QuoteI was round this place a couple or three years ago, though not a match day:
Although the name plaque was nicely done, as you can see (the gates too) the rest of the actual stadium was only half done.
Does anyone know if the notorious lickspittles at Clones Town FC still have their ground named after Delaney? He gave the FAI seal of approval to the club's patently ridiculous and unfounded claim to be the oldest in Ireland, and because of that and handing over a development cheque JD got the entire ground named after him. Probably his most blatant example of gombeenism/nepotism (?)Originally Posted by Nesta99
I was round this place a couple or three years ago, though not a match day:
Although the name plaque was nicely done, as you can see (the gates too) the rest of the actual stadium was only half done.
Sorry, just noticed this post after I'd posted the above one.
Anyhow, this town website repeats the "oldest club" claim, adding that Clones Town are also "the most successful club in the North East of Ireland."
https://clones-ireland.com/index.php...-football-club
While I doubt the name has been changed, since the club were opposed to that back at the time of JD's fall from grace:
https://www.independent.ie/regionals.../38549762.html
EDIT: A quick look at their Facebook page shows references a couple of months ago to "JD Park" - seemingly abbreviated for space purposes.
Last edited by EalingGreen; 02/04/2025 at 12:55 PM.
Just came across this again and really think its a great ideas, one of the FAI's better ones!
https://m.independent.ie/sport/socce...134249540.html
We await the inevitable split
Maybe those upset could join the NI football structures (in the same way that the Falls District League in West Belfast joined the FAI during the 1921 split)
Originating as a GNR works team and most successful in the North East - Dundalk FCs real derby rivals and we never knew. Im glad I read beyond the highest level football ground (at 85m) rather than laugh and quit. With some creativity you really can make something out of nothing online!
*It is mad that this club could be a stalwart, centre of community, giving young players a really good grounding and chance to progress, but I'll never see past the Delaney connection!
Last edited by Nesta99; 02/04/2025 at 4:09 PM.
1st Round Draw complete. It is the last 16 of the FAI Intermediate Cup (excluding UCD's LSL team who were replaced by Baldoyle United, the side they beat in the last 32) and last 8 of the FAI Junior Cup, so 12 ties with the winners qualifying for the 2nd round joining the 20 League of Ireland clubs.
St. Mochta's (LSL Dublin) v Douglas Hall (MSL Cork)
St. Michael's (TDSL Tipp) v Usher Celtic (LSL Dublin)
Leicester Celtic (LSL Dublin) v Fanad United (Donegal League)
Ringmahon Rangers (MSL Cork) v UCC (MSL Cork)
Tolka Rovers (LSL Dublin) v Janesboro (Limerick League)
Fairview Rangers (Limerick League) v Baldoyle United (LSL Dublin)
Crumlin United (LSL Dublin) v Lucan United (LSL Dublin)
Midleton (MSL Cork) v Killester Donneycarney (LSL Dublin)
Salthill Devon (Galway League) v Liffey Wanderers (LSL Dublin)
North End United (Wexford League) v Castlebar Celtic (Mayo League)
Wayside Celtic (LSL Dublin) v River Valley Rangers (LSL Dublin)
College Corinthians (MSL Cork) v Bangor Celtic (LSL Dublin)
How many of these clubs could be in the new National League Divisions in 2026?
So far, probably just Salthill Devon. I've seen a few newspapers claim they have applied but nothing from the club themselves.
I saw LOI Talk interviewed a rep from St Francis. While there's not much of real interest past the opening 6mins, I did note he said the FAI asked about covered stands, implying the new 3rd tier will have to have covered areas for spectators [7:40].
He also claims there is a plan to expand to a 4th tier [11:01].
Here's the link to the full video:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ra0C9Bgt5CQ
New National League clubs may have to have at least some covered seated area for spectators as part of their facilities.
What non-league club have a minimum of 500 covered seated areas?
I know Jackman Park Limerick has an approximate 260 seated stand and Station Road, Newbridge has approximately 850 seated areas.
It appears we have a new Clones Town in the LOI now
John Delaney At Mounthawk Park as a guest of Kerry FC, and spoofing about hoiw much money he's handed out from his own pocketThis sort of nonesense risks killing the goodwill that exists towards Kerry FC around the league.
(2) Daniel McDonnell on X: "Presented without comment (But if the Masters is making you feel queasy then best ignore this) https://t.co/2wBwI4Grw8" / X
Whatever about that player registration thing, Kerry deserve a hefty points deduction for this association alone!It appears we have a new Clones Town in the LOI now
John Delaney At Mounthawk Park as a guest of Kerry FC, and spoofing about hoiw much money he's handed out from his own pocket
(2) Daniel McDonnell on X: "Presented without comment (But if the Masters is making you feel queasy then best ignore this) https://t.co/2wBwI4Grw8" / X
Truly hilarious stuff that one of the lads in the picture is the one that wrote the article!
Paaatrick's Agletic
Nothing to do with Kerry fc. This is the kerry District league who John Regan was Secretary for over 40 years. They own Mounthawk Park.
And didn't say a bad word about Delaney. What are the chances.Whatever about that player registration thing, Kerry deserve a hefty points deduction for this association alone!
Truly hilarious stuff that one of the lads in the picture is the one that wrote the article!
Does he by any chance think his image has been restored by consultancy and he is now rebuilding his support base? Beware as he is like a hard to kill off tape and fluke worm cross!
Dont see why aligning registration periods is an issue. Why not allow a league play a specific season as long as its members are not looking for access to climb the game? Dundalk Summer League has always been popular long before a Summer calender, no issues, and the winter leagues got on with things. If the shoe was on the other foot I wouldnt like the Summer League to have to go in Dundalk. So maybe there is some listening to do!
https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2025...alendar-issue/
It's been hard to get the full picture when the junior leagues will only argue "we want the right of choice". This only makes sense if it's followed up by reasons (facility demands & holidays impacting officials). But as far as I can tell, the FAI isn't telling them when to play the leagues, only when they can register players, so these argument would seem to be moot.
My limited understanding of it is that different registration periods mean clashes, such as the U14s LOI versus the Kennedy Cup argument a few years ago. The cynical view is that one registration period will benefit the LOI clubs more, because it's aligned to their season and won't lose/gain players mid-season. However, the alternative view is that it will reduce the level of admin at junior level, potentially freeing up time for actual football activities.
Dan McDonnell gives a better picture in his coverage of the same press conference: https://m.independent.ie/sport/socce...909670381.html
It doesn't help the junior leagues argument when this Carlow guy comes out with "85% of members are against it" even though 33% of them are already on a Jan to Dec registration period and 56% of them voted to change everyone to this period. His maths don't add up.
Not to mention that, for better or worse, Delaney's association with both Murt and O'Regan long pre-dates his involvement with the FAI.
Monaghan United out of the running, but Mayo and Klub Kildare expected to be selected, along with SETU Carlow (presumably in an arrangement with CK United?):
https://www.northernsound.ie/sport/m...running-258552
Will be interesting to see what day of the week these fixtures will be played. Putting the fixtures on a Friday night will result in 75%+ of players in full time employment opting out, and it becoming a league for those in full time education. If you have a job, you won't be able to just take every second Friday afternoon off. So presume the FAI will put the fixtures in a Friday evening so !
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