Spartak Dynamo FC

After a hectic round of voting, nominations have now been finalised for the main awards for the season just ended.

Presentations will be made to the winners on Saturday evening in the Eden.

Dave Browne and Steve Grier will receive their awards for 200 appearances. Dave (Daithi) started out with 13 appearances in 2005/6 and finished 2014/15 on the 199 mark. Steve also started in 2005/6, with 14 appearances that season.

Clubman of the year shortlist consists of Shea McClafferty, Barry Crowe, Colm Reid, Chris Hogan, Paul McGowan and Mick Greene.

The Sunday player of the year will be chosen from the following nominations – Steve Walsh, Karl McCullagh, Ger Byrne , Dave Kernan, Neil McGowan, Steve Grier and Paul Kinsella.

The Saturday award saw votes tightly bunched resulting in the following shortlist: Fintan Grace, Greg Byrne, Niall Lennon, Mick Leslie and Geoff Gamble.

For the over 35s the main contestants are Paul McGrath, Terry Fallon and Gerry McGuinness.

Stats will be available on the night, which show most appearances for the season was 34 by Geoff Gamble, followed by Mick Leslie on 31 and Messrs Grier, Browne, Hogan and Kernan on 25 each.

9th and 10th Jan 2016

On Knocklyon Astro Spartak turned out in numbers for two weekend games.

Firstly the over 35s took on the saturday boys, who won 4-3, somewhat against the run of general play. The possession stats showed the senior men in control, but sharper finishing saw the younger crew come out on top. Goals from Ciaran Bermingham, Darren Ritchie, Ross Kelly and Niall Hanratty for the winners, while Ciaran O’Sullivan, Kevin Nolan and Gavin Johnson netted for the over 35s, who had a large squad in attendance.

The Sunday lads took on Tallaght City and came out the wrong side of a 5-3 scoreline. Steve Grier (2) and Ger Byrne were the scorers, with Neil McGowan and David Kernan missing a hatful of chances between them. The concession of 5 goals will be a talking point, some of which were soft in the extreme. Some of the Spartak players are to be congratulated on a wonderful Christmas period, especially Steve Grier who must have had a wonderful Yuletide!

League games resume on 16th/17th.

Form Reports
Saturday
Niall Hanratty 8 Chris Hogan 6 Mick Greene 7 Steve Browne 7 Tom Maher 6 Mick Leslie 7 Niall Lennon 7 Darren Ritchie 7 Ross Kelly 6 Conor Canavan 6 Ciaran Keane 6 Dave O’Kelly 7 Ciaran Bermingham 6

Sunday
Jason Northey 6 Dave Browne 6 Tom O’Driscoll 7 Mick Young 6 Karl McCullough 6 Kevin O’Toole 6 Neil McGowan 6 Dave Kernan 6 Steve Grier 6 Ger Byrne 6 Mick Leslie 6 Ciaran Keane 6

After resigning as Quiz master in a hissy fit, leaving poor Uncle Dex to pick up the pieces, Mick Greene has completed a massive U Turn and returns to his rightful spot on the podium next Thursday, 18th November, in Firhouse Community Centre.

Mick , after doling out questions on Dingbats, Counties of Ireland and other puzzles to tease the slightly sozzled members of the audience, will then lead the weary troops in the time honoured march into town, eventually leaving Coppers at an ungodly hour.

All club members expected to attend, and for €10 on a Thursday night, it can’t be bet for entertainment value.

The Quiz starts at 9.15, so aim for 9 O’Clock, unless your name is Steve Grier, in which case you would need to aim for the previous day. Chris “Tubes” Hogan is carrying on Gerry Doran’s tradition of always being last to everything. Dave Kernan may well travel through town , so could be delayed. Mick Leslie even might bring the water bottles for a special guest appearance.

So, for those not paying attention (that’s you Bobby Hayes and Jason Northey) its a 9.15 kick off on Thursday 18th November in Firhouse Community Centre.

Following a hard fought series of games a Rory Campbell managed team won the final against James Byrne’s squad, who progressed well in earlier rounds.

The qualifying groups were hard fought with just a single goal between trophy semi final qualification and elimination from both cup and shield.

Greystones second string ran out Shield winners in the secondary competition, making it a double celebration fro the visitors.

Well done to all participants.

On Sunday 26th July, at the Postal Club in Kiltipper, the second annual Dave Mohan Memorial tournament takes place.

Last year saw 16 teams take part and the day was a big success, enjoyed by all.

Another fine day’s football in prospect.

The season just past saw some notable achievements.

In goalscoring, two players exceeded the 30 goal mark for the first time in the club’s history, with Jeff Gamble (38) and Steve Walsh (31) achieving this landmark. Previously, only John McCluskey, Martin McGorian, and Tony Little (6 times!) have reached the 30 goal mark.

Tom Maher made his 800th appearance, while Dave Browne finished on 199, so is next up for the 200 club.

Mick Leslie (36) Jeff Gamble (33) and Ciaran Keane (31) made the most appearances in a season which saw 93 players turn out in the club colours.

The Sunday team notched 98 goals in total in a double winning season.

For the over 35s, Padraig Finnerty made the most appearances (19) while James Byrne, with 5 goals, was top scorer, with their 46 goals being spread around many players.

Mick Greene was the only player to turn out for all three sides, and added 4 goals to his total in the process.

At the presentation night on 23rd May, the following won the seasonal awards:

Sunday player of the Year – Karl McCullough

Saturday player of the Year – Jeff Gamble

Over 35s Player of the Year – Padraig Finnerty

Clubman of the Year – Mick Leslie

Tom Maher received an award making 800 appearance for the club.

Well done to all.

23.5.15
Spartak 3, Marks Celtic 0

Spartak put in a pleasing performance on a hot day in Wayside’s wonderful ground to claim the Lynch Cup.

An early goal after just 4 minutes allowed the Sky Blues to settle down quickly. An Adam Doran clearance was flicked on by Martin Costello for Steve Walsh to race in and place a right footed effort which went in off the post.

On the half hour a neat flick by Neil McGowan sent Stuart Love down the left, and his measured cross was driven in by Martin Costello.

A moment of madness by the Marks keeper saw him lash out at Steve Walsh – an instant red card, just before the break.

Spartak were content to protect their lead, and attack on the break in the second period.

On 76 minutes, substitute Keith Kelly retrieved a ball that appeared to be running wide, and his cross from the right gave Stuart Love the chance to take a touch before firing across the keeper into the far corner.

That clinched it , and Neil McGowan lifted the Cup to end a satisfying season.

Form Report
Adam Doran 7 Dave Browne 7 Aodhan McCahill 8 Paul Kinsella 8 Karl McCullough 7 Stuart Love 7 Neil McGowan 7 Dave Kernan 7 Steve Grier 8 Martin Costello 7 Steve Walsh 7
Subs: Keith Kelly 7 Seamus McCahill 7 Tom O’Driscoll 7

Player of the Year and Clubman of the Year awards will be presented on Sat night 23rd May in the Eden at 8.30.

In the running for clubman of the year there are a few candidates – Mick Leslie (for sterling water bottle service) Dave Browne, Steve Grier, Colm Reid, Gavin Johnson and the two hardy annuals Mick Greene and Paul McGowan.

Competition for the Sunday Player of the Year is very close. The first seven votes received were all for different players! The main contenders are Karl McCullough, Steve Grier, Steve Walsh, Neil McGowan and David Kernan.

On Saturday the votes are more closely bunched, with Niall “Skip” Lennon, Conor Canavan and Jeff Gamble the main contenders.

The over 35s nominations include Gerry Doran , Padraig Finnerty and Matt Grimes.

See You Saturday.

The AGM will take place in the Eden on Tuesday 31st March at 7pm.

Members paid up according to rule may attend and vote.