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Youghal United take the Guinness Challenge – Denise FitzGerald Reports
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Just over twenty five years ago the town of Youghal sported three Soccer Clubs – Youghal Soccer Club, Sarsfields Soccer Club and St Martin’s, each separate, each with their own teams and members, and each using the one playing pitch.
Photo: Michael Hussey Youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com
When the idea of an amalgamation was mooted, it was received with much enthusiasm by all. One of the Clubs, it seems, had plenty of money but no talent, another had a plethora of wonderfully talented soccer players but no money, and the third had neither money or talent. This explanation, of course, varies hugely depending on who is telling the story! It was therefore very advantageous and desirable to all three clubs to merge, and thus the great soccer club that is Youghal United, was formed.
Shortly celebrating their 25th anniversary, the Club decided it was time to make another mark in the world of soccer. Badly needing funds, the Committee were asked to come up with a unique idea which would incorporate the fundraising, and also put Youghal United firmly on the soccer map.
Emmet Perry, a member of the Committee, back in September 2009 had the brainwave of challenging the Guinness Book of Records 5 a side longest soccer game which currently stands at 27 hours, fifteen minutes, held by a Club in Surrey, England. Great enthusiasm was shown by the Committee, who agreed unanimously with the suggestion. June 5th and 6th were the dates decided upon, sub committees were formed, and the huge amount of work, commitment, organisation and training commenced. After hours of research, lodging of applications to Guinness, waiting for approval and finally getting the go ahead, the Rules governing the Record attempt were carefully studied.
All members of the club were then invited to enter, and a very good response was received. The final date for entry was the end of March and by that time, the Club had received twenty six very committed entries. Trials, training and total dedication were required, and given, over the months and on Sunday last, the very difficult task of picking the final sixteen players was made. Due to injuries, the remaining number was twenty, and the East Cork Journal was told of the dilemma facing the selection committee, as each of the twenty members had put their all into preparing for the event, and the level of talent and fitness was superb.
Eventually, the following sixteen were picked to represent their Club, their town, their county and their country in seeking to enter the Guinness Book of Records. Patrick Morrissey, Pierce Hennessy, Kevin Gallogly, Gavin O’Leary, Barry Goggin, Diarmuid Shuel, David O’Keeffe, Martin Cohen, David kenneally, Leon Geary, Pedro Geary, Anthony Kelly, Stewart Hickey, Aidan Ryan, Mike Lyons and Christoph Colin. The four remaining members are on standby and will be helping in other ways – Kieran Curley, Jamie Lawton, Joe Crotty, Graham Gillman.
For those not well up in soccer terms, this Challenge will be played under the Rules of the Guinness Book of Records. The event must be videoed to provide evidence of the entire event, photographs must be submitted of the players, and the match must adhere to the rules of 5 a-side soccer. Two witnesses of the event must be present at all times, and they will change every four hours. Two time keepers and a Referee will be present. Youghal United are honoured to have not one but two World Cup officials in attendance – Ed Foley, World Cup 1998 (France) and Ken Hennessy World Cup Malta and Portugal official. Finally, three League of Ireland officials will also be in attendance. The pitch must be fenced to the specific measurements of 5 a-side soccer match. Each team will consist of five players and three subs, around which play will alternate for the duration of the challenge.
Ken Dempsey is managing the nutrition and diet of each of the players which, he says, is vital to the health, strength and staying power of the players.
Every effort has been made to ensure the safety, comfort and confidence of the teams, including the presence of a team of Physiotherapists from the Jimmy Healy School, two Nurses who are on round the clock call, a defibrillator, and The Irish Red Cross and a local Doctor are also on alert in the event of being needed.
And so, everything is organised and in place for one of the biggest challenges ever to face Youghal United Soccer Club, The event gets underway at 9am on Saturday next, June 5th with throw in by much loved Canon Browne, and all the players now need is the support and encouragement of the people of Youghal and surrounding areas. Considering the guys will still be playing soccer well into the following day, Sunday, having played all night, they are going to need the boost of encouragement all through those long hours. It appears that a new attempt of 33 hours is presently being adjudicated by Guinness, so the Youghal boys are now planning on going for 33hours 20 minutes!!!!! Please give the lads your encouragement and support – come along and cheer them on at any time of the day or night – they’ll be there.
In celebration, Sunday 6th will be a most marvellous family day with Bouncy Castles, Face Painting, Music with Bobby Lee, Penalty Shootouts, Xbar Challenge, Stocks etc., A Monster Raffle will take place with terrific prizes to be won and food, teas and coffees will be available. There will be something for everyone, and it is quite possible – taking the fitness, energy, commitment and endurance of the team into consideration – that the lads will be still kicking that football around!
Uniquely, Youghal United have extended an invitation to every club and organisation in the town to come along to Ardrath Park and showcase their own Club by either putting up a stand, or arranging for officials of their Club to be present to answer any questions from the people of the town and canvas for new members.. It is an ideal way to present your club and its activities, and there is no charge. Please avail of this opportunity, presented by Youghal United, and set your stand up in celebration of the event, and if you want to get even more involved in this historic weekend then please contact Finbarr on 086 4041590.
The first match played on the pitch at Ardrath Park twenty five years ago was Youghal vs. Corkbeg, and Dick Lewis scored the very first goal for Youghal United in that match. The first Chairman was Peter Hughes and the first Lady Chairperson was Phil Mangan. Thus commenced the journey of three clubs who combined their funds, talent and pitch twenty five years ago to a club which, today, has in excess of 300 members. It has been a journey of excitement, success and commitment which culminates on this June Bank Holiday with a tremendous effort by its members to ‘let their feet to the talking’.
‘The game of soccer’ they say, ‘is not just about scoring goals. It’s about winning’. Next weekend will showcase soccer at its best and, no matter what the outcome, there can be no doubt about the fact that Youghal United are, indeed, already winners..
Click on image to enlarge and start slideshow – All Photographs by Michael Hussey – www.youghalonline.com
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