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THE SEASON 1974/75
HISTORY
1974/1975
Throughout the sixties, Little Island enjoyed the status
of a beauty spot. Its scenic walks on the shores of the Lee and through
wooded lands are today but a memory overshadowed by what was then but an
uncertain conversation.
By 1974 the fears or in many a case aspirations of the people would be
realised. The transformation of their Island had begun. While things were
now much clearer in Little Island regarding its future an air of
uncertainty would exist in the soccer club for a number of years to come.
At the A.G.M. for 1973-74 Martin O'Neill was re-elected Chairman as was
Denis O'Callaghan Treasurer. Tim Murphy from Glounthaune took over as
Secretary and proved himself a great asset to the Club. Committee members
elected were Jimmy O'Sullivan, John Crowley, Tony Dunlea, George O'Connor.
But for this meeting very few others took place except for the occasional
un-official one on return bus journeys from far away places like
Ballydaly, Newmarket and Tallow. These heated debates after matches
delayed homecoming to girlfriends so much that certain members of the team
would stop the coach to purchase a little gift like a cuddly toy or a box
of chocolates to ease the tension when they would arrive.
Jimmy Sullivan (Doc) was appointed Junior Manager and he picked his team
from the following panel of players: Gerry Ryng, Kevin Byrne, John
Crowley, Ger Lambe, John Daly, Tony Dunlea, John Long, Alan Kinevane,
Michael O'Flynn, Willie O'Regan, Ger Horgan, Donal O'Connor, David Ward,
Tom Cleary, John O'Sullivan (Sam), Denis O'Regan.
The first game of the season for the juniors was home to Newmarket in the
Shield, 3.30 p.m. on Sunday 8th September, 1974.
Alan Kinevane who had a spell with Riverside, was in fine form scoring all
five goals in their 5-0 thraunching of the visitors. This form continued
in the League with wins over Brideview, Marina, U.C.., Glenview and
standard. These results rewarded Little Island with their best League
placing to date.
John Crowley took charge of the Under 18 team and his task proved a
difficult one. Looking now at this Youths Team with players like Edward
Twohig, John Hayes, D. Ward, Edward and Gerard Horgan (secretary and
chairman of the present Leeside Club), Ger Delea and Eddie Cleary it is
difficult to understand why they did not do better.
Dinner Dances around this period were very well supported with 100 - 150
people always guaranteed. At the end of the 1973 74 season the Club
travelled to Garryvoe for a very enjoyable night. The Commodore Hotel and
the Airport were two other venues for dinner dances but as of now I am
unable to tell you what years they were held. The annual Church Gate
Collection, membership and weekly subs from players were enough to keep
the Club running for the year. Both Junior and Youths teams travelled to
away games by bus, a high percentage of this cost was met by the players
themselves.
At the end of the season, the Club left Kilcogan Park in search of another
ground as did a few players in search of a new Club.
Little Island Athletic v Carrigaline 27/10/74 in the
Saxone cup,
Little Island Athletic youths in Kilcogan park 1974/75
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