Clearer Water Irish Cup Final – Dungannon v Cliftonville – Saturday 3rd May 2025

Clearer Water Irish Cup Final – Dungannon v Cliftonville – Saturday 3rd May 2025

by | Apr 30, 2025 | Uncategorized

Clearer Water Irish Cup Final – Dungannon v Cliftonville – Saturday 3rd May 25

Police are requesting that Dungannon supporters travelling by car and coach to the Irish Cup
final with Cliftonville at the National Stadium, Windsor Park, on Saturday 3rd May 2025 with
a 1430 hrs kick off, leave sufficient travel time to arrive to the match.
Entry to the ground for Dungannon supporters will be via the Donegall Avenue gates leading
up to the National Stadium. Stewards will then direct supporters to their seats.
Traffic congestion is likely at key ingress and egress times due to the expected volume of
supporters attending the fixture.
We would ask that supporters are respectful and considerate whilst transiting through and
parking in residential streets and commercial areas convenient to the stadium.
Police are reminding all fans that there are specific offences created by the Criminal
Justice Act NI 2011 in relation to soccer matches-
 Possession of/ throwing Fireworks/ Flares etc
 Throwing Articles capable of causing injury
 Going on to the Playing area
 Sectarian Chanting
 Drinking on Passenger Carrying Vehicles
In addition all fans are reminded that the areas around the stadium are “No Street Drinking”
zones under Belfast City Council By-Laws. Supporters are asked to be respectful and
considerate whilst walking through residential streets convenient to the stadium. Any Street
drinking taking place will be dealt with robustly by police and any alcohol found subject to
seizure. As a condition of entry to the stadium fans will be subject to random searches.
Alcohol cannot be brought into the stadium.
Maximum Use of CCTV/ Video Evidence will be utilised as part of the match Policing
Operation in an effort to deal with any criminal offences/anti-social behaviour which takes
place.
Police will take all steps to identify and deal with anyone who has been or is
committing offences.
It is hoped that a common sense approach to the event can be taken by all and the occasion
enjoyed.
It is vitally important for supporter and community safety that these instructions are complied
with.

Dungannon Sporting Success | Three Clubs | Four Finals | Four weeks

Dungannon Sporting Success | Three Clubs | Four Finals | Four weeks

by | Apr 8, 2025 | Uncategorized

L-R: Ryan Abernethy (DRFC), Lucy Redmond (DLHC) & Dean Curry (DSFC).

L-R: Jonny Gillespie ((DRFC Coach)), Rodney McAree (DSFC Head Coach), Norman Purdy (DLHC First Team Coach), Lucy Redmond (DLHC Captain), Ryan Abernethy (DRFC player) & Dean Curry (DSFC Captain).

It’s a magical time for everyone associated with Dungannon Swifts FC, but it’s also a special month for the town in general as the football, rugby and hockey clubs all prepare for major cup finals.

In the case of the men’s rugby team, they kick off in the Ulster Senior Cup final in Ravenhill at the exact same time as the Swifts are lining out at Windsor Park across the city.

And if that wasn’t enough, Dungannon Hockey Club have two cup finals coming up – the Irish Challenge Trophy this Saturday and the Ulster Senior Cup the week after the rugby and football finals – meaning they at least will be able to cheer on one of the other teams, although they will have to choose which one!

The three clubs are situated just a few minutes’ walk from each other on the same side of the same road and there are strong bonds of family and friendship, with players and staff frequently lending their support when their own team is not in action.

The hope is that the extra special buzz around the town this month will help drive all three to bring silverware back to Mid Ulster.

Swifts manager Rodney McAree said all associated with the football club will be sending their best wishes to both the rugby and hockey teams as the town aims for a unprecedented treble.

Having played a little rugby himself during a period at the Royal School (inside centre, for those curious), before football took precedence on Saturday mornings, he still gets to Dungannon, Ulster or Ireland matches when he can and has many friends in both the rugby and hockey clubs, as well as the town’s GAA club, the Clarke’s.

“Stevie and John Scott would be very friendly with a lot of guys in the rugby club, having come through school together, and I’ve lots of friends who are involved or were involved,” he said.

“It’s just great to see everyone doing so well and we are all massively supporting each other this month.

“There is a great buzz around the the town.”

The first chance of silverware comes as early as this weekend, when the hockey team take on Instonians in the Irish Challenge Trophy at Playball, Stormont.

After that it’s back to the same location to try to retain the Ulster Senior Cup against Randalstown on May 10.

Nicola Cardwell, chairperson of Dungannon Hockey Club, said Norman Purdy’s team are also in the hunt for promotion to the premier league, with success in any of the competitions capping off memorable 50th anniversary celebrations for the club this year.

She recalled how the hockey club actually began life training at Stangmore Park, and have used both the football and rugby club’s facilities for their events.

Many of the ladies go straight from hockey matches to support the rugby or football teams, and captain Lucy Redmond is a footballer herself and a big Swifts fan.

“There have always been very good relationships – it’s a small town and everyone is connected in some way,” Nicola said.

“We have people whose husbands or other family members play or are on committees and we are all located on the same road.

“We don’t have our own clubhouse so originally we would have gone to Dungannon Swifts and now we have been at the rugby club for a number of years.

“We are all sporting minded and are very happy that we will be able to watch the cup final.”

At Stevenson Park, meanwhile, the rugby team’s head coach Jonny Gillespie is also pushing for both promotion and cup glory at the business end of successful year for the first XV.

And while there is disappointment that the football and rugby finals clash, it’s a nice problem to have for anyone connected to the three teams.

“I think it’s amazing that the hockey, rugby and football teams have all had successful seasons,” he said.

“When you’re driving home and hear the other sports reports about Dungannon, it’s great to have three teams in the town doing very well.

“On behalf of rugby football I extend best wishes to the Swifts and the hockey club – the whole town will be rooting for them.”

L-R: Adrain Whittle (DSFC, V.Chairman), Nicola Cardwell (DLHC, Chairperson) & Jonny Gillespie (DRFC Coach)

𝗔 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 | 𝗞𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝗱

𝗔 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 | 𝗞𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗼𝘆𝗱

by | Mar 30, 2025 | Uncategorized

As chairman of Dungannon Swifts Football Club, it is my privilege to say our team has successfully reached the Irish Cup Final, a remarkable achievement and an important milestone for our small family club that is entirely run by dedicated volunteers. This accomplishment represents not only a significant moment in our club’s history but also a meaningful point of pride for our entire community.

We are excited to invite you to join us in this celebration on Saturday, 3rd May. Your support is crucial as we aim to make our club proud and foster a sense of unity within our neighbourhoods. Together, we can create an atmosphere that resonates with encouragement and spirit, reflecting the hard work and dedication of our players, management, staff and volunteers.

We hope you can attend and cheer on our team as we strive for glory in the Final of the Irish Cup. #UTS

Clearer Water Irish Cup semi-final | Bangor 0-2 Dungannon Swifts

Clearer Water Irish Cup semi-final | Bangor 0-2 Dungannon Swifts

by | Mar 30, 2025 | Uncategorized

Clearer Water Irish Cup semi-final
Bangor 0-2 Dungannon Swifts
Seaview, 29th March 2025
Attendance: 2,798

Tears in the dug-out, tears in the stands, tears on the pitch…

And 24 hours later, a few sore heads too after an unforgettable night for all associated with the mighty Dungannon Swifts Football Club.

Only once before have fans, coaches and players woken to the realisation that they will be taking their place in the showpiece event in the domestic sporting calendar, the Irish Cup final.
That was 18 years ago, and ended in the agony of defeat on a penalty shoot-out.
Among the scorers against Linfield that day was Rodney McAree, head coach and lifelong fan, and as the minutes ticked down in yesterday’s tense 2-0 victory over Bangor at Seaview, he admitted the emotions were getting the better of himself, Dixie Robinson and all the coaching staff as they waited for the final whistle.
”It’s something I have dreamt of all my life. Obviously I’m a Dungannon Swifts lad, I used to go from the age of probably three and stand on a chair and play pool when my dad was cleaning the clubhouse,” he said.
”It’s been my club. I always had an ambition that I wanted to play in an Irish Cup final with Dungannon Swifts and as soon as I started doing my coaching badges, I knew that I wanted to be a manager or head coach in an Irish Cup final.
”To be head coach of Dungannon Swifts and go to an Irish Cup final on 3rd May is something special and it’s something that I’ll take great pride in.
”There was actually a few tears in the dugout with three or four minutes to go.”
With the final whistle, all that emotion, pent up from years and years of trying to reach this point, spilled out on the pitch and in the stands as players and fans embraced, sang, cheered, clapped and just drank in the sheer unadulterated joy of the occasion.
The game itself? It hardly seems to matter now, but it had been another highly professional performance from a supremely talented, well-drilled and committed group of Dungannon players.
In difficult conditions in north Belfast, with a strong, swirling wind making defending particularly tricky, the Swifts dominated the first half against Championship leaders Bangor, stroking the ball around from the whistle in search of openings.
The first goal came early, on 16 minutes, when a deft through ball by Leo Alves put Andrew Mitchell clear and he lobbed over advancing keeper James Taylor.
Bangor defender Kyle Owens’ attempt to divert the goalbound shot only succeeded in heading it into the net and Dungannon had a deserved lead.
In the second half, with the wind at Bangor’s back this time, the Swifts also managed to carve out good chances for Andrew Mitchell and John McGovern, but weren’t able to extend their lead.
Inevitably, the Seasiders began to test the Dungannon backline, with a series of crosses, corners, free kicks and long throws sending the ball in the danger area.
On each occasion captain Dean Curry and his defensive unit of Wallace, Glenny and Scott repelled the threat, with keeper Dunne not called into any significant saves.
And with the game still in the balance, Dungannon won a corner of their own on 82 minutes and the delivery by Kealan Dillon was met with a thumping header by Curry to make it 2-0 and effectively settle the game.
Cue delirious scenes among the Swifts support and the realisation that a trip to Windsor Park for the Irish Cup final was just minutes away.
Man of the match Curry, described as a ”warrior” by his manager, said he ”knew once the ball left Kealo’s foot that I was going to be on the end of it”.
”I go to the Irish Cup every year with my family, go for a big day out, and now I’ve given them a big day out. I feel emotional talking about it,” he said afterwards.
And for the huge and equally emotional Swifts support, that big day out against holders Cliftonville will be on 3rd May, a chance to make history with a first ever Irish Cup triumph.

Last one out of Dungannon turn the lights off!

Bangor: Taylor, Neale, Owens, Harrison (c), Arthurs, Cushnie (Morgan 70), McArthur (Hughes 76), O’Mahony (McDonagh 84), Hassin, McGuinness, Byers. Unused subs: Fry, Reid, Mathieson, Halliday.

Dungannon Swifts; Dunne, Scott, Curry (c), Knowles (McGinty 72), McGovern, Dillon, Alves, Glenny, Wallace, Mitchell (Galvin 86), Bigirimana. Unused subs: Henderson, Marron, Maguire, Hutchinson, Bermingham.

Referee: Tony Clarke

 

Clearer Water Irish Cup semi-final | Preview

Clearer Water Irish Cup semi-final | Preview

by | Mar 27, 2025 | Uncategorized

Bangor v Dungannon Swifts
Clearer Water Irish Cup semi-final
Seaview, Saturday 29 March, 5.30pm
Tickets via Ticketmaster


It’s now less than 48 hours until the big game and excitement is building for both players and fans of Dungannon Swifts FC.

After the achievement of securing a top six finish in the league this month, the focus shifts to the Irish Cup and the prize of a place in the final to challenge for a first ever victory in the competition.

Manager Rodney McAree said the mood is good in the camp, despite a weakened team going down 3-0 to league champions Linfield on Monday in a game moved to facilitate its broadcast on Sky Sports.

“The result on Monday didn’t go our way. Yes, we made some changes but we still a had strong team on the pitch,” he said.

“The game was little bit disruptive because we lost our Tuesday training session as preparation for Saturday, but at this stage of season everyone knows their roles and responsibilities and we had a recovery session where the mood was very good.

“Everyone is looking forward to Saturday now and excited about the game.”

Bangor will present an unfamiliar challenge at Seaview, but no-one will be under any illusion about the danger the seasiders pose.

The team have dominated the Championship division this year and confirmed their threat with a stunning 3-1 victory over Glentoran to reach the semi-final.

“It’s going to be an extremely tough game. Bangor will provide a physical challenge, a direct challenge,” said Rodney.

“They have very good individuals but collectively they work extremely hard, they have lot of energy and experience.

“For anyone to think that we would be complacent going into this game would be ludicrous. You only have to look at the Glentoran game to understand what a great side they are.”

Cheering the boys on this Saturday will be a sizeable and very vocal Dungannon support, a feature of away games in particular as the club has enjoyed one of its best ever seasons.

And for Rodney, a lifelong Swifts fan as well as a former player and manager, it will be a very special feeling to lead the club in only its fourth Irish Cup semi-final.

The first, in 2007, saw a penalty shoot-out victory over Cliftonville before the agony of defeat on penalties in the final against Linfield. Rodney was one of the scorers in that 2-2 draw, as well as converting a penalty.
He was also manager in 2017 when Dungannon lost 1-0 to the same opponents at the semi-final stage, with the club again missing out by the same slim margin against Cliftonville two years ago.

“We feel the buzz in the town, we feel the support we’re getting,” he said.
“For me personally, I played in an Irish Cup final and it was a fantastic experience. We nearly got over the line and on another day we could maybe have won.
“We have lost in another couple of semi-finals but this is our next opportunity.

“As a player I always dreamt of playing in a final. Now as head coach, and particularly with my home town team that I’ve supported all my life, it would be a special experience to do that again.

“There is still a long way to go but this is group of players who are self-driven and who also want to drive each other on and we are all just looking forward to the game on Saturday.”

Road to the semi-final:

Quarter-final:
Carrick Rangers 1-3 Dungannon Swifts

Round 6:
Dungannon Swifts 2-1 Coleraine (AET)

Round 5:
Dungannon Swifts 5-0 Rathfriland Rangers

CONTRACT NEWS | Rodney McAree commits his future to DSFC.

CONTRACT NEWS | Rodney McAree commits his future to DSFC.

by | Oct 1, 2024 | Uncategorized

Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree has committed his future to the club by signing a three-year extension to his current contract.

McAree, who has expressed his happiness with the club, is focused on building a long-term vision and is keen to plan for the future. His continued presence will provide stability and direction for the team as we aim to improve and grow in the coming seasons. This extension reflects McAree’s commitment to the Swifts and his belief in the club’s potential, signalling a promising period ahead for the team and its supporters.

Click the link to watch Rodneys full interview:  https://youtu.be/Kif3kO4RLLM

Congratulations, Rodney! We’re delighted to have you continue leading our team. This commitment signals a bright and promising future for Dungannon Swifts as we work towards new goals and growth under his guidance.

#RMBAWA