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2007-08 SEASON
BEAMISH CUP FINAL WINNERS

Welcome

Welcome to our first article commerating the historic Beamish Cup Final success of the 2007 - 2008 season. In Part 2 we look back at the first part of the club's magnificent triumph in the West Cork League's most prestigious knockout tournament.

In this section we (1) look back at the quarter finals and semi finals of the competition, (2) a profile of each indidvual player from the Cup winning squad and (3) a revealing interview with the club Captain Martin White.

Hope you enjoy the article. Please email me clonafc@gmail.com and let me know what you thought.

Ger. McCarthy

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CLONAKILTY AFC - HOW WE GO THERE - PART 2

Beamish Cup - Quarter Final
Sunday 17th February
vs. Drinagh Rangers (Away)
Won 2 - 0

Clonakilty AFC marched into the semi-finals of the Beamish Cup after a thrilling 2-0 win away to Drinagh Rangers in Cannon Crowley Park last Sunday. Goals in either half from Martin White and Noel Jordan secured a memorable win for Clonakilty. It turned out to be an enthralling cup tie from first minute to last. Both sides contributed to a cracking encounter, serving up some tremendous football.

Clonakilty were forced to re-shuffle their team when Shane Buttimer was injured in the warm-up. Piotr Stankiewicz was sprung from the bench to replace the midfielder. Darragh Connolly fired an early warning when his low shot skidded across the AFC six yard box after three minutes. Clon centre backs Ian O’Driscoll and Nick Harrison were coping well with the exciting forward combination of Connolly and Michael Doolan.

The visitors finally settled into their high tempo passing game with Liam Anthony White and Donal O’Donoghue combining brilliantly on the left wing. A pivotal battle between Drinagh’s Daniel and Robert O'Regan and AFC’s Martin White and Michal Ardelli was developing in the centre of the park. Clon carved out their first opportunity after 14 minutes when the influential Ardelli saw his goal-bound effort superbly blocked by Pat Joe O’Donovan. Ranger’s response was instant when Donal O’Donovan broke clear of the Clonakilty defence. O’Donovan’s centre was met by the in-rushing Darragh Connolly whose first time effort arrowed agonisingly just past the upright.

The pace showed little sign of abating with both sides looking to attack at the earliest opportunity. The visitors continued to grow in confidence and a superb move in the 22nd minute almost broke the deadlock. Michal Ardelli released Liam Anthony White and the Clon winger crossed for Noel Jordan to flick a header just over the bar. Drinagh looked dangerous from set pieces and Robert O’Regan thundered a free kick narrowly wide from 25 yards as the game continued to ebb and flow.

Clonakilty AFC went 1-0 ahead after 28 minutes with a magnificent effort. A series of one touch passes between Liam Anthony White, Noel Jordan and Martin White unlocked the Drinagh defence. Martin White finished the move with a stunning volley to put the visitors one up. The home side responded immediately with a succession of attacks but found Donal O’Donoghue and Ian O’Driscoll in commanding form at the back for Clon. The visitors almost doubled their advantage just before the break but Noel Jordan was denied by a fine Karl McCarthy stop.

The beginning of the second period saw the home side continuing to press for an equaliser. Play became scrappy for a time with each side becoming over-anxious in their passing. Clon were content to defend from their penalty area and use the pace of Noel Jordan and Piotr Stankiewicz on the counter-attack. The tactic worked to good effect with first Ardelli and then Stankiewicz forcing saves from McCarthy in the Drinagh goal.

Ranger’s over-reliance on the long ball was unable to unlock the Clon defence with Ian O’Driscoll in particular enjoying a superb second half. Noel Jordan twice went close in as many minutes as AFC searched for a second and match-winning goal. The host’s best chance of an equaliser arrived with 12 minutes to go but a punched save from Padraig Horan rescued Clon and the resulting rebound was angled wide of the target by Robert O’Regan.

Clonakilty made sure of the win with their second of the afternoon five minutes from time. Eoin O’Donoghue’s quick throw-in was headed into the box by Piotr Stankiewicz. Noel Jordan reacted quickest and swiveled to score the match winning goal and send the Clonakilty supporters wild with delight. Aidan Pendlebury could have made it 3-0 right at the death but Karl McCarthy pulled off another fine save. The ref blew the final whistle shortly afterwards and Clonakilty AFC ran out deserving 2-0 winners.

The back four and goalkeeper provided the backbone of this thrilling victory for Clon. Ian O'Driscoll and Nick Harrison didn't put a foot wrong all afternoon and the two O'Donoghue brothers defended superbly in their respective full back roles. Clonakilty's reward for reaching the last four of the Cup is a semi final date with fellow Premier League high-flyers, Dunmanway Town.

Ger McCarthy

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Beamish Cup - Semi Final
Sunday 2nd March
vs. Dunmanway Town (Neutral - Skibbereen)
Won 2 - 1 (after extra time)

An outstanding extra time winner from Noel Jordan sent Clonakilty AFC through to their first Beamish Cup final in twelve years following a memorable 2-1 Semi Final victory over Dunmanway Town in Baltimore Road, Skibbereen last Sunday. Clon were made to work hard for their victory by a dogged Dunmanway side after 90 minutes of an absorbing Beamish Cup tie failed to separate two evenly matched sides. A gale wind blowing across the pitch made playing conditions difficult for both sides in a match that never rose above the ordinary in standard.

Clonakilty AFC kicked off with the aid of the strong wind in the opening half but it was Dunmanway Town who settled quickly and had the AFC defence busy in the opening period. Town were looking dangerous from set pieces with both Denis Healy and Dan O’Donovan testing Padraig Horan early on. Dunmanway continued to press and Alan Sheehan released Jerry McCarthy only for Horan to deny the striker a certain opener with his feet. Clonakilty responded with Noel Jordan and Martin White each going close. There was still little to choose between the sides after a fractious opening quarter. Afc were now enjoying the majority of possession but failing to trouble the Town back four in the final third of the pitch until the 18th minute when Jonathan Hunt's snap-shot from 12 yards was superbly saved by Vincent Healy in the Dunmanway goal.

A terrific Shane Buttimer tackle denied Stephen O’Donovan a clear shot on target and Noel Jordan brought a smart stop out of Healy as the game finally began to open up. Clon’s counter-attacking eventually paid dividends when Martin White broke the deadlock in the 38th minute. Daniel Herod won possession on the half way line and found Noel Jordan with his back to goal. Jordan squared the ball for the in-rushing White and the Clon Captain timed his run to perfection to expertly slot the ball past a stranded goalkeeper and give Clonakilty a 1-0 lead.

The two players combined again a minute later with Jordan forcing a fine save from Vincent Healy. Dunmanway’s Sean Hayes spurned a great opportunity to level the tie five minutes before half time when he sent his header over the crossbar. The lively Jonathan Hunt was denied by a last ditch tackle from Denis Lordan in the 45th minute but Clonakilty still went in one up at the interval. Noel Jordan had the first effort of the second half but Dunmanway responded with long range efforts from Denis Healy and Jerry McCarthy that both flew wide of the target. Town were pressing hard for an equaliser but couldn't’t find get past the excellent Ian O’Driscoll and Shane Buttimer.

Dunmanway’s Alan Sheehan and Clon’s Michal Ardelli were the two standout midfielder's on the day. The longer the half went on the more frustrated Dunmanway became in their efforts to find an equaliser until the 68th minute. Stephen O’Donovan was allowed far too much space and the Dunmanway winger unleashed a rocket into the bottom corner for a terrific individual effort.

Then a crucial moment in the tie when Jerry McCarthy’s cross reached Dan O’Donovan who instantly turned and shot at Padraig Horan. The Clon Keeper pulled off a magnificent reflex save to deny Dunmanway a certain goal. Dunmanway were reduced to ten men right on full time when one of their defenders was dismissed for a late tackle. The game ended 1-1 shortly afterwards so extra time was needed to decide the outcome. Clon began extra time with the aid of a strong wind and an extra man yet Dunmanway defended manfully. Conditions deteriorated and both sides visibly tired as 90 hard minutes took their toll. The pressure finally told on an overworked Dunmanway defence when Martin White released Noel Jordan on the stroke of half time. The Clon striker looked to have overrun the ball but somehow managed to re-adjust and arrow a sublime shot past Vincent Healy for 2-1 Afc lead they would not relinquish.

To their credit Dunmanway Town kept pushing forward and never allowed their heads to drop right to the end. Clonakilty AFC had to withstand some anxious moments in the final minutes of extra time as Dunmanway threw everyone forward in an attempt to equalise until the final whistle signalled a fabulous triumph for the Clon side. All roads lead back to Skibbereen now for a mouth-watering Beamish Cup final clash with Bunratty United on Easter Sunday.

Ger McCarthy

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MEET THE FULL 2007-2008 SQUAD PLAYER / MANAGEMENT PROFILES
	Chris Connors - Manager 'The Gaffer' has overseen the rise of the AFC from the lower reaches of the 2nd Division to the summit of the Premier League in three short seasons. Was part of the 1995 Beamish Cup winning side and served the club with distinction as a left back for many years. Still gets involved in training session matches despite the constant "you are useless" cat-calls. Supports Leeds Utd but sure someone has to I suppose.	Noel Walsh - Coach "Noely" was a member of the first ever Clonakilty AFC team way back in 1967. Has been a calming influence on the sidelines for over three seasons now and is always good fun to be around. Still fancies himself as a bit of a goalkeeper / midfielder / striker. One of the many Man Utd fans in the squad who still thinks they are a decent team.


	Padraig Horan - Goalkeeper "Padi" has been the last line of defence for the AFC since the 2005-06 season. The 'Mr. Scorecard' of the club happily collects the money at training every Friday night and harasses any unfortunate player who dares to forget their cash. Followed Spurs as a youngster but became just another misguided Man Utd supporter under pressure from Martin White.	Eoin O'Donoghue - Defender Eoin is one of the most improved players at the club this season. Has made the right back spot his own with a series of excellent performances during an impressive 07-08 campaign. Younger brother of Donal, but likes to think of himself as the smarter of the two.


	Donal O'Donoghue - Defender Donal is enjoying his best season in a Clonakilty AFC jersey and is the first choice left back for the Senior side. A Rock star in his spare time and also the brains of the first team. Donal is older brother of right back, Eoin, but likes to think of himself as the smarter of the two.	Ian O'Driscoll - Defender "Bob The Builder" or "IanO" has been the rock a the heart of the Clonakilty AFC defence this season. Doubtful there is a more complete defender in the Premier Division this term and is a player of the year candidate for the AFC yet again. Ian actually stopped talking for a five minute period in the 1990's but quickly recovered and hasn't stopped yapping since.


	Nick Harrison - Defender New signing, Nick Harrison joined Clonakilty AFC earlier in the season and quickly formed a dynamic partnership with Ian O'Driscoll in the centre of Clon's defence. Injury has cruelly cut a superb first season short but Nick is well on the way to becoming a regular fixture at centre back for the AFC in the years ahead.	Shane Buttimer - Defender / Midfielder "Buttsy" is one of the main success stories of the 07-08 campaign for the AFC. Promoted form the Under18 squad in the early part of the season, Shane has impressed everyone with his all-action displays in midfield and defence. Had his best game in a Clon jersey against Dunmanway in the Semi Finals and injury-permitting, should become a mainstay in the squad in the coming seasons.


	Aidan Pendlebury - Midfielder "Pendelinihio" is the self-styled fashionista of the first team squad. Never short of a quick-witted response, pink tank top or new designer haircut, the Clonakilty winger has enjoyed another fruitful season on the left flank for the AFC. The other Leeds utd. supporter in the country intends to manage the Yorkshire club next season when they join the West Cork League.	Liam Anthony White - Midfielder Younger (and more mature) brother of Club Captain Martin, "Mandy" has developed into a superb winger this term with his electrifying pace on the left flank. The only Newcastle United supporter in the squad yet still believes Kevin Keegan will save the club from relegation.. (from the Championship next season).


	Michal Ardelli - Midfielder The mercurial Polish midfielder has lit up the West Cork league with a succession of inspiring displays for the AFC this campaign. Michal's passing has been the cornerstone of the side's long unbeaten run this term. Shannon vale Food's finest ever import is a certain candidate for Player of the Year.	Martin White - Midfielder / Forward "Marty" has been the Club's top scorer and most consistent player for the past three seasons. Has also represented the Club on the WCL Oscar Traynor Panel with great distinction. Fancies himself as a bit of a Disco Dancer and is a lover of fine wines. The most vocal of all the annoying Man Utd. supporters despite struggling in training this season due to 'high winds'.


	Jonathan Hunt - Forward Veteran striker, "Hunty", is a surviving member of the 1995 Beamish Cup winning side. Also won League and Beamish Cup honours with Timoleague in previous seasons. Has rolled back the years with some vintage performances up front this term. Perceived as one of the worst trainers in the squad but successfully broke a sweat this season and has never looked back since. One of the few Gunners fans who admitted the fact that Spurs are a better side these days.	Daniel Herod - Midfielder "Dan the Man" has proved a huge success on the right wing this term. One of the Polish contingent in the first team squad who has settled into the team with a string of consistent performances. Has become a hugely popular member of the squad and has made the right wing spot his own with a series of impressive displays.


	Noel Jordan - Forward "Jordo" or "Noely" joined the Clon AFC squad from Crosshaven in the close season as part of a transfer deal which included two training tops and a corner flag. Settled in quickly and scored consistently in a devastating forward partnership with Martin White. Noel's superb extra time winning goal sent AFC into the Beamish Cup final. Another Man U supporter..	Piotr Stankiewicz - Forward "Peter" is a free-scoring striker who has been a revelation in the AFC 07-08 campaign. Has scored a host of vital goals having been sprung from the substitute's bench to effect this term. The Polish forward looks set to become one of the top striker's in the club in the coming years.


	Mike Sullivan - Defender "Sully" is a long-serving defender who played a vital role in the club's recent successes. An integral part of the defence which secured Clonakilty AFC the 2005-06 Division 2 title. Has never let the side down when called upon with a series of competent displays in centre back or right back. Liverpool supporter always quick to point out his club's success.	Colin Lynch - Midfielder Colin is another former Under18 player who has emerged into the Senior ranks over the past two seasons. An accomplished central midfielder, Colin has produced some hugely impressive displays this term in helping the AFC side to the top echelons of the Premier Division. Is going to to be a vital player in the AFC midfield in the years ahead.


	Ger McCarthy - Defender "Mac" or "Ronaldiniho" is a veteran defender who's season was cruelly cut short by a career threatening shoulder injury. Has since been encouraged to consider retirement by most of the first team squad. Club P.R.O. with responsibility for pointing out who is crap in training (an easy job). Survived assassination attempt at Curaheen Park night out last year but remains a loyal servant to his beloved club. Spurs supporter still celebrating the club's recent sensational Carling Cup Final success.	Micheal Griffin - Defender "Mikey" or "Gandhi" is the longest serving player in the first team squad. An accomplished defender who has consistently served the club for many years. A sub on the original 1967 team, Mikey was also part of the last Beamish Cup winning side in 1995. Still dines out on the fact that he is a first cousin of Ger McCarthy's. A Liverpool fan who accepts the fact Everton are now the bigger club on Merseyside.


	Declan Murphy - Midfielder / Forward 'Deccie' is one of the most popular players in the first team squad and has been an integral part of the club's success in recent seasons. Has been blighted by injuries this past term but still found time to erect curtains (?) in the back of his infamous Blue van. Another Liverpool supporter who actually believes they are a decent side.	Conal O'Donovan - Forward Conal is one of the most dedicated players in the first team squad for over three seasons now. Rarely misses a training session and can be relied upon to give his all when sprung from the bench. Scored a crucial match winning goal in the league against Dunmanway Town recently and looks set to figure in the first team squad for many years to come.


	Joe Hennessy - Defender "Joey" is one of the longest serving players in the current first team squad. Joe has represented the club in the right back role with great distinction. An integral part of the club's success in the past three seasons. Yet another member of the Liverpool supporters club mafia in the first team squad.	Witlod Fraceck - Midfielder / Forward "Witek" is another member of the Polish contingent. Injury has prevented him from a run in the first team side this term but he has been a hugely important member of the squad over the last three years and played a starring role in the Club's 2005-06 Division Championship winning side. The man to go to if you ever want your name emblazoned on a pair of football socks.


	Artur Herod - Midfielder Artur's season was cruelly cut short after sustaining an early season injury. The Polish midfielder had impressed on the left wing in early AFC matches this term. One of the most likeable members of the squad and is always available to shout on his team from the sidelines as part of "Witech's Polish AFC Army".	Steve McDermott - Midfielder Steve has played an integral part in the club's success over the past three seasons. Has since become one of the youngest and most successful Referees in the West Cork League. Yet ANOTHER Man Utd. supporter. You can only imagine how difficult it is for the rest of us in the squad with so many United followers..


	George Birliea - Midfielder We reckon "Georgie" is still the only Moldovan to pull on the Clon AFC jersey in the history of the club. Comfortable in midfield or attack Georgie featured in the title winning side of 05-06. One of the most likeable and popular players to ever play for the club. Hopefully we have not seen the last of the Moldovan Maradonna in an AFC shirt.	David Gilbert - Midfielder "Gilly" has been a dedicated member of the AFC ranks for many years. Utility player who has played in numerous positions for the club and gave his all whenever called upon. Currently the resident Agony Aunt Columnist and Ploughing Match reporter for the Wexford Echo newspaper. Another Man Utd supporter. Yes, there are far too many of them in the squad.


	Karl Kurowski - Midfielder Karl has been a scoring revelation whenever called upon by the AFC over the past three seasons. Started out as a goalkeeper but quickly displayed his goal-scoring talents when given the chance in midfield or in attack.	Eoghan Greene - Midfielder "Greener" was one of the most important elements in Clon AFC's recent successes over the past two seasons with a series of all action displays in defence or attack.
Ger McCarthy

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INTERVIEW WITH MARTIN WHITE - CURRENT CLONAKILTY AFC CLUB CAPTAIN

Team You Support:	Manchester United

Why You Support them?	They play nearly as attractive football as Clon AFC, in addition Rooney looks like a young Ger Mac in his prime. (Duly Noted - WebMaster)

	P. Horan, D. O'Donoghue, Martin White and A. Pendlebury get ready for the Emmett on Saturday night...

Most Difficult West Cork Opponent?	Hard to single out an individual but as a team,we’ve had a few titanic battles with Dunmanway Town this season.

Favourite West Cork Ground?	Inchydoney,without exception. Jerry, our groundsman and everpresent supporter, keeps it in Old Trafford-like condition.

Favourite West Cork Player?	Paddy Mac. Great on his feet and a top notch communicator



Hobbies?	scoring!!!!!!! (Besides Disco Dancing)



Favourite TV Programme?	Has to be MOTD, but Desperate Housewives comes a close 2nd

Favourite Food?	Mammy’s Bacon and Cabbage



Favourite Band ?	John Spillane

Personal Ambition?	Touring masseuse with Girls Aloud

Which Person would you most like to meet?	Roy Keane

Favourite other Sportsman	Ruud Van Nistelrooy



Favourite Irish Soccer Player and why	Roy Keane because he stood up for what he believed in, and always looked for where the next trophy was coming from.

When did you represent the club on Oscar Traynor Panel? What was that experience like?	Last couple of seasons..got to play in some class pitches and played against some class players. We had a few interesting night outs after matches too. If only a certain journalist got hold of some of those stories! (I'm on it already - WebMaster)

Best moment playing for Clon AFC?	Winning back to back promotions with Clon AFC has been really rewarding, but winning the 2nd division in 2006 on last day of the season was quiet special, my first ever silverware for the Adult Team.

Your opinion on some of the older members of the squad?	Can bully a lot of the younger members of the panel, and often feign injuries at training just to get home early to their wives. (Duly Noted - WebMaster). In truth, their experience and guile has been invaluable to our recent progression.



Your opinion on some of the younger members of the squad?	Very lively and great to train, but on certain Sunday afternoons more interested about the gel on their hair than the crest on their jerseys. Luckily couple of the club veterans (Hunty and Mikey) have nipped it in the bud!

In you opinion, what are the reasons behind Clon's recent rise from the 2nd Division to the Premier League?	The ‘Super Sunday Club’ has had a positive effect on our team morale, which starts on a Sunday evening after our game with the tasty sandwiches and rock shandy supplied by the friendly staff of ‘Da Barras’ and usually ends with a lively disco dance at a local Club.

Any Other Comments?	Great thanks must go to our regular supporters, who travel week in week out, no matter what the conditions or how far the distance to travel. Also, our trendy kits are well washed and looked after by Josephine Hennessy, one of our loyal supporters.

Ger McCarthy