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.
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
Management are delighted to announce the signing of a young up and coming talent, Cameron Grieve.
Left back, Cameron will add to the progressive nature of the current squad on board at Stangmore park. At only twenty years old he has had Irish League experience with Glenavon and comes highly rated to Dungannon. Management are pleased to have secured the signature of Grieve as they believe he has a wealth of potential and look forward to him reaching this level in a Dungannon shirt.
Welcome to Stangmore Park Cameron.
In other team news, Marc Brolly has joined Derry City. We would like to thank Marc for his commitment to the club during his six month spell and wish him all the best for the future.
This Saturday (7th July) we travel to play Moyola Park in our first pre season fixture.
Kick off is at 2pm.
The supporters club are running a bus to the match which will cost £6 per person.
If you are interested in attending can you please let Darren Boyd know, email media@dungannonswiftsfc.co.uk or send us a message via Facebook. This should be a great day out for everyone and a chance to see some of our new signings in action.
Southern Area Hospice Services is reminding people that there are just two weeks left to enter the draw to win a brand new Citroen C1 car supported by The Donnelly Group and the Oak Centre, Dungannon.
On Saturday the 30th June, the lucky winner of a brand new Citroen C1 (pictured) will be announced at 4pm in the Oak Centre, Dungannon. With tickets priced only £1 for this fantastic prize, don’t miss the opportunity to be in with a chance to win. Una Fegan, Regional Marketing Officer for the Southern Area Hospice, Dungannon urged people to get involved saying, “We have had a great response to the inaugural ‘Win a Car’ competition in Dungannon. This prize draw is a great opportunity for the people of Dungannon to support the local Hospice services in the area with the chance of getting something amazing back.”
“Southern Area Hospice is committed to caring for local people through our Day Hospice Unit on the D Floor of the South Tyrone Hospital, Outpatient Clinics, Bereavement Support Services and Home Care through our Community Nurses; the support of local people in Dungannon is greatly appreciated.”
Tickets are available for £1 from the Oak Centre and the Hospice Shop, Irish Street Dungannon until the 30th June. Those who received tickets in the post should return them to the Hospice in the freepost envelope by Tuesday 26th June. You can also get your hands on tickets in the Oaks Centre, Dungannon until 30th June at 4pm when the lucky winner will be drawn.
Alternatively call at the Day Hospice in Dungannon on a Tuesday or Wednesday to get your ticket or calling us directly in the Fundraising office on (028) 3025 1333.
For more info visit our website on www.southernareahospiceservices.org ENDS For further press information please contact Patrick McShane, Stakeholder Communications on 028 90339949
