by DSFC Media | May 6, 2012 | Uncategorized
The Swifts’ management have got the ball rolling for the new season with the signing of Matt Hazley from Crusaders F.C.
24 year old midfielder Hazley, who has agreed a 12 month deal, will bring a wealth of quality to the Swifts team as he is a creative player with a superb left foot. Swifts fans may remember Matt from January of last season when he scored the winning goal for Crusaders at Stangmore Park. Matt is a former Stoke City player but has plenty of Irish League experience too having played for Newry City prior to his spell with Crusaders.
Murphy and McAree have stated there will be more movement to follow in what will be a busy summer for the Swifts in the transfer window.
We would like to take the opportunity to welcome Matt to the club and wish him all the best in a Swifts Shirt.
by DSFC Media | Apr 30, 2012 | Uncategorized
Dungannon Swifts will be playing in the Premiership again next season after their top flight status was finally secured at Mourneview Park.
A dramatic injury-time equaliser from Emmet Friars snatched the point needed to guarantee another campaign among the elite of Irish League football.
In the end, both Dungannon and Glenavon – who were also in danger of dropping down – could have lost the game and still survived.
Defeat for Lisburn Distillery against Ballymena United rendered this match meaningless, with the Whites finishing the campaign second bottom.
They will now play off against Newry City for a place in next season’s Premiership.
For Dungannon, however, it was a satisfying end to a turbulent 12 months at Stangmore Park.
This has been one of their toughest campaigns, marred by disappointing results on the pitch and three managerial changes in the dugout.
But with their cherished senior status secured, Rodney McAree and Darren Murphy can now get down to the serious business of planning for next season.
Inevitably players will move on – Craig McClean is set to sign for Crusaders – and next season will once again be a battle against the odds.
However, it will be a season spent in the Premiership rather than the Championship wilderness, and that was always the priority.
Swifts’ status had been in doubt right up until the final fixture of a long campaign.
And while there were various permutations which could save them, the equation was simple – avoid defeat at Glenavon to ensure survival.
Yet the afternoon started badly as Glenavon – who needed three points to guarantee their safety – charged into a fourth minute lead.
A long ball from Kyle Neill was cleared to the edge of the box and Brian McCaul took aim, although goalkeeper Niall Morgan will be unhappy that the strike slipped past him so easily.
News of an early goal for Distillery against Ballymena added to their woes.
But then Dungannon were handed – quite literally – the perfect chance to level when they were awarded a 20th minute penalty.
A hand ball by Ciaran Doherty was penalised, but Friars’ spot kick was blocked by the ‘keeper.
Dungannon did not let the setback affect them, however, and finished the half strongly.
Michael Ward fired over from a Stefan Lavery cut-back, while Lavery had an effort cleared off the line following a free-kick from Ryan Harpur.
Later Lavery just failed to get a touch on Johnny Topley’s inviting cross, while the ‘keeper made a good save from Ward’s close-range strike.
The momentum tilted back to Glenavon after the break and Neill twice went close from free-kicks, but both times he was denied by Morgan.
Another delivery from Neill caused havoc and, when the ball dropped to Tony Grant, his overhead kick was headed off the line by Johnny Montgomery.
The big news, however, was coming from the Distillery game, where Ballymena were now leading 2-1. If that stayed the same, both Dungannon and Glenavon would be safe.
And it seemed the Co Tyrone side would be reliant on that result when they conceded a second goal in the 68th minute.
Michael McKerr tripped Ryan Henderson in the box, and McCaul converted the resulting penalty.
Dungannon needed a response – and they got it.
Within five minutes a speculative 30-yard effort from Terry Fitzpatrick took a wicked deflection off Jay Magee, looping over the stranded ‘keeper.
A third Ballymena goal at Distillery meant the pressure was now off – whatever happened Dungannon would be staying up.
But they ensured a positive end to a difficult season with a late, late equaliser. A throw was flicked on by Adam McMinn, and Friars fired home from close range.
GLENAVON: Coleman, Shannon, Neill, Jay Magee, Jonny Magee, Henderson, Doherty, Hagan (Miskimmin, 63), Doherty, Hamilton, Grant
Subs not used: Gordon, Cherry, Mitchell, O’Hare
DGN SWIFTS: Morgan, O’Neill, Montgomery, E Friars, McClean, McKerr, Harpur, Fitzpatrick, Topley, Ward (Brolly, 72, McMinn 88), S Lavery
Subs: Murphy, Funston, Donnelly.
Referee: Raymond Crangle (Belfast)
by DSFC Media | Apr 16, 2012 | Uncategorized
A “Joe McAree Celebration Ball” has been organised for the 28th April 2012 to celebrate Joe’s 40 years of service (so far) to Dungannon Swifts Football Club and also his services to Dungannon United Youth, without dad football in this area wouldn’t be at the level it is and the youth of our community wouldnt have the opportunities offered to them. He has provided opportunities to youth coaches and done his very best to ensure supporters and players were looked after to the highest standards over his ongoing time involved.
This is a great opportunity for the community to show their support to dad and also to enjoy a terrific night. So far we have had a good response but mainly from people from further afield so I’m asking the local supporters, coaches, players, parents and all those who have been helped in some way by dad to pay the respect that the man deserves.
The dinner will be held at The Glenavon House Hotel, Cookstown, commencing at 7.30pm, The special guest for the evening is Leeds legend John Giles who will be joined by Jackie Fullerton and other football personalities from dads past, music will be provided by the fantastic Untouchables.
Tickets are priced at £50 per head, dress code is black tie for the boys and long dress for the girls, for further information contact media@dungannonswiftsfc.co.uk, Keith Boyd or a member of the committee, its not too much to ask for your support for a man who has given so much!
Cheers, Rod.
Rodney McAree
by DSFC Media | Apr 12, 2012 | Uncategorized
Supporters of the Carling Premiership’s Dungannon Swifts will be treated to special promotional Fans Day on Saturday 14 April ahead of their game against Lisburn Distillery, with competitions, giveaways and entertainment at Stangmore Park.
With free face-painting, keepy-up competitions, spot prizes and a crossbar challenge giving supporters the chance to win club merchandise, Carling goodies and even Season Tickets for the 2012/13 campaign.
Graeme Beggs, the Irish FA Domestic Marketing Manager, is encouraging all football fans to come along and sample the atmosphere at a Carling Premiership game. He said: “Local football fans are the lifeblood of clubs right across the country, and through events like this we are encouraging more people to come along, join in the fun, and support local football. The keepy-ups and crossbar challenges are something that people of all ages and abilities can take part in, so come along and set a target for the rest of the Premiership to beat.”
Entertainment begins at 2pm with the crossbar challenge taking place at half-time.
