Dundalk pair contribute to Newry City Ladies success

Newry City Ladies manager Jason McConville

Newry City Ladies FC were last week crowned NIWFA Premier League champions for the first time but they had a local element helping them to the success.

Jason McConville, a nephew of the late Dundalk FC legend Tommy, was manager while former Ireland and Dundalk City Ladies star Grace Murray, from Ard Easmuinn, was a prominent member of the team.

Newry beat Mid-Ulster Ladies 2-1 in the final match last week with rivals Linfield missing out on the title after they drew 1-1 Glentoran.

Video highlights of the final day drama can be seen here.

Grace Murray of Newry

Rock Celtic appoint Dermot Keely as new director of football

Dermot Keely

Meath and District League side Rock Celtic have appointed Dermot Kelly as their new director of football.

The Blackrock outfit hope that the former Shelbourne and Dundalk manager will oversee the development of the club as they look to build on a strong underage structure at the seaside venue.

Last summer former player Jimmy Dunne signed with Manchester United while there are several more talents believed to be coming through the ranks at the club.

Keely, who has resided in Dundalk for a number of years, was boss of the Lilywhites when they won their last League of Ireland title back in 1995.

The 60-year-old, who also enjoyed a distinguished playing career, has managed 11 different clubs since first starting out in management with UCD 31 years ago. He has won four League of Ireland titles and two FAI Cups over the years but has been out of management for the past four years after departing Shelbourne in 2010.

A two-time winner of the SWAI’s Personality of the Year award, he won six League of Ireland titles as a player, as well as five FAI Cups, a League of Ireland Cup and the Irish Cup with Glentoran.

In a statement on Keely’s appointment, Rock Celtic said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dermot Keely as Director of Football at Rock Celtic.

“Dermot brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience having achieved the highest accolades both as a player and manager in the League of Ireland.

“This is a very exciting time for our club and further endorses the commitment we have to developing the club and players for the future. We hope you all join us in welcoming Dermot to Rock Celtic FC.”

Late O’Donnell strike sees Dundalk advance in Setanta Cup

Stephen O’Donnell’s stoppage time strike proved crucial as Dundalk claimed the 2-0 win they needed against Coleraine at The Showgrounds last night to advance to the Setanta Cup semi-finals with a 4-3 aggregate win.

Trailing 3-2 from the first leg a fortnight earlier, Stephen Kenny’s side knew they needed to win by two clear goals to advance.

A frustrating first-half saw Richie Towell bring the only save of note from goalkeeper Eugene Ferry, when his low drive was turned around the post.

However, Dundalk were thrown a lifeline when Pat Hoban pulled a goal back in the 51^st minute – rifling home from close range after a ball into the six yard box from John Mountney.

A couple of efforts straight at Ferry and a header from Towell that landed on the roof of the net meant that the clock was ticking down on Dundalk’s hopes.

Then up popped O’Donnell in the 92^nd minute to squeeze a shot through a crowded area, with the ball bobbling over the hapless Ferry and into the bottom right hand corner.

That was enough to see Dundalk into the last four, where they will meet Shamrock Rovers or Glentoran.

The first leg will be away on March 24^th, followed by the return leg at Oriel Park on April 15^th.

Coleraine: Ferry; Canning, Beverland, Douglas, McNeill; McDaid, Harkin, Lowry, Tommons, Owens (McIlmoyle, 80 mins); Bradley (Hegarty, 66 mins). Subs not used: Shannon, Ogilby, Browne, Watt, Jennings.

Dundalk: Cherrie; Rossiter (Byrne, 79 mins), Shields, Boyle, Massey; Mountney (Horgan, 57 mins), O’Donnell, Towell, Meenan; McMillan (Griffin, 84 mins), Hoban. Subs not used: Sava, Gannon, Higgins, Kelly.

Referee: Ray Hetherington.

Mulvenna on the way to Glenavon as Dundalk eye Higgins deal

Tiarnan Mulvenna

Former Dundalk striker Tiarnan Mulvenna has put pen to paper with Glenavon FC in the Irish League.

Mulvenna, who hails from Muirhevnamor, was released by Dundalk at the end of last season but was thought to be in Stephen Kenny’s mind as a possible late addition to his squad for 2014.

The 24-year-old was always keen on first team football, however, and feels he can achieve that at the Lurgan-based club where he has signed a one-and-a-half year deal.

He will go straight into the squad for tomorrow night’s clash with Glentoran.

Speaking in a video interview with the Lurgan Mail, Mulvenna said: “Gary Hamilton really sold the club to me. There is a good feeling around the club and it is great to get playing on grass again instead of the astro surface at Dundalk. I hope to get on against Glentoran at any stage and maybe score a goal to get me off the mark early on.”

Dundalk started back pre-season training yesterday in the Oriel Active centre with strength and conditioning coach Graham Byrne putting the players through their paces with a series of fitness tests, including a bleep test which was won by Richie Towell.

Apart from those already signed for 2014, Simon Kelly, Keith Ward and Conor McDonald were also involved.

Meanwhile, Dundalk have been linked with the signing of experienced former Derry City midfielder Ruaidhrí Higgins.

The 29-year-old, who was let go by the Candystripes just before Christmas, previously played with Stephen Kenny during his time at the Brandywell.

According to reports north of the border, he has turned down offers from both Linfield and Glentoran in order to sign with the Lilywhites tomorrow.

Dundalk to learn Setanta Cup opponents in two weeks time

The draw for the 2014 Setanta Cup will take place on this day fortnight, Wednesday December 11^th.

Dundalk will be returning to the competition they reached the final of in 2011, when they lost out 2-0 to Shamrock Rovers at the Tallaght Stadium.

Fans of the Lilywhites will have fond memories of that campaign, including Daniel Kearns’ hat-trick in a 5-3 win over Linfield at Windsor Park.

Also in the draw for this year’s competition are league champions St Patrick’s Athletic, Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers with Cliftonville, Crusaders, Glentoran and Linfield the representatives from the Irish League.