Seniors - Profiles

Ashbourne United's Senior Third Team

David Looney
David returned to playing between the sticks for Ashbourne after spending several years playing for and coaching teams for Tyrrelstown FC. It's nice to see David returning to his spiritual club. David had spent most of his youth football playing days with Ashbourne and then several years with the senior section of the club. Had one of his best games of the season against Park Celtic in the Frank Roe Cup Semi Final including an excellent save in the penalty shootout. The players even made up the following song about him, it goes something like this "Looney, Looney, he lives in Tyrrelstown, he plays between the sticks, he saved a peno, but let in six".
Aidan Brett
Goes by the name of Bretser and is very much the joker in the squad. Bretser spent most of the season entertaining the sideline on the cold Saturdays during the season. Whenever called to either play in goal or make a second half appearance as a striker, Bretser has never let the team down. Bretser is a legend for his striking skills in front of goals especially on Thursday nights at the Rugby Club. If so-called goals scored in training were counted the golden boot would be proudly sitting on his bedside locker every season. 
Neil Harper
This was Neil's second season playing senior football. Started the first few games of the season both playing as a centre half and as a right full. Eventually settled down as the team's first choice right full but unfortunately injuries suffered in late November and in the Unidare Cup Quarter Final (April) has stopped Neil from playing a full season. Highlight of the season for Neil is his first senior goal and first goal in about five years and what a time to get it in the 108th  minute of the Frank Roe Cup Quarter Final to bring Ashbourne level with Castle Park, which Ashbourne went on to win through penalties.
Darren Rock
Kissy as he is better known to the squad, has made centre half his own this season. As his surname suggests, Kissy has been a rock this season at centre half and is not afraid to take ball and player when asked. This is Kissy's second full season back playing senior football after a long absence. Kissy as the season went on formed a solid partnership with Paul Moylan. Kissy is fond of the odd back heel during matches that often left members of the management team with their hearts in their mouth. Highlight of the season a super goal against John Bosco from about 25 yards.
Paul Moylan
This was Paul's first season at senior level, having graduated from the previous year's U18's. Paul has developed through the season into a cultured centre half, who is quite comfortable winning tackles and then taking the ball out of defence and looking to make the killer pass, which could lead to a goal scoring opportunity. Also has chipped in with around 4 goals this season including a sweat left foot volley and a super header in the Frank Roe Cup Semi Final. Paul would be a serious contender for the thirds best player especially with his performances since Christmas.
Robert Murphy
Squealer as Kissy would rather call him joined Ashbourne this season and started off the season as first choice centre half. Due to injury and working commitments throughout the season along with the solid partnership developed by Paul and Kissy, Rob lost out, however when called upon has given the team his all. Also a member of the senior brigade who used their footballing brains every Thursday by sitting back allowing the younger lad's attack them on the Astro, then hitting them on the break and scoring meaning they got the maximum time of play.
David Kitson
David like Neil was entering his second season at senior level. A left full who gives his all and admits he hates to lose. Unfortunately David's playing time this season has been cut short due to his role as the man in black (we don't mean as a Johnny Cash wannabe) as he spends most Saturday's till mid afternoon in his role as a referee. Unfortunately the only negative thing about David is his love of all things red from North London. Also has helped the club as a coach in the Academy this season.

Paul Gilligan
Gilly as he is better known to the squad. This is Paul's first season at senior level. A late addition to the squad but made the left full spot his own mainly since November. Paul is a left full who likes time on the ball and is as happy attacking the opposition down the flanks as much as defending. Also suffered a few injuries prior to the Frank Roe Cup Semi Finals but not afraid to take a penalty when asked.
Colum Traynor
Crowe as he is often called has played most of his senior career with Ashbourne. Started the season late due to the call of marriage, meaning Crowe never got a chance in preseason and in the early part of the season to make left full his own. Crowe as a senior member of the team, when called upon always gave his all. Also does great work for the senior club running the hoss pools and golf classic.
Barry Gardiner
Barry returned to Ashbourne after a few years away from the club, and it is great to see him back. Barry mainly spent the season leading the front line and chipping in with some important goals. Barry as a senior member of the squad when called upon has lead by example putting in some fine displays when asked to play out wide or in the centre of midfield. There was no better display of Barry's workman like efforts than his performance in the Frank Roe Cup Semi Final.
David Ryan
David "Sammy" Ryan has spent the last 20 years playing for Ashbourne collecting a number of trophies along the way. Unfortunately Sam is another member of the red loving half of North London in the team. Sam in his captain's role lead the team as one would except from a player with his experience and work rate, always the first to admit at half time if he was not playing well. Looks like Sam may be moving into the management side on a permanent basis next season and let's hope his beloved Arsene Wenger's catch phrase "I did not see it" will not form part of his vocabulary next season.
Aidan Ryan
Aidan dusted off his football boots and returned to playing senior football for Ashbourne after spending the last several years coaching under age teams within the club. Aidan took a while to adjust back to the playing side of the game but as the season progressed has made the centre midfield role his own beside Sammy. Highlight of the season for Aidan was scoring his first senior goal in several years against Seaview in April.

Stephen Burke
Scoby as we all know him is another member of last year's U18's who has played his first season at senior level for the club. Stephen started the season off on the subs bench but through hard work has become a starting regular. Stephen has played on both the left and right side of midfield and in the centre when asked. Stephen has popped up with the odd goal or two this season even surprising himself. Stephen's only flaw is his choice of coloured boots.
James Redden 
Due to James's college and work commitments, the thirds were lucky to have James for the season. James would probably be regarded as one of the clubs most skilled players. When James plays either left/right side of midfield or up front he is a menace to all defenders when running at them. Not afraid to try his luck from a dead ball situation. Highlight of the season is probably that goal celebration dance with Shane against Whitehall. We wait for a repeat performance next season.
Shane Whelan
Muscles as Rob often called him, mainly was used from the bench for most of the season but when called upon chipped in with some important goals. Also like James has an eye for a dead ball situation, especially delivery of corners. Highlight of the season was scoring a super free kick against Whitehall. Shane will be best remembered for that goal celebration dance with James against Whitehall, and rumour has it there is more to come next season.
Sean Birmingham
The third member of the Arsenal supports group in the third team squad. Sean returned to Ashbourne as well after a few years away. Due to work commitments throughout the season, along with the development of Sammy and Aiden's partnership in the middle, Sean was unable to cement down a position in the centre of midfield. Sean always gave a voice of encouragement to his fellow team mates and when asked played across all positions in midfield as well as right full, giving 100% every time. 
Colm Ward
Collie as his fellow squad members often call him, is another member of last year's U18's to have started the season with the thirds. Mister versatility Colm has played left full, right full, left midfield and right midfield for the thirds during the season so far. He was regarded by the management as probably the thirds best player up until Christmas and also chipped in with a few goals during the August to December period. His performances lead to promotion to the second team squad. Unfortunately his only flaw is his support of that lot that play down the Kensington High Road.
Ronan Power
Ronan or Rosie as he is often called returned to Ashbourne after spending two years with our neighbours up by the Coolquay. Since his return, Ronan has scored 15 goals so far this season. His aim is to be top goal scorer for the season. Like all strikers Ronan's best work is done around the penalty box and is very much "a fox in the box". Ronan will be hoping for 20 plus goals next season. Just a mental note to Rosie, watch out for the Luas in the future.
Kevin Donnelly
Kevin is another member of the U18's who has played his first senior year for Ashbourne United. Kevin mainly played most of the season with the second team but has made a number of appearances for the thirds. Kevin mainly plays either at right full or centre mid but occasionally has played on the right side of midfield and will always give his all for the team. His first game for the thirds lead to him scoring his first and second goals at senior level in Ashbourne colours against Castle Park and I believe he scored his third recently for the seconds. Scoring is not the strongest area of his game; we won't mention his one on one against Seaview. He has promised the senior coaching staff that he will practice his shot taking over the summer. 
Andy Keogh
Andy joined the squad during the January transfer window mainly with a focus on next season. Andy was a member of the third team squad from last season and claims to have helped last season with the tactics side of the game. I don't think David Moyes should worry just yet.  
The management team:
Tony Carroll
Tony Spent most of the season trying to go one step further than two seasons ago (winning the Frank Roe and Division 3 Saturday) by chasing the treble. Tony has been a member of Ashbourne United's senior club for roughly 20 years and has won honours as both a player and member of management teams. If Tony does finally decide to take a break we wish him well. His half time team talk against Finglas Celtic is already legendary.
Gary McNamee
Gaz entered his second year as a member of the senior club's management team. Gaz takes buckets of abuse for supporting a certain football club from both senior and junior member of the senior squads. He is also a bit too fond of his Dr's and Cr's. We think he fancied himself at the start of the season as Ashbourne United's answer to Juan de la Cruz Ramos Cano (luckily we did not have only 2 points from the first 8 games) but we think he would have settled for been old uncle 'arry by May. Mind you his love of wearing Spurs tracksuits and baseball caps along with his physical appearance, one would think Martin Jol would be a better comparison, except for the baldness of course, mind you he could do with visiting the barber a bit more.

 
All the players should feel proud of their achievements over the season and as the Star reporter hinted the future looks good. Hopefully as the club looks to a bright future ahead these players will be celebrating the winning of trophies in years to come.  
So that's a quick summary of the third team members, enjoy the summer, and see you in July. Roll on season 2009/10.