Supporters’ Club Notes (06/03/17)

 CAR BOOT SALE

Our first car boot sale of the season takes place on Friday March 17th at the City Calling Stadium from very early till 3pm. If you're wondering what very early means, some traders will be setting up before the sun gets up. But for the ordinary person who wants to set up a stall, 9am should be ok.If you've never experienced the variety, the bargains, the banter and the craic of a car boot sale, then why not try it this St Patrick's Day. Volunteers are needed to help Liam Healion and his team so even if you have an hour to spare, give him a shout. All extra hands are welcome.

PUB SPONSORS

This year has seen a massive improvement in getting all sorts of sponsorship, for players and for post match events. Last Saturday night's sponsors are Singapore based but the pub sponsor was a bit closer to home with Orla Reynolds of the Longford Arms making a great effort. There was an excellent turn out of players but it was a pity that this wasn't matched by supporters. In past seasons, the chat with players and management helped gel a relationship but the practise was neglected until this season. Many had asked for its re introduction and hopefully now that it has kicked off, it will grow and grow. Fair play to Orla, the players and those who did turn up for making the effort – it was greatly appreciated.

MERCHANDISE

Sinead Keegan and Kevin Carberry were flat out in their new merchandise outlet on Saturday night last. In case, you haven't spotted the new space, it's located at the stand side of the shop and judging by the initial reaction, it will be a terrific success with both young and old.

PITCH PERFECT

We've had three months rain in a few days and so there was widespread speculation that our game against Cobh would hardly go ahead. The GAA game in Tipperary was called off as were the local rugby matches. The fields on the Strokestown Road were under a few feet of water and swans rather than cattle were to be seen. So when it was announced that the game was going ahead there was great praise for the Murray clan who made it possible. During the close season, extra  drainage work was carried out too but no one anticipated this late winter deluge which has arrived. Roddy Collins gave our facilities rave reviews in his newspaper piece which, honestly, is well deserved. And when you recall that the Derry City /Limerick game on Friday night was stopped due to floodlight failure, then you realise how fortunate we are with our facilities, staff and mighty team of volunteers.

RADIO WAVES

RTE Radio had a reporter on duty in the City Calling Stadium on Saturday night. The piece was broadcast on the sport programme the following Sunday and made for interesting listening. Representing De Town were Tony Ghee, Ian Maher and Donald Keogh. The reporter also managed to track down a Cobh supporter (who praised our hard working ground staff) and most interesting of all, a man who used to support Monaghan Utd but now travels to our games or Sligo's. We often complain about the national broadcaster ignoring us, so it made for a pleasant surprise to be featured on the national airwaves.

HAPPY HOLS

While we're waiting for the next downpour, Padraig Stapleton and Raquel have to endure the heat and the sunshine of Miami. But are we jealous? Of course we are. But it's a well earned break for one of our truly dedicated and hard working supporters who runs our superb website page. Meanwhile Paddy Donnelly, another behind the scenes worker is looking at a steam train holiday on the Sligo Dublin line.

PADDY'S PIECES

Paddy McDonald, Dublin based loyal supporter is certainly not idle these days. On Saturday night, Paddy had a wonderful array of bookmarks, table mats etc. all featuring photos of De Town. No need to say that they'll be selling faster than hot cross buns. And while on the subject of our supporters who are exiled in Dublin, we wish Pauric Connolly all the very best of luck.

DULL AND DISMAL

Saturday was a dull and dismal day which was brought to life when it was announced that our first home game was going ahead. Hopes were high. Both Cobh and ourselves had a point on the board but locally we had ambitions of taking all thee points on offer. Despite having a lot of first half possession, we failed to threaten Paul Hunt in the visitors goals. The word in the Clubhouse was that it could only get better and we had to be patient. No one though could have foreseen Cobh cutting through us like the proverbial knife through butter. 3 down before we pulled one back. It was hugely disappointing opener and it certainly puts early extra pressure as we travel down to Athlone on Friday night. It's going to be a long hard, interesting season.