3rd May Blackstone 1 Hibernian B 2 (Hurley 2)
Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragement, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak. Today Hibs displayed again through character and grit, after deflating mid week defeat. Last week opposition were full sure they have ended green and yellow army title dreams but last weeks opposition who some of their players were in attendance learned that blowing out somebody else candle does not make theirs burn any brighter.
Hibs started the game at a scintillating pace and dominated all areas of the pitch. Hibs opened the scoring with in form goal poacher Shane "Shambo" Hurley volleyed home into the roof of the net. Hibs could have made it two when O`Callaghan forced the Blackstone keeper into a fine save. At the interval the Hibs were comfortable and the opposition were sweating like a pedophile in a Braney suit, as a win or a draw would crowned them champions. With the ever vocal
Luxfords handling calming the defense it looked like Hibs could hold out for a famous victory. However, disaster struck when the opposition equalized which sent the home support into raptures. Tagney once again used his full compliment of subs and once again changed to his attacking 3-4-3 formation. As the time began to run out, the opposition sat back and tried to soak up the  Hibs attacks, the ball feel to Makelele Moore who playing through the pain bar failed
to apply the required finish. All had seemed lost for Hibs, but what happens to most teams when they feel completely lost and dejected? Most turn around and retreat from their path. But, not the Shanbally men who continued to walk on the trouble-filled path and finally meet success. Keith "Kenny" "Jockey" Ryan, rose like Paul O`Connell into sky and pulled the ball down and lifted the ball over the oncoming keeper. Ryan`s glory was snatched for him when the Blackstone defender did a Paul Hayes on it and handled the ball on the box. Hibs, didn’t need a penalty, man of the match Hurley pounced and punished Blackstone with his fifth goal in three games. Hibs saw out the end of the game for a famous win and forcing a play off for the title. Shambo was once again quoted saying to the waiting press which summed up the Hibs in one performance "Even the woodpecker owes his success to the fact that he uses his head and keeps pecking away until he finishes the job he starts." 

 

1st May 2008 Village United B 2 Hibernian 1 (Daly)
What happens when you feel completely lost and dejected? Most of us turn around and retreat from our path. But, those who continue to walk on the trouble-filled path finally meet success.

 

24th April Hibernian B 3 Village United B 2 (Hurley 3)
Regardless of how you feel inside, always try to look like a winner. Even if you are behind, a sustained look of control and confidence can give you a mental edge that results in victory. This evening crucial high stakes clash on top of the AUL 2B turned out to the game of the season. Hibs started today with a new a new keeper in the onion bag, with Greg O`Brien answering the call. Hibs could not have wished for worse start with, the green and yellow men two nil down and losing Philip Moore and Hibs left winger Geoffery Archer Moynihan who recently returned from a weekend of exotic dancing in Liverpool. Towards the climax of the first half Hibs produced two half chances falling to Tom "Finchy" Horgan and Paul "McShane" Hayes but both failed to beat the keeper.
With twenty minutes remaining in the fixture, Tagney decided to take off Hibs legend, Captain courageous Ian "Boom Boom" Casey and  bring on the Alan O`Callaghan and go on the offensive with a 3-4-3 line up. With Casey passing out motivational gems which would have made some of the  players runs through walls for their captain but it seemed to inspire Shane Hurley to a higher level, Shambo Hurley set off in the pursuit of excellence and reached that plateau with one minute left on the clock. Village old boy Thomas "Mossie" Crammer sent a delicate chip over the top which Hurley galloped on to and finished perfectly past the opposition keeper. This inspired the Hibs men and it was not long before the Fat Cat lined up a free kick from all of forty five yards. To quote the Cat "I nearly broke his wrists from forty yards", the keeper was unable to hold the ball and feel to Hurley smash home the equalizer. This rattled the opposition and the dynamic of the game had totally changed, Hibs now had could smell victory and and Shambo Hurley had the taste of village blood in his
mouth and he wanted to sink his fangs into them once more. With a minute on the clock goal shy Daly (sporting a love bite) skipped past the right full and sent in a cross which fell perfectly to Hurely and netted his hattrick which possibly put an end to the opposition chances of promotion. The game was summed up perfectly by Hurley at the end of the game The flower that follows the sun does so even in cloudy days.

 

20th April County Cup Hibernain B 2 Glanworth 0 (Hurley, Moynihan)
Hibs welcomed division 1 leaders to Shanbally and showed them no respect for their league status. The opposition could not breach the defensive fortress of McCarthy, Boom Boom Casey, Hayes and Alexander Buckley. Hibs wearing a the changed gear of Paul Luxfords favorite restaurant and place of employment Lennox`s Chipper. Hibs threatened throughout the game and Hurley opened the scoring with a low drive from outside the box. Boom one nil to the green and yellow army! Hibs never looked back and dominated for the remainder of the game and the opposition failed to register a single shot on target. The visitors seemed frustrated by the brilliance of the Hibs team and dished out some very late challenges which went unpunished, with Archer Moynihan being the prime target. However, Archer would seek receive comfort from his BFF (Best friend forever) Shane "Shambo" Hurley. He who laugh lasts usually laughs the loudest
and was Archers turn to laugh in the oppositions face when he netted from inside the box. Later in the game the ever calm Luxford was hacked down as he took a kick out. The culprit should have been sent off but was not even booked. This turned Tagney into yet another rage, with his veins pulsating in this head Tagney saw red and was banished to the spud field next to the Stadium of Light, however this time Tagney did not attempt to drive off in his car! As Luxford was stretchered off butter fingers Buckley went in goal and saw out the end of the game. Tagney was left lost in perpetual contemplation of infinite glory.

 

17th April Hibernian B 1 Churchvilla 0 (Moore)
In a highly political charged game, Hibs lacked potency in front of goal and were lucky to escape with all three points. Manager Kieran Tagney a rage-aholic, was driven to the brink of a nervous breakdown with a lack luster performance. His rage were brought to a new level when he threatened to leave the ground and fulfill a shift in the local Novartis plant.With Hibernians with over 80% possession and Tagney close to a stroke on the sideline he rolled the dice one more time and switched to the famous 3-4-3 and  paid dividends. The ball fell to Makelele Moore who finished decisively past the visiting keeper. Hibs got out of jail this evening and prevented their manager Kieran "The Mad 1" Tagney from entering St Anne’s for electric shock treatment. 

 

13th April Hibernian B 1 Corkbeg 1 (Hayes)
The man who wins may have been counted out several times,but he didnt hear the referee. Never quit or give up.never..never give up Today Hibs left three points behind them, after a questionable penalty was awarded to the opposition. Hibs opened when Tracton`s favorite Iron Man Paul Hayes smashing the ball home from a corner. Hayes dedicated the goal to his newly found finance from Kinsale. However, Hayes let the love of his life down in the second half when he headed the ball against the crossbar! With fifteen minutes left on the clock Hibs were camped in the opposition half and forcing the opposition keeper into performing heroics saves. It good have been all so different for the green and yellow army, but the ever busy Buckley clearing the ball off the line during a rare Corkbeg attack.

 

5th April Brooklodge 0 Hibernian B 1 (Daly)
The greater the loyalty of a group toward the group, the greater is the motivation among the members to achieve the goals of the group, and the greater the probability that the group will achieve its goals. Today Hibs faced a difficult away day with three points the only goal.
With Paul Hayes on the bench after missing the previous game for attending Your a Star Live in the Helix, the Hibs defense gave an another Master Class Paul "Lev Yashin" Luxford, Ross McCarthy, Ian "the heart breaker and life taker" Casey, Alex "Cafu" Buckley and Demi Downey. In a game of little chances it took in form hitman Smalls Daly to ripple the onion bag with a half volley. The second half started as the first finished with McCarthy soaking up all attacks like a sponge. Hibs keeper Luxford was called into action once and
produced an outstanding save. 

 

30th March County Cup Killowen 1 Hibernian B 5 (Daly 3, O`Callaghan, Buckley)
Four short words sum up what has lifted most successful individuals above the crowd: a little bit more. They did all that was expected of them and a little bit more. In a game Hibs were expected to win they produced some glorious football which left manager Kieran Tagney purring with excitement. Hibs were without Paul Hayes as he was attending his girlfriends 18th. Today Hibs looked like they could have scored well into double figures. Hibs opened the scoring when Alexander "Hleb" Buckley finished form close range but the last touch looked to have hit off "Boom Boom" Casey. However, the goal may be sent to the dubious goals committee for a final decision. It was not long before, the Shanbally massive made it two as Smalls Daly finished with aplomb. It all started with Herculean Ian Casey nut megging the opposition centre forward and turning defense into attack .The home side pulled one back when Luxford was got off his line. Game on, this set back fuelled the team to a higher level with Smalls adding his second.
Half time interval arrived and it was a question of how many. A high ball from Luxford set everfescent Daly free who lifted the ball over the Killowen keeper. It was shake and bake time, Dalys second hatrick of the County Cup Campaign. Kieran Tageny rang the changes, on came periodical player Robert McSorley after a 4 year break form the club and on came part time stripper and full time fat cat Alan O`Callaghan. with Casey making numerous forward runs frequently out pacing Shane Shambo Hurley it was only a matter of time before this tenacity would lead to another goal. Its was OCallaghans turn to score, he rose like an Orca Killer whale to head home. At the latter end of the game an opposition player entered a 50 50 challenge with the Pain Train, we wish the opposition player a speedy recovery.

 

Hibernian B 3 Blackstone 4 (Daly 3)
There are victories of the soul and spirit. Sometimes, even if you lose, you win.

 

2nd March 2008 Churvilla 0 Hibernians B 1 (Hayes)

It's not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or when the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood.This week's performance was similar to the previous week rock solid at the back and a series of squandered chances. The opposition who failed to register a single shot on target were flattered by the score line and over awed by the Hibs defensive power. With Paul Hayes reinstated to the team due to Ross McCarthy's wedding commitments he needed to perform and he did so with the guidance of his mentor Ian " The Kaiser" Casey. Hibs first chance produced an excellent save from the opposition keeper who is to credit for keeping Chruchvilla in the game after a rare header from Shane "Shambo" Hurley which he touched onto the crossbar. Midway through the second half Hibs got a corner and after a scramble in the box, Paul "10 points" Hayes hammered the ball home from 2 yards! This made up for his miss last week which even Phil "Makelele" Moore would have scored.

Second half continued with Hibs, comfortable at the back, with Ian "The Bear" Casey picking up his first yellow card for bringing the pain to the opposition centre forward, after the tackle the centre forward climbed back to where he belonged, "The Bear`s" back pocket. Demi "The finger" Downey could not keep still for the reminder of the half, he was running down the wing as if he had a dose of the worms always "requesting" the ball. Midway through the second half Kieran "I paint my toe nails" Tagney, rang the changes on came the Spanish connection Juan Antonio Sampedro Gonzalez, El Fat Cat, and Senyour Mossie. This breath of fresh air brought more potency to the attack. After a matter of moments O`Callaghan went one on one with the keeper and seem destined to score but was brought down likea rhno in a haze of poacher gun fire. Up stepped el Jockey with ice in his veins and thunder in his boots but unfortunately saw his shot spectacularly saved by the keeper who was lucky to be still on the pitch. This save inspired the opposition and the mounted attack after attack. However, like true warriors The Hibs back four protected Luxford in goal whose only save was a ball of Mars bars in the first half. With Casey’s muscles rippling over the ebony of his body, he bust forth from defense and turned defense into attack breaking the home teams spirits.

 

29th February Hibernians B 4 St John Bosco`s 1 (Daly, O`Callaghan, Downey, Ryan)

The difference between a successful team and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will. To succeed, you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you.  Hibs went into this game knowing they needed to win and win they did without really getting out of first gear. Hibs were in control of this game from the start. With Paul "Chopper" Hayes cut from the team after been over awed by the performance of his Captain and Chief Ian Casey in the previous weeks and Keith "Jockey" Ryan being rested this game showed the true strength of the Hibs squad. With Alex Buckley stepping in for the otherwise engaged Philip Moore (who wasn't allowed attend the game by his missus, rumours shrouded the game of Moore was forced to go wallpaper shopping in B&Q) the Hibs back four looked solid throughout. The team performance was built on this foundation at the back which allowed the wingers Shane "Shambo" Hurley and Tomas " Mossie" Cramer to make many foraging runs at the oppositions defence. Thomas "Gattuso" Horgan who once said if his Keiths van broke down on the way to Shanbally he would push down the road as part of pre match warm up and Archer Moynihan always looked in control in the centre of midfield and but for poor finishing and the lack of a killer final ball this game could  and should have been finished as a contest  well before half time. Hibs needed to find that killer touch if they were to keep in touch with the league leaders Blackstone Rovers who had sent a scout to the game, who informed Hibs management how impressed he was by the Hibs number 3 Big Dogg Casey. Hibs took the lead when the free scoring Daly netted with a header from 2 yards which he robbed form his partner (only in a sporting sense)  O`Callaghan. After the interval the Alan "Fat Cat" O`Callaghan rose like Free Willy the killer whale and smashed his header past the hapless keeper. During a rare forward run by Demi "I broke my finger in July but still can't play in goal in training" Downey he swung in a speculative cross which was caught by a westerly gale which swept the ball into the net. Numerous more chances were spurned by the Shanbally men and it was time for the Jockey Ryan to come off the bench who once described scoring goals the same way John Rambo describing killing "easy as breathing".  Keith "Jocky" Ryan picked the ball up at the edge of the box and lobbed the keeper with the delicate touch of prostrate surgeon. Hibs were not cruising and comfortable throughout but there was still time for Paul "The Voice" Luxford to make a howler and attempt to dribble around two forwards and concede a goal. Luxford dribble reminded this journalist of newly born calf been left out for the shed for the first time, no sense of direction, all legs and eventually falling over itself.

17th February Ard Na Laoi 1 Hibernian B 3 (Daly3)
 When a gifted team dedicates itself to unselfish trust and combines instinct with boldness and effort, it is ready to climb. Today’s match was about two men shining in a team of stars Hibs, Alan “Smalls” Daly netting a hat trick and Ian “Franz Der Kaiser Beckenbauer” Casey dominating at the back. This journalist has to quote Shakespeare’s, Julius Ceaser's description of Cassius as apt way to put into words Casey’s performance “Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look; He thinks too much: such men are dangerous. From the first whistle Casey was dangerous in the air and in the tackle, he played with a swagger and elegant style that outclassed the opposition. Casey often regarded as the most elegant footballer ever produced by the Shanbally outfit showed his class after twenty minutes. He took the ball down on his chest and skipped past a number of tackles and spotted the busy “Smalls” Daly making a darting run, then it happened, a pass that would have parted the Red Sea,which set Smalls free to run into the open pitch like the greyhound Razor Ashmore who recently won Boyles Sports Coursing Open in Clonmel. Smalls finished like a heroin addict looking for his first fix of goals in the morning. Hibs dominated possession for the reminder of the half and Hibs keeper Paul "The voice" Luxford rarely troubled in the onion bag. Heading towards the interval Hibs midfield enforcer Tom "Gatusso" Horgan upped the tempo of the game and began to carve open the Ard Na Laoi defence. A clever true ball by Horgan set Shane "Shambo" Hurley one on one with keeper, Hurley sporting a new haircut resmebling Manchester Uniteds Darren Fletcher, put the ball past the keeper and was chopped in half by Paul Hayesesuque challenge by the advancing keeper. Hibs manager Kieran "Thomas" Tagney who recenlty sat through the Hollywood blockbuster "p.s. I love you" with his girlfriend was dismayed that the referee waved off all penalty pleas. The second half started with the home team putting pressure on the Hibs back four of Phil "Neville" Moore, Paul "Chopper" Hayes, Demi "Bramble" Downey and Ian "Baresi" Casey. Each wave of attack was soaked up by the Hibs defense which left Ross McCarthy taking notes on the sideline on how it should be done! During a rare moment Paul Hayes was caught out of position which left Hibs Captain Ian Casey to burst the opposition forward in a tackle and quickly turn defence into attack. Geoffery "Archer" Moynihan took up possession and sprayed the ball to Daly. Daly with a drop of his shoulder was left face to face with the goalkeeper, with a cool head a right boot like Seve Ballesteros sand wedge he lifted the ball over the keeper to score his second of the day. This was the pitvotal moment in the game, Ard Na Laoi not went all out attack, Casey now marking two players began to lord the came winning countless tackles and this filled his apprentice Paul Hayes with new found confidence. After some quick thinking by Mossie Cramer and an excellent cross to Smalls who netted his hatrick and was unlucky not to add to his tally. Hibs conceded a late free kick but this was little more than consolation goal.

5th January Corkbeg 1 Hibernian B 1 (Moynihan or OG!)
Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired in the morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired." The Hibs team today were missing a series of player today, the emotional Paul Luxford serving a suspension, Captain and Chief Ian "Boom Boom"Casey recovering from influenza after a returning from a trial with Tranmere Rovers and Paul "McShane"Hayes who was on a Skiing holiday with his new wife from Kinsale. However Hibs welcome back Niall "The Worm" Halloran (sporting some extra festive pounds) from an impressive debut with the A Team. Auxliary goalkeeper Martin "Lehaman" Doody returned to team to find himself minding the onion bag. Although the Ballygarvan man conceded a goal he impressed with his ball handling skills and kept his fellow Ballgarvan Dave "Ox 2" Murphy" at ease at the back. Today’s game were played in conditions that which would have normally had the game postponed, however the Hibs men had to battle the elements and were unable to play their normal fats flowing football due to the marshy pitch. These conditions suited the opposition style of pump it long and hard, which eventually lead to the opposition scoring from their only attack of the game! Hibs created numerous chances but found the Corkbeg keeper in superb form making save after save. However it was long before Hibs equaslied. Gegoffery "Archer" Moynihan opened his account for the season with a well taken shot from outside the box. The second half was a total one sided affair with Hibs on the constant attack and coming close on numerous occasions. Hibs were also denied a number of penalties especially in the dying moments when Shane "Shambo" Hurley was halved in the box, if this happened on Patrick Street on a night out, the opposition player would be spending the night in Cork prision.


November 18th Hibernian B 3 Knocknaheeny Celtic 2 (Daly, Horgan 2)
Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents, which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant. After a comfortable victory in the start of the season Hibs were expected to win today’s game with ease. Hibs were missing O’Callaghan  but welcomed back the inspiring Ian Casey who missed the previous fixture due to work commitments. It has been rumored in the Evening Echo that master tactician was being interviewed for the vacant Irelands managers job.
Hibs settled into the game quickly with the dangerous Alan “Smalls” Daly bursting through the opposition defence and slotting home his third goal of the season. Within minutes Paul “Hammer” Hayes pole axed the Knocknaheeny centre forward in half to give away his third controversial penalty of the season. The fouled player had to ask the referee to confirm if he was playing against Paul O’Connel of Munster or Paul Hayes of Tracton. The resulting penalty was dispatched with Paul “Vocal” Luxford almost saving the hammer’s blushing. Hibs dominated the game for the rest of the half and could not convert the copious chances created. The second half continued like the first half finished, Hibs were testing the keeper form all angles, with Tom Horgan almost scoring from a 40 yard Mark Hughesesque half volley. After a series of neat one touch passing Shane “Shampoo” Hurley coolly slotted the ball home to send the Hibs Ultras into euphoric ecstasy. However, disaster struck for the Shanbally men when the vistors equalized. Hibs continued to press for the winner, but the game was stopped for a thirty minute delay when Hibs right full Alex Buckley collapsed on the pitch with a worrying back injury. An ambulance was called to the game as the player’s health was more important than the game.



As the ambulance arrived, Paul Luxford assisted the paramedics by running across the pitch with a spinal board like Mitch Buchanan from Baywatch. The game was delayed for almost half an hour some of the Hibs men took to unusual methods of retaining body heat. This journalist would like to know why Alan “Smalls” Daly has a strange look on his face and where is Skillington’s other hand? With Buckley giving the thumbs up ton continue the match. Tagney had an important decision



to make, how would he turn around his young charges fortunes? He knew off one man, a man who’s chief export is pain. That man is Ian Casey. With Six minutes remaining on the clock the game was restarted and the inspired Hibs men created an number of chances with Shane Hurely being the hero netting the winner with the last kick of the game.

November 11th 2007 AOH Cup Hibernian AFC B 1 Brooklodge B 0 (Ryan)
Aim at perfection in everything, though in most things it is unattainable. However, they who aim at it, and persevere, will come much nearer to it than those whose laziness and despondency make them give it up as unattainable. Hibs welcomed back Tom Horgan who played with a cheek broken in two places. If you rearrange the letters in  Thomas Horgan you  get “made of steel|”. This game was epitomised by poor finishing from both sides. Having been heavily backed by Billy Lyons in the previous nights edition of the Evening Echo Hibs B were not in the mood to let him down. With some players including Shane " Shambo" Hurley and Ross McCarthy looking a little "fresher" than usual Hibs never looked like losing. Hibs had a few noteable absentees but this did not stop them from playing some great free  flowing football. In truth it was the inishing which let them down on the day. With Phil "Makele" Moore becoming Phil " Neville" Moore Hibs were solid at the back. With the exception of one shot off the crossbar Paul "Luxy" Luxford never looked like beinig beaten and indeed pulled off a number of fine saves. He even had time to berate the manager for comments made to the ref. The goal itself was breathtaking to watch and the onlooking Villa United scouting contingency (including none other than Alan O' Callaghans father)  were suitably impressed. A sweeping move saw the ball land at Alan O Callaghans feet , an inch perfect pass was delivered into the box and finished with a first time volley by Keith " The Fox in the Box" Ryan. After this Hibs never looked back and had many chances to finish off the game . Notably a few players could have had hat-tricks but the finishing left a lot to be desired. An incident towards the end of the game finished it as a contest when Alan O'Callaghan and the Brooklodge keeper were sent off for a minor "disagreement".

November 3rd 20007 Passage 1 – Hibernians B 4 (O’Callaghan, Daly, Hayes)
If you will call your troubles experiences, and remember that every experience develops some latent force within you, you will grow vigorous and happy, however adverse your circumstances may seem to be. From the outset of the game the home team turned the game into a very physical encounter rather than a sporting spectacle which the Hibs Ultras led by Tj O’Connor  have been accustom to over this sporting season (O'Connor is a signed member of the squad but had to retire due poor mental strength). Hibs won today in the sporting sense and the self-discipline sense in the local derby.. Hibs were in changed strip of all ablue  and welcomed back much missed leader Ian "Dish out the pain" Casey and Alan "Smalls" Daly. Hibs lost there aerial super power and midfield dominator Tom Horgan due to a horrific injury. Tom left the field with a suspected broken jaw. We all wish Tom a speedy recovery. Tom was replaced by Alan O Callaghan who was sporting a new pair of white boots. Hibs opened the scoring when the ouststanding Alan Daly, hovered in the Passage sky line, like an Apache attack helicopter and sent his missile like header into the top corner. At this point there was only going to be one result in the game. Hibs won another corner and this time it was Paul "The hammer" Hayes to open his account, with the easiest of tapp ins. The man from Tracton scuffed the ball home and celebrated like a toddler on Christmas morning receiving his first Tonka truck! After the game the hammer was overheard on the phone to the future Mrs Hayes telling her about his pile driver from  four yards out. The second half continued life the first with a number of hard challenges sometimes going unpunished with the vocal Paul Luxford, Ian “Boom Boom” Casey and Paul “McShane” Hayes the main  victims. Midway through the 2nd half Alan O'Callaghan burst through the opposition defence and twinkle toes O'Callaghan dispatched the ball in to the corner giving the keeper no chance. Within minutes it was two for the O Callaghan with a superb volley. O'Callaghan swung his legs in the air with the speed and power of Micheal Flatley and buried the ball in the back of the net. Hibs introduced the strong Conor Lawlor who impressed with his ball retention and one touch passing.

County Cup Rathcoole Rovers 2 Hiberninas B 0
Best for Hibs Alex Buckley

FAI Cup St Marys’s 2 Hibernians 1 (Hurley)

October 5th Castleview 0 Hibernian B 3 ( O’Callaghan, Hurley, Luxford)
The man who cannot endure to have his errors and shortcomings brought to the surface and made known, but tries to hide them, is unfit to walk the highway of truth.

September 29th 2007 AOH Cup Hibernian B 3 Passage B  0  (O'Callaghan , Horgan, Ryan)
Welcome to Casebally population no away goals! Firmness of purpose is one of the most necessary sinews of character, and one of the best instruments of success. Without it genius wastes its efforts in a maze of inconsistencies. Hibs returned to winning ways today in their changed stripped of blue which is sponsored by local Pharmaceutical Company who emphasises potency and today Hibs personified this. Hibs were comfortable throughout the game with their defense rarely troubled. Hibs goalkeeper Paul Luxford was his usual safe self in the onion bag and Paul Hayes returned from his romantic break in Killarney fuelling rumors they could be the new Posh and Becks of the Tracton area. Manager Kieran Tagney described his captain Ian Casey as "simply majestic, all he needed was the ball and a yard of grass to make the perfect pass and he dominated aerially like Magic Johnson did for years for the LA Lakers”. Casey’s oxygen tanks were pumping at full power yesterday afternoon making frequent marauding runs into the opposition box a kin to a cavalry charge in the Napoleonic Wars. With Demi Downey and Alex Buckley galloping down the wings like Sea Biscuit and Black Beauty it was only matter of time before Hibs opened their account. Alan O'Callaghan (the only person in football history to spray Brut on before he plays a match) opened the scoring with a brave header. Hibs doubled the lead just before the break when the "mentally strong" Keith Ryan held off the opposition defender with the strength and courage of a grizzly bear protecting his young cub. Today his young cub was Thomas "Hoggie" Horgan with the easiest of finishes. During the second half Hibs began to make love to football and there was something excellent passage’s of play  (no pun intended) . Shane "Shambo" Hurley and Tomas "Dodge" Horgan game close to increasing the lead with two spectacular over head kicks.  It was not long before the home captailised on their dominance and scored again. Ian Casey and Demi Downing interchanged passes to set Keith Ryan free who used all his mind over matter techniques to finish past the on rushing goalkeeper.

15th September 2007 Hibernian B 1 2 Village United B (O’Callaghan)
Winning is great, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose. Nobody goes undefeated all the time. If you can pick up after a crushing defeat, and go on to win again, you are going to be a champion someday. This is the message Hibs captain and tabloid junkie Ian Casey relayed to his teammates after first defeat in this years campaign. The Saxone Cup has proved to be another hurdle for Hibs Gaffer Kieran Thomas Tagney, as his team has failed to get past the first round two years in a row.  The Hibernians team was decimated by injury and players enjoying romantic breaks. Hibs went ahead midway through the first half with Alan O'Callaghan prodded home. Hibs created little after this and the visiting team capitalised on some defensive errors and won the game comfortably.

September 8th 2007 Central Rovers 1 Hibernian B 1 (Crammer)
Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence. Hibs continued their impressive start to the season amassing thirteen points out of the available fifteen points. Hibs welcomed Demi Downey back to their starting eleven after a minor finger injury during pre season. With rumors circulating before the game that  Billy Lyons would be in attendance with his new camera and telescopic lens, Demi decided he needed to trim his goatee for the photo shoot which will appear in Wednesday’s Evening Echo. The score line reflected an even game throughout with little chances and both teams hitting the frame of the goal. The Hibs midfield and front two must be commended for all the tireless running in the 26 degree sunshine.
Midway through the second half the opposition won a questionable penalty and it was dispatched past the Hibs keeper. This was the wake up call that the men in green and gold needed. From a corner Alan O'Callaghan rose like a humming bird into the blue sky and headed the ball which was cruelly stopped by the hand of a defender! He was dually given his marching orders. Tomas "Mossie" Crammers stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way. Moments later, O'Callaghan full of confidence, skipped past the keeper and from the acutest angle sent his shot off the post and across the line. With minutes remaining, the opposition attacker broke into the Hibs box evading tackles and looked certain to score, then BOOM! Ian Casey risking injury, putting his body on the line for his team won a miracle tackle, it reminded this journalist of a Cheetah attack on a gazelle in the savannas of South Africa. A quick, hard clean kill. This bravery is personified in this team throughout, as the game drifted into injury time Hibs keeper Paul Luxford, showed tremendous bravery to turn the ball around the post which left him being carried off by his teammates. From the resulting corner, the home team won a header which had goal written all over it, but Hib's debutant, the import from Limerick Conor Lawlor chested the ball down and turned defence into attack.

September 6th 2007  Knocknaheeny Celtic 0 Hibernians 5 (Ryan 2, Hurley, O’Callaghan, Downey)
Greatness is not in where we stand, but in what direction we are moving. We must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it, but sail we must and not drift, nor lie at anchor. Hibs won this match with counter attacking football and clinical finishing. Hibs took the lead with some quick interchanging of passes which left Keith Ryan in his new Pumas, one on one with the keeper and there was only to be one outcome. Later after the game Ryan commented that his new boots are like “an extension of his body”. With Ryan shaking and baking upfront, he was once again in on goal and the fox in the box finished clinicaly. Unfortunately, Hibs lost Phil "Makelele" Moore to injury due to a horrendous tackle. Moore will now add to the ever growing queue in the Shanbally treatment room. His replacement, the famous Glen hurler Tom “Hoggie” Horgan dominated the aerial battles in midfield. Ian Casey begun an attack at left back which incorporated a superb pass from Tomas “Mossie” Crammer to set up Alan “Smalls” Daly. Daly ever the workhorse, shot on the volley and looked to have beaten the keeper but he was denied by an excellent save. Hibs confidence was brimming and Keith “Jockey” Ryan was unfortunate not to get his hat trick with a shot that cannoned back of the bar.  The home team threatened on numerous occasions but lacked that killer touch. The home team changed tactics for the second half and went on and all out attack which left them exposed heavily at the back. With Ian Casey and Majestic Martin Doody soaking up all attacks like two sponges at the back, it was just a matter of time before Hibs scored again. It was Shane “Shambo” Hurleys turn to finish with a trademark volley which left the keeper glued to the spot. At 3-0 Kieran Tagney decided to bring in Alan “The Fat Cat” O’Callaghan for the hard working Smalls. O’Callaghan who recently returned from a romantic break in Rome was quickly off the mark with a cool finish using the outside of the boot.  As the sun began to set on the victory, the Hibs faithful were treated to the one of the rarest moments in life akin to witnessing the Aurora Borealis in Finalnd, Demi Downey sprinted clear of the defence like a greyhound in heat and blasted the ball into the corner of the net which left Ross McCarthy’s dog Bronx, howling with amazement!

September 2nd Hibernian B 2 Brooklodge United 1 (Daly, Ryan)
Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts. Hibs had an abundance of this today in a game that failed to excite. Hibs where short of numbers today due to work and holiday commitments and were forced to recruit manager Kieran Tagney as the 16th man. Fortunately, he was an unused sub!
It was a scrappy game with little chances throughout. Hibs took the lead after twenty minutes, when quick thinking Ian Casey in his new boots sprayed a inch perfect pass over the opposition defence which sent Alan "Smalls" Daly free. The new signing opened his Hibs account with a cool finish leaving the Brooklodge keeper beaten all ends up. Demi Downey later commented after the game “Casey must have sixth sense to see Smalls make that run, superb!”  However, Hibs failed to capitalise on this and saw out the end of the half.
Midway through the second half the Glanmire men equalised with a shot that left Paul Luxford diving in despair. This moment prompted Kieran Tagney to make some inspired substitutions, which reminded me of a quote "It's not so important who starts the game but who finishes it." On came Keith "the fox in the box" Ryan and Thomas "Hoggie" Horgan who both had compass difficulties finding the pitch this morning. Tom Horgan made a superb pass and Ryan with ice in his veins finished cooly under the utmost of pressure from the Brooklodge defence. Hoggie ( no relation to owners of the famous eateries on North Main St) should have made in three with a splendid lob over the keeper but it was cruelly ruled out to a dubious offside decision.

August 30th 2007 Hibernian B 2 Passage 1 (Moore, Hulrey)
Winning takes talent, to repeat it takes character. Hibernians continued their impressive start to the season in a hard fought match against local rivals Passage. The game started at breakneck pace with neither team imposing themselves on the ball. As the game settled, Hibs began to create some chances, notably Alan “Smalls” Daly coming close from a header. Passage used the wind to their advantage to launch aerial attacks on the Hib's defensive line similar to air raids in Dresden in World War 2. Hibs back four coped admirably and their aerial dominance was appreciated by the local support. Unfortunately, Hibs lost free scoring defender Ross McCarthy to an injury and his replacement Dave Murphy impressed. It was not long before Hibs took the lead when  Phil "Makelele" Moore smashing a half volley home off the crossbar. A pig was later spotted flying over the Ringaskiddy Lower Harbor area! With five minutes remaining in the first half Passage equalised with a controversial goal. Hib's Skipper and Birthday boy Ian Casey insisting that the deflected ball off Alex Buckley never crossed the line. This controversy must surely emphasise the need for goal line technology to be introduced into the game.
The second half started with some strong challenges and this was to set the pattern for the rest of the game. Hib's almost took the lead from a corner when Ian Casey rose like a salmon at the back post with a beautifully executed downward header which left the opposition goalkeeper floundering. However, a last ditch scramble across the line by a quick thinking Passage defender cleared the ball. With twenty minutes remaining on the referee’s watch, Philip Moore burst down the right wing and sent in an in swinging cross which was met by the on rushing Shane "Shambo" Hurley who headed home with aplomb. The highlight of the evening came soon afterwards when a moment of supreme skill, Tomas “Mossie” Crammer fired a volley from 40 yards out leaving the visiting keeper glued to the spot! Both sides held its breath as the ball crashed against the underside of the crossbar and bounced on the line. Local supporters were still insisting after the game that the ball had crossed the line. Hibs saw out the end of the game comfortably to the delight of young manager Kieran Thomas Tagney!

 

 August 25th 2007 St Johns Bosco 2 Hibernian 5 ( Hurley 2,  Skillington, McCarthy, Ryan )
Winning begets winning. Hibs continued their fine ending to last season with a well deserved victory in Waterrock Park. With a number of new signings and the return of club stalwart and captain Ian Casey after a serious and career threatening injury Kieran Tagney has a squad that he feels can be serious contenders this season.
Hibs started slowly and were down 1-0 after a couple of minutes but Player of the Year Shane "Shambo" Hurley smashed home a trademark free kick to level the score. Within minutes the Shanbally team were 2-1 down with Ross McCarthy scoring an unfortunate own goal. This seemed to spur the Hibs men on to produce some free fast flowing total football which began to open up the oppostion defence. Stand in skipper Phil "Makelele" Moore shot over the bar from the edge of the box with a menacing drive. Hibs soon equalised when the Predator  Keith "Jockey" Ryan opening his account for the season which will soon be hitting double figures before long. Goals quickly followed from Shane Hurley and Ivan “Skilly” Skillington to have Hibs comfortable in the August sun shine.
Second half continued with Hibs dominating possession with new signing  Jeffery "Archer" Moynihan impressing in midfield. With 20 minutes remaining on the clock Ross McCarthy made a rare visit to the opposition  penalty box knowing Alex Buckley , Paul Hayes and Ian Casey were the marshalling defence in his absence. The ball was floated to the edge of the box which fell to McCarthy on the run, who smashed the ball in off the post from thirty yards. After the game McCarthy commented "I cant wait to tell my girlfriend about my goal!".  Hibs saw out the end of the game in a comfortable manner, crocked pair Demi Downey and Thomas Horgan were clearly impressed by their team mates performance and Ian Caseys return to the team.

August 30th 2007  Richmond 1 Hibernian 1 ( Meighan)
September 2nd 2007 Hibernian 4 Albert Rovers 2 ( Meighan 2, Jeffers, Jordan)
September 6th 2007 Hibernian 1 Douglas Hall 2 (Meighan)
September 8th 2007 Ballincollig 5 Hibernian 3