06/05/2007, Rathfarnham Punters 0, Terenure College 3.

WALKOVER

Ref: Declan Reale

03/05/2007, Terenure College 3, Newtownpark Celtic 0.

WALKOVER

Ref: John Glynn

Liam Dodd Cup Quarter Final, 29/4/07
Blackrock College 3, Terenure College 3, after extra time.
Blackrock win 3-2 on penalties.

Terenure's quest for silverware this season ended in a heartbreaking sudden-death penalty shootout in yet another dramatic game in College's topsy-turvy season.
On a warm afternoon in Newtownparklands, College began the game very brightly, with Martin Blair making space for an early shot that found its way to Robin Jones, but the keeper saved well from Jones' low shot.
From the corner, Derek Muir headed just wide as College signalled hungry early intent and the Rock keeper was again in action after 10 minutes when Alex Wilson's long punt found Colm Costello whose first time effort was parried away.
Blackrock took the lead against the run of play on 12 minutes, a long ball forward wasn't dealt with by the College defence and the Rock players exchanged passes with the forward placing wide of Wilson from 10 yards.
Terenure reacted well though and levelled within 5 minutes. Niall McCabe crossed from the right and Costello again got in behind the right back to finish expertly as the ball bounced up nastily, his finish placed coolly inside the far post.
Two minutes later, College conceded a terrible goal with the Blackrock centre half running from deep in his own half past 4 or 5 weak challenges to beat the furious Wilson and put the home side 2-1 up.
Nure then lost their composure for 10 minutes and conceded a soft free kick on 27 minutes and from 22 yards, Wilson was beaten all ends up to give Nure a mountain to climb.
But the fight back was given a chance after 35 minutes when the Rock centre half handled just inside the area, but Muir lost his 100% penalty success rate with the keeper saving to his left. Muir made amends on 40 minutes when he set up Karl Bishop 25 yards out and Bishop's drive ripped past the keeper to give College a half time lifeline at 2-3 down.
The second half began scrappily enough but Terenure completed the fightback on the hour with a great goal from defence, with Brady and Hanlon combining to release McCabe down the right and his pass sent Muir sprinting clear, with Muir's excellent cross finding the inrushing Blair who scored the goal his display richly deserved to even the match up at 3-3.
Wilson was largely untroubled thereafter with Nure creating some chances, Murray was narrowly wide after robbing a defender, Jones fired over after Eddy Jackson and Muir worked the opening well and Muir might have done better after Jones and Blair superbly created the chance.
But the 90 minutes saw no further goals and early in extra time, Jackson was harshly sent off after a harmless looking tussle at a Nure corner and he was joined minutes later by the Blackrock Number 8 for persistent and niggly fouling, so it remained 3-3 and ten men each as no major chances arose in extra time.
The penalty shootout was equally dramatic, with Murray and McCabe having their kicks saved and Rock going 2-0 up. Dec Brady reduced the deficit and Wilson then saved Rock's third to give Nure hope, but Costello and the Rock player then both sent their kicks over the bar. With one kick each remaining, Gary Smith kept his nerve to make it 2-2 and the Rock player hit the post to send it to sudden death. Jones then fired over with his kick and the Rock player sent Wilson the wrong way to send the home side into the semi final and ensure yet another dramatic Cup exit for Terenure.

TCAFC (4-4-2): Wilson; McCabe, Brady, Hanlon, O'Frighil (Murray 37); Jackson, Bishop (Drennan 95), Jones, Costello; Blair, Muir (Smith 98).

Ref: Emil Doran Urcan.

22/4/07, Clondalkin Celtic 1, Terenure College 1

Terenure stretched their unbeaten run in League/Cup to 5 games with a fully deserved point, which could easily have been three as they warmed up for next week's Cup Quarter Final.
Eddie Jackson came into the starting line up for the first time after an injury ravaged season and Karl Bishop was back in midfield after missing the Cup game 3 weeks ago as a strong Nure XI took the pitch.
But the home side should have scored early after a dangerous free from the left caught the Nure defence ball watching, but the Clondalkin lad blazed high and wide.
Nure's first attack saw Derek Muir head on for Jackson to run clear but his shot was saved by the keeper and shortly afterwards, Niall McCabe released Martin Blair down the left, Blair cut in well and his curling shot was tipped over the bar by the home keeper.
Another good move down the right involving Jackson and Blair, saw Muir's shot blocked by the keeper's foot but then at the other end Alex Wilson made a brilliant save as Nure gave the ball away cheaply 30 yards from goal.
Not long from half time, McGrath found McCabe with a long ball and McCabe passed to the supporting Denis O'Frighil whose long shot was tipped over again by the Clondalkin keeper. From the corner, Blair volleyed just over but it remained scoreless.
Despite a few chances, Nure hadn't passed the ball very well first half but they immediately put that right in the 2nd half, Bishop and O'Frighil combining to set up Muir who shot too high.
College dominated the opening 20 minutes of the 2nd half, Jones headed just over from Bishop's free and the chance of the match was missed by Blair, who blazed over from 8 yards after McCabe and Muir had worked the ball well. Muir wriggled clear down the left and squared a perfect ball across, but Blair shot too high.
Muir was just wide with a free kick and just as it looked that Nure had to take the lead, a long ball forward by Clondalkin was misjudged by McGrath, the ball bounced over his head and the Clondalkin player poked the ball past Wilson via the post to give Clondalkin the lead after 75 minutes.
But as has been College's attitude of late, they responded well to the setback and five minutes later a long free from deep fell for Jones who looked set to score, but his shot was blocked but Blair made no mistake this time and he drilled high into the net for a deserved College goal.
There was still time for more, a fine move by College saw Jackson set up Bishop whose shot was saved but the rebound just got away from Blair who could only hook the ball wide and that proved to be the final chance of the game.

TCAFC (4-4-2): Wilson; McGrath, Brady, Hanlon (Costello 62); O'Frighil; Jackson, Bishop, Jones, McCabe (Murray 71); Blair, Muir.

Ref: Mick Dunne.

Wayside Celtic 2, Terenure College 2 AFT
Wayside Celtic 3, Terenure College 3, AET
(Wayside Celtic 5, Terenure College 6 - After Penalties)

Terenure claimed the scalp of Premier Division Wayside Celtic in a dramatic and memorable game at Golden Ball to qualify for the last 8.
Nure's good form of late continued and despite 3 enforced starting changes in a total of 6 absent squad players, the away side closed down Wayside's kick off to gain possession and Robin Jones tore down the right to signal Nure's hunger and intent.
The home keeper denied Kaz Drennan an early goal, after being put through by a superb 30 yard ball from Colm Costello, Drennan got beyond the centre half but his powerful left foot shot was parried over the bar.
Nure continued their very good start, Eoghan McGrath galloped up the right from full back and his superb centre was headed over by Martin Blair.
Wayside did threaten from a corner late on in the first half, but despite a free header, the Wayside player couldn't connect and though College were the better side in the opening 45, it remained scoreless.
After 53 minutes with Nure preparing a substitution, a harmless through ball was miscontrolled by Hanlon and that let in the Wayside player who calmly placed his shot past Alex Wilson to open the scoring.
4 minutes later, Jones hit a powerful shot from the edge of the box but the keeper turned it away low to his right. From the corner, O'Frighil delivered a lovely ball and Derek Muir timed his run and jump perfectly to power home the header to equalise.
The introduction of Chris Russell on 55 minutes gave Nure extra threat up front and a great ball from Drennan looked to set Russell up, but his shot was saved by the keeper. Russell's running resulted soon after in what looked a blatant handball from the home defender but the ref didn't see it.
After 66 minutes, Nure had cause to curse another decision as McGrath looked to have been fouled near his own area, but as the ball broke, ref Tighe awarded a free to Wayside on the left corner of the box. The free kick found the top corner with Wilson powerless to save it.
That only galvanised Nure again and after 72 minutes, another Nure corner was half cleared, Costello hooked it back in and following another half clearance, McGrath hit a superb volley into the far corner from 22 yards tie it up again at 2-2.
Just before the looming extra time, Wilson made two smart saves and Russell almost set up Blair, but the keeper blocked well and it remained 2-2.
In just the 2nd minute of extra time, good build up down the left involving O'Frighil and Drennan finally resulted in a favourable refereeing call, as Blair's feet were taken in the box and the penalty awarded. Muir scored easily to keep up his 100% penalty success rate.
Sixty seconds later Nure were in again down the left, with Jones sending in Drennan but his shot was blocked for a certain corner, but when the ref awarded a free kick, Blair's dissent resulted in a second yellow and he was sent off.
The pendulum swung again 60 seconds into the 2nd half of extra time, a long ball from deep from Wayside saw the Nure defence square and the Wayside forward ran on to slip the ball past Wilson to make it 3-3.
Despite the player less, Nure roared back immediately with the tireless Jones fizzing a shot inches over after he muscled his way down the right and with 2 minutes remaining after Costello had mishit a chance, he regained possession and somehow worked his way past 2 defenders. Costello's cross almost resulted in an own goal as the keeper scrambled clear, Jones then gathered and squared to Drennan but to his horror, he dragged wide from 8 yards. One final long throw from Muir saw Costello head wide at the far post and the dreaded penalties were next.
The standard of penalty kicking was excellent, Nure went first with O'Frighil and Wayside both scoring the first. Drennan's kick was saved by the keeper's foot but Wilson kept it level with a great save to his right.
The next 8 penalties were scored with Muir, Russell, Costello and Brady successful for Nure and when Jones made it 6-5, Wilson proved the hero with a great save to his left to deny Wayside and send Nure into the Quarter Final.
A hell of a game, dramatic doesn't do it justice.

TCAFC (4-4-2): Wilson; McGrath, Brady, Hanlon, O'Frighil; Costello, Jones, Muir, O'Donoghue (Russell 55); Drennan, Blair. Sub not used Farrell.

Ref Robbie Tighe.

Dublin Bus 2, Terenure College 2
Newspaper Article - Tallaght Echo, Tuesday 27th March 2007

Terenure continued their dramatic and entertaining season with another exciting game at Coldcut in a game they could have won, almost lost but ultimately drew.
For the first time this season, Warren was able to name an unchanged XI and there were squad recalls for Niall McCabe and Colm Costello who joined last week's sub Dave Hayden on the bench.
From the kick off, Nure exchanged 5 or 6 swift passes, involving Martin Blair, Robin Jones, Steve Kelly and Tom McLoughlin with the latter's final pass finding Derek Muir who shot straight at the Bus keeper from inside the box, but it was a great start.
Despite the decent early minutes, Dublin Bus made two or three decent chances which might have been converted as they countered swiftly.
Midway through the half, the impressive McLoughlin cut in from the left and forced the keeper to a fine save low to his left and soon after from Karl Bishop's corner, McLoughlin's deflected shot was headed off the line by the Dublin Bus defender, very unlucky.
At the other end, Alex Wilson advanced to make a fine stop after Dublin Bus carved their way through again and the home side took a deserved lead on 41 minutes when their keeper's long kick was missed by Dec Brady and the home player beat Wilson with a well placed low shot.
Terenure emerged for the 2nd half with renewed purpose and McLoughlin again worked the keeper after Muir set him from Kelly's throw and Muir tested the keeper from long range with a fine shot on the turn as Nure dominated.
It was no surprise when they levelled on 56 minutes, good play involving McLoughlin, Jones and Bishop, saw Bishop look for Drennan in the left channel, Drennan's pressure resulted in a hurried tackle and Bishop drilled in a low shot which took a slight deflection and ended up just inside the post, 1-1.
After a lull for 10 minutes, Nure drove on for the winner, Jones was wide with a header, Muir again tested the keeper and Hanlon headed over from Denis O'Frighil's corner but the best chance came to Blair after great work by sub Costello, his near post cross was mishit by the Scotsman from close range and the chance was gone.
After 88 minutes, Muir was wrongly adjudged offside from Hayden's terrific 60 yard pass and to compound matters, Nure failed to deal with the free and two headers later, Wilson was beaten from close range. Game turning incidents like that kill Managers and Warren's fury at the earlier offside call resulted in a telling off from the ref.
To Nure's credit again, they didn't drop their heads as time ticked over 90 minutes and Jones was denied by a fine save by the Dublin Bus keeper. From the resulting corner in the 92nd minute, Hayden made a late run unmarked into the box and after his challenge for the header, the ball bounced about and fell nicely again for Hayden's feet and he smashed the ball gleefully home from 8 yards to tie it up at 2-2.
The proverbial game of two halves, a draw was possibly just about right, but it's still two more points dropped.

TCAFC (4-4-2): Wilson; Kelly (Hayden 74), Brady, Hanlon, O'Frighil; McLoughlin, Bishop (Costello 68), Jones, Drennan; Blair, Muir. Sub not used McCabe.

Ref: B.Fitzpatrick

18/3/07, Terenure College 0, Transport 0

Despite the scoreless result, this was a good game in very tricky conditions amid a gale force wind and a ferocious hail shower.
Nure lined up with the same back 5 as last week, with Kaz Drennan switched to midfield replacing the injured Kieran Murray, so Martin Blair came back in up front.
Terenure were quickly out of the blocks and in the 2nd minute, excellent pressure from Blair and Robin Jones led to Jones getting in down the right channel, but he just dragged his shot wide of the far post.
Karl Bishop's first corner soon after should've been converted as the ball fizzed in low across the goalmouth and from another corner on the right, the Transport keeper scrambled the ball out from under his crossbar to prevent the goal.
Transport didn't create a whole lot in the first half as Nure continued to hunt for the opener and it looked like they got it on the half hour mark. Bishop combined with Denis O'Frighil down the left and from 30 yards O'Frighil's shot hit the bar, the ball looped up and Derek Muir volleyed expertly to the net from the dropping ball. Somehow the referee adjudged Muir to have been offside, but it was a dreadfully incorrect call, but the goal was chalked off and it remained 0-0 at half time.
Transport had the better of the opening 2nd half exchanges, but Nure came back into it and passed the ball cleverly into the gale force wind. From one such move down the right, Jones and McLoughlin released Blair and his cross was headed narrowly wide by Muir.
McLoughlin fired over after Nure worked the ball well in from the left and the same player tested the Transport keeper with a low shot.
At the other end, Alex Wilson made 2 important saves, the first to his right hand side and the second being a terrific tip away to his left after Nure failed to clear a ball on three occasions. Dec Brady also made one tremendous intervention as Transport almost got in down the middle.
As the game ticked into the 90th minute, sub Ken Carney went down in a heap after an innocent collision in a tackle and the match halted for 6 minutes as an ambulance was called. Carney's injury was revealed as cartilage damage, probably ending his season.
Deep into that stoppage time, Transport got a corner down their right and the ball was half cleared, where the Transport player smacked a shot towards the top corner, but Wilson threw himself high to his right and somehow diverted the ball over the bar for a spectacular save to keep the game scoreless and Nure cleared the resultant corner.
The home side will feel a bit disappointed not to have taken all 3 points, but the overall peformance was again encouraging in terms of general play, attitude and discipline.

TCAFC (4-4-2): Wilson; Kelly (Hayden 81), Brady, Hanlon, O'Frighil; McLoughlin, Bishop, Jones, Drennan (Carney 74); Blair, Muir.

Ref: G.Breja Dorel.

11/3/07, Terenure College 4, Leicester Celtic 3
Photos of this Match

Terenure completed a double over near neighbours Leicester Celtic in a dramatic game at the College, overhauling a 1-3 half time deficit to claim a precious 3 points. Having not had a game in 5 weeks, rustiness was a worry for Warren as he handed first starts to Stephen Kelly (against his former schoolboy club) and Tom McLoughlin, with Derek Muir moved to centre forward for added phsical presence alongside Kaz Drennan.
The game began evenly enough and College had a few early corners that threatened, but it was the visitors who opened the scoring after 18 minutes with a spectacular goal. A long throw on the Nure left was half cleared to the edge of the box, only for the Leicester Angolan lad to score with an audacious overhead kick that Alex Wilson did well to get a hand to, it was some goal.
That goal rocked College and they were still smarting 5 minutes later when a free kick from Leicester was floated into the far post and the College defence was static to allow the same player ghost in and volley past Wilson for the second.
Nure didn't drop their heads however and immediately got a goal back after 25 minutes. Karl Bishop was fouled 30 yards out in the middle of the pitch and Bishop dusted himself down and blasted the free kick into the top corner of the net for a wonderful goal to reduce the deficit.
Play was even enough from there till half time, Denis O'Frighil was close from 35 yards and just as it seemed it would be 1-2 at half time, Nure didn't close the Leicester player down in midfield and he released the pacy Angolan, who got beyond Dec Brady and scored past the helpless Wilson.
So it was a somewhat shocked Nure that trooped off at half time, with Kieran Murray succumbing to a back injury so Ken Carney was in for the 2nd half.
Nure began the half well and got a goal back on 50 minutes. Bishop's free kick again from a central position, was headed across goal by Muir who got there ahead of the keeper and McLoughlin was in support to score from close range into an empty goal.
McLoughlin then had a great chance to equalise soon after, Jones and Muir combining to set him up, but the keeper blocked well and at the other end, the otherwise composed Kelly headed into the hat-trick man's path, but he blazed over.
Nure pushed for the leveller and McLoughlin had 2 more brilliant chances, firing just wide from Robin Jones' magnificent through ball and slicing wide with the 2nd one after more good build up.
On the hour mark, College levelled. Wilson's kick was headed on by Muir and Carney was in down the right and his cross was handled in the are and the ref pointed to the spot. Muir scored his 5th penalty of the season and the scores level.
The game remained even enough, but Nure always looked more dangerous as Leicester's supply was nullified with a sterling 2nd half display from all the Nure side.
With ten minutes remaining, Bishop switched play with a speculative long pass and Carney hunted down the full back and dispossessed him in the left corner. Carney kept possession to cross into the goalmouth, sub Martin Blair showed great awareness to let the ball through to the supporting Jones and Jones calmly rolled the ball past the keeper to give Nure a 4-3 lead, the comeback completed in superb fashion.
Jones was then sent clear in the 89th minute by O'Frighil's superb pass, but he was just too high with a left footed drive, but Jones was again absolutely magnificent and it was only right that his goal proved to be the winner as Nure held on comfortably enough to their 4-3 lead. A vital win today, no mistake.

TCAFC (4-4-2): Wilson; Kelly, Hanlon, Brady, O'Frighil; McLoughlin (Hearne 85), Bishop, Jones, Murray (Carney 45); Muir, Drennan (Blair 74).

Ref: G.Breja Dorel

4/2/07, Terenure College 3, Monksfield/Knocmitten 4

This was an amazing game and result and just as Nure hoped their bad fortune deserted them, it returned to haunt them again today.
The outfield 10 from last week's win was retained with Mark Daly taking over in goal and returns to the squad for Colm Costello and Denis O'Frighil and it was Nure who started the better side on a misty morning. Early in the game Daly's punt downfield was headed on by Ken Carney and Robin Jones took advantage of the defender's slip and got in down the right channel, but the keeper made a great save from Jones powerful drive.
From another early Nure corner from the left, Karl Bishop's delivery fell nicely for Derek Muir, but Muir's drive struck the bar as Monksfield rode their luck.
17 minutes in with their first attack, the visitors scored. A speculative ball through the middle saw Muir and Mark Hanlon leave it for one another, allowing the Monksfield man through and though Daly saved well, the follow up player smashed the rebound high into the net for a goal totally against the run of play.
Nure pressed immediately for the leveller and Drennan and Smith combined very well but Smith's low drive was very well saved again by the keeper. Carney headed Bishop's corner over the bar from a good position and minutes later another break away saw Nure 2 down.
Another long ball out of defence wasn't dealt with and the Monksfield player skipped past Muir and squared across the goalmouth where it was collected and netted easily by the supporting player after 24 minutes.
Muir was denied from another set piece, Bishop's free was volleyed goalward by the Scot, but again the keeper threw himself to his right to deny Muir.
40 minutes in with the fog threatening, a killer third goal as the Monksfield player collected 40 yards out, ran through unchallenged and smacked a dipping shot over the helpless Daly, it was a remarkable situation to be one down, let alone three.
Just on half time, Bishop was fouled in the box following a free kick and the ref awarded the penalty and Muir finally beat the keeper to give Nure a half time lifeline.
College started the half again on top and their pressure was rewarded when Niall McCabe played Jones through and Jones searing pace got there ahead of the keeper who clipped Jones and the ref awarded College their second penalty. Muir scored again expertly and the keeper on an earlier yellow was very lucky to stay on.
Hanlon had a great chance to level from Bishop's free, but he volleyed wide and Jones was denied what looked a cast iron penalty when the keeper came out wildly to a 50-50 situation, but Des Clarke waved it away this time.
As Nure continued to fight for the leveller, after 86 minutes a harmless looking cross slipped out of Daly's grasp to the feet of the Monksfield player and he scored easily to seal College's fate.
To their credit, Nure came back for more, and Gary Smith ran onto a through ball and finished well in the 93rd minute to make it 4-3, but after 6 minutes of lost time due to the visitors delaying tactics, Nure didn't get another chance to score and another 3 points lost in a remarkable game.

TCAFC (4-4-2): Daly; D.Brady, Muir, Hanlon, McCabe; Carney (Costello 80), Bishop (T.McLoughlin 68), Jones, Smith; Drennan (O'Frigil 56), Blair.

Ref: Des Clarke

28/1/07, Palmerstown United 1, Terenure College 6

Terenure got 2007 off to a winning start with a very one-sided victory over bottom side Palmerstown.
Having not played since the end of November, the slight worry would be rustiness in performance, but the enforced break also meant that most if not all the players on duty had recovered peak fitness and though one or two players were asked to play in unfamiliar positions, it soon became clear that the Nure outfit were all up for the job in hand.
Nure took the lead just after 10 minutes, Gary Smith and Robin Jones combined well down the left hand side, with Jones squaring to the unmarked Martin Blair, and Blair steadied and steered home left footed for a smart finish.
But the lead was only held for 2 minutes as College switched off at a throw in and the ball got played in behind Hanlon and Muir for the home player to run through and slip the ball past Wilson with their first attack.
This setback galvanised Nure and after 17 minutes they regained the lead. Gary Smith was denied by a terrific save by the home keeper, but from the corner kick, Karl Bishop's near post delivery was volleyed to the net by Smith with his left peg.
College went close as they dominated the half, with Jones denied by another fine save after some excellent approach play and just on half time, Nure got a crucial third. A fine move down the left saw Jones cross get beyond the far post but Ken Carney dinked out a fine return cross and Blair headed in from 6 yards to give College a 3-1 interval lead.
Nure again controlled play as the 2nd half started, Drennan, Blair and Smith all had chances to increase the lead and Palmerstown threatened to make a game of it when they hit the bar from a quickly taken corner kick, with Gary Smith hacking the rebound away off the line.
That wake up call spurred Nure on again and after Smith won a corner down the left, Bishop's delivery was headed powerfully home by Mark Hanlon to make the points safe after 71 minutes.
Nure now ran riot with some slick passing and a move involving the rampant Smith, ended with Blair flicking through to the similarly rampant Jones and Jones got a deserved goal, finishing expertly from 10 yards for 5-1. Just on full time another Nure free kick delivered from the right by Bishop fell nicely for Blair and he completed his hat trick from close range to end the scoring at 6-1 to College.

TCAFC (4-4-2): Wilson; Brady (Hayden 75); Muir, Hanlon, McCabe (O'Donoghue 76); Carney (T.McLoughlin 72), Bishop, Jones, Smith; Blair, Drennan.

Ref: Karl Shanley.

26/11/06, Terenure College 0, Esker 4

Terenure College 0, Esker Celtic 4
College's season now threatens to fall apart at the seams following another desperately disappointing result on a terrific morning for football.
There were returns to the starting line up from last week for Mark Daly, Niall McCabe and Ken Carney with sub call ups for Karl Bishop, Colm Costello and a first inclusion for Stephen Kelly who has impressed with the Saturday team.
Terenure began well enough and twice Kieran Murray got into advanced positions to shoot at the Esker keeper but following the second attempt after 5 minutes, Esker swept downfield and got in down the Nure right side and an excellent cross to the far post was volleyed powerfully past Daly for a real sucker punch so early on.
Ken Carney had a great chance to equalise after 25 minutes after Kaz Drennan had made the chance well down the right, but Carney's first time shot was just wide and from the restart, the strong Esker forward muscled past Mark Hanlon and shot under Daly who was unlucky not to keep it out.
So Nure had a mountain to climb already and Murray again tested the keeper after Robin Jones had set him free and just as Warren prepared the half time chat, an Esker corner wasn't properly cleared and the centre forward volleyed powerfully into the far corner to give the visitor's a three goal half time lead.
The unlucky Hanlon was sacrificed as Warren abandoned 3-5-2 to 4-4-2 and College began the half well to try get a goal back and make a game of it.  Carney forced the keeper to a fine save and Martin Blair was blocked by the advancing keeper after Murray had poked the ball through but on 66 minutes, Esker grabbed a 4th which was definitely offside but summed up Nure's fortunes this season.
The home side continued to do all they could to get a goal back but Bishop blazed over from 8 yards and Blair hit the bar with a header from Drennan's corner and one just knew there wasn't gonna be a home goal today whatever happened.
TCAFC (3-5-2): M.Daly; Brady, Muir, Hanlon (Costello 45);
McCabe, Jones, Fisher (Bishop 63), Drennan, Murray; Carney (Kelly 73), Blair.
Ref: Ken Boylan

19/11/06, Polikoff Cup, Terenure College 2, Parkvale 3

Yet another decent performance but yet another defeat and Terenure must be wondering what they have to do to get anything out of games these days as Major Division's Parkvale escaped with a flattering victory.
Colm Costello's withdrawal saw a first appearance for Mark Hanlon whose pre-season injury had caused his losing out on a place till now, so Hanlon was deployed in the defensive 3.
Parkvale began on top though into the gale force wind and Wilson scrambled a save from an early free kick.  At the other end, Denis O'Frighil was a foot over the bar from a 35 yard free of his own and the opening exchanges were bright and competitive.
The visitors took the lead though, a corner on the Nure left led to a free header and Wilson had little chance of saving but that lead only lasted 5 minutes, a fine individual goal from Robin Jones who forced his way down the right channel and placed his shot inside the far post on 20 minutes.
Jones set up Kaz Drennan for a chance but the defender got across to block and Martin Blair had a great chance but blazed over from a good position after the keeper dropped a cross.  Right on half time however, after College cheaply lost possession, Wilson blocked the shot but the rebound beat him and Derek Muir was adjudged to have handled on the goal line.  Muir was sent off for the offence but Wilson made a great save to his left and half time it remained even.
College began the 2nd half strongly and just on the hour mark good build up from O'Frighil and Drennan led to a corner and from O'Frighil's delivery the ball was cleared to the edge of the box and Jones controlled and drilled a great shot through a crowd of players to give College the lead.
The ten men defended well and kept passing the ball well but on 71 minutes, they again switched off at a corner and another free header left Wilson helpless and 2-2.
With extra time now looming, the visitors grabbed the winner on 85 minutes, Wilson's clearance failed to find Gary Smith and the Parkvale player lobbed the ball over the home keeper's head and just inside the post for a goal that has summed up Terenure's luck this past month or so.
It was a decent performance, a very enjoyable game but Nure's third successive Polikoff appearance ended at the first hurdle for the first time.

TCAFC (3-5-2): Wilson; Brady, Muir, Hanlon; Smith, O'Frighil, Fisher, Jones, Murray (Jordan 64); Drennan, Blair (Carney 80).  Sub not used McCabe.
Ref: G. Mangan.

12/11/06, Seaford Rock Utd. 2, Terenure College 1

Terenure's League woes continued with yet another one goal defeat with Sea Rock taking over top spot as a result.
Warren's plans to revert to 4-4-2 were thwarted before kick off as Niall McCabe succumbed to illness and Denis O'Frighil hadn't recovered from last week's injury, so Gary Smith began in an unfamiliar wing back role, John Fisher given the anchor role in midfield and Kaz Drennan was recalled up front.
Terenure began in blistering fashion, forcing a 2nd minute corner on the right.  Smith swung it in invitingly and Derek Muir rose unmarked but to his horror the ball smacked the crossbar and was scrambled clear.
Smith was again involved in Nure's next attack as he exchanged passes firstly with Stevie Jordan, then Ken Carney and as Smith reached the area, he then got on the end of Drennan's brilliant backheel and Smith was most unlucky to see his low drive come back off the post with the keeper beaten.   Smith combined shortly after again with Carney, but he shot a yard wide of the other post on this occasion.
From another Nure set piece, Kieran Murray's drive was well saved by the home keeper as Nure kept their domination total but to the amazement of everyone, Seaford got in front on 19 minutes.  A route one clearance saw the ball break to the Seaford winger and he hit a first time drive that curled past Alex Wilson.  It was to be Seaford's only attack in the first half and Robin Jones was put clear before half time from Carney's astute pass but the defender made a brilliant block as Jones pulled the trigger.   Somehow Nure went in a goal down at the break.
2nd half again saw Nure in the early ascendancy, more good build up around the box finished Jones rolling the ball to his right but Smith's shot was inches wide with the keeper again beaten and Murray had another goalbound shot blocked and from yet another Smith corner, Muir headed inches over.
As has been the norm this season, the home side countered after 85 minutes and the winger got down their left, squared well and the Seaford player buried the chance clinically past Wilson for the killer second goal.
Nure kept plugging away though and in injury time were awarded a penalty for handball and Muir netted for College, but there wasn't time for another attack and Nure again are left wondering how they have come away with nothing.
It has been a cruel season and no mistake.

TCAFC (3-5-2): Wilson; Brady, Muir, Costello; Smith, Jones (Bishop 68), Jordan, Fisher, Murray; Drennan (Blair 68), Carney.  Ref: Emil Doran Urcan.

5/11/06, Transport 1, Terenure College 0

Terenure slumped to their 4th defeat in five games as the season continued in hugely frustrating fashion in Rutland Avenue.
Despite more enforced changes to the team, Nure lined up with a strong team and subs and were eager to start a concerted run of wins.
The match began fairly tightly with few chances in the opening 20 minutes, Alex Wilson having the first save to make reacting well to a snapshot from the Transport player.
Good approach play between Kieran Murray and Stevie Jordan saw the latter release Martin Blair and his cross found Ken Carney who swivelled well but his fine effort thumped off the post and away to safety.  Minutes later more good build up and passing saw Niall McCabe's inch perfect cross pick out Jordan but he couldn't keep his flying header down and it remained 0-0.
After 36 minutes, the Transport player got possession down the Nure left, he cut in but shot weakly, but sadly the ball found its way through Wilson's legs for a horrible goal for the home side and that remained the half time score.
Nure huffed and puffed in the 2nd half with plenty of decent possession and Carney had a glorious chance after 55 minutes, moving onto Martin Blair's touch ahead, Carney was one on one, but the pitch foiled him and caused the ball to bobble badly and Carney screwed wide from 10 yards.
Muir went close with a header from O'Frighil's corner and Wilson at the other end made a good double save from a Transport counter attack, but Nure grew more desperate for the equaliser and despite 4 added minutes, Transport held out for the three points.
So back to square one for Terenure as they complete half of their scheduled League games already with a record of 3-3-4, the 2nd half of the season must see an upturn in fortunes.

TCAFC (3-5-2): Wilson; Brady, Muir, Costello; McCabe (C.Daly 71), Jones (Russell 71), Jordan, O'Frighil, Murray; Blair, Carney (McCaughey 71).

Ref: Eamon Connolly.

29/10/06, Terenure College 2, Palmerstown United 0

Newspaper Article - The Evening Herald, Monday 30th October 2006

Terenure got back to winning ways over bottom side Palmerstown United and despite making hard enough work of it, the 3 points will be of huge relief to College after 3 successive defeats.
The Bank Holiday weekend resulted in the absence of Karl Bishop, Robin Jones, Dec Brady and Colm Costello so Warren handed starts to Ciarán Daly, Kaz Drennan and Ken Carney with Stevie Jordan returning from injury on the bench with Alex Wilson regaining the No 1 shirt from Mark Daly.
In a scrappy enough opening Kieran Murray went close with a fine drive and Carney almost connected with Denis O'Frighil's corner, but these 2 players did combine to give Nure the opener on 25 minutes.  From O'Frighil's corner kick delivery from the right, Carney volleyed powerfully home from 12 yards for his 3rd of the season.
Within 5 minutes however, Nure almost gifted struggling Palmerstown an equaliser after Niall McCabe needlessly fouled the visiting player inside the box and the ref correctly awarded the penalty.  The Palmerstown player however didn't look confident and his kick was saved by the scrambling Wilson who reacted well, so a lucky escape for Nure.
Overall it was a poor enough first half and the unlucky Ciarán Daly pulled up injured after 39 minutes allowing Stevie Jordan to return to action.
Jordan proved to be increasingly influential in the 2nd half, twice sending Kieran Murray sprinting clear, the first time Murray's cross was just scrambled away and the second attack resulting in the keeper blocking Murray's shot and Carney's lobbed rebound was headed off the line by the defender.
Gary Smith tested the keeper after another Jordan assist and Murray found the crossbar with a cross cum shot as Nure looked for the killer goal.
At the other end Nure had one or two mini scares and with 20 minutes left Ciarán Rafter was sprung in a bid to get the killer goal.
Blair almost got on the end of another Murray cross and finally on 89 minutes Nure made the game safe, with Murray heading the ball to Rafter who turned on the edge of the box and lofted a great shot just under the bar and beating the diving keeper to finally seal the points for the home side.
The win lifts Nure back into 4th position and a record of 3-3-3 in the 9 games played.

TCAFC (4-4-2): Wilson; McCabe, Muir, Fisher, O'Frighil; Smith, C.Daly (Jordan 39), Drennan (Rafter 70), Murray; Carney, Blair.

Ref: Eamonn Connolly.

22/10/06, Terenure College 2, Dublin Bus 4

Newspaper Article - The Star, Tuesday 24th October 2006

Terenure slumped to their third successive defeat following a game that asks even more questions as to how they can turn around their season after a promising start.
There was only one change in the starting line up to last week, John Fisher coming back in defence for the unlucky Colm Costello and from the kick off Nure signalled their intent and intensity, as the Bus full back collected from the kick off, Ciarán Rafter dispossessed him and Robin Jones took the ball down the left, Jones was fouled.  Denis O'Frighil took the free and Jones volleyed powerfully at the far post, the keeper parried but Martin Blair was on the spot to score from close range after 55 seconds, the perfect start.
Blair almost made it 2 a few minutes later after a great run from Kieran Murray, but Blair's shot was saved.
Dublin Bus levelled with their first attack after Derek Muir conceded a corner.  Nure were unable to clear the corner and the winger got in down the right and the ball went across the goalmouth for the away striker to push the ball home from 6 yards, a bad goal from Nure's point of view.
Worse was to come for Nure after 26 minutes, ref Jimmy Wynne spotted a push by the home defence and the Dublin Bus player curled the free kick round the wall and the ball hit the underside of the bar but went over the line, 2-1 to Dublin Bus.
Then after 35 minutes, Jones headed the ball through to Rafter who looked destined to score, but as the keeper advanced, Rafter quite rightly and fairly lunged at the ball and collided with the keeper who went down in a heap.  The ball was scrambled clear and a Dublin Bus player ran 40 yards to push Rafter in the chest.  The referee was suitably unimpressed and brandished the red card to the Dublin Bus player, with Rafter getting a yellow.
Nure had a couple of half chances to equalise then right on half time, the Bus right back supported the attack, cut inside Murray and from 25 yards his low shot was placed wide to Mark Daly's right and the home side somehow found themselves 1-3 down at half time.
Second half Nure dominated the early stages, McCabe was inches wide with a fine left footed drive and Nure threatened often from some very well delivered O'Frighil corners.  On the hour mark, another O'Frighil free kick saw Muir's header saved, but McCabe followed up to score from 12 yards and hope for Nure.
Minutes later, Karl Bishop curled a free kick inches wide and a great run from O'Frighil saw the keeper make a great save to his left as Nure desperately sought to retrieve the game, but on 80 minutes they conceded another soft free kick and amazingly in a carbon copy of the first half, the Dublin Bus player bent it around the wall and inside Daly's left hand post to make it 4-2 and bury Nure.
Three losses in a row and some absences to next week's panel give the gaffer lots to consider this week, another hugely disappointing result.

TCACF (3-5-2):  Daly; Brady, Muir, Fisher; McCabe, O'Frighil, Jones, Smith (Bishop 61), Murray; Rafter (Costello 61), Blair (Carney 75).

Ref: Jimmy Wynne.

15/10/06, Newtownpark Celtic 1, Terenure College 0

Terenure have only themselves to blame for not taking the points in Newtownparklands today after missing a hatful of chances and again falling victim to a late goal, similar to last week's loss.
Tensions were sure to be running high after 2 bad tempered games between the clubs last season, but as it turned out the game was played in a hard but fair spirit with none of the shenannigans on or off the pitch lingering from last season.
Nure again began brightly as has been their habit this season and good approach play led to a speculative shot from wing-back Niall McCabe, the keeper backpedalling could only help it onto the post and somehow Ciarán Rafter couldn't convert the rebound.
The away side were passing the ball well and the midfield 3 of O'Frighil, Smith and Jones were dominating and O'Frighil was very unlucky to see a deflected shot just wide after Jones set him up, Jones then burst through after Martin Blair and Kieran Murray had created the opening but Jones was too high with the shot and Murray himself shot too high after Rafter had headed on Smith's corner as the chances came and went.
Newtownpark's frustration grew as their exposed left back was sent off for a 2nd yellow after again upending Jones as half time approached, but somehow College couldn't take the lead.
Warren warned his side that the missed chances could come back to haunt them and the second half continued to be like the first as Newtownpark dug in bravely.  Murray had the first chance of the 2nd half, but the keeper got down well and Rafter had a glorious chance after beating a defender but he screwed badly wide from 7 yards.  Still it continued, Muir fired in a long ranger but the keeper saved and he excelled again with a double save, firstly from Murray's 20 yarder and somehow smothering Jones' follow up as Nure's frustrtation grew.
The home keeper again saved from Rafter's header and sub Ken Carney headed on for Rafter to somehow blaze over from 8 yards and yet again the keeper clawed one away, this time from O'Frighil and when Muir finally did beat the keeper with a header, the Park defender hacked off the line, amazing escape.
Park went up the other end and struck Daly's post and Nure were indeed made to pay in the 81st minute, a long ball from left to right saw the Park player control well, take it inside Colm Costello and smack a high shot past Daly to give the home side an unlikely lead.
Right from the kick off, Rafter set up Murray but the heroic keeper again blocked and from the corner, debutant Eddie Jackson headed wide with the goal at his mercy.
As time up approached, Dec Brady drove over the bar and Muir again tested the keeper with a low shot, but surprise surprise he saved it and after 5 extra minutes, the home side clung on to the 3 points.
If last week's defeat was disappointing, today's was positively sickening and Nure's goalscoring problems this season continue.

TCAFC (3-5-2): Daly; Muir, Brady, Costello; McCabe (Jackson 71), Jones, Smith, O'Frighil, Murray;  Rafter (Bishop 81), Blair (Carney 63).  Subs not used: Hanlon, Wilson.

Ref: Declan Reale.

08/10/06, Terenure College 1, Seaford/Rock 2

Terenure's early unbeaten start to the season was ended in smash and grab style by Seaford, an 85th minute goal being the difference on the scoresheet, but Nure will be left to rue the chances missed in a second half they dominated.
Warren had a full panel of players to choose from and elected to push Robin Jones up front and bringing back Karl Bishop and Kieran Murray from last week's goalless draw with Monksfield.  Jones then put the home side in front after only 4 minutes.
Mark Daly's long punt downfield saw the Seaford player mistime a backheader and Jones pounced onto the loose ball and lobbed over the visiting keeper for a fine finish and a great start.
Nure were controlling the early exchanges and Sea/Rock's offside trap was twice sprung by O'Frighil but the keeper blocked one effort and both attacks fizzled out.
Seaford then equalised in th 24th minute after Murray conceded a free kick on the left side and the quickly taken free was met with a deft finish at the near post by the unmarked Seaford player.
Nure finished the half stronger but it remained 1-1 at the break.
The home side upped their tempo and sharpened their passing in the second half and the Seaford keeper was far busier, denying Stevie Jordan and also making a fine save from O'Frighil's acrobatic effort.  A Karl Bishop corner saw the defender head against his own bar and O'Frighil was also wide with a header from Karl Bishop's centre and had a shot deflected over after Jones set him up.  Ken Carney was also denied after a great run and cross from Jones and it looked like College would carve out the winner.
Ciarán Rafter also nearly got on the end of a cross but the keeper scrambled away, but in the 85th minute, College again conceded a free on a Seaford counter attack and three passes later, the sub winger was in and tucked his shot past the onrushing Daly for a winner on the break.
Despite 6 extra minutes, College couldn't rescue a point and it will be crucial that they bounce back in their next outing.  They will play worse than this and win.

TCAFC (3-5-2): M.Daly; Brady, Muir, Fisher; Costello, Bishop (Rafter 80), Jordan (Smith 72), O'Frighil (Drennan 68), Murray;
Jones, Carney. Subs not used, McCabe, Wilson.
Ref: Alex Aldea.

01/10/06, Monksfield Knockmitten 0, Terenure College 0

Terenure mantained their unbeaten start to the season and stopped Monksfield's 100% record in a very tight and tense match.
The one hour's delayed start didn't help either side as the opening 20 minutes were extremely scrappy with passing going astray but it was Terenure who had the first opening after Robin Jones made good ground down the left and his cross went into Colm Costello's path but Costello slipped, Ken Carney picked up possession but the keeper saved.
A fine Nure move involving Costello and Carney down the right, saw Jones roll a ball to Stevie Jordan, but Jordan's shot was inches wide with the keeper nowhere.
Monksfield only had one good first half opening after Nure were caught napping from a quick free kick, but the shot went inches wide.
The 2nd half Nure began strongly and more dangerously but the referee's increasingly bizarre decisions (for both sides) didn't help any continuity or momentum.  Jones again went close after  being sent clear by Denis O'Frighil's excellent ball and Mark Daly dealt very well with a couple of Monksfield shots.
Kaz Drennan had a great chance late on from O'Frighil's cross and he certainly seemed to be fouled at the far post, but the ref was never going to give any decision like that today and overall a scoreless draw was probably about right.

TCAFC: M.Daly; Brady, Muir, Fisher; Costello (C.Daly 84), Jones, Jordan, Smith, O'Frighil; Rafter (McCaughey 80), Carney (Drennan 65).
Ref: D.Kavanagh.

Leinster Junior Cup 24/9/06, Templeogue United 4, Terenure College 1

Terenure made their annual first round exit of the Leinster Junior Cup, but the result somewhat flatters the Major Division side who were made to work very hard for their win at Tymon Park.
Nure's hopes were dealt an early morning blow as Derek Muir withdrew having been ill overnight, so Warren had to revert to a 4-4-2 and Kaz Drennan asked to play in an unfamiliar left sided role in midfield.
College began well again though, more than matching their neighbours for aggression and constructive play and it was a bit of a surprise when United got in front on 32 minutes.  A quick counter attack saw the ball flicked over the Nure defence and the untracked midfielder dinked the ball over keeper Mark Daly and the retreating Robin Jones just failed by inches to prevent the ball going in.
But Nure equalised within 2 minutes, Drennan gaining possession well down the left and his early cross was coolly finished first time by Ken Carney in a manner similar to his League goal against Clondalkin on the opening day of the season.
The half ended at 1-1 and some raised voices on the Templeogue line proved that they had been rattled by Nure's first half efforts.
Terenure continued on the front foot and Karl Bishop tested the keeper with a snap-shot from the edge of the box and Drennan had a great chance after excellent interplay involving Denis O'Frighil, Damien McCaughey and Carney, with Carney setting up Drennan, but his difficult shot drifted just wide of the goal.
Nure were made to pay on the hour, after losing possession they were caught by a swift Templeogue counter attack and their lad finished well past Daly.
With Warren ready to make 2 changes, Nure conceded a soft third minutes after the 2nd goal, a harmless enough looking shot somehow crept under Daly's dive and it was pretty much game over with that goal.
Nure continued to scrap and Dec Brady and Carney went close before Templeogue scored a flattering 4th with another breakaway goal in the dying minutes to give a somewhat harsh look to the scoreline, albeit a deserved home win.

TCAFC (4-4-2): Daly; Costello, Brady, Fisher, O'Frighil; Smith (Collins 71), Jones, Bishop, Drennan (P.McLoughlin 63); Carney, McCaughey (Rafter 63).
Ref: A. Carey.

17/9/06, Leicester Celtic 0, Terenure College 1

Terenure moved into early 4th position in the table after a battling but deserved 1-0 win at Loreto Park.
Again Nure had some enforced changes with players from last week's win over Punters absent this week, so Niall McCabe, Gary Smith and Damien McCaughey were given starts.
Similar to last week, College found their tempo early and forced Leicester back with Karl Bishop showing some fine passing range early on and the midfield 3 getting the upper hand.
Dec Brady was earmarked to take care of the flying Angolan who'd terrorised College at the VEC tournament and the lad did get away once after 15 minutes and from the end line pulled a ball back, but Mark Daly made a close range save and Derek Muir completed the clearance.
After 24 minutes, the only goal arrived when Stevie Jordan won possession and released Denis O'Frighil in the inside left channel, O'Frighil was clear but as he rounded the keeper he was clearly taken down and the penalty awarded, strangely with no card for the keeper.  Derek Muir confidently put away the penalty.
College controlled the play for the remainder of the half with Brady doing very well on his man and McCaughey starting to find form up front, but in the 2nd minute of first half stoppage time, College gave the ball away cheaply 30 yards from goal and though Muir seemed to win the ball perfectly in the tackle, the ref awarded Leicester the penalty.  Justice was done however as after much debate from Leicester about who'd take the peno, the chosen player hit it wide of Daly's right hand post, so College held the half time lead.
The 2nd half was a battle of wills with Leicester becoming frustrated with College's huge work rate and Daly only had one save of note to make during the first 30 minutes of the half, College's main worry was the increasingly bizarre decisions from the referee, but the lads kept their discipline admirably.
After 73 minutes, Pat McLoughlin came in for the tiring McCaughey and with his first touch, McLoughlin won possession for himself well, ran through the middle but his shot was very well saved by the Leicester keeper and Karl Bishop was also very close after a surging run into the penalty area.
Leicester became increasingly desperate and the Angolan lad was gradually rendered anonymous by the superb Brady, ably assisted by Muir and Fisher who were also commanding, but all Nure's players today grafted and ground out a vital win, despite 8 extra minutes of added time, where he got that is a mystery, but the points were protected well and College deserved it.

TCAFC (3-5-2): M.Daly; Brady, Muir, Fisher; McCabe, Bishop, Jordan, Smith, O'Frighil; Carney (Costello 84), McCaughey (P.McLoughlin 73).

Ref: Seán Slattery.

10/9/06, Terenure College 2, Rathfarnham Punters 0

Nure maintained their unbeaten start to the season but more importantly chalked up their first League win following 2 opening draws in a lively and entertaining game at the College.
Despite still missing several experienced regulars, Warren still had a very strong eleven and subs and Ciarán Daly came in at right wing back for his first start and he immediately had the Punters defence scrambling with an excellent delivery towards Rafter's head as Nure began very forcefully.
Robin Jones was also unlucky after winning possession strongly, his left footed drive was inches over the top, so it was no surprise when the home side took the lead on 14 minutes.  More good College pressure led to Jones winning the ball and he passed to Karl Bishop who slid a lovely ball into Rafter's path and staying onside, Rafter scored right footed for his 584th College goal.
It was all Terenure in the opening 20 minutes or so and Stevie Jordan's impressive opening was almost capped with a spectacular goal after an end to end College move, Ken Carney's brilliant switch of play saw Jordan hit a dipping drive but the Punters keeper just kept it out, with the ref not seeing the vital keeper's touch.
Punters eventually gained some foothold and Nure were almost caught down their left and a cross headed just over Mark Daly's bar to keep College on their toes.
College finished the half very well though and on 44 minutes went 2 up.  Jordan's outstanding first half continued with him winning a tackle and he sent Rafter away down the left, Rafter skipped past the tackle to cross well and though Punters cleared the ball, Denis O'Frighil was lurking and his 25 yard bullet hardly left the floor and arrowed into the far corner for a beauty.  Jones almost added a third in injury time but the keeper saved well and the half time whistle was a relief to Punters.
Second half saw a revitalised Punters come out and they had by far the better of things early on and one dipping shot beat Daly but struck the bar and College cleared.  It became increasingly difficult for Nure to keep possession and Punters confidence rose but Nure dug in with Fisher, Brady and Muir remaining solid at the back.
But Punters continued to hunt for a goal back but Daly made 2 vital saves, the second a magnificent tip away to his right from a point blank header following a corner and that seemed to finally seal Punters fate.
O'Frighil was himself on the end of a keeper's save after 88 minutes, a fine and run and cross from Gary Smith found O'Frighil's head but somehow the keeper turned it over the bar but there was still a late scare for College as Daly again made a save to touch the ball onto his own bar but again College scrambled it away to keep the clean sheet intact and run out deserving winners.

TCAFC (3-5-2): M.Daly; Brady, Muir, Fisher; C.Daly, Jones, Bishop, Jordan, O'Frighil; Rafter, Carney.  Subs: McCaughey for Rafter 62, Smith for Bishop 65, McCabe for C.Daly 75.
Ref: Mick Tomney.

Report to follow shortly...

27/8/06, Terenure College 1, Clondalkin Celtic 1

The 2006-7 season got off to a dramatic start at the College as Ken Carney's late late equaliser salvaged a deserved point in a very closely fought game. Nure opened brightly and Gary Smith almost capitalised on the visitor's keeper's reluctance to come off his line after Martin Blair had played a pass through. Stevie Jordan was next to test the keeper's hesitancy and challenged the keeper fairly, the ball dropped to Jordan but his goal bound lunging shot was taken off the line.
Clondalkin were very mobile up front and from one such move down the Nure right, the cross was met by a free header, but Alex Wilson made a terrific save to tip the ball over the bar.
Karl Bishop gave in to a knee problem after 37 minutes and the half ended scoreless as both teams enjoyed periods of dominance in a tight game.
The 2nd half continued in similar vein and Kieran Murray missed the best chance of the game after Jordan found him with a superb pass inside the full back, but Murray shot too high and Gary Smith was very unlucky after Jordan again provided the incisive pass, but Smith's drive deflected off the defender, struck the post and out for a corner.
It increasingly looked as if one goal would be enough and after 81 minutes, a Clondalkin free kick from halfway got inside the Nure defence who momentarily switched off, Wilson got a hand to the cross but the Clondalkin player bundled the ball home for a very soft goal to put the visitors ahead.
It was almost 2 shortly after when Dec Brady surprised Wilson with a throw in that was far too short, but Wilson won the 50-50 challenge and scrambled the ball away.
With the 90th minute beginning, Smith collected from a throw in, passed to 3rd sub Damien McCaughey and McCaughey rolled a nice ball into Carney's path and Carney curled it first time with the outside of his foot into the far corner for a deserved equaliser. Referee Mick Tomney blew for time as the visitors restarted and Nure blew a mighty sigh of relief. Mr Tomney said to both Managers that it was a pleasure to have refereed the game today such was the honesty, commitment and attitude of everybody on and off the pitch and it was hard to disagree with him and the referee's comments were most welcome and a point apiece just about right.

TCAFC (4-4-2): Wilson; McCabe, Brady, Fisher, O'Frighil (Daly 45); Drennan, Bishop (Carney 37), Jordan (McCaughey 79), Murray; Smith, Blair.
Ref: Mick Tomney

5/8/06, Willie Kissane Memorial Tournament, VEC Grounds Terenure.
Nure took their place for the 4th successive year in this 8 team tournament but it turned out to be pretty much a damp squib as Balally Celtic's late no-show meant only 2 competitive games on the day, over 3 hours apart, so minds and focus went out of sync and there wasn't alot to get excited about in the matches.
The opening game resulted in a 2-0 defeat by Leicester Celtic, a goal in each half as Nure failed to really settle and with the Angolan speed merchant from 2005 again running everyone ragged, Leicester deserved their win.  Mark Hanlon's day only lasted 15 minutes after he turned both his knee and ankle in the incident for the 2nd goal.
With Templeogue United bringing 22 players with them, they kindly gave us a 15 minutes each way friendly to stem the lads' boredom between the competitive games.  Nure played alot better in this game and won it 1-0 with a very well taken goal from the edge of the box by returning old boy Damien McCaughey.  Both Nure keepers played in this game with Mark Daly being the unlucky man to play for Templogue and having to pick Daimo's shot out of the net in the first half.
The last game of the day was against hosts VEC "A" team.  Nure huffed and puffed for much of it and like the first game, went down to a goal in each half, a soft 10th minute goal from an uncleared corner and the second in injury time from the penalty spot after Ciarán Rafter hauled down the VEC player as he went through.  Tom McLoughlin also picked up an ankle injury which will keep him out of the opening League game so that added salt into the wounds with Hanlon injured earlier.
So as usual the tournament proved ok in terms of players getting a bit fitter, but the overall performances on the park were ordinary enough and the relatively unfamiliar make up of the squad might also have been an issue, but it was an anti-climactic day to be honest.
TCAFC squad of 18:  Alex Wilson, Mark Daly; Dec Brady, Adrian English, Rafal Wilczkievicz, Ian Walsh, Seán Doherty, Mark Hanlon; Stevie Collins, Karl Bishop, Kaz Drennan, Niall McCabe, Brian Hearne, Tom McLoughlin, Ciarán Rafter, Ciarán Daly, Damien McCaughey, Martin Blair.