TRAVELS WITH THE BLUES

Star of the Future

2012-02-13T00:44:00.000Z

Nice to see Simon Burns (Kevin's brother) on duty at the RSC on Friday. Well done Simon, a potential star of the future!

We'll also take this opportunity to wish Kevin all the best with Cork, unless of course or paths cross (Munster Cup semi-final?)

Begging for a Touch

2012-02-12T21:09:00.002Z

How did this not produce a goal for the Blues?

Penalty for Blues?

2012-02-12T18:13:00.002Z

Left full Jamie Cross makes a great run into the box & ends up on the deck. Penalty.....not so according the referee.

Match action (2)

2012-02-12T18:02:00.012Z

McSherry Miss

2012-02-12T18:01:00.005Z

Peter White sets up Paul Carey whose cross from the right wing is headed wide by Adam McSherry.

Waiting for the Call

2012-02-12T17:53:00.002Z

Jack Doherty & Thomas Whitty waiting for the call into action from Paul O'Brien on Friday night last.....it didn't come but both can nevertheless be confident of seeing action for the Blues in the weeks to come.

Ryan Goal

2012-02-12T02:15:00.003Z

Funny Handball

2012-02-12T02:06:00.002Z

Mystery Man

2012-02-12T02:00:00.007Z

A bit too easy this week as well.

McSherry Header

2012-02-12T01:59:00.003Z

Gary Keane lofts a high ball into the box for Adam McSherry to test the Castleview keeper with a looping header.

White goal - in pictures

2012-02-12T01:50:00.006Z

White Goal

2012-02-12T01:49:00.002Z

Paul Phelan pops the corner into the box; David Breen contests the ball from a Paul Phelan corner in the second half but it carries to Peter White who heads his first competitive goal for the Blues.

Match action

2012-02-12T01:39:00.008Z

Class Pass

2012-02-12T01:37:00.002Z

New Blues man Gary Dempsey opens the Castleview defence with a top class pass. The ball eventually falls to Paul carey who shoots over.

Great performance

2012-02-12T01:28:00.014Z

A lot of encouraging signs from Friday, none more so than the performance of Peter White at right back. Chipping in with a goal and two assists, his second half display in getting up and down the line augers well for a productive season.

Kiely Hacked Down

2012-02-12T01:27:00.002Z

Willie John Kiely is hacked down by the Castleview keeper & limps off injured...a bad start to his season. Red card.....not according to the referee! This was one of several glaring errors that he made during the game.

McSherry goal - in pictures

2012-02-12T01:03:00.006Z

McSherry Goal

2012-02-12T01:02:00.002Z

Right Man on End of Move

2012-02-12T00:50:00.017Z

Paul Carey was the right man on the end of this early cross from the left as he buried his header past the Castleview keeper to give the Blues the early lead they needed.

10 February, RSC, Waterford

2012-02-12T00:49:00.009Z

Blues 5, Castleview Utd 1 (Munster Senior Cup)

The Blues were never going to lose this one & the scoreline at the end did not really reflect their superiority over a willing if somewhat undisciplined Castleview side.

Gary Dempsey stamped his mark on the game with his first goal for the club & two assists. And still he managed to look quite lethargic at times!

Paul Carey headed the first after twelve minutes & when Adam McSherry hit the second from a beautiful through ball by Dempsey it was really all over, despite the visitors reducing the arrears from a corner just before the break. Their celebrations were halted a minute later when a second yellow card was shown to Kyle Lynch.

Ben Ryan & Peter White both scored their first goals for the Blues in the second half & Gary Dempsey rounded his night off with his first competitive goal in the last minute of the game. To be honest the Blues could have won by three or four more.

Craig Burns impressed again as did Peter Higgins in the middle of the park. Paul Phelan is clearly going to be a key man for the Blues this coming season. He showed his full range of skills against Castleview & proved to be quite a handful. Well done to Jamie Cross who turned in a very good performance at left full.

No John Frost – he watched from the stand. No Seamie Long either, for whatever reason.

Willie John Kiely was helped off the field ten minutes from the end after a dreadful challenge by the visiting keeper. Amazingly referee Anthony Walsh allowed him to stay in the game….bad decision.

New keeper Robert Robbie Hughes looked a little unsure at times – Packie Holden stayed on the subs’ bench throughout….perhaps a little frustrated.

The attendance was little more than a couple of hundred but the road home for the fans present, long or short, was enjoyable after a decent night’s entertainment. However the same fans know that the real business starts in three weeks’ time.

Wrong Man on End of Move

2012-02-07T23:07:00.000Z

Paul Carey is the wrong man on the end of this Blues move.

Paul Phelan

2012-02-07T22:46:00.000Z

Paul Phelan shows that his right foot is for standing on in Bray on Sunday.

Guess Who?

2012-02-07T22:30:00.013Z

A little bit too easy...

Fifth Goal

2012-02-07T22:25:00.009Z

Match Action

2012-02-07T22:20:00.015Z

Aftermath of Fourth Goal!

2012-02-07T22:19:00.003Z

Definitely a new meaning to the phrase 'the keeper came off his line'!

Bray Hit Upright

2012-02-07T22:17:00.009Z

The ball comes back off the Waterford upright to deny Bray a goal during the first half on Sunday.

Third Goal - a Little Bit Too Easy!

2012-02-07T22:14:00.001Z

Good Save by Hughes

2012-02-07T22:11:00.000Z

Blues keeper Robert Hughes pulls off a fine save during the first half against Bray last Sunday.

Strong Performance from Burns

2012-02-07T22:01:00.008Z

Frosty - Come Back Soon!

2012-02-07T21:58:00.001Z

John Frost was badly missed against Bray. Hopefully the knock he got last Friday wasn't too bad.

Second goal

2012-02-07T00:40:00.012Z

First Goal

2012-02-06T23:57:00.014Z

We competed well for the first 40 minutes and then a cross from our right was met by a strong header to the far post by the Bray striker. Not much Robert Hughes could do for this one.

5 February, Carlisle Grounds, Bray

2012-02-06T23:56:00.007Z

Bray Wanders 5, Blues 0

The Club website described this accurately as a bad day at the beach. The team competed quite well for the first 40 minutes with Gary Dempsey looking decent in midfield. Then Bray slowly got on top & after they took the lead a few minutes before the break it was all downhill. In fact the last half hour was quite appalling.

That said it was a tough ask for those of the players who played a hard ninety minutes against the Cawkies to do so again less than two days later, with very little pre-season training under the belt.

David Breen was all over the place at times & Shamie Long was clearly uneasy at left full (Frosty come back soon!). Packie Holden has had better outings – he played the second half. Willie John looked exactly as he did last season -very worrying!

On the plus side some of the new faces did quite well. Craig Burns impressed at times especially in the air. Peter White had a good game overall but tired late on. Gary Dempsey has a lot to offer in midfield but how long will he last if the side around him does not measure up? Robbie Hughes in goal is certainly a good shot stopper. Peter Higgins who came on a second half sub looked hungry & quite composed on the ball at times.

For the seven Blues fans present this was nothing more than a box ticked with a visit to the Carlisle Ground, one of the league's more attractive venues. The laying surface is excellent & the people were very friendly.

The season ahead will be long & difficult if Paul O’Brien does not get his team organised soon, no way could we possibly challenge unless we see a huge improvement all round.

Rare Blues Attack

2012-02-04T21:55:00.001Z

On one of the few occasions when the Blues pressed the Drogheda goal in the firt half, the home keeper saves well to keep is goal intact.

Another Early Save

2012-01-31T00:09:00.014Z

Match Action (3)

2012-01-31T00:06:00.005Z

So Near....

2012-01-31T00:01:00.004Z

Drogheda Goal

2012-01-30T23:57:00.012Z

Match Action (2)

2012-01-30T23:56:00.005Z

It Wasn't Over the Line, Conor!

2012-01-30T23:52:00.014Z

Conor Coad shows his frustration during the game in Drogheda.

Drogs' Penalty Appeal

2012-01-30T23:51:00.007Z

Drogheda could easily have had an earlier penalty had the referee not judged this foul to have taken place inches outside the box.

Match Action (1)

2012-01-30T23:49:00.003Z

Pressure on Blues' Goal

2012-01-30T23:47:00.006Z

29 January, U19s v Drogheda, United Park

2012-01-30T23:42:00.020Z

Drogheda United U19s 1, Blues U19s 0

The U19’s certainly had a bad day at the office last weekend when they came away from United Park empty handed after a poor display against the home side. In fact the entire game was a drab affair with both sides struggling from the start to cope with the poor conditions. The Club website stated that the young Blues were ‘out of sorts’ which was a complete understatement. True they lined out without talisman Sean Maguire but they really should have done better. The only goal of the game came from a late penalty awarded to Drogheda five minutes from the end. See clip.

Sadly this result means that lingering hopes of catching Cork City are all but buried now. Second place is under threat with both Shamrock Rovers & Bohemians both hot on the heals of the Blues.

Remaining U19 Fixtures - Blues, Cork, Rovers & Bohs

2012-01-26T17:30:00.002Z

WEEKEND ENDING SUNDAY, 29th JANUARY 2012
Cork City v U.C.D.
Drogheda United v Waterford United
Shelbourne v Bohemians
Wexford Youths v Shamrock Rovers

WEEKEND ENDING SUNDAY, 12th FEBRUARY 2012
Bohemians v Drogheda United
Shamrock Rovers v Cork City
Waterford United v Salthill Devon

WEEKEND ENDING SUNDAY, 19th FEBRUARY 2012
Bray Wanderers v Shamrock Rovers
St. Patrick’s Athletic v Bohemians
Salthill Devon v Cork City

WEEKEND ENDING SUNDAY, 11th MARCH 2012
Bohemians v Salthill Devon
Cork City v Drogheda United
Shamrock Rovers v Waterford United

WEEKEND ENDING SUNDAY, 25th MARCH 2012
Bohemians v Cork City
Drogheda United v Shamrock Rovers
Waterford United v Bray Wanderers

WEEKEND ENDING SUNDAY, 1st APRIL 2012
Cork City v Waterford United
Shamrock Rovers v Salthill Devon
Wexford Youths v Bohemians

WEEKEND ENDING SUNDAY, 8th APRIL 2012
Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers
St. Patrick’s Athletic v Cork City
Waterford United v Shelbourne

WEEKEND ENDING SUNDAY, 15th APRIL 2012
Mervue United v Bohemians
Shamrock Rovers v U.C.D.
Shelbourne v Cork City
Waterford United v St. Patrick’s Athletic

WEEKEND ENDING SUNDAY, 29th APRIL 2012
Bohemians v Bray Wanderers
Cork City v Wexford Youths
St. Patrick’s Athletic v Shamrock Rovers
U.C.D. v Waterford United

Next Stop Drogheda!

2012-01-23T21:06:00.003Z

Come and Get It

2012-01-23T21:04:00.003Z

3-0 to the Blues

2012-01-23T21:00:00.000Z

Following some great work on the right by Sean Maguire (under the appreciative eye of Michael Drohan), Conor Coad nonchalantly volleys home number 3 as the Mervue keeper can only stand and admire!

Maguire Makes the Keeper Work

2012-01-23T20:50:00.001Z

Clear-cut Penalty

2012-01-23T19:02:00.001Z

Match Action (3)

2012-01-23T18:57:00.003Z

Penalty?

2012-01-23T18:52:00.000Z

A hopeful glance at the referee .....

2-0 to the Blues

2012-01-23T18:49:00.000Z

Latching onto a deft throughball from Sean Maguire, Jack Doherty dinks the ball over the advancing Mervue keeper. A class finish.

Match Action (2)

2012-01-23T18:04:00.003Z

Great Move Out of Defence

2012-01-23T18:00:00.002Z

Minutes before the opener Alan Rhodes took the ball from the edge of the penalty box half the length of the pitch before feeding Sean Maguire who brought a fine save from the Mervue keeper.

1-0 to the Blues

2012-01-23T17:54:00.000Z

Good work by Sean Maguire in holding the ball up and then laying it into the path of Nathan West who made no mistake from about twelve yards.

Match Action

2012-01-23T17:49:00.001Z

Barron Gets Down Well to Save

2012-01-23T17:43:00.001Z

21 January, U19 V Mervue, RSC

2012-01-23T17:39:00.001Z

We finished the last match coverage (Shelbourne) with the celebrations following a penalty and we start this one with a penalty also. Different outcome this time however as Jack Doherty's effort is well saved by the Mervue stand-in keeper.

The miss was of little consequence as the Blues were 3-0 to the good at that stage and ran out comfortable winners.

Well Done Boys

2011-11-20T23:22:00.001Z

Burke Goes Close -in Pictures

2011-11-20T23:09:00.001Z

Doherty Wins Penalty

2011-11-20T21:08:00.002Z

Penalty all right as Jack Doherty is brought to ground by a Shels defender yesterday afternoon in Tolka Park.

Rhodes Goes Close

2011-11-20T20:52:00.003Z

Sean Maguire sets up Alan Rhodes but his shot is saved by the Shelburne keeper.

And in Pictures

2011-11-20T20:44:00.008Z

Nealy an Opener

2011-11-20T20:43:00.003Z

Nearly a first half opener for the Blues from Sean Maguire's parried shot.

Impressive Build Up

2011-11-20T20:33:00.003Z

After a good build up a Shels defender nearly turns a Robbie Burke shot into his own net during the first half last Saturday afternoon.

Match Action (2)

2011-11-20T20:20:00.012Z

Burke Goes Close

2011-11-20T20:19:00.003Z

Robbie Burke's second half shot goes wide of the post in Tolka Park.

Barron Sweeps, Pushes and Catches

2011-11-20T20:04:00.008Z

Doherty Spot Kick

2011-11-20T20:03:00.003Z

Jack Doherty finds the net from the penalty spot against Shels.

Potter Hits Crossbar in Pictures

2011-11-20T19:54:00.007Z

Potter Hits Crossbar

2011-11-20T19:53:00.002Z

Adam Potter wins possession & strikes the Shels crossbar with a super shot. He enjoyed an impressive game against the Dublin Reds.

Whitty Injury

2011-11-20T19:04:00.006Z

Thomas Whitty suffers an ankle injury early in the game in Tolka Park against Shelbourne on Saturday.

Match Action (1)

2011-11-20T18:56:00.007Z

19 November, Tolka Park, Dublin

2011-11-20T18:55:00.003Z

Shelbourne 0, Blues U19 1

In the end it took a Jack Doherty penalty for the young Blues to win this game but in reality they could have been out of sight if they had converted some of the numerous chances they created from play before the spot kick. Yes, they were that much better that Shels, who although the counterattacked well & enjoyed some good spells were no match for the superior skills of the Blues.

What a pleasure it is to see a Waterford side travel to Dublin & outplay the hosts. It doesn’t happen often but the few Blues fans present were treated to an impressive performance. True the back four looked a little shaky at times after Thomas Whitty was taken off injured early in the game but other than that the home side got very little reward for a lot of huffing & puffing. This was a top class team effort. Right full Adam Potter caught the eye & nearly broke the deadlock in the first half when his shot went over off the crossbar. Sean Maguire was a little subdued but even so he impressed in the crowded midfield. Aidan McGrath put in a good shift also on the right wing & Robbie Burke was a bundle of energy up front. However it was Jack Doherty’s impact when he came on as a late substitute that won the points. Having lost possession on the left wing he fought back to win the ball. His run took him into the Shels penalty area where he was taken down. Unruffled he took the spot kick himself to score with a low drive to the right corner.

This win was based on a solid passing game right across the field & it was easy to see how these Blues are riding so high in the U19 Elite National League. Next up are St. Pat’s at home next weekend.

(above picture was taken after the game)

And So To Next Year...

2011-11-02T00:24:00.001Z

A season best forgotten about quickly is probably the best way to describe 2011. A mid-table finish and early exits in all Cup competitions on the field, while off it there was an unhealthy lack of cohesion and spirit within the squad which sadly became a little too obvious to spectators and supporters at various stages of the campaign.

While managerial changes mid-season were undoubtedly a source of upheaval, the more damaging indictment must be on those players who performed well beneath their capabilities during the season and sadly did not seem to be overly concerned about it. In some games it was despairing to witness the lack of appetite or desire on the part of key squad members. Something we hadn't seen at the RCS for quite a few years.

And so we move on and with the new season, renewed hopes. Bring it on.

Well done to the Club Management Committee, to both managerial teams, to the back-room team and to the small but dedicated bunch of supporters who help in making the club tick. To those players who gave 100% at all times and left their egos on the sideline - well done and thanks for some very pleasant memories - we have the honour of being the only team to defeat the division's champions throughout the whole season. A lovely evening at Turners Cross, when our aspiration rode high again.

Finally good luck to the U19's in the pursuit of their league title. The Bluesblog hopes to take in some of their fixtures prior to the end ot their season so keep an eye on the blog over the coming months.

Dedicated Supporter

2011-11-01T23:41:00.001Z

The Fans

2011-10-31T16:53:00.002Z

Blues fans at the Limerick game on Saturday night.

Shane Murphy

2011-10-31T16:41:00.002Z

Shane Murphy signs off for the 2011 season.

Owen Tubbritt

2011-10-31T16:34:00.002Z

Owen Tubbritt sums up the 2011 season.

Long Header

2011-10-31T16:16:00.002Z

Seamie Long should have got this header on target at least during the first few minutes of the game against Limerick.

Match Action 2

2011-10-31T16:08:00.008Z

Keane Free Kicks

2011-10-31T15:56:00.013Z

Two of Gary Keane's free kicks on target during the second half agains Limerick.

Another Lucky Burns Save

2011-10-31T15:47:00.002Z

Kevin Burns gets a finger on the ball, enough to touch it onto the bar & then waits for it to drop safely into his arms. First half action from Jackman Park.

Second Limerick Goal in Pictures

2011-10-31T15:39:00.011Z

A little bit easy?

Second Limerick Goal

2011-10-31T15:39:00.010Z

Pat Purcell powers his header home for the second Limerick goal on Saturday night.

Busy night for Burns

2011-10-31T15:29:00.005Z

He Moved the Ball!

2011-10-31T15:28:00.004Z

Gary Keane outsmarts referee Graham Kelly on Saturday night much to the annoyance of the home fans.

Offisde by a Mile!

2011-10-31T15:15:00.011Z

Brave Burns Save

2011-10-31T15:15:00.005Z

Player of the Year Kevin Burns risks life & limb to save a certain goal during the second half against Limerick.

Last Minute Agony

2011-10-31T15:06:00.013Z

Two goals from corners - some work for the training ground next year.

Keane on Target

2011-10-31T15:06:00.005Z

From a corner on his right, Gary Keane controls the ball beautifully & lands a good shot on target only to be denied again by Limerick keeper Ryan. Training ground move!

Penny For Their Thoughts

2011-10-31T14:54:00.005Z

John O'Sullivan, Sam White & Tony Burke watch the game on Saturday night. What must these guys be thinking after another long disappointing season? One thing is sure....without them the Club would struggle big time.

Maguire Goes Close

2011-10-31T14:45:00.006Z

Lucky Burns Save

2011-10-31T14:44:00.004Z

Sean Brosnan's shot is blocked by Kevin Burns & barely clears the cross bar early in the game at Jackman Park on Saturday night.

Match Action

2011-10-31T14:33:00.009Z

29 October, Jackman Park, Limerick

2011-10-31T14:32:00.006Z

Limerick FC 3, Blues 0

It wasn’t as bad as the scoreline suggests although the Blues were never going to win this one such was the overall strength of the home side.

The game was scoreless until the half hour when Limerick winger Sean Brosnan drilled the ball home from the right after Mick Coady misjudged the hop on a long punt (clip above). The other goals came late in the game, the last one in injury time when Denis Behan prodded home from close in. Pat Purcell headed the second from a corner after 75 minutes.

Despite the win Limerick will spend another year in Division 1 so for them the big question arises…..will their big money players stay?

The only real threat from the Blues was from the dead ball kicking of Gary Dunphy. Two or three times in the second half alone he stretched Limerick keeper Ryan to the full. One effort in particular might have been a contender for goal of the season had Ryan not parried it away to safety.

Kenny Browne was there but did not strip off, so John Hayes lined out at centre back beside David Breen. Then Hayes limped off injured. Seamie Long dropped back & Dwayne Wilson took up duty in midfield.

Sean Maguire tried hard but to no effect. At times his frustration showed. Both wingers put in good shifts once again. Gary Keane ran his socks off to no avail.

Limerick mustered a good crowd of nearly a thousand for this one. Most came in the hope that the very slim chance of a play off spot might be realised –not so. Monaghan crushed Athlone to take that prize. On a night when Cork dramatically won the title in Tolka against long time leaders Shels, Blues fans must have wondered what might have been for the only team to beat both of them during the season. Certainly the recent win against Shels at the RSC opened the door for the Cawkies.

Sad to report yet again the (at times) unpleasant chanting of some Limerick fans. Outside of Tolka, Jackman Park is the only venue where this was heard in Division 1 this season. Maybe the club might be brave enough to leave these foul mouths behind when it moves back to the Market’s Field.

Referee Graham Kelly had a good outing. The programme was certainly a good read –well done. The game was played out in ideal conditions on what is a decent surface –probably the only good thing in Jackman Park. Blues fans will not be alone in looking forward to the move across town by Munster’s second Blues club. Jackman Park is a dreadful venue. Where else is a National League venue overlooked by boarded up tenements?

About fifty Blues fans made the journey to Limerick including a few that have been at nearly all games since the season kicked off last March. For them the marathon is over but hope springs eternal – they departed no less committed to the cause & no less convinced that next season will be better.

C’mon the Blues!

Player of the Year

2011-10-25T01:10:00.003+01:00

Well done to Kevin Burns on his selection as Supporters Club Player of the Year. A well deserved award for our only ever-present this year (apart from the last minute at Wexford recently & the EA Cup match in Tralee!).

Aerial Battles

2011-10-25T00:46:00.002+01:00