Captain quits Cork City after being offered "unacceptable" terms whilst former 'keeper gets top UEFA job:

O'Halloran with boss Dunne in happier, league winning times

            Last season's captain;  Greg O'Halloran has announced that he is not going to accept a new contract offer from Airtricity League Division One champions Cork City.  
            Speaking last night, the Crosshaven native said:  "The terms were laughable.  As a player whose played over 60 games for the club, it's a big disappointment.  I was offered a near 80% reduction in terms from last season and having captained the club to promotion, I just wasn't prepared to accept that.  I'm going to concentrate on the family hauliage business now and get into coaching."
           O'Halloran wished the club all the best for the season but said that he will not be part of City's plans.  It comes as bad news for the club who are about to start pre-season training for their returning to the highest level of Irish football after a two year absence. 

Davin O'Neill has signed a new deal with Cork City FC

           In better news;  Cork City FC manager Tommy Dunne has this week competed the signing of experienced English midfielder Clark Keltie from Icelandic club Þór Akureyri.  One of last season's star men;  Davin O'Neill has also signed a one-year contract extension with the Rebel Army.  O'Neill said he is looking forward to the new season, stating that City are  "well capable of holding our own."  Gaffer Dunne said he was delighted with the two additions, having followed Keltie for some time and having watched him complete a trial with the club in summer 2011.

LEAVING IRELAND:  Former Cork City star Noel Mooney

           Off the pitch;  former CCFC goalkeeper Noel Mooney has taken up a role a role as Marketing Manager with UEFA in Nyon near Geneva.  
           Mooney spent the last five years with the FAI at their Abbotstown headquarters and has just finished his marketing post-graduate degree at DIT.

Avondale close in on Munster Senior League Title:

Mayfield celebrate equaliser which moves Avondale near Title

            The first post Christmas series of Munster Senior League games; look to be the games which finally put the debate as to who will lift the Title to bed.  Leaders Avondale enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 home win over Midleton at Avondale Park on Saturday to extend their lead.
            Game of the weekend took place at Rockmount Park where the hosts played out a thrilling 2-2 draw against Mayfield United.  Rockmount took the lead against the run of play on 25 minutes through a cracking free-kick from Gareth Cambridge.  The hosts extended their lead on the stroke of half-time with a close range finish from Alan O'Connor.

O'Connell: amateur international should have saved game changing goal

            The Mayfield management earned their  "money"  at half-time because they came out a different side, putting the hosts to the pin of their collar.  The visitors got back into the game through a well struck tight angled free-kick;  though Irish (amateaur) international goalkeeper Brendan O'Connell; should have done better at his near post.
            Mayfield were now piling on the pressure though they could have gotten done on the counter attack and very nearly did on two occasions as the game entered its final 10 minutes.  Mayfield weren't put off however, continuing to push bodies forward and were eventually rewarded when a fine ball was whipped across for McBride to head into an empty net with six minutes to play.

Avondale comfortably topple Midleton over weekend

            Both teams exchanged chances from there, but there was to be no more goals and a cracking, almost cup tie, was to benefit the league leaders, Avondale more than anyone else.  The southsiders are now six points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand.

Irish 200/1 shot wins 1:40 at Taunton to become second longest priced winner in British racing history:

200/1 "Lights of Broadway" wins Taunton National Hunt

            Regular readers of this website will be aware that horse racing is rarely featured here.  However, exceptional stories demand to be reported.  The events of today's 1:40 race at Taunton were certainly exceptional.
            Pre-race favourite "Night Rose" was, as expected; leading the way in the 2M 3F "National Hunt" Novice's Hurdle and was well on course to prove the bookies right until it fell at the second last.
            Here is where the outsider (of the 12 horse field) took its chance.  At the final flight;  the six year-old 200/1 shot "Lights of Broadway"  (described by the Racing Post pre-race as:  "Decidely ordinary")  took the lead.  It managed to hold on to the finish line; becoming the longest odds winner a race anywhere in Britain or Ireland for over 18 months.  "Night Rose"  was trained by Joe Hughes out of the Lambourn yard.

Mark Grant saw his long shot home as winner

            The forecast paid an enormous £3,484stg for a £1 stake with ""Wishes and Stars" coming in second at 50/1 and "Fortuna Rose" at 33's completing the placers.  William Hill reported that one online punter backed this, though the stake was just 3p!  £10 each/way or £5 the win were the highest stakes with one punter winning £2,500 off a £10 stake on the winning horse.
            Only 109 punters across all William Hill outlets (including online) backed the winning nag, though William Hill spokesperson Kate Miller said:  "We are very pleased to have only paid out £30,000 because the stakes were so small."
           It's the (joint) second longest shot ever to win a race in Britain.  "Equinoctal" was the longest priced horse to win since records began; coming home at odds of 250/1 at Kelso back in 1990.

"Engage: The Rise and Fall of Matt Hampson:"

The frequent references to  "The Shawshank Redemption" are utterly appropriate.  Both stories tell of a man unjustly imprisoned having committed no crime.  Both stories tell of a man seemingly without hope of release.                                                                

           The world we live in is one filled with self-pity.  Everywhere we turn there are people feeling sorry themselves;  "Oh, I want a job" or "Oh I don't want to go to work" or etc etc.  Or maybe my sight is clearer of something I am so consumed with!

           If ever there was a man entitled to feel sympathy it is one Matthew Hampson.  As an aspiring 20 year-old tighthead prop with Leicester Tigers and the England U-21 side;  Hampson was scrumming down for a training session with England on a cold March morning in 2005 at Northampton's Franklin Gardens.  The scrum had been re-set a number of times by world class (and crucially; paramedic) referee; Tony Spreadbury. 
          Upon appoximately the eighth scrum collapse; everyone stood up as per usual.  That is everyone except Matthew Hampson.  When his body was seen in a crumpled mess, everyone winced in horror.  Everyone apart from  "Spreaders"  that is, who came into his own and managed to save the young man's life by performing CPR. 


Matt Hampson today (right) and in his England  U-21 heyday

          When Hampson was eventually taken to hospital, it was revealed that he had broken the C1 and C5 vertebrae.  The only thing he could do indepenendently was blink and it appeared as if his chances of ever walking again were somewhere between slim and none though much closer to the latter than the former.  Here is a man who could very undersandably feel sorry for himself and ask the question:  "Why me?"  Whilst he certainly did ask that question; Matt's pervasive attitude throughout the book is the very opposite of self pitying.
           Like all autobiographies (if such a tome is possible for someone aged 26);  the book details the subject's life from early childhood onwards.  Where the book takes an intriguing turn is that it is split into two distinct parts which alternate throughout the book.  One part details Matt's daily struggles, trials and tribulations.  The other part of the book is an ingenius idea from ghostwriter;  Paul Kimmage.  He acts a  "Barrister"  in a court case and interviews all parties involved in the story.  Characters ranging from Matt's Mum, Dad
and sister to Matt's girlfriend  "Jennie" are all quizzed in depth about Matt.  Also spoken to are Leicester manager Richard Cockerill; Martin Johnson; Matt's friends, colleagues and the players who featured on that fateful March day that forever changed Matt's life. 

"Get busy livin' or get busy dyin'. That's God dam right."


           This book is a most interesting read (as one would expect of a William Hill Sports Book of the Year Winner); with the frequent references to the author and ghostwriter's favourite film;  "The Shawshank Redemption"  utterly appropriate.   Both stories tell of a man unjustly imprisoned having committed no crime.  Both stories tell of a man with seemingly no hope of release.
"Get busy living or get busy dying," - That's God dam right.

The future of Irish amateur & lower league UK pro football:

Markets Field, Limerick: 3G pitch hosting big inter-varsity cup

           A question for British and Irish footballers:  How many times have you suffered lower leg injuries caused by dodgy pitches ruined by winter weather?  My guess would be:  MANY?  In fact it's not a guess, it's a statement of fact.  It is just about impossible to avoid ankle injuries on football pitches churned up in winter.
           the most prestigious competition in Irish university football (the Collingwood Cup) will break new ground this year when the event will be played on a 3G artificial surface for the first time in its history.   The competition takes place in Markets Field Limerick from 21st - 24th February.
           Professional football in the UK tried dealing with this problem by introducing  "plastic pitches"  in the 1980's on lower league grounds who couldn't afford the constant care needed to maintain grass pitches.  Within 10 years, those pitches had been made illegal due to the problems (unpredictable bounce; impossible sliding tackles; balls careering all over the place) and injuries (on concrete like surfaces) often worse than those sustained on the pitches they were trying to combat!
          That was the 1980's (and early 90's) though.  This is 2012.  I have viewed an (artificial) all weather fourth generation pitch here in Mayfield in Cork city today.  If I had not been told the grass was fake, I would have thought it was real - aside from the fact that the surface was in perfect condition of course!  The simple fact is that amateur and lower league clubs simply don't have the money to maintain grass pitches ruined by bad weather and constant use.

Groundsmen won't be smiling when new surfaces introduced

          The English FA have taken a survey of League One and League Two (third and fourth tier professional) and they are split almost 50/50 as to whether they are in favour of reverting to these artificial surfaces.
         Attitudes have changed drastically to artificial pitches over recent years.  The reasons for this are twofold.  One is obvious; the fact that the quality of artificial surfaces has improved dramatically in the 21st century.  Secondly is economics.  Teams can train on these artificial pitches.  Youth teams also; meaning considerable sums can be saved on renting training pitches.  Instead of just being capable of hosting 20-30 games a season on a grass pitch; these new pitches can be used seven days a week, 365 days a year.  There is also the concern of cancelling games in mid-winter.  When a game is cancelled at the last minute it cost up to £100,000 for lower league clubs in terms of the costs of policing/stewarding/licencing/match officials etc and the fact that tickets must be valid for the game when it is eventually re-scheduled.


Stuart Pearce:  happy with new surface

 "Unlike the Astro Turf pitches I played on when I was younger, this gives a true roll of how a football pitch should be," - Stuart Pearce

(as seen on Sky Sports News)

          During November last; Football League clubs were given a presentation about the pros and cons of artificial pitches.  There will be another discussion in February, followed by a possible vote in June.

          Geoff Webb, Chief Executive of the Institiute of Groundsmanship says that permitting artificial surfaces would be a mistake.   "Why fix something that is not broken?" he said. "I think pitches throughout the Football League and the Premier League are seen pretty much as the world's best and they are an asset for football.  Some people think the artificial surfaces are maintenance free but they are not.  The artificial pitches are not all weather.  If it gets really cold and icy, you might have to cancel a game."   

Big names pushing for Munster promotion:



Ex Cork City player; UCC manager Caulfield

            Cork City FC's all-time leading goalscorer;  John Caulfield looks well poised to lead University College Cork (UCC) back to the Premier Division of the Munster Senior League as play resumes this weekend after the Christmas break.
           The students; on 20 points, are one point clear at the top of the First Division at the half-way stage of the season.  Caulfield has helped change round the fortunes of the side who had been relegated just before his appointment, two seasons ago.
           College have had a good season so far, with only two clubs taking points off them this season.  Those were second placed Carrigaline (19 points) and third placed Fermoy (18), who held them to a 0-0 draw in a hard fought tussle just before Christmas.  Fermoy goalkeeper is fromer Cork City star (and Ireland underage player) Mick Devine, who has played his part in keeping his side near the promotion places with four clean sheets in nine starts. 
             

Fermoy 'keeper Michael Devine

           College have a big game this weekend when they travel to take on Castleview at 5:45p.m. on Saturday.  Another former Cork City star; Patsy Freyne is the man in charge there and his side will definitely be there or thereabouts at the end of the season having lost just once so far and standing on 17 points.  At the other end of the table; Ballinhassig look doomed having garnered a mere one point from eight games though Tramore and Ballincollig (both played seven) are just two points above them with Ringmahon on the same number of points having played nine.

Patsy Freyne; 'View boss

           UCC for my money look the real deal here and could end the season with two trophies. 
           Meanwhile in the Premier Division; a special ceremony and presentation was held for Rockmount manager (and fomer player) Billy Cronin who is stepping down after 13 years in charge and having won every trophy that amateur football in Ireland has to offer.

Rockmount's most successful manager, Billy Cronin (right)

           The battle for the title in the top flight is a three-horse race; with little separating the  "Big Four":  Avondale, Rockmount, Everton and Douglas Hall.  The top four at the start of 2012 is the same as the top four at the end of last season, though in a different order.  Last year's champions, Rockmount lie in third place alongside Everton, with Douglas Hall in second place trailing leaders Avondale by five at the mid point of the season.  With Avondale looking odds on to win the Premier Title;  one feels this season that the main excitement will come from the first division and the battle for promotion there.

Norn Iron's O'Neill working the oracle once again:

REACHING FOR THE (North) STARS: O'Neill brings new life

            An old football mantra states:  "Great players don't make great managers.  It's literally a totally different ball game."  Don't tell this theory to Martin O'Neill.  Having garnered a mere 11 points in their opening 14 Premier League games before O'Neill came in; they have now amassed an amazing 13 points in the following six games under his stewardship.
            The man who supported the Wearside club as a boy has taken them from the depths of the relegation zone to the heady heights of 10th place in the Premier League with the campaign over the hump of the journey at this stage.  

NO FOOTBALL MANAGER:   Misery man Roy Keane

            The previous Irishman (Roy Keane) to manage the club garnered preposterous levels of media-hyped praise for guiding the club to promotion (season 2006-'07);  becoming the first Championship (second tier) manager ever to spend over £100million on players (and wages) in one season!  Martin O'Neill's achievements these last six games are no media generated hype fest however.  O'Neill's attitude of respect and dignity are also in stark contrast to former  "manager"  Keane.
            The previous manager (Steve Bruce) always appeared to be on a loser, given his origins from the dreaded Toon area just up the road; but the truth is, the former Manchester United man had endured a torrid start to this season having slumped to second from bottom and confidence forking southward.

Ireland's McLean celebrates match clinching second v Wigan

            O'Neill has breathed new life into the club and having earned an amazing six points from two games played over the space of barely 48 hours; all at Sunderland will be more concerned with European placings than the relegation zone come the end of the season. 
            Kilrea native O'Neill hailed tonight's 4-1 triumph over battling Wigan as:  "The best day of  my time here.  Having played just 48 hours ago, I have no idea where the players got their energy from," - the obvious answer could be:  "YOU Mr. O'Neill; the players got their energy from you!"  As former chairman (and now Head of International Development), Niall Quinn stated:  "Martin literally runs from meeting to changing room to training pitch.  His enthusiasm is truly infectious!"

QUINN: delighted with new manager

            Having won two European Cups and captained his wee country at two World Cups as a player;  as a manager, Martin O'Neill guided Leicester City to the top flight for the first time in their history and took Celtic to a first European final in 37 years.  However;  if his start at Sunderland is anything to go by; he could top all his managerial achievements as a (Black) Cat who won't need to use many of his nine lives.   
            Great players don't make great managers?  Meet Martin Hugh Michael O'Neill.