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All the latest club news and updates from Dalymount Park.

A CHANCE FOR PLAYERS TO ‘STEP UP’

BOHEMIANS v DROGHEDA UTD
SSE Airtricity League, Dalymount Park, Friday 15th August, 7.45pm

Bohemians are looking to break a winless and goal-less streak of three games when they welcome a rejuvenated Drogheda United to Dalymount Park on Friday night, writes KEVIN FAGAN.

The Boynesiders have been revitalised by the appointment of League of Ireland veteran Damien Richardson, and Bohs boss Owen Heary is expecting a stern test. “I expect a tough, physical game,” he said. “But I’m sure that we can respond after a good performance last week and try get the win.”

Drogs have frustrated the Gypsies this season. In March, Bohs squandered a two-goal lead and conceded a late equaliser to draw 2-2 in Dalymount. In May, Heary’s side conceded against the run of play for an unlucky 1-0 defeat at Hunky Dorys Park.

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Heary said: “We dominated the game up there in May, had loads of chances, but they got the goal. Obviously with Eoin Wearen and Anto Murphy out, other players have a chance to step up and fight for a place in the team.”

After doing all-but score against UCD last Friday, Heary believes the team just need a bit of luck as they strive for a second home league win of the season. “We played very well, but just didn’t take our chances. The longer the game went on, the more frustrated we got in front of goal.

“These things happen in games – the positive thing is we kept a clean sheet – but we were still disappointed that we didn’t take our chances and win the game comfortably. ”

The Bohs manager is hoping his side can find confidence in front of goal after a difficult period in which his side drew blanks against Derry (0-4), Shamrock Rovers (0-2), and the Students (0-0).

“We’ll keep plugging away. We’ve proved earlier in the season that we can score goals. The good thing is that we are creating chances (as against UCD), so hopefully we can take a few and come away with the three points on Friday.”

Despite the difficult run, Heary has been pleased with the support from the fans, who have been extremely positive throughout the season. “The fans have been great. Although it’s a totally different atmosphere (away to UCD), they saw we were dominating the game and I think they were happy that we were just unfortunate in front of goal and that was it.”

Bohs will have to plan without in-form midfielder Eoin Wearen, who is suspended after picking up four yellow cards. Also unavailable is Anto Murphy, who dislocated his ankle against UCD. Heary is hopeful that a scan today (Thursday) will reveal no ligament damage, and clear Anto to return in six weeks.

Pic by Eddie Lennon – eddielennonsportingimages.com

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HAROLD SLOAN REMEMBERED

As the world marks the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I, Bohs fan Paul Reynolds, while on holiday in France, visited the grave of Harold Sloan today.

An Ireland international, Sloan was a true Bohemian legend and was the first man to score in Dalymount Park, before captaining the Gypsies to the 1908 IFA Cup.

Sloan died at war aged 34 at Combles, near the Somme, on 21 January 1917 and is buried in the guards’ cemetery there.

To learn more about Sloan, read Ciaran Priestley’s extensive paper ‘Harold Sloan: A Forgotten Ranger’.

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FAI FORD CUP DATE SET

Bohemians’ FAI Ford Cup third round clash against Cork City has been confirmed for Friday August 22 at Turner’s Cross (7.45pm).

In the event of a draw, the sides will meet again at Dalymount Park on Monday August 25 (7.45pm).

BOHS FAIL TO TAKE CHANCES

UCD 0-0 BOHEMIANS

Bohemians endured a frustrating Friday night in Belfield, as despite a large amount of possession and a host of chances, they could only secure a 0-0 stalemate with UCD, writes CONOR HAYES.

Their control of this fixture was set in motion from the opening whistle but the visitors will be disappointed with the final pass which so often deserted them on a evening where they owned the ball.

Bohs made five changes from the disappointing League Cup semi on Monday starting with the team which had secured excellent home results against St Pat’s and Cork. They began by pressurising the Students in their own half and the away side created numerous early chances.

First a UCD kick out was cleared right into the path of Dinny Corcoran but he couldn’t find the ball to Steven Beattie who was waiting unmarked in the box.

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With just over ten minutes gone, Eoin Wearen, making a trademark late run into the box, latched on to Kavangh’s pass but struggled to get the ball out of his feet and the UCD defence eventually cleared.

It seemed at this point that a Bohs goal was a certainty as Pender spurned their best chance of the half. Wearen released the Bohs skipper marauding from full back but his shot was half stopped by Students’ net minder Niall Corbett before Gareth Matthews mopped up on the line and completed the job.

Next, an Anto Murphy long throw found it’s way to Roberto Lopes at the edge of the area but he fired over. Devaney, who looked a constant danger throughout, then found Wearen inside the area, who had Corbett stretching, but it crept just wide.

The game then entered a lull as UCD seemed to have dealt with the early Bohs barrage. But just as half time approached a scuffed shot deflected wide for a Bohs corner. From the delivery, Murphy jumped at the back post but his header was pushed wide. The defender seemed to suffer a nasty fall and was stretchered off with a suspected broken ankle.

The second period began just as the first, with Bohs in the ascendancy. Devaney, ever a menace to the UCD defence, robbed possession just outside of the danger zone, he cut inside and found Kavanagh who slotted it wide from eight yards. In truth, it was a sitter.

The former Sligo man was involved again as his low driven cross found Lopes, now playing at right back, but his shot deflected wide. Subsitute Dave Mulcahy then nodded wide from a Kavanagh corner. Lopes was still willing to attack despite his position change and won the ball high up the pitch but UCD again got a blocker just in time to divert it away from goal.

Devaney then took centre stage once more. He collected the ball inside his own half on the right-hand side, drove past four of the home side’s defenders and into the area but when it came time to shoot his effort lacked the necessary conviction and it was cleared away before the ‘keeper even had to intervene.

Bohs defenders were constantly trying to involve themselves in the effort to break the deadlock and it was Price this time whose headed effort from a wonderful Kavanagh cross forced a great save from Corbett.

As we entered the last twenty minutes, UCD must have expected another onslaught to begin but instead the men in red and black seemed to lose their initiative at a crucial moment. Just though, as it seemed that the game would peter out for a draw, UCD would have a chance to win it in injury time and Bohs would have no fewer than three as the clock ran past ninety.

In what would have been the smash and grab of the season Chris Mulhall had a glorious chance ten yards from goal but shot directly at Dean Delaney after a mix-up in the Bohs defence. Up the other end, Wearen’s pass from the right was just behind substitute Karl Moore who hooked it over the bar.

There was still time for the best chance of the half. A long punt from Price found Mulcahy whose lovely cushioned header fell right into the path of Corcoran, some Bohs fans were already celebrating, but they didn’t count on Ian Ryan, who produced a superb block just as Dinny got his shot away. Beattie, acting now as a winger, then found Wearen but his shot deflected into the wrong side of the netting.

There would be no time for the corner and Bohs will be cursing a game where they dominated but lacked a killer instinct against a determined UCD side who defended stoutly.

The Gypsies will try get back to winning ways against Drogheda at Dalymount on Friday night.

UCD: Niall Corbett; Gareth Matthews, Hugh Douglas, James Kavanagh, Ian Ryan, Tom O’Halloran (Aymen Ben Mohamed 67), Colm Crowe, Robbie Benson, Robbie Creevy, Timmy Molloy (Samir Belhout 70), Conor Cannon (Chris Mulhall 84). Subs Not Used: Conor O’Donnell (GK), Gregory Sloggett, Gary Burke, Sean Coyne.

Bohemians: Dean Delany; Derek Pender, Aidan Price, Dan Byrne,Anto Murphy (Dave Mulcahy 45+1), Patrick Kavanagh (Karl Moore 70), Roberto Lopes, Eoin Wearen, Kevin Devaney (Jason Byrne 79), Dinny Corcoran, Stephen Beattie. Subs Not Used: Jack Memery, Keith Buckley, Craig Walsh, Aaron Shanahan (GK).

Referee: Kevin O’Regan

Man of the match: Kevin Devaney.

 

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“WE HAVE TO BOUNCE BACK TOGETHER”

UCD v BOHEMIANS
SSE Airtricity League, UCD Bowl, Friday 8th August, 7.45pm

Owen Heary is hoping his Bohemians team can get ‘back to basics’ following two disappointing Bank Holiday weekend defeats. A 4-0 league loss to Derry was shadowed by a disappointing 2-0 EA Sports Cup semi-final defeat to bitter rivals Shamrock Rovers, but manager Heary believes the Gypsies can get back to winning ways this Friday against UCD, writes KEVIN FAGAN.

“We shifted six goals last week, which is unlike us,” said Heary. “We’ve worked hard this week to try and rectify that. It’s about getting back to doing what we were doing. Last week in Derry we didn’t have the intensity or the work-rate that we had shown in previous weeks.

“It’s tough for the lads who are working heading up to Derry, and especially with younger players it’s hard to get consistency week in, week out. But in fairness to the lads, they’ve been brilliant for most of the season and we just have to get back to basics.”

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The UCD Bowl was the scene of an impressive opening night victory for Bohemians, but Heary is wary of a good footballing side under Aaron Callaghan. “In fairness to UCD, they are always looking to get on the ball and play out. We know it’s going to be a tough game, it’s a big pitch out there. UCD have had a couple of bad results of late but they’ve got all their players back for this weekend, so they’ll have a strong team out. But it’s important that we stick to our own game-plan, three points puts us right back up the table.”

Remarking on the unique atmosphere at UCD’s home games, the Bohs boss is hopeful that the ‘away majority’ at Belfield can spur his team on. “They are difficult games because the atmosphere is totally different – even when I was playing – you don’t get the abuse from UCD fans that you might get at Rovers or up in Derry. That could be a plus for us – if we get our fans behind us and cheering us on. Hopefully the fans get behind us like they have been all year, especially after the two bad defeats we have to try and bounce back together.”

Despite those defeats, Heary is still hopeful of a top-half finish and a Setanta Cup place for next season. He sees the next two fixtures against UCD and Drogheda as key games toward this target. “We know we need to beat these teams to stay ahead of the pack. UCD and Drogheda are at the level we’re at at the moment – so they’re two very big games in my opinion. We’re starting the last series of games and it would be great to get a win to hopefully put us in with a chance of a Setanta spot.”

Heary should have a full squad to choose from after Daniel Byrne’s recovery from tonsillitis. Kevin Devaney is also back in contention after a knock kept him out of Monday’s game.

Pic by Eddie Lennon – eddielennonsportingimages.com

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ROVER AND OUT

EA Sports Cup Semi Final

BOHEMIANS  0 – 2  SHAMROCK ROVERS

Bohemians’ terrific run in cup competitions was brought to a shuddering halt as old rivals Shamrock Rovers put the Gypsies to the sword in the EA Sports Cup Semi Final. The defending champions punished poor defending at the start of both halves to send Owen Heary’s men crashing out at the penultimate stage. Goals from Kieran ‘Marty’ Waters and Dean Kelly were enough to send the Hoops into their 3rd consecutive League Cup final in front of a big Bank Holiday crowd, writes KEVIN FAGAN.

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The visitors, under the guidance of caretaker manager John Gill, started brightly, and carved out the first opportunity of the game after just two minutes. Derek Pender was beaten to the ball in the left back position by Rovers’ Sean O’Connor, who delivered a perfect cross for Ryan Brennan. Luckily for Bohs, the former Drogheda man sent his diving header high and wide into the hooped horde behind the goal.

The opening goal wasn’t long in coming however, and it was one that would keep Owen Heary awake at night. A defensive mix-up between Pender and Aidan Price allowed the ball to bounce through to the unmarked Waters, who stroked the ball underneath the onrushing Dean Delany to put the Tallaght side ahead. Cue delirium from the otherwise subdued Shamrock Rovers fans in the Des Kelly Stand.

Bohs grew into the game without creating many real clear cut opportunities. Set pieces and Anto Murphy long throws were the only bother to Rovers, with Dave Mulcahy twice coming close with close range headers. Jason Byrne perhaps had the best chance just before the break, but he snatched at a left-footed shot that went wide past Barry Murphy’s left-hand post.

Heary signalled his intent with the half-time introduction of Dinny Corcoran for Craig Walsh, but the second half was just 8 minutes old when the Hoops landed the killer blow. Derek Pender was caught out again down the right side, allowing Ryan Brennan to clip a ball toward the back post. The cross should have been intercepted by Roberto Lopes, but he slipped and fell, allowing Dean Kelly to poke home the second with some ease.

The second goal seemed to stun the Gypsies on and off the field, with the atmosphere in the Jodi Stand turning against referee Robert Rogers. While Rogers had a relatively poor game, the home side could have no real qualms with the result. They huffed and puffed in the last half an hour without really creating much in the way of clear cut chances. Again, scrambles from corners were the only scraps on offer. Owen Heary must now lift the side for a trip to UCD on Friday. The FAI Cup date with Cork City now takes on greater significance – it is Bohs’ last chance of silverware in 2014.

Bohemians: Dean Delany, Anto Murphy, Aidan Price, Roberto Lopes, Derek Pender, Keith Buckley (Adam Evans, 81) Eoin Wearen, Dave Mulcahy, Karl Moore (Steven Beattie, 60) Craig Walsh (Dinny Corcoran, 46) Jason Byrne. Subs not used: Aaron Shanahan, Jack Memery, Ryan McEvoy, Jake Hyland.

Shamrock Rovers: Barry Murphy, Simon Madden, David O’Connor, Conor Kenna, Luke Byrne, Sean O’Connor (Ciaran Kilduff), Ryan Brennan, Shane Robinson, Ronan Finn, Dean Kelly, Kieran ‘Marty’ Waters (Karl Sheppard, 50). Subs not used: Craig Hyland, Jason McGuinness, Evan Osam, Stephen McPhail, Rob Cornwall.

DUBLIN DERBY THE PERFECT PICK-ME-UP

BOHEMIANS v SHAMROCK ROVERS
EA Sports Cup semi-final, Dalymount Park, Monday 4th August, 7.30pm

Bohemian manager Owen Heary believes ‘there is no better way’ to bounce back from Friday’s defeat in Derry than by beating rivals Shamrock Rovers to reach a cup final, writes LUKE O’RIORDAN

Bohs’ impressive six-game unbeaten run ground to a halt in the Brandywell as the clinical Candystripes ran out 4-0 winners. It was the heaviest loss of Heary’s reign to date and he has challenged his side to make amends when Bohs welcome Rovers to Dalymount on Monday.

“We had two good chances in the opening few minutes to take the lead ourselves and if one of those had gone in, it could have been a different game,” he said.

“We lacked the work ethic that we’ve shown over the last while and the players know that themselves. But it was also a case of the intensity and effort that they’ve put into the last few games catching up on the lads too.

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“It’s frustrating, as a result up there would have put us right in the mix to climb into the top half and also put us in contention for a Setanta Cup place.

“But there’s no better way to bounce back than by reaching a cup final and beating Rovers in the process. That should drive the players on.”

The build-up to Monday’s game has been dominated by managerial change and speculation at Shamrock Rovers, with Trevor Croly parting ways with the club after less than two years at the helm.

Croly’s former assistant John Gill is set to take the reins on Monday and Heary has warned his players to be ready for a backlash after Rovers’ shock 4-1 defeat in Limerick on Friday.

He said: “Rovers have so many players, it’s impossible to predict who’ll start, especially with the change in manager and after Friday’s result.

“For all we know, their next manager could be sitting in the crowd, so their players will be really looking to impress whoever that may be.”

As well as two league titles, Heary also completed a clean sweep of domestic cup competitions as Bohs captain, winning the FAI Cup (2008), EA Sports Cup (2009) and Setanta Sports Cup (2010).

And now he is determined to win his first trophy as a manager. He said: “Hopefully we can give the fans something to cheer about.

“Everyone at Bohs – the players, the staff, the board, the fans – would love to have the club back where it belongs contesting finals and winning trophies. That has to be our aim.

“It’s been a tough few years and a trophy would mean so much to everyone.”

Despite a few players feeling ‘leggy’ and ‘sore’ after Friday’s game, Heary once again has a full squad to choose from. “We will freshen things up a bit but there are no major injury concerns,” he added.

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CANDY CRUSH

DERRY CITY 4-0 BOHEMIANS Derry City 4-0 Bohemians

Bohemians fell to their first defeat in seven matches as they were completely outclassed by a slick Derry City outfit at the Brandywell on Friday night. A brace each from Michael Duffy and Rory Patterson did the damage as the Gypsies suffered their heaviest reversal of the season, writes CONOR HAYES.

Owen Heary’s side showed defensive frailties to an extent not witnessed thus far this campaign, especially away from home. After their improvement since the mid-season break, they will have to hope it was just a momentary blip with a cup semi-final to come on Monday against Shamrock Rovers.

Bohs actually started the encounter brightly, reflecting their recent good run of results. With barely five minutes gone, a header from Kevin Devaney put Steven Beattie in space, his early ball was inches from finding an unmarked Dinny Corcoran but was stabbed away just in time by Candystripes skipper Barry Molloy.

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Again five minutes later, Beattie and Devaney were involved in good build-up for the away side. This time Beattie set up the former Sligo man with a lovely ball over the top, his low cross from the right cannoned off Molloy and into the body of Gerard Doherty who knew nothing about it. But that would be as good as it got for the visitors in the first half.

The red tide began with a chance for Stephen Dooley who latched on to Patrick McEleney’s floating ball at the back post but scuffed his shot wide. Then, with 18 minutes elapsed a hopeful punt by Doherty was nodded on by McEleney into the path Duffy, who fired past Dean Delany but not past past Aidan Price who covered well on the line.

McEleney was causing havoc in the Bohs backline and the former Sunderland trainee put through Paterson again moments later. His shot deflected off Price and behind for a corner with Delany beaten. From the resulting corner Derry got their first of the game. A high hanging ball to the back post was weakly punched away by the Gypsies’ net minder, it fell to Patterson, who ten yards from goal made no mistake.

The Candystripes would double their lead just before the half-hour mark. This time Barry McNamee ghosted past the non-existent Bohs midfield and laid the ball on beautifully for Duffy, who calmly slotted it past Delany and into the bottom right corner.

The game then entered a lull as Derry seemed satisfied with their lead with the away side unable to create an opening but just before the men playing in green could get to the sanctuary of half-time there was another red and white goal. Some nice play by Mark Timlin saw his pass nutmeg Derek Pender and find Duffy. Again the 20-year-old was calmness personified as he cut inside the box and fired it into the opposite corner to his first.

Bohemians looked more resolute defensively at the beginning of the second half but they only looked liked getting a consolation from a set-play. First Anto Murphy fired over from just inside of the box after Doherty only half cleared a Paddy Kavangh free kick. Next, the winger, playing against his old side, delivered a corner to the far post where Price could only direct his header onto the roof of the net and over. Eoin Wearen too had a chance in the air from another corner but steered it directly to Doherty.

With just over 20 minutes left in play, Derry drifting through the second half, began another onslaught. The impressive McNamme found substitute Philip Lowry on the edge of the area and  instead of shooting, he selflessly found Patterson in acres of room at the back post who finished powerfully to secure his brace.

As the game entered its final stages the chances kept coming for Derry. First Duffy stretched but was inches from his hat-trick as Dooley’s shot was almost parried into his path by Delany. Next, Barry Molloy marauding from the back failed to slip the ball past the Bohs shot stopper after bring put through by McNamee.

Despite their best efforts, Derry could not add to tally but they continue their revival under Peter Hutton with a one-sided victory. For Bohemians after a great run of recent results they fall back to earth with probably their worst performance of the season so far.

Next up is Shamrock Rovers in the EA Sports Cup semi-final on Monday at Dalymount. Only a vastly improved display will have a chance of toppling the old enemy and making the final.

Derry City: Gerard Doherty, Barry Molloy (c), Ryan McBride, Barry McNamee, Danny Ventre, Patrick McEleney (Philip Lowry 42), Rory Patterson (Ryan Curran 71), Michael Duffy, Mark Timlin, Stephen Dooley (Josh Tracey 76), Aaron Barry. Subs Not Used: Ciaran Gallacher (GK), Shane McEleney, Shaun Kelly, Cliff Byrne.

Bohemians: Dean Delany, Derek Pender (c), Aidan Price, Dan Bryne, Anto Murphy, Paddy Kavanagh, Eoin Wearen (Dave Mulcahy 73), Kevin Devaney, Stephen Beattie, Dinny Corcoran (Jason Byrne 61). Subs Not Used: Aaron Shanahan (GK), Jack Memery, Karl Moore, Ryan McEvoy, Keith Buckley.

“WE WON’T BE LACKING IN CONFIDENCE”

Two in-form teams meet on Friday night when seventh-placed Bohemians go to the Brandywell to take on sixth-placed Derry City, writes LUKE O’RIORDAN.

Bohs – unbeaten in six in all competitions – travel north buoyed having finally secured their first home league win of the season with an emphatic 2-0 victory against title challengers Cork City last Friday.

“We knew that win was coming,” said manager Owen Heary. “We’ve been playing well but a lot of little things have cost us at home all year: sendings-off, penalties, not taking our chances and some refereeing decisions.

“But we’ve been strong throughout. We’ve been creating a lot of chances but not taking enough of them – I would have been more worried if we weren’t creating opportunities and players weren’t getting into positions.

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“Nobody really gave us a chance against St Pat’s or Cork City but we got four points out of those games, so we won’t be lacking in confidence.”

Heary, however, is expecting a tough test at the Brandywell. Bohs’ last win at the venue came in September 2009 – they have lost four and drawn one of their five games there since.

Just three points separate the sides now with Derry sixth on 27 and Bohs seventh on 24 but the task facing the Gypsies is all the more daunting as the Candystripes have hit top form under Peter Hutton, who replaced Roddy Collins as manager in May.

Hutton’s men are unbeaten in six domestic games and have scored 11 in their two most recent victories over UCD (6-1, a) and Bray Wanderers (5-0, h).

And Heary said: “Derry are a much-changed team since the side we played in Dalymount (1-1 in May). We should have won that game but Peter came in shortly afterwards and has changed everything around.

“I know him well from his time at Shelbourne and from coaching courses. I knew he’d go in and do well and they’re on a high now.

“But our confidence is high too. That’s the thing about young players, they don’t lack confidence, especially after a run of good results.”

With one eye on Monday’s EA Sports Cup semi-final against rivals Shamrock Rovers at Dalymount Park, Heary is relieved to have a full squad to select from tomorrow.

Steven Beattie was eventually withdrawn as a precaution after banging his head while scoring the opener against Cork City last week, but he has suffered no ill-effects. Anto Murphy (shoulder) sat out training on Monday but has played a full part in sessions since.

“It’s important that we have everyone available as we’ve two massive games over the next four days,” Heary said. “We’ve got a settled team now and everyone is enjoying it but we’ll have to rotate a little between the two games.”

Heary is also delighted to have kept hold of his most important players over the July transfer window, with 23-year-old midfielder Kevin Devaney the most recent player to sign professional terms after two years as an amateur with the club.

“Kevin’s improved a lot as a player and there was interest in him over the window,” Heary added. “We haven’t got great resources here but thankfully we’ve kept the squad intact.

“There was interest in the likes of Eoin Wearen too, but he is already under contract until the end of the season. It’s a squad game and other clubs taking notice is a testament to how well Eoin and the other young players around him have done in recent weeks and months.

“When you’re keeping someone like Dave Mulcahy out of the team, you know you’re doing something right.”

Pic by Eddie Lennon – eddielennonsportingimages.com

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EA SPORTS CUP SEMI-FINAL TICKET AND BAR INFO

Bohemians host rivals Shamrock Rovers in an EA Sports Cup semi-final Bank Holiday Monday blockbuster at Dalymount Park. (Note earlier kick-off time of 7.30pm).

Dalymount’s bars will be open from 2pm with all pints €3.70 until 6pm. Match tickets can be purchased from the Members’ Bar during this time.

Tickets can also be bought from Dalymount during office hours (10am-5pm) up to and including Friday August 1st and from Offside football clothing shop in Temple Bar (4 Fownes Upper Fownes St, opposite Central Bank).

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Supporters are advise to purchase in advance to avoid long queues and delays.

Club members: Please note that membership cards do not entitle access to cup games but that you can purchase a ticket for the game for a members-only reduced price of €5.

All other admissions prices: Adult €15, Student/concession €10, children €5.

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