December 2005

Memories are made of this…27/12/2005
The recent announcement from the English FA in Soho Square, reported by certain of the tabloid press, of the impending visit of Hungary to play England at the new Wembley Stadium was, because of a factual error, the catalyst for reviving some happy Irish football memories…More>
Croke Park dawn draws closer…12/12/2005
The Central Council of the GAA met this weekend and agreed that Croke Park would be made available to both the FAI and the IRFU during the period that Lansdowne Road is closed for redevelopment. The decision removes any lingering doubts about the necessity to play international soccer and rugby matches outside the country. The GAA decision is conditional upon the proper planning applications and subsequent construction process, progressing in a satisfactory manner. It is widely anticipated that the first match to take place in Croke Park, will be the Six Nations Rugby International against France in February 2007.
Draw for Setanta Sports Cup 2006…12/12/2005
The draw for the extended Setanta Sports Cup 2006, took place this afternoon at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin. Senior Officials of both the FAI and the IFA, together with executives from Setanta Sports, were in attendance as the Northern Ireland and former Sligo Rovers manager Lawrie Sanchez, and the Republic of Ireland U21 manager Don Givens, made the draw…More>
RISSC draw with league leaders…11/12/2005
A heart breaking late penalty, scored by Manchester United Supporters Club, cost RISSC (London) two valuable points in the top of the table clash played at Barn Elms this afternoon. In a tension ridden environment, the prolific Mick Coffey gave the Irish a first half lead with a delightful lob. The team played with total commitment but the late penalty cost them the victory their efforts deserved...More>
RISSC ready for crucial clash…10/12/2005
Paul Franklin leads his troops, south of the Thames tomorrow, to face league leaders, Manchester United Supporters Club, in what promises to be a titanic APFSCIL Division Two encounter. RISSC are currently nine points adrift of the leaders but with three matches in hand. Franklin and his squad have been preparing assidiously for this fixture, against the only team to whom they have dropped league points this season. Barn Elms at 2.00pm on Sunday afternoon will be a hotbed of emotion as RISSC seek to avenge that earlier defeat and put themselves on course for the Division Two Championship.
St Kevin Boys sponsorship continues…8/12/2005
Club Chairman, Stephen Harte and Club Secretary, Dec Finnegan, met with the management team of the St Kevin’s Boys Under 13 Premier Squad in Dublin this week. RISSC (London) is very pleased to maintain their sponsorship of this group of players, which is now in its sixth year. Football Director, Ken Donohoe, accepted the sponsorship cheque and together with the team managers, Paul Boyle and John Moore, expressed appreciation of the support provided by RISSC.
Butler Buoyant despite defeats…8/12/2005
The Republic of Ireland under 15 Squad, of whom 17 were making their international debuts, went down to 3-1 and 1-0 defeats in Holland this week. The results however, do not reflect the quality of the Irish performance in both matches. Manager Vincent Butler said he was very pleased with the players and predicted that provided they maintain their application and focus, this team will be one of the best ever.
Drogheda United lift FAI Cup... 04/12/2005
Second half goals from Gavin Whelan and captain Declan O'Brien, gave Drogheda United a well deserved victory over League Champions Cork City in the FAI Carling Cup Final. A crowd of some 20,000 was at Lansdowne Road to see the County Louth side lift their first ever FAI Senior Trophy, in their 42 year history. Drogheda will now compete in next season's UEFA Cup and will also of course participate in the Setanta Cup as a result of their fourth placed Eircom League position.
Dundalk City win Womens Cup Final... 04/12/2005
A goal after fifteen minutes from Sonya Hoey, enabled Dundalk City to win the Womens FAI Cup at Lansdowne Road this afternoon. The County Louth side, who had been defeated by UCD in last year's final, merited their victory and will now go on to represent Ireland in the Womens UEFA Cup Competition next season.