An Cumann Peile Boiteimeac, Teoranta
(The Bohemian Football Club Limited)
Dalymount Park, Phibsborough, Dublin 7

Notice is hereby given that an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the above named company will be held at Phibsborough Scout Hall, Dublin 7, on Friday, 3rd July 2015 at 7.30pm precisely, to deal with the under-noted business:

1. Proposed sale of Dalymount Park to Dublin City Council.

By order of the Management Committee,
Stephen Lambert
Hon. Secretary.

Long expects a very competitive game as Drogheda United look to move up the table. Last April in Drogheda Bohemians came away with a 2-1 win, thanks to a late goal from sub Marc Griffin.

Eight yellow cards were handed out that evening, including two in quick succession for ex-Drogheda player Derek Prendergast. Bohemians played 70 minutes with ten men, showing the grit that has become their trade-mark this season.

Long believes Drogheda may come to Dalymount feeling “a little aggrieved” at that result and wanting to “take something from the game”.

“I have seen them play a few times this year away from home and they’re organised, difficult to break down and can exploit on the counter-attack,” he said.

The season-break has given time for Robbie Creevy (groin) to recover fully and for Paddy Kavanagh (knee) to get back into training, though he is likely to be out until next week. Kealan Dillon had tonsillitis during the break but is fit again.

Still out are the longer-term injured, Derek Pender, Dan Byrne and Marc Griffin, and Jason Byrne will be out for a few weeks with a calf strain, while Dylan Hayes (back) is also sidelined.

Dave Mulcahy and Anto Murphy benefited from the week off to regain full fitness, having returned from injury to play key roles in the win over Shamrock Rovers.

“They’re experienced players, they’ve been around the league a long time and they know what it takes to win games like that,” said Long. “They were pivotal in that win.”

Bohs boss Long was boosted by the return of experienced duo Anto Murphy and Dave Mulcahy, while Jake Hyland was given a rare start in midfield. Rovers began with only one fit striker on the books, and it was youngster Gareth McCaffrey who led the line for the visitors. It was the Hoops who began the game better. Their midfield trio of Stephen McPhail, Pat Cregg and Brandon Miele controlled the early stages.

Rovers looked dangerous down the right hand side, and Simon Madden was brought down by Lorcan Fitzgerald in the 9th minute. McPhail whipped in a pinpoint cross, and Kieran ‘Marty’ Waters ghosted in to head home unmarked from six yards. His freedom in the box was unexplained, much like the ‘Marty’ part of his name, and Rovers took an early lead.

Things didn’t get much better for Bohs in the first half hour. Izzy Akinade was isolated up front, and the Gypsies struggled to keep hold of possession in the midfield third. No such problem for Rovers, who threatened from a set piece again when a Gary McCabe corner was headed wide by David Webster. Bohs only real chance in the first half fell to the returning Anto Murphy, but he scuffed his effort from Lorcan Fitzgerald’s free kick.

It took Bohs about 30 minutes to really get into the game – and credit must go to Keith Buckley. The midfielder was relentless in his hassling and harrying of Rovers, and his winning of challenges audibly lifted the Jodi Stand. He combined with Jake Hyland to set up Bohs first shot, but Hyland dragged it tamely wide. It felt as if half time might be coming at the wrong time for Bohs – that it might halt the momentum. No chance!

What followed was a masterclass in how to turn around a Derby match. Bohs simply decided that they wanted to win this game more than Rovers, who predictably retreated into their shells. The hordes in the Des Kelly Stand grew quieter and quieter as Pat Fenlon’s men were overrun by a rampant, revitalised Bohemian side. Buckley was at the heart of it, and he set up the Gypsies’ first big chance. A beautifully weighted ball took out the Rovers back line, and found Akinade’s chest just inside the box. However, the ball ran just a touch too far ahead of him, and Craig Hyland got their in time.

Rovers’ only second half chance came after Derek Prendergast’s pass was cut out by McPhail, who lifted it over the top for McCaffrey. The youngster’s shot was brilliantly saved by Dean Delany, who stuck out a foot to keep Bohs in the game. Prendergast decided to make up for his mistake in the best way possible.

With 14 minutes to go, it was that man Lorcan Fitzgerald who produced yet another brilliant set piece. His pinpoint outswinging corner found Prendergast at the edge of the six yard box, and the defender rocketed a header in off the crossbar. It was a thumping, aggressive header – and brave too. He could have got an almighty whack, but nothing was stopping him from getting to that ball first. The Jodi Stand erupted, and there was only going to be one winner from there. You could sense it.

After attending his sister’s wedding ceremony this morning, you could forgive Dean Kelly for being distracted. But he was busy and pro-active from the moment he came onto the field. And when his chance came, he took it. Again, Fitzgerald was the instigator. This time, his inswinging free kick from right in front of the Bohs dugout did the trick. It fell right onto Kelly’s head at the back post. The finish wasn’t pretty, it came off his shoulder and looped into the net – but you try tell that to the masses in the Jodi Stand, who were close to combusting with joy.

There was even time for a cherry on the icing on the cake. Rovers, in a rare break from the norm, actually pushed men forward, and the gaps were ruthlessly exploited. Akinade was sent clear down the left flank, and beat the onrushing Craig Hyland to the ball. With the keeper out of the game, the Nigerian striker got himself on his feet, looked up, and delivered a beautiful floated cross to the unmarked Kelly, who tapped in to cap a truly memorable evening.

A fitting way to close the book on a terrific, expectation-busting first half of the season for Keith Long’s Bohemians. If the second half of the season is anywhere near as fantastic as tonight’s second half performance, we’re in for a treat.

Bohemians: Dean Delany, Anto Murphy, Dave Mulcahy, Derek Prendergast, Lorcan Fitzgerald, Karl Moore, Keith Buckley (Kealan Dillon, 85), Roberto Lopes, Jake Hyland (Dean Kelly, 72), Adam Evans, Ismahil Akinade. Subs not used: Lee Steacy, Jason Caffrey, Robert Duggan, James O’Brien, Adam Wixted.

Shamrock Rovers: Craig Hyland, Simon Madden, Conor Kenna (Tim Clancy, 46), David Webster, Luke Byrne, Kieran ‘Marty’ Waters, Pat Cregg, Gary McCabe, Stephen McPhail, Brandon Miele (Ryan Brennan, 81), Gareth McCaffrey (Gavin Brennan, 70). Subs not used: Barry Murphy, David O’Connor, Cian Kavanagh, Dylan Kavanagh.

Mr.Green Man of the Match: Keith Buckley

“We’re not in bad form because of one defeat. We have put Tuesday’s loss behind us, and I expect the players to put in a big performance on Friday night against out fiercest rivals,” he said.

“It’s a quick turn-around and we can’t dwell on the Pat’s result. In training, the lads have been bright and breezy and cannot wait for Friday’s game.”

Long considers that the big demand of the schedule on a part-time squad, the injuries in the squad, and St Patrick’s Athletic finding their best form all contributed to Tuesday’s loss.

“Overall, we’ve got to be positive. We put in a great performance up in Dundalk, not so good on Tuesday. But you have to give credit to Pat’s as well, who are a very good side and who have found their rhythm of late.”

Rovers come to this game after high-scoring victories at home against Derry City and Sligo Rovers in the past week.

“They’ll be full of confidence coming to Dalymount Park, and wanting the win. But from our perspective, we’ve got to make sure our players want it more than they do. It can come down to that in a derby game,” said Long.

“Friday’s is a massive game for us, one we’ve been looking forward to all season and the players will need no motivation for it.”

Long expects to have Dave Mulcahy back, having missed Tuesday’s game with a calf injury, and possibly Anto Murphy (ankle). Stephen Best, who got a kick in the head against Dundalk, will be available for Friday. But Robbie Creevy who was subbed in the first half against St Patrick’s Athletic is likely to be out with a groin injury.

Longer-term absentee Paddy Kavanagh (knee) will be sidelined until after the summer break, and Dan Byrne has had a set-back in his return to action. He came on as a sub in the FAI Cup match against Firhouse Celtic two weeks ago after a long absence with cruciate injury. But he is out again, probably for a month, with a knee cartilage problem.

Marc Griffin (cruciate) and Derek Pender (Achilles) remain on the long-term injury list.

To learn more about Fullam’s glittering career, check out Sean Ryan’s recent personal tribute on the Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland website.

May he Rest in Peace

Funeral details: Reposing at Our Lady’s Hospice Mortuary Chapel, on Thursday, 11 June, from 3.30pm to 6.30pm. Funeral Mass on Friday, 12 June, at 11am at St. Philomena’s Church, Palmerstown, followed by burial at Palmerstown Cemetery. House private, please. No flowers, please. Donations, in lieu, to Robyn’s Life (donation box available at church).