by DSFC Media | Jul 26, 2012 | Uncategorized
THE Irish FA today announced Danske Bank as the new title sponsor of the Premiership.
The Danske Bank Premiership, as the league will now be named, kicks off on 11th August and marks a significant investment by the bank in local football.
Danske Bank is the parent company of local bank Northern Bank, which will rebrand as Danske Bank in November.
Irish FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson is excited by the new sponsorship, saying: “We are absolutely delighted to announce this sponsorship. The Danske Bank Premiership is the flagship competition in domestic football in Northern Ireland and is followed by thousands of loyal supporters each week.
“Danske Bank is a great example of the calibre of partners that we are attracting and working with. This investment into the highest level of our local game will be a huge support in developing the league; and along with media exposure, will undoubtedly help to raise the Premiership’s profile and attendance at games around the country.”
Northern Bank Chief Executive Gerry Mallon said: “The Danske Bank Premiership is a really significant and exciting sponsorship for us and marks the first time our new brand identity will be visible in the market. This is another sign of Danske Bank’s commitment to the local market. Like ourselves, the Irish FA has a long heritage in Northern Ireland as an integral part of the local community so this Premiership sponsorship is a great fit for both organisations. We look forward to working in partnership with the Irish FA and to the start of the new season.”
The opening fixtures in the 2012/13 Danske Bank Premiership see champions Linfield travel to Ballymena United, whilst newcomers Ballinamallard United open with a home fixture against Dungannon Swifts. Cliftonville welcome Glenavon to Solitude, Coleraine face Crusaders, Glentoran play Donegal Celtic, and Portadown tackle Lisburn Distillery in what is sure to be an exciting open day in the Danske Bank Premiership.
ifapremiership.com
by DSFC Media | Jul 25, 2012 | Uncategorized
A superb comeback saw Dungannon Swifts snatch victory against a battling Strathroy Harps in a thrilling pre-season game at the Athletic Grounds. Two goals down at half-time, the Premiership side seemed to be heading for an embarrassing defeat against an impressive Strathroy side.
But they came storming back, scoring three times in eight second half minutes to claim their second win of the pre-season campaign on Saturday.The winning goal came from JP Gallagher, whose powerful free-kick went in off the crossbar to snatch a morale-boosting victory.
Dungannon first team coach Rodney McAree focused on his side’s second half performance, preferring to forget a very average opening 45 minutes.
“In the first half I was deeply disappointed with a lot of our players,” he said. “The pitch was good, it was set up to be a good afternoon, but in that first half we were very poor.After half-time our efforts were much improved. The players did everything that was asked of them.They attacked in numbers, created plenty of chances, and defended when needed. That was the type of performance I want every week.”
“At this stage of the season it is not about the result, it’s more about the performance and building up the players’ fitness levels,” McAree added.
“We are three weeks away from the start of the new season and from now on we really need to start focusing on getting things right.”
This was Strathroy’s first match of the pre-season campaign, and coach Cathal Gavin was pleased with the players’ efforts.
“We only started back in training last week so it was all about getting a good workout, and for the first hour I thought we matched Dungannon,” he said.It was a good chance to gauge ourselves against a higher standard of football, and I cannot ask any more from the players. We were first class. Towards the end we ran out of energy and Dungannon showed a wee bit of class, but overall we can take a lot of positives.”
Strathroy got off to a dream start when Caolin McCrossan put them in front inside two minutes. Tony Quinn forced Dungannon into losing possession and played McCrossan through. He rounded the goalkeeper before finding the net.
Terry Fitzpatrick then missed a great chance to level, heading over from a Dale Noble cross, before Strathroy doubled their lead in the 37th minute.
Darren Teague delivered a cross and Quinn headed home from close range.
Dungannon made several changes in the second half, with Adam McMinn, Michael McKerr and Stefan Lavery among the players coming on.
And the changes seemed to jolt the Premiership side into life. Lavery dragged a shot wide while Stephen O’Neill headed straight at Dermot Donnelly. But the substitute ‘keeper, playing after an early injury to Tomas Antzcak, was beaten seconds later when O’Neill headed home McKerr’s cross.
Dungannon drew level in the 72nd minute. The two O’Neills, Stephen and Ryan, combined to set up Lavery and his effort went in off the left post. And they completed a superb comeback four minutes later.Gallagher’s thunderous free-kick ricocheted off the crossbar and down, with the assistant referee ruling the ball had landed just behind the line.
STRATHROY HARPS: Antzcak, Damon Teague, McElholme, McCaskie, McGovern, Sloan, Nugent, Cunningham, Darren Teague, McCrossan, Quinn
DGN SWIFTS: Curran, R O’Neill, Brennan, Montgomery, Gallagher, Grieve, Fitzpatrick, Hutchinson, Noble, S O’Neill, S Friars
* On Friday night Dungannon lost 2-0 to a strong Chile under-20 side at Stangmore Park. Their opponents are in Northern Ireland for the Milk Cup competition.
Meanwhile, Dungannon United Youth’ under-11 team beat Hearts 13-12 on penalties to lift the 2012 Foyle Cup following a 2-2 draw.
by DSFC Media | Jul 25, 2012 | Uncategorized
The IRN-BRU League Cup 2012/13 competition was launched yesterday (24th July), with the draw for Rounds 1 and 2 throwing up some exciting ties.
The Championship clubs entered the draw in Round 1 with 10 sides receiving byes into Round 2, whilst the remaining 20 teams battle it out for a chance to play the Premiership clubs in the next round. Loughgall face Lurgan Celtic in what is potentially the tie of the round, with Knockbreda welcoming Warrenpoint Town to East Belfast. Ballyclare Comrades, who came within seconds of knocking Linfield out of last season’s competition, face a trip to Dergview.
The draw for Round 2 was seeded with the Premiership clubs and the top four finishers in last season’s Championship avoiding each other. Holders Crusaders begin the defence of their trophy with a home tie against the winner of the Glebe Rangers v Larne Round 1 match, whilst last season’s runners-up, Coleraine, have a local derby ahead of them with a trip to Ballymoney United. The winner of the Ards v Annagh United Round 1 tie have a home game against Linfield to look forward to, and Glentoran await the winners of the PSNI v Chimney Corner Round 1 match.
Head of Marketing at AG Barr, Adrian Troy said “This is the second year of the IRN-BRU League Cup sponsorship and we are delighted to be supporting football in Northern Ireland. Last year’s competition was exciting, dramatic and packed with goals. This year we will again be recognising some great goals with our ‘Ginger Boot’ award and we will highlight outstanding performance in each round with our ‘IRN Man’ award. We look forward to another phenomenal season of football.”
Chairman of the Premiership Committee, Aubry Ralph said: “Last season was a brilliant introduction into domestic football in Northern Ireland for IRN-BRU with their sponsorship of the League Cup, and I have no doubt that this season will be another success. Their unique approach to promoting the competition has been a breath of fresh air and I am sure that this season will be no different.”
Fixtures and Dates:
Round 1 – 14 August 2012 (745pm kick-off)
1. Banbridge Town v Queen’s University
2. Moyola Park v Tobermore United
3. Sport & Leisure Swifts v Wakehurst
4. Ards v Annagh United
5. Loughgall v Lurgan Celtic
6. Portstewart v H & W Welders
7. PSNI v Chimney Corner
8. Knockbreda v Warrenpoint Town
9. Dergview v Ballyclare Comrades
10. Glebe Rangers v Larne
Byes: Carrick Rangers, Newry City, Bangor, Institute, Killymoon Rangers, Armagh City, Dundela, Banbridge Town, Sport & Leisure Swifts, Ballymoney United
Round 2 – 27 August 2012 (745pm kick-off)
1. Crusaders v Glebe Rangers or Larne
2. Killymoon Rangers v Carrick Rangers
3. Ards or Annagh United v Linfield
4. Glentoran v PSNI or Chimney Corner
5. Dergview or Ballyclare Comrades v Newry City
6. Ballymena United v Loughgall or Lurgan Celtic
7. Cliftonville v Moyola Park or Tobermore United
8. Portstewart or H & W Welders v Donegal Celtic
9. Knockbreda or Warrenpoint Town v Ballinamallard United
10. Bangor v Armagh City
11. Dundela v Portadown
12. Banbridge Town or Queen’s University v Institute
13. Limavady United v Lisburn Distillery
14. Sport & Leisure Swifts or Wakehurst v Glenavon
15. Ballymoney United v Coleraine
16. Dungannon Swifts v Coagh United
by DSFC Media | Jul 25, 2012 | Uncategorized
Dungannon Swifts are holding a Community Family Funday on Saturday 28th July starting at 12 noon at Stangmore Park, Dungannon. Throughout the day there will be a 5-a-side football tournament for under 11’s, there are still limited places for this and anyone wishing to enter a team can contact Judith on 07825 270777 there will be medals for every child taking part and the winning team will be presented with the prestigious Tyrone Cup. For the competitive adults there will be Tug of War competition for teams of 6, anyone wishing to enter a team can contact Keith on 07801 447580.Both these competitions are free to enter but places must be booked. There are many more actvities taking place including: Penalty Kick, Bouncy Castles including Sumo, Rodeo Bull, Bungee Run and more, Nail Art, Face Painting, Tattoos, Lucky Dip, Guess the Name of the Swifts Mascot Bear, Guess the number of sweets and Throw the Sponge.
There will be a BBQ and Chips, Tuck Shop, Teas and Coffee available all day. There will also be music from 12 noon (kids disco until 5pm and local band Daybreak will be playing in the Clubhouse in the evening). The outside activities will end with a friendly between Dungannon Swifts v Dungannon Tigers at 5pm. We hope to see you all there on Saturday 28th July for what should be a great day of family fun.
by DSFC Media | Jul 25, 2012 | Uncategorized
Swifts management have moved to secure the signature of Fra Brennan who has impressed in pre season. Defender Fra joins the Swifts having previously played for Glenavon and most recently Lurgan Celtic.
Brennan is a hard working, honest lad with a fantastic attitude. He is described by McAree and Murphy as ‘a really good lad who loves his training, with a very upbeat personality and is a total joy to work with’. They were impressed with his performance at centre half against premiership newcomers Ballinamallard on Saturday past in the Gary Bownes Memorial Cup game.
20 year old Brennan has played in both of our pre season friendlies to date and should be a very useful squad player at the Club. We would like to welcome him to Stangmore Park and wish him a successful Swifts Career.
by DSFC Media | Jul 15, 2012 | Uncategorized
Ballinamallard United 0 Dungannon Swifts 1
A stunning strike from Michael McKerr saw Dungannon Swifts retain the Gary Bownes Memorial Cup against Ballinamallard at Ferney Park.
The midfielder struck 14 minutes from the end of a competitive friendly to ensure the trophy returned to Stangmore Park for another season.
The annual pre-season game is held in memory of the late striker, who played for both clubs before his untimely death in 2005.
Dungannon boss Darren Murphy fielded several of his summer signings, including Neal Gawley, Matt Hazley and former Ballinamallard player Grant Hutchinson.
His starting line-up also included two trialists, Francis Brennan and Eddie McEntyre.
And after securing a narrow win against the Premiership newcomers, Murphy was delighted with the result and performance put in by his players.
“I was happy with the performance – the boys worked hard and that is what pre-season is all about,” he said.
“All over the pitch we worked hard and everyone put a good shift in, so I have to be happy.
“Ballinamallard are a good side and they play the game in the right way, so I can take a lot of positives and I’m sure they can as well.”
This was Swifts’ second game of a busy pre-season campaign. They are back in action on Friday night when they face Chile under-20s, who are in Northern Ireland for the Milk Cup.
And Murphy is hoping for more good performances in the coming weeks ahead of their opening league game, back at Ferney Park, on August 11.
“For me pre-season results are irrelevant, it’s more about performances and building fitness levels and I’m more than happy with how we are,” he added.
“I’m not naive enough to read anything into the result, but it’s a good workout for us.”
Dungannon had early claims for a penalty rejected when McKerr went down following a challenge from Ballinamallard goalkeeper Alvin Rouse inside two minutes.
Their opponents’ first chance came in the 32nd minute. Stuart Hutchinson slipped the ball past a defender but fired straight at Niall Morgan.
McEntyre, a forward player on trial with Dungannon, then went close when he picked up possession in midfield and fired inches wide from 25 yards.
Ballinamallard forced chances twice in the early stages of the second period.
First trialist Liam Martin saw an effort blocked following a short free-kick, the ball reached Chris Curran but his shot was stopped by Morgan.
Minutes later Curran was played in by James McGrath, but Morgan came out to intercept the danger.
Otherwise it remained a tense game, short on chances and goals.
Sean Friars wasted a great opportunity when he fired over from a free-kick after McKerr had been taken down on the edge of the box.
But with 14 minutes remaining, McKerr put Dungannon in front.
He took a pass from Cameron Grieve and cut into the box, sidestepping two defenders before beating the ‘keeper at his near post with a thumping strike.
DGN SWIFTTS: Morgan, Hutchison, Brennan, E Friars, Grieve, McKerr, Harpur, McIntyre, Gawley, Hazley, S Friars
Subs: R O’Neill, Gallagher, Curran, Montgomery, Murphy, S Lavery
BALLINAMALLARD: Rouse, Keohone, McConkey, Stafford, Harper, McCartney, Kee, Hutchinson, Curran, Crawford, Martin
Subs: Hill, Sheridan, O’Grady, Feeney, McGrath, Campbell
