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THE SEASON 1972/73
HISTORY
1972/1973
Looking back over the last twenty five years it is very
evident that youth would greatly influence the progress and success of
soccer. It was particularly obvious in 1971 when its very existence was
threatened by the collapse of Island Albion. Those early challenge games
between the different areas in the parish which led to the eventual
formation of Island Albion would continue. With the numbers participating
on the increase, St. Lappan's began to play their home fixtures on a field
adjacent to St. Lappan's then owned by Mr. Northridge, Clash would play on
the land of Lanes opposite Mrs. Foley's shop and Glounthaune would play at
the water's edge in the village. The interest and enthusiasm shown in
these games contributed to the belief of Martin O'Neill and Tony Dunlea,
that potential for future soccer teams did exist.
By the beginning of the 1972-73 season, Little island Athletic were very
organised. A field, the first of five used in the twenty five year history
was secured with the help of Bill Cogan, who played with the Club. George
O'Connor supplied the timber for goal posts and Tony Dunlea assembled
them. A start was made on a dressing room that would not alone be used by
players but also by cattle, who would eventually take over. What must rate
as the most original idea for lining a soccer pitch was practiced for the
first time by Little Island Athletic. Denis O'Callaghan would sit in the
boot of a car with a bag of lime and empty same through a hole while the
car, driven by its owner George O'Connor, travelled over the areas that
needed to be lined. While visiting teams succeeded in making their way
down Paddy Riordan's boreen, and arrive at the gate to witness this
exercise, I wonder what was going through their minds!
A Junior and for the first time, a Youths team were registered with the
A.U.L. Both were managed by Martin O'Neill and Tony Dunlea and were made
up of local based players. The juniors benefiting from the experience of
the Albion players would prove themselves worthy opponents, losing only
one match in the Shield and that to eventual winners, Fermoy. In the
League, things did not go as well but still managed to finish around mid
table.
| |
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
| Fermoy |
5 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
13 |
12 |
8 |
| Little Island Athletic |
5 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
16 |
13 |
7 |
| Killeagh United |
5 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
14 |
12 |
5 |
| Midleton |
5 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
15 |
13 |
5 |
| Corkbeg |
5 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
11 |
17 |
5 |
| East Stirlingshire |
5 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
9 |
21 |
0 |
| |
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
| St John Bosco's |
9 |
5 |
4 |
0 |
19 |
9 |
14 |
| Fermoy |
9 |
6 |
0 |
3 |
18 |
10 |
12 |
| Corkbeg |
8 |
5 |
1 |
2 |
18 |
12 |
11 |
| Glenhill United |
8 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
19 |
16 |
11 |
| Killeagh United |
9 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
14 |
17 |
11 |
| Mallow |
9 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
8 |
12 |
9 |
| Little Island Athletic |
9 |
4 |
0 |
5 |
16 |
16 |
8 |
| Brideview United |
9 |
3 |
1 |
5 |
20 |
27 |
7 |
| Midleton United |
9 |
2 |
1 |
6 |
14 |
17 |
5 |
| East Stirlingshire |
9 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
3 |
12 |
0 |
The entry of a Youths team was a very significant step in the development
of the game in the Parish. This team and future youths team would produce
most of the players of the very successful Eighties and early Nineties
teams. While they did not perform very well they had a number of very good
players in, John Crowley - a very good Centre half; Ger Delea - a very
good goal keeper with a great left foot capable of playing up front on the
wing; and Ger Lambe - a never say die midfielder. John and Ger Delea had
trials with the Cork Youths teams and Ger Lambe turned in some great
performances with successful Leeside teams.
A Dinner Dance was held in the Hilltop Hotel where all enjoyed a great
night and celebrated a new beginning for soccer in the Parish.
Donal O Connor,Ger Horgan & John Hayes attending the
1973 Dinner Dance, In the Hilltop Hotel Youghal.
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