tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90311620962056371752011-07-08T15:47:37.814+01:00A Blog about all things Football from the English Premier League as well as Irish,European and World Football issues.Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comBlogger721100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-70866891988466196562010-01-21T11:45:00.000Z2010-01-21T11:45:52.659Z

This Blog covers subjects on all things football concentrating on the English Premier League, the Champions League, Rep. of Ireland international news and reviews. Select from the following list of avialable links or choose BLOG ARCHIVE or LABELS from the right hand side of the screen. OFF CENTRE CIRCLE * First Book Recently Published By Ger McCarthy * Click here to purchase OFF CENTRE CIRCLE

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-26947533031916665002010-01-21T11:41:00.000Z2010-01-21T11:41:30.363Z

The Weekend That Was: 16th - 17th January (As appeared on http://www.football-previews.co.uk) Liverpool falter again, Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal all win and Manchester City taste defeat for the first time under Roberto Mancini in a weekend packed with goals and talking points from the English Premier League. Headline Grabber A turbulent week for Rafa Benitez ended with a hard fought

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-37271405955669505872010-01-13T21:34:00.000Z2010-01-15T12:06:02.030Z

Click here to purchase OFF CENTRE CIRCLE by Ger McCarthyOFF CENTRE CIRCLE PRESS RELEASEEvening Echo Publications 2009Evening Echo Publications (Cork) Ltd is pleased to announce the launch of a new exciting title entitled Off Centre Circle By Ger McCarthyGerard McCarthy is 35 years old and lives with his wife Úna and daughter Caoilin in Clonakilty, West Cork, Ireland. He is a regular soccer

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-77471753762470700432010-01-12T12:09:00.000Z2010-01-15T12:16:39.247Z

Click here to purchase OFF CENTRE CIRCLE by Ger McCarthyThe following is an extract from the book entitled 'Off Centre Circle' written by Ger. McCarthy about a lifetime spent toiling in the amateur soccer leagues of Ireland.Chapter 14Dislocation From RealityIt’s roughly three am according to the cracked face of the clock hanging on the wall as I wearily struggle to open my heavy eyes. I have to

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-68821391581640995002008-09-16T13:21:00.000+01:002008-09-16T14:23:10.143+01:00

Tonight marks the return of the Champions League with Manchester United looking to emulate the European Cup back-to-back success of Nottingham Forest from the early 1980's and retain the trophy they won on a rainy night in Moscow back in May.The current group format of the pre-Christmas Champions League games makes it very difficult to get excited about what still remains most prestigious trophy

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-39960631382046631482008-09-15T15:37:00.001+01:002008-09-16T15:38:36.678+01:00

Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat of arch rivals Manchester United rightly grabbed all the weekend headlines from the English Premier League. Rafa Benitez’s maiden victory over Sir Alex Ferguson was well deserved yet when you factor in the enforced absences of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard (came on as sub) then it becomes downright impressive. True, Edwin Van Der Sar’s ill advised flap at a cross

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-26724179707256183762008-08-24T15:35:00.000+01:002008-08-25T15:35:35.282+01:00

Riverside Athletic made it two U16 League title wins on the trot following the most dramatic of conclusions to the 2007-08 SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U16 League season. The Balineen based club came back from the dead to snatch the league crown from the grasp of Togher Celtic in a pulsating finale on the final day of the SuperValu U16 Play-Offs.National CupsThe early stages of the SuperValu

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-14045864909674628472008-08-24T15:33:00.000+01:002008-08-25T15:34:12.149+01:00

Lyre Rovers rounded off a terrific year for the Knockskeagh club by defeating Togher Celtic 4-1 in a SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U14 Play-Off decider in Ballyvackey on the 10th of May to lift the SuperValu U14 League title. SuperValu U14 League The WCSL U14 League kicked off back in September with 11 clubs vying for the SuperValu U14 League title. The top four ranked clubs then moved forward

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-21912399958298369512008-08-24T15:29:00.000+01:002008-08-25T15:34:40.202+01:00

Clonakilty AFC deservedly lifted the 2007-08 SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League U12 crown after topping a second play-off ‘group of death’ ahead of Skibbereen and Bunratty United.SuperValu U12 League The 2007-08 SuperValu U12 league season saw fourteen teams split into two groups with the top two ranked sides in each group progressing to the SuperValu U12 Play-Offs to decide the destination of

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-49508929297823373622008-08-23T11:51:00.001+01:002008-08-26T09:37:20.767+01:00

After two rounds of the new Premier League season only title-contenders Liverpool and Chelsea can look back with a degree of satisfaction having maintained their 100% starts. Neither side had it easy this past weekend though thanks to the Herculean efforts of Middlesbrough and Wigan respectively.Gareth Southgate's Boro bossed Liverpool all over the Anfield pitch for much of their Saturday

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-47429841939600561772008-08-19T20:53:00.003+01:002008-08-25T10:26:30.525+01:00

The Premier League is back with a bang following a weekend of terrific goals, shoddy defending, huge crowds and no shortage of talking points. Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea each enjoyed expected victories but an under strength Manchester United were surprisingly held to a 1-1 draw by Newcastle United at Old Trafford.Chelsea put in the most impressive performance of the opening weekend with a

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-64027348007960548452008-07-24T10:41:00.001+01:002008-07-24T10:41:34.299+01:00

Skibbereen were crowned 2007-2008 West Cork Schoolboys U14 Cup winners following a 2-0 Cup final victory over Lyre Rovers before a huge crowd in Mullough, Dunmanway earlier this season. The draw for the WCSL U14 cup created two first round ties between Clonakilty AFC and Lyre Rovers as well as a local derby pitting Ballydehob against Bunratty United. The winners of the Clon AFC / Lyre encounter

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-61032395292822461802008-07-24T10:40:00.002+01:002008-07-24T10:41:11.229+01:00

Togher Celtic made up for the heartbreak of missing out on the U16 league title by deservedly lifting the 2007-08 West Cork Schoolboys U16 Cup following a hard fought 1-0 final victory over Skibbereen.10 teams entered the Cup competition with Bay Rovers and Bunratty United drawn together in the only opening round fixture. Lyre Rovers would meet the winners in the quarter finals with Clonakilty

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-991315039461375332008-07-24T10:40:00.001+01:002008-07-24T10:40:43.151+01:00

Clonakilty AFC deservedly lifted the 2007-08 SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League U12 crown after topping a second play-off ‘group of death’ ahead of Skibbereen and Bunratty United.SuperValu U12 League The 2007-08 SuperValu U12 league season saw fourteen teams split into two groups with the top two ranked sides in each group progressing to the SuperValu U12 Play-Offs to decide the destination of

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-58247379069913228932008-07-24T10:39:00.002+01:002008-07-24T10:40:12.511+01:00

Lyre Rovers rounded off a terrific year for the Knockskeagh club by defeating Togher Celtic 4-1 in a SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U14 Play-Off decider in Ballyvackey on the 10th of May to lift the SuperValu U14 League title. SuperValu U14 League The WCSL U14 League kicked off back in September with 11 clubs vying for the SuperValu U14 League title. The top four ranked clubs then moved forward

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-66629383781118916542008-07-24T10:39:00.001+01:002008-07-24T10:39:39.041+01:00

The FAI in conjunction with the SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League ran the first ever one-day FUTSAL mini-tournament in the Clonakilty Sports Complex Astro Pitch recently. The idea of the tournament was to promote the game of FUTSAL (non-contact, mini-football, encouraging close control and skill) in a 7-a-side competition. The Bay Rovers, Clonakilty AFC and Riverside Athletic clubs sent

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-56861841861100605792008-07-24T10:38:00.000+01:002008-07-24T10:39:15.129+01:00

Riverside Athletic made it two U16 League title wins on the trot following the most dramatic of conclusions to the 2007-08 SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U16 League season. The Balineen based club came back from the dead to snatch the league crown from the grasp of Togher Celtic in a pulsating finale on the final day of the SuperValu U16 Play-Offs.National CupsThe early stages of the SuperValu

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-80292429539272824102008-07-24T10:36:00.001+01:002008-07-24T10:38:47.097+01:00

The West Cork Schoolboys League Under13 representative side completed their involvement in this season’s SFAI UMBRO Kennedy Cup tournament with back to back wins over the Carlow and North Tipperary Schoolboys Leagues in Limerick last week. It brought a positive end to a frustrating week for the West Cork outfit who never earned the results their attractive football deserved. Drawn in Group7 along

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-37977275229222798092008-07-02T08:28:00.000+01:002008-08-20T11:53:09.649+01:00

Who does Rafa Benitez think he is? In the space of two months both he and Liverpool FC (quite openly) have courted the services of two high-profile players in Aston Villa's Gareth Barry and now Spurs' Robbie Keane. Not content with unsettling both players Benitez has also placed initial somewhat derisory offers on the table for both individuals well below their respective club's valuations.Martin

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-42837645829050964002008-06-29T21:22:00.000+01:002008-08-20T11:53:09.649+01:00

Ger McCarthy, profiles five players from this season’s SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U12 League, highlighting each player’s potential as a star of the future. Whilst every U12 team in the SuperValu League possess numerous talented individuals within their squad, this article focuses on five players in particular whose performances stood out this season.The first is a prolific goal-scorer who has

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-59257458320530978972008-05-29T22:20:00.001+01:002008-08-20T11:53:09.649+01:00

A one all draw with Serbia marked the beginning of Giovanni Trapattoni’s reign as new manager of the Republic of Ireland last week. Ger McCarthy looks back on the Croke Park encounter, the opening two months of new Irish manager’s reign and outlines what lies ahead for the boys in green in the coming months.A late Andy Keogh volley earned the Republic of Ireland and debut manager Giovanni

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-91065488563044621362008-05-22T14:17:00.001+01:002008-08-20T11:53:09.650+01:00

Manchester United have once again been crowned Champions of Europe following a late-night gripping encounter with Chelsea in Moscow. It was no great surprise that the destination of the Champions League trophy eventually came down to a penalty shoot-out but many fans will have been surprised by the quality of the 120 minutes beforehand.United bossed the opening half and could have easily been 3-0

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-42239438009160666762008-05-08T22:44:00.000+01:002008-08-20T11:53:09.650+01:00

Giovanni Trapattoni’s decision to travel to the North next Tuesday to watch Pat Fenlon's Irish Under-23 side in action against their northern counterparts is a welcome development for Irish football. Trapattoni and Marco Tardelli will have a chance to scan an eye over the current cream of the crop of Irish domestic football with a squad composed completely of Eircom League players.Hopefully the

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-48218837435995724062008-05-08T00:46:00.001+01:002008-08-26T09:34:52.684+01:00

Sunderland Clearout the Irish-------------------------------The potential clearout of Republic of Ireland internationals from the Sunderland first team in the upcoming months is a disappointing if hardly surprising development. The Irish players in question could find themselves out of contract and without a club with the World Cup Qualifiers fast approaching. It’s hardly the ideal preparation

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-7864657262645568772008-04-23T23:45:00.001+01:002008-05-22T15:58:29.646+01:00

The deployment of Wayne Rooney on the right wing for Manchester United’ 0-0 Champions League Semi Final draw in the Camp Nou last night raised many eyebrows, none more so than on the excellent (Irish) RTE television panel. John Giles, Eamon Dunphy and Liam Brady each made a point of singling out Rooney for his professional, unselfish display in an unaccustomed role away from his usual strikers’

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-7711450114482706172008-04-22T23:40:00.001+01:002008-05-22T15:58:10.929+01:00

Liverpool threw away a potential Champions League final appearance following a moment of madness from Jon Arne Riise in injury time at Anfield last night. A goal up despite wasting a succession of excellent second half chances, Liverpool still looked set for a deserved victory. Riise will have nightmares about his attempted clearance that flew past a startled Jose Reina to give Chelsea a decisive

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-62586470665812234562008-04-22T09:41:00.002+01:002008-05-22T15:57:51.772+01:00

KENNA TAKES THE HELMGalway United have taken something of a calculated gamble in the appointment of Jeff Kenna as their new manager. Rooted to the bottom of the Eircom Premier League with only a single point on the board so far means the former Republic Of Ireland International will have his work cut out for him from the word go.His brief is straightforward, keep Galway in the Premier League for

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-79973526309827943762008-04-22T09:15:00.001+01:002008-05-22T15:57:34.335+01:00

Liam Brady, former Irish midfield legend and current RTE football pundit has finally joined the backroom staff of Giovanni Trapattoni in the new Republic of Ireland international setup. Ger McCarthy analyses Brady’s credentials and the potential issues facing the 52 year old in Ireland’s upcoming friendlies and World Cup qualifying campaign.Former Republic of Ireland Captain Liam Brady began life

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-28515211393306213502008-04-15T08:52:00.002+01:002008-05-22T15:56:05.114+01:00

SAD STATE OF ANFIELD AFFAIRSHard to believe that this is the same Liverpool football club that dominated English and European football back in the 1980’s. The Anfield club were fabled for the manner in which they ran the club off the pitch as much as the exquisite football they played on it.The latest comments from Rafa Benitez following Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Blackburn represents yet another

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-41648791642696905582008-04-11T13:03:00.002+01:002008-05-22T15:57:20.341+01:00

WENGER STICKS TO HIS GUN (NER)SIf we are to believe today’s media reports Arsene Wenger looks set to once again stubbornly refuse to open the Arsenal chequebook this summer and keep faith with the majority of his current squad for next year’s campaign. If this week has taught the Frenchman anything it should be that his squad is paper-thin in terms of quality when is comes to the latter stages of

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-26535105062375110542008-04-09T00:47:00.001+01:002008-04-23T11:47:30.753+01:00

The moment that encapsulated last night’s breathtaking Champions League Quarter Final occurred in the dying minutes of a never-to-be-forgotten encounter. Ryan Babel thundered towards the Kop at break-neck speed and whacked the ball into the net sending the home side through to the last four. Cesc Fabregas cut a forlorn figure as he tried in vain to prevent the winger from scoring but sheer

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-47426664983264746332008-04-08T10:01:00.003+01:002008-04-23T11:47:15.829+01:00

UNITED INJURY SCARESMake no mistake about it Manchester United’s European and domestic success now rests on how quickly Vidic and Ferdinand are able to return to the first team. Pique and O’Shea are each capable defenders in their own right, but Sir Alex Ferguson needs his first choice centre-back pairing back in action as soon as possible with Roma, Arsenal, Chelsea and possibly Barcelona on the

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-61110956316954018952008-04-04T11:27:00.001+01:002008-04-23T11:46:58.187+01:00

The strength in depth of Manchester United’s squad was clearly evident in their comprehensive 2-0 in Rome during the week. Paul Scholes rolled back the years with an imaginative display in the centre of the park. His delicate pull-back for Ronaldo’s headed goal was the highlight in a vintage performance from the mercurial midfielder. Wayne Rooney demonstrated his seemingly boundless energy with

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-34307783506856656502008-02-25T21:00:00.001Z2008-04-23T11:46:21.939+01:00

Finally, after an exhausting and sometimes frustrating 112 day search, Giovanni Trapattoni, seven-time Serie A winner and former Italy coach, has been appointed as the new manager of the Republic of Ireland football team. The 68-year-old Italian will take up his new position once his contract with Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg expires at the end of May. There are no guarantees with any new

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-10888825427456857042008-02-12T15:45:00.001Z2008-04-23T11:46:36.738+01:00

Denis Behan paraded the FAI Cup trophy before a huge attendance at the West Cork based club, Riverside Athletic, in Balineen recently. Evening Echo West Cork Schoolboys League Columnist Ger McCarthy caught up with the Cork City striker on the eve of the new Eircom League season and got his thoughts on his club's recent signings and his hopes for the coming campaign.There is bedlam in the B.E.D.A.

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-21221862148960464732008-02-10T22:13:00.001Z2008-04-23T11:45:48.556+01:00

Brazil brought their flamboyant samba soccer to Croke Park on a wet and windy Wednesday evening recently. I sat in the magnificent Hogan Stand wondering what Giovanni Trapattoni and Terry Venables would make of proceedings. Brazil ran out deserved 1-0 winners but the Republic Of Ireland’s performance could best be described as hugely encouraging. The first 90 minutes of a long International

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-448318079219060802008-02-06T16:06:00.001Z2008-02-26T12:09:09.975Z

The only other SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys fixture to survive last weekend was the U14 Cup quarter final tie between Riverside Athletic and Bay Rovers. The match was originally scheduled for the West End, Balineen but due to a waterlogged pitch the tie was instead moved to Kealkil. What a cup tie it turned out to be with Bay emerging with a fantastic penalty shootout victory. The opening goal

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-75125525130488612382008-02-01T15:42:00.000Z2008-02-26T12:02:00.889Z

Former Cork City star, John Caulfield, sat down with West Cork Schoolboys League columnist, Ger McCarthy, to discuss a wide range of football related subjects. John has a long association with the West Cork Schoolboys League in his role as Coach of the Kennedy Cup representative side. Current manager of Avondale United, he was recently nominated for the Cork City Hall of Fame along with Pat

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-87378515968289454642008-01-29T16:04:00.001Z2008-02-26T12:08:30.190Z

The last remaining quarter finals in the West Cork Schoolboys U14 Cup will be decided tomorrow with three fixtures to be decided.Bay Rovers travel to the West End, Balineen to face Riverside Athletic with a 12:30 kick off tomorrow. Both sides have suffered indifferent form in the SuperValu U14 League this season with Bay Rovers currently lying fifth and Riverside eight in the table. Bay still

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-42802889396892858512008-01-23T19:59:00.001Z2008-02-26T12:00:19.765Z

Tottenham Hotspur's 5-1 mauling of Arsenal in the second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final shuddered White Hart Lane to its very foundations on Tuesday night. 1999 was the last time long suffering Spurs fans saw their side defeat their fierce North London rivals and the home fans lapped up every second of a stunning performance. Five different goal scorers in Jenas, Bendtner O.G., Keane, Lennon

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-1273056549169447762008-01-15T15:54:00.001Z2008-02-26T12:07:54.698Z

West Cork People Columnist Ger McCarthy reviews the first half of an eventful 2007-08 SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League season and profiles some of the players who have been hitting the headlines for their respective clubs. Already this season the SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League has delivered plenty of excitement, top quality football and goals galore. The eventual outcome of the

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-50670237224291381602008-01-01T15:52:00.001Z2008-02-26T12:00:47.121Z

The fixture list for the Republic of Ireland's World Cup 2010 qualifying matches in Group 8 took place in the Grand Hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria, recently. Ireland was the only country present without a manager at the meeting so the football association sent a delegation containing Chief Executive John Delaney, FAI President David Blood and current caretaker-coach Don Givens. THE CROKE PARK

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-36365311417734496752008-01-01T15:00:00.001Z2008-02-26T12:01:05.506Z

The 2007 International football season will be remembered as an 'Annus Horribilis' (a horrible year) by the FAI, the Republic of Ireland senior team and Irish football fans world wide. The year ends with the Republic of Ireland without an international manager and having failed to qualify for the 2008 European Championships under Steve Staunton. Public support for the FAI remains at an all time

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-7698427368727578002007-11-29T15:08:00.000Z2008-01-23T20:02:36.257Z

No less than three high profile managers have either lost or changed jobs in the past two weeks. With the European Championship qualifiers now complete the Republic of Ireland; Scotland and England are all in the hunt to appoint a new manager or coach. The FAI, FA and SFA have some serious deliberation to make in the coming weeks to decide who will be given the task of guiding the various nations

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-43675436786575086212007-10-22T23:22:00.000+01:002008-01-23T20:03:36.806Z

{Published in the Evening Echo - Sat 20th Oct 2007}The Republic of Ireland’s faint hopes of qualifying for next year’s European Championships ended with an appalling 1-1 draw at home to Cyprus in Croke Park on Wednesday night. The memory of an encouraging draw with Germany only four days earlier was completely erased in what must rank as one of the worst nights in Irish football history.Revenge

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-31068259268025716482007-10-22T23:20:00.000+01:002008-01-23T20:01:53.437Z

The Republic of Ireland and Germany's European Championship qualifier ended in a 0-0 draw in a packed Croke Park on Saturday night. Normally a competitive qualifying game against such illustrious opposition would involve an exciting build-up and tense atmosphere generated by an expectant full house. On the night, the Irish crowd got behind the boys in green but appeared to have already accepted

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-57646670974152636212007-09-29T20:14:00.000+01:002008-02-26T12:25:17.744Z

The SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys U14 league returns tomorrow with four key fixtures to be decided. Togher Celtic currently sit top the table in the SuperValu U14 league with 4 points from their opening two league games. Togher defeated Clonakilty Youths 3-1 on the opening day of the season and followed up that result with a hard fought 2-2 draw away to Drinagh Rangers. Celtic will have home

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-16595156202342567932007-09-23T22:03:00.000+01:002008-02-26T12:24:29.436Z

SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League U16 Match ReportCOMPEITION: U16 National Cup - Preliminary RoundTEAMS: Skibbereen vs Cobh RamblersDATE: Sat 22nd Sept 2007VENUE: Baltimore Road SkibbereenFINAL SCORE: Skibbereen 1 Cobh Ramblers 7SCORERS: Mark Collins (Skibb) John Corcoran (4), Kristian Dennehy (2) and Shane Geasley (Cobh)Cobh Ramblers recorded a comfortable 7-1 victory away to

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-85146533974773703862007-09-22T21:22:00.000+01:002008-02-26T12:23:39.704Z

SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League U12 Match ReportCOMPEITION: U12 National Cup - Preliminary RoundTEAMS: Drinagh Rangers vs. Togher CelticDATE: Sat 22nd Sept 2007VENUE: Cannon Crowley Park DrinaghFINAL SCORE: Drinagh 3 Togher 1SCORERS: Jake King (2) and Gary Lordan (Drinagh) Niall Crowley (Togher)Drinagh Rangers defeated Togher Celtic 3-1 in the Preliminary Round of the U12 National

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-1461916273806452862007-09-21T23:56:00.000+01:002008-02-26T12:22:32.318Z

There are 16 SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League teams involved in U12, U14 and U16 National Cup Preliminary Round ties tomorrow. This weekend marks the busiest fixture list of the season for the West Cork clubs as they take on the cream of the Cork Schoolboys League in the National Cup.U16 National CupMatch of the day is in the Baltimore Road where Skibbereen entertain Cobh Ramblers in the

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-85661422462459883462007-09-15T13:20:00.000+01:002008-02-26T12:21:41.750Z

SuperValu West Cork Schoolboys League - Match ReportCOMPEITION: SuperValu Under 12 West Cork Schoolboys League - Group 2TEAMS: Dunmanway Town U12 vs Clonakilty AFC Youths U12 DATE OF MATCH: Sat 15th Sept 2007 - KO 12:30VENUE: Mullough, DunmanwayFINAL SCORE: Dunmanway Town U12 6 Clonakilty AFC Youths U12 0 SCORERS: Killian O'Donovan(2), Dylan O'Driscoll, John Kelly, Dens White and Raymond

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-89975754251206278352007-09-14T21:17:00.000+01:002008-02-26T12:18:35.085Z

West Cork Schoolboys League - Weekend PreviewHistory was made in Ballyvackey last Wednesday evening when Ardfield U12s played their first ever match in the West Cork Schoolboys league. Clonakilty AFC were the hosts in an U12 Group 1 league fixture.A large crowd was in attendance on a sun-kissed evening in Clonakilty to witness Ardfield making their debut in the U12 grade. Despite a promising

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-20748488543702439032007-09-08T12:00:00.000+01:002008-02-26T12:17:19.258Z

COMPEITION: Under 12 Group1 West Cork Schoolboys LeagueTEAMS: Lyre Rovers vs. DurrusDATE OF MATCH: 8th Sept 2007VENUE: LyreFINAL SCORE: Lyre Rovers 0 Durrus 5SCORERS: Patrick McCarthy (2) and Eoin O'Dwyer (3) - (Durrus) Durrus recorded an impressive 5-0 win over Lyre Rovers in U12 Group1 of the West Cork Schoolboys League in Lyre on Saturday. A brace of goals from Patrick McCarthy and an

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-7650443075738358862007-08-31T21:11:00.000+01:002008-02-26T12:12:02.511Z

The 2007 - 2008 West Cork Schoolboys League kicks-off tomorrow with the opening day of the U14 league. Eleven clubs begin their quest to win the coveted W.C.S.L U14 league title: Ballydehob, Bay Rovers, Bunratty United, Clonakilty AFC, Clonakilty AFC Youths, Drinagh Rangers, Harbour United, Lyre Rovers, Riverside Athletic, Skibbereen and Togher Celtic.The format for this season’s U14 league sees

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-16399672572365767912007-08-28T22:01:00.000+01:002008-02-26T12:10:56.377Z

The West Cork Schoolboys League returns on Saturday the 1st of September with a bumper list of Under14 league fixtures kicking off the new season. 2006-2007 proved to be a huge success as a result of the league's tremendous performance in the annual Kennedy Cup tournament. Thanks to the Herculean efforts of James Walsh's side the West Cork Schoolboys League is now ranked as the 7th best under-age

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-11791569565934919502007-08-08T15:42:00.001+01:002007-10-22T23:25:19.683+01:00

Another Barclays Premier League is nearly upon us after a pre-season of incredible spending and no shortage of drama (take a bow Mr. Tevez). The 2007-2008 promises another frantic race for the coveted League title with the usual suspects Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal each spending heavily to make sure they are in the driving seat once again for the top four Champions League positions.

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-35265699082599564812007-07-07T14:41:00.000+01:002008-02-26T12:14:45.161Z

There are six West Cork Schoolboys League fixtures scheduled to be decided tomorrow with clubs in both the U12 and U16 leagues beginning new 2007-08 campaigns. U16 LeagueThis weekend's U16 fixture list has been decimated due to a host of cancellations. The involvement of many West Cork Schoolboys League U16 players in various GAA championship matches has meant most clubs are unable to field full

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-65948906238392926362007-07-04T12:41:00.000+01:002007-08-08T15:50:06.660+01:00

Tottenham Hotspur have spent big during the close season and have invested over £30 million on two new players, Darren Bent and Gareth Bale, to help bolster their young squad. Manager, Martin Jol, insists that Spurs have a fantastic chance to break into the 'top four' and qualify for the lucrative Champions League next season. "If one club falls out of the top four, Liverpool or Arsenal, why

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-2567160551907849752007-06-26T14:21:00.000+01:002007-08-08T15:50:25.157+01:00

The departure of Thierry Henry to Barcelona is certainly a sad day for Premiership and Arsenal fans all over the globe. There is no denying the Frenchman's contribution to the Gunners over the past eight seasons: 2 Premierships, 3 FA Cups in a career spanning 364 games and a record 226 goals.Henry cast doubts on his future at the Emirates stadium back on the 8th of June in an interview with

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-80499946656089165122007-04-16T16:21:00.000+01:002007-06-27T15:49:04.072+01:00

This season’s Champions League final in Athens is set to contain at least one Premiership club after Chelsea and Liverpool were drawn to face each other in the semi finals. Manchester United will face AC Milan in the other semi meaning the possibility of an all English European Cup final is still very much alive. All four of the remaining teams would make worthy champions but only one club can

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-25571602534742496372007-04-16T15:35:00.000+01:002007-06-27T15:49:04.072+01:00

Strange...I sat in a half-empty Croke Park shortly before the Republic of Ireland's European Championship qualifier with Slovakia trying to anticipate what the atmosphere would be like later in the evening. The previous Saturday had been a big disappointment both on and off the pitch with the non-event that was the 1-0 win over the Welsh. So would tonight be any different? Would the fans turn out

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-80252520119329044842007-03-08T11:14:00.000Z2007-06-27T15:49:04.072+01:00

Arsenal rounded off a hugely disappointing fortnight by crashing out of the Champions League last night following a 1-1 draw at home to PSV Eindhoven. The Gunners exited the last sixteen round 2-1 on aggregate following another uninspiring performance at the Emirates Stadium. Last night's defeat followed further defeats in the Carling Cup (final) by Chelsea and in the 5th round of the FA Cup at

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-56054684078304992022007-02-22T14:19:00.000Z2007-03-08T11:16:44.334Z

The four Premiership representatives enjoyed mixed fortunes in the Champions League this past week. Liverpool and Manchester United were the big winners with excellent wins away from home over Barcelona and Lille respectively. Chelsea earned a creditable 1-1 in Portugal whilst Arsenal were hugely disappointing and lost 1-0 in Eindhoven. The bottom line is that with the second legs only a

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-26760966266677116542007-02-13T15:54:00.000Z2007-04-17T09:21:34.619+01:00

Both Manchester United and Chelsea won at home in the Premiership over the past weekend. The two heavyweights of the division look set to battle for the title right up until the final weekend of the season with only a 6 point gap currently separating the sides. Chelsea defeated Middlesbrough 3-0 at Stamford Bridge with Didier Drogba starring in a hard fought victory. Manchester United accounted

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-77378160864764753932007-01-12T19:43:00.000Z2008-02-26T12:04:50.425Z

With Christmas just around the corner, West Cork People columnist Ger McCarthy looks at three recent sports related publications as the perfect stocking-filler for any sports-mad enthusiast this season. Most of the books mentioned in this article are available to purchase online at www.waterstones.ie but each title should be in stock in all good bookstores in the West Cork area.Title: ROUGH RIDE

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-5151735244582704402007-01-09T19:35:00.000Z2008-02-26T12:13:37.951Z

COMPEITION: Under 14 West Cork Schoolboys LeagueTEAMS: Togher Celtic v Clonakilty AFC YouthsDATE: 1st September 2007VENUE: TogherFINAL SCORE: Togher Celtic 3 Clonakilty AFC Youths 1SCORERS: Donal Rice (2), Maurice Murphy (Togher) John O'Brien (Clonakilty AFC) Togher Celtic defeated Clonakilty AFC Youths 3-1 in the opening match of the 2007-2008 West Cork Schoolboys U14 League season in

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-73716307565971359942006-07-12T17:42:00.000+01:002007-02-13T16:42:34.323Z

Italy are champions of the world following their penalty shoot-out victory over France in the World Cup final, played in Berlin, last Saturday. The best squad may have won the trophy but how will the 2006 tournament winners be remembered? The Italians began the tournament in fine style with a hard fought 2-0 victory over the impressive Ghana. A subsequent 1-1 draw with the USA and another 2-0 win

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-87349214135429907802006-04-05T17:41:00.000+01:002007-02-13T16:40:45.412Z

As the final few weeks of the Barclay's Premiership close in, the issue as to who will be relegated is still far from decided. What is becoming apparent is that two from the following three teams, Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth will be the ones to drop down to the Championship next season. After last season's final-day drama, the odds are this season's titanic relegation

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-6653389784474547642006-03-09T16:38:00.000Z2007-02-13T16:44:23.012Z

The starting eleven players (when fit) for England are amongst the most talented footballers in Europe, if not the world. So why is it when it comes to the finals of the major tournaments that the English always seem to fail? Sven Goran Eriksson has moulded together a decent squad over the past few years so England are not short of options in most positions. With the manager's tendency to stay

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-62216105514776974832006-03-02T14:00:00.000Z2007-02-13T16:35:25.519Z

So the first match of his new international managerial career is now over. It's the proverbial morning after the night before and I can only imagine how relived Steve Staunton must feel. Following months of hype and speculation, his new-look Irish management team completed their first 90 minutes and recorded a hugely impressive 3 - 0 victory. Goals from the electric Damien Duff, new captain

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-40379624189348879532006-02-23T14:00:00.000Z2007-02-13T16:22:27.795Z

If the self-proclaimed 'special one' has his way, then the fallout from the Champions League encounter between Chelsea and Barcelona, played in Stamford Bridge last night, may will stretch right on until the end of the season. José Mourinho lambasted Barca's Lionel Messi for his reaction to being nearly decapitated by a rash challenge from Chelsea's Spanish left-back, Asier Del Horno, in the

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031162096205637175.post-18638993555033961472005-11-28T16:37:00.000Z2007-02-13T16:37:05.565Z

"I was the one who took football off the back pages and put it on to page one." - George BestGeorge Best scored many great individual goals throughout his short career, the length and breadth of Britain and Europe. Yet scoring at Old Trafford, his spiritual home, always seemed to please him the most. Many wonder where Best, in his prime, stands amongst the wealth of talent currently playing in

Ger McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06308409430279742607noreply@blogger.com