have played with – Alex Ray

Favourite Player’s of all time – Mark Hugh

Favourite sporting moment of all time – Man U winning the Champions League

Best Manager – Turlough O'Connor

Best ground played in – Upton Park

Player Profile

2007-08-08T19:18:00.000+01:00

Name - Jonathan

Surname - King

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Player Profile

2007-08-08T19:17:00.001+01:00

Name - Austin

Surname - Skelly

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Player Profile

2007-08-08T19:17:00.000+01:00

Name - Michael

Surname - McCann

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Player Profile

2007-08-08T19:16:00.001+01:00

Name - James

Surname - O'Callaghan

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Player Profile

2007-08-08T19:16:00.000+01:00

Name-Alan

Surname - King

Nickname - Kinger

DOB - 01/03/1982

Position – Left back / Left Midfield

Favourite Team - Liverpool

Former Clubs – Bray Wanderers, Monaghan United, Kildare County

Hardest opponents – Richie Baker, Wes Houlahan

Best player you have played with – Colm Tresson, Bray wanderers

Favourite Player’s of all time – Paul McGrath, Roy Keane

Favourite sporting moment of all time – Liverpool’s champions league win in 2005

Best Manager – Dave O'Connell and Sean Byrne MM, Lar Mahony at Bray Wanderers

Best ground played in – Britannia Stadium Stoke

Player Profile

2007-08-08T19:15:00.000+01:00

Name - Mark

Surname - Crowell

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Player Profile

2007-08-08T19:14:00.000+01:00

Name - Ian

Surname - Roche

Nickname - Rochey

DOB - 24/02/1980

Position – Full Back/ Center Mid

Favourite Team - Man UTD

Former Clubs – Beggsboro/Tolka Rovers

Hardest opponents – Luke Chadwick

Favourite Player’s of all time – Roy Keane / Paul McGrath

Favourite sporting moment of all time – 1990 World Cup Ireland beat Romania on penalties

Best Manager – Dave Connell

Best ground played in – Dalymount Park

Player Profile

2007-08-08T17:12:00.001+01:00

Name - Paddy

Surname - Whelan

Nickname -

DOB -

Position – GK

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Player Profile

2007-08-08T17:12:00.000+01:00

Name - Anthony

Surname - Mitchell

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Player Profile

2007-08-08T17:11:00.002+01:00

Name - Keith

Surname - Kelch

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Player Profile

2007-08-08T17:11:00.001+01:00

Name - James

Surname - Timmons

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Player Profile

2007-08-08T17:11:00.000+01:00

Name - David

Surname - Lee

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Player Profile

2007-08-08T17:10:00.000+01:00

Name - Karl

Surname - Cogan

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Manager Profile

2007-08-08T16:01:00.000+01:00

Name - Haward

Surname - King

DOB -

Position – Manager

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Player Profile

2007-08-08T15:40:00.000+01:00

Name - Stephen

Surname - Murtagh

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Intermediate Cup Draw 2007/2008

2007-08-08T15:10:00.000+01:00

FAI Umbro Intermediate Cup 2007/08

Leinster :-

Latest Results

Beggsboro 1 - 2 Bamgor Celtic
Loughshinny 2 -1 Fairview CYM
Mt Merrion 2 -1 Tolka Rvs
Wayside Celtic 4 - 1 Larkview boys
Confey FC v ST James Gate - off
Moley Park v Drogheda town - off

Mount Merrion next game

2007-08-08T14:53:00.000+01:00

Belgrove will be Mount Merrion's next destination on Friday night 7th of September. MM goes into the game after a strong start to the season winning 2 and drawing 1 from the first 3 games. You would have asked manager O’Connell in the beginning of the season if 7 points from the first 3 games would have been satisfying the answer has to be yes bearing in mind that the previous season MM lost the first 3 games. MM were disappointed after the latest draw on Sunday against Phoenix and 3 points are a must on Friday night against Belgrove. Manager O'Connell has a full squad to choose from with Bobby Byrne returning from injury.

SHOP

2007-08-08T14:39:00.000+01:00

Under Construction

Next MM game Phoenix FC

2007-08-08T13:41:00.000+01:00

Next MM game will take place Sunday the 1st of September at 11 AM away to Phoenix FC. MM have had a great start to the season with 2 games played and a 100% record against Tolka Rovers and Bluebell United. They will head into Sunday’s game all guns blazing and hope for another great result. MM will have nearly a full squad to chose from which will give manager O’Connell a selection head ache.

Players In

2007-08-08T12:02:00.000+01:00

Austin Skelly
David McGill
Paddy Whelan
David Lee
James Timmons
Keith Kelch
Mark Crowell
Anthony Mitchell
Karl Cogan
Stephen Murphy
Brendan Dawson
Stephen Murtagh

Next MM game

2007-08-08T12:01:00.000+01:00

Mount Merrion's next game will take place in Claremount Road, Sunday the 15th of September. This will be MM's first game at home and victory will be expected specially thinking about past couple of years where not many teams have had great pleasure leaving the grounds. This game will be against high flying Cherry Orchard in the Charlie Cahill Cup and should be great entertainment for all the football lovers

Players Out this season

2007-08-08T11:52:00.000+01:00

Holt Stuart
McGregor Drew
O'Connor Philip
Scully Mick
Shevlin Anthony
Whelan Paul

Player Profile

2007-08-08T11:35:00.000+01:00

Name - Stephen

Surname - Murphy

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Player Profile

2007-08-08T11:32:00.000+01:00

Name - Brendan

Surname - Dawson

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Assistant Manager

2007-08-08T11:23:00.000+01:00

Name - Paul

Surname - Ussher

DOB - 01/09/1970

Position – Manager

Former Clubs – Glebe North

Favourite Player’s of all time – Maradona

Favourite sporting moment of all time – Maradona scoring againts England

Best Moment in time - Being involved with soccer

Mount Merrion Youths Football Club

2007-07-09T17:28:00.000+01:00

Mount Merrion Youths Football Club is a community based club that has endeavoured over the past 30 years to provide sporting access and facilities for the youth of Mount Merrion and its adjacent neighbourhoods. The club first represented Mount Merrion at the 1974 Community Games. In 2007 the club established its first representative all-girls team. All representatives of the club operate on a voluntary basis. The club proposes to build a flood lit all-weather pitch in the Deer Park. It aims to do this despite a minority of people who just want to complain about any issue that get raised, so as to give some meaning to their shallow empty lives. The pitch will benefit the whole community and allow children enjoy there matches despite when the weather turns bad. How the pitch will benefit anyone who doesnt play soccer for Mount Merrion is beyond me! The park is a public amenity - Mount Merrion football club is not!! Ben Whelan says he is the best player on the u11 A's. He is quoted as saying "the only reason we win is because im playng, i drag this team along by the scruff of the neck".If Ben thinks they played well last season, wait till Mark Lynch starts.

Player / Coach Profile

2007-07-07T19:44:00.000+01:00

Name - Alban

Surname - Hysa

Nickname - Al

DOB - 23/08/1978

Position – Striker

Favourite Team - Arsenal

Former Clubs – Homefarm, Dublin City, Monaghan United, Stade De Reims

Favourite Player of all time – Diego Armando Maradona

Favourite sporting moment of all time – 2004 Arsenal's unbeaten run

Best Manager / Coach – Sean Byrne MM

Best ground played in – Nurenberg Germany

Player Profile

2007-07-07T15:01:00.000+01:00

Name - Ryan

Surname - Coyle

Nickname -

DOB -

Position – Midfielder

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Player Profile

2007-07-07T15:00:00.000+01:00

Name - John

Surname - Willis

Nickname -

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Position – Midfielder

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Player Profile

2007-07-07T14:59:00.001+01:00

Name - Andrew

Surname - O'Neill

Nickname -

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Position – Midfielder

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Player Profile

2007-07-07T14:59:00.000+01:00

Name - Phil

Surname - McGlade

Nickname -

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Position – Midfielder

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Coach

2007-07-07T14:58:00.003+01:00

Name - John

Surname - Clarke

DOB -

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Manager

2007-07-07T14:58:00.002+01:00

Name - Conor

Surname - Flynn

DOB -

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Player Profile

2007-07-07T14:58:00.001+01:00

Name - David

Surname - Walsh

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Player Profile

2007-07-07T14:58:00.000+01:00

Name - Kevin

Surname - Walsh

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Position – Midfielder

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Player Profile

2007-07-07T14:56:00.002+01:00

Name - Sean

Surname - Kenny

Nickname -

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Position – Midfielder

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Player Profile

2007-07-07T14:56:00.001+01:00

Name - Paul

Surname - O'Sullivan

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Position – Midfielder

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Player Profile

2007-07-07T14:56:00.000+01:00

Name - David

Surname - Guilfoyle

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Position – Defender

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Player Profile

2007-07-07T14:55:00.002+01:00

Name - Shane

Surname - Harrisson

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Position – Defender

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Player Profile

2007-07-07T14:55:00.001+01:00

Name - Gareth

Surname - Dempsey

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Player Profile

2007-07-07T14:55:00.000+01:00

Name - Wayne

Surname - Harper

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Position – Defender

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Player Profile

2007-07-07T14:54:00.002+01:00

Name - Alan

Surname - Leonard

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Position – Defender

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