Author: Lewis Bennett
-
Kenny Shiels’ shock hire at Moyola Park is a fresh challenge he’ll relish taking the reins of
In one of the Irish League’s most surprising managerial twists, the exceptionally esteemed Kenny Shiels has taken the reins at Premier Intermediate League outfit Moyola Park. 22 years on from his last stint in charge, and with a wealth of experience under his belt, Shiels has filled the vacancy at one of the Irish League’s…
-
Loughgall’s brilliant Benji Magee reaping the rewards of his non-linear path to stardom
Flying forward Benji Magee has been one of the Irish League’s top-performing young guns this campaign. The Loughgall starlet, who plundered a dramatic late winner to sink Larne at Lakeview Park having already lofted in a sublime leveller against Crusaders at Seaview, added a fresh string to his bow on completing his first senior hat-trick.…
-
Carrick Rangers have top-half ambitions, and Danny Purkis is good enough to get them there
The past few months have certainly been eventful at Carrick Rangers, with much occurring both on and off the pitch. In the summer, the east Antrim club’s recruitment turned heads, signalling their intent to surge up the league table under the watchful eye of impressive manager Stuart King. Now, after a relatively slow start to…
-
The Irish League has a massive part to play in leading Northern Ireland to better days
Northern Ireland’s hopes of Euro 2024 Finals qualification died a quick death. Regrettable as that sounds, it is a cold, hard truth. After eight matchdays, the flame of hope has been extinguished and replaced by acceptance that a summer trip to Germany next year is off the table. With Michael O’Neill and his players garnering…
-
A seed of growth may need to be planted to enhance early rounds of the BetMcLean Cup
Debate and question marks over the seeded nature of the BetMcLean Cup First Round draw are not new, but the argument emerged again in 2023 after the fixture catalogue resulted in merely one unseeded team advancing to the last-16. With all 12 Premiership clubs booking their ticket with varying levels of difficulty – of which…
-
Likeable Loughgall’s impressive start is down to staying true to what makes them great
It has been a most impressive start to the season for this season’s newly promoted team to the Premiership, Loughgall. Having returned to the top-flight after a 16-year absence, there is a refreshing air about the Villagers and how they have handled the step up from the second-tier. While they recently suffered a heavy 6-0…
-
Harry McConkey departs Ballinamallard United having left an indelible mark on football in Fermanagh
Last week, Ballinamallard United announced that they had parted company with manager Harry McConkey. Following on from the departure of McConkey’s assistant, Emmet Friars, who took up the top job at local rivals Dergview after Tommy Canning’s exit, it will be all change in the Mallards dugout with respected defender Mark Stafford taking interim charge…
-
Euro 2028 may be coming to fruition, but a finished Casement Park alone doesn’t spell success for NI football
News of the acceptance of the UK and Ireland bid to host Euro 2028 has brought things into motion quickly in Northern Ireland. Only naturally, too, because there is presently no venue that can meet the 30,000-capacity requirement for staging games at the tournament, per UEFA’s demands. For how successfully as Windsor Park played host…
Football Chatters 