Blues News

Wednesday, 1st February 2012

Blues kick off pre-season with cork

Waterford United get pre-season underway with a much-anticipated friendly against Cork City at the RSC this Friday, February 3rd. The match will be a fantastic start to the year for Blues fans - the Munster derby is always a game to look forward to, and the more so now with Cork last year promoted as Div One champions. The match kicks off at 7.45pm, and you really shouldn't miss it, because as curtain-raisers go, it doesn't get much better! The following weekend sees the Blues take on Castleview FC in the Munster Senior Cup quarter final, that game kicking off also at 7.45pm on Friday 10th. And later in February the Blues will travel to Tallaght Stadium to challenge the League champions Shamrock Rovers on Friday 24th, kick-off 8.00pm, and it is also hoped that the by-this-stage annual challenge match in aid of the Waterford Kidney Unit will go ahead, details to be advised.

U19s Fall To Late Drogs Goal

An under-strength Blues U19s, missing their top scorer Sean Maguire through suspension, fell to a late goal at Hunky Dorys Park against Drogheda United on Sunday last, A penalty with about ten minutes left sealed their fate, and a late red card didn't help matters. The young Blues will be raring to go again next week though, as they host Bray Wanderers in the second round of the Enda McGuill Memorial Cup at the RSC this Saturday, Feb 4th, at 2.00pm.

Lotto Won By Direct Debit!

The Waterford United Club Lotto jackpot was won in last week's draw. The lucky winner is Bernard Brannigan, of Arbour Road, Lisduggan. Bernard is a €40 member of our Direct Debit scheme, and scoops the top prize of a cool €6,550. His lucky numbers were 5, 7, 9 and 11. The five €30 winners were: Nuala Ryan, Abbeyside; Mickey Kenneally, Rice Park; Anne Cooney, Dungarvan; Laura Hallissey, c/o Dudley Higgins; and David Cunningham, c/o Algy. The top prize now reverts to €1,500 for the next draw, on Wednesday February 8th.

If you fancy a chance at the Lotto jackpot you can play online from the club website, or buy tickets from the Club office, John Ryan's shop, any member of the MC, or any of our usual dedicated sellers. You can also, like Bernard, sign up for the Direct Debit scheme, and get 10 lines in each Lotto draw; again, contact the club office on 051-392034 for details. The Lotto, and in particular the Direct Debit scheme, is the club's only regular revenue stream, running every fortnight throughout the season (and the off-season), regardless of away matches or rest weekends, and it is vital to the club to get as many fans involved as possible.

Blues Sign Two More

Waterford United added two more to their panel for the 2012 season at the weekend, to bring the numbers up to 17. Paul Carey is a welcome returnee to the senior side, having established himself in the first team squad last season after making the step up from the Under-20s. He made 16 league appearances last year, mainly at right back, but like many in the Blues panel Paul is a versatile player, and can play at left back or anywhere across midfield. United have also signed a goalkeeper, the highly rated Robert Hughes from Shamrock Rovers. The Kildare native, who only turned 20 this month, has played for Rovers U-20 and 'A' Championship sides for the past two seasons, and previously had experience of the FAI Cup with Cherry Orchard. These signings follow the four made last week, when David Breen and Gary Dunphy committed to the Blue cause once more, and midfielders Ben Ryan and Peter Higgins signed for the seniors, the two Kilkenny men having both spent time at the RSC at underage level.

1st Division Kicks Off With Southeast Derby

The fixture list for what will be an 8-team First Division were released last week. No new clubs have been added (though Salthill Devon will compete out of Terryland Park as SD Galway) as each team will be played four times. Tralee Dynamos and Cobh Ramblers have not been given a berth, though thay have been told their applications will be reviewed should any other teams drop out. The Blues kick off with a Southeast derby away to Wexford Youths on Friday March 2nd. The following weekend will see the first home match when Limerick visit the RSC on March 9th, and then it's home again on March 16 when SD Galway arrive on Suirside. Longford Town away, Finn Harps at home, Mervue United away and Athlone Town at home complete the first series of matches.

Extras Add Value To Season Tickets