It's your town, your club. Get involved! If you want to support or volunteer with Raheny United in any capacity, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch.
Raheny's Halpin stars for Ireland at World Cup 👏🏼
Everyone at the club is immensely proud of 17.4 midfielder Conor Halpin, who represented Ireland at the CP World Cup in Spain! Conor played a pivotal role for the national team at centre-back. His performances were instrumental in Ireland's victories over Venezuela and Canada, with Conor showing great leadership and composure. This milestone is just the beginning of what promises to be a glittering international career. Conor’s achievements inspire not just his 17.4 teammates but everyone at the club. Congratulations, Conor, you’ve done us all proud!
RUFC going strong in Intermediate football
For the first time in our club's history, Raheny United’s men's senior team has reached Intermediate football, a huge milestone for team and club. This achievement follows an extraordinary run of three consecutive promotions, climbing from Premier Sunday to Intermediate 1B Sunday and winning Major 1 Sunday along the way.
Intermediate football is a significant step up, placing Raheny United among the top amateur clubs in Ireland. It’s a chance to test ourselves against some of the best, and the progress so far is a testament to the hard work and dedication of players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters. The team has adapted well to the challenge, earning 15 points from a possible 18 in the last six league matches, a strong statement of their intent this season, and an excellent run of form.
With 11 games played so far, and Raheny sitting in 4th, there's everything to play for as we approach the second half of the campaign.
The lads closed out 2024 with a dominant 4-0 win over Drogheda Town, securing six wins from the last seven league games. Alex McIndoe’s brace set the tone. He opened the scoring in the 3rd minute with a clinical finish, lashing a loose ball into the top corner.
He added another just before half-time, lobbing the keeper from 30 yards after intercepting a misplaced pass. Matt Pollard’s second goal of the season came in the 34th minute, finishing a diagonal pass from Denis Toro after a forward run from right-back. The standout goal, however, was Stephen Kane’s stunning 57th-minute volley. It began with a Toro throw-in to Pollard, whose cross was cushioned by McIndoe for Kane to volley home with the outside of his foot.
Callum Butler’s return to midfield brought composure and balance alongside skipper Ben Mahon. At the back, the defence was rock-solid, earning a second consecutive clean sheet.
It was great to see such a big crowd down to the pitch for the match. A fantastic night all round to end the year. Lastly, a huge thank you to our players, coaches, and sponsors, Regency glass, Castlerock, and Jennings, for their continued support.
U11.3 battle to draw against Stepaside
The Under-11 Division 3 DDSL girls delivered a spirited performance in an impressive draw against a strong Stepaside side. Stepaside, known for their strong performances throughout the division, found themselves evenly matched by a Raheny United team that controlled large portions of the game.
Niamh O’Doherty and Jane Harte were solid at the back, snuffing out any danger Stepaside created. Raheny took an early lead when Lily Fagan threaded a clever pass to Tia Radley Hoyle, who burst down the wing, turned past a defender, and unleashed an unstoppable strike. Stepaside equalised before half-time with a stunning finish against the run of play, but Raheny’s spirit remained undeterred
Swish Mulhearn dictated the midfield in the second half, creating chances for the tireless Hannah Kinsella and Phoebe Harte, with Phoebe denied by the crossbar not once ,but twice! Lily Fagan also hit the woodwork after excellent work by Kinsella. Stepaside threatened late on, but Freyja Dunne’s outstanding saves kept them at bay. The match ended 1–1, but Raheny can hold their heads high after a commanding performance.
🏆 Player of the Match: Jane Harte – a rock at the heart of the Raheny defence! 💪🏼
A piece of Raheny United history
A huge thank you to Ger and Sé Weston for sharing this incredible photo of a Raheny Boys team from 1971; a real treasure from the club's history! We’re also deeply grateful to our ex-chairman, Peter McGonigle, for his attention to detail in identifying the exact year, location, and every single person in the lineup, which we've now added to the photo. If anyone has photos from years gone by at the club please send them into info@rahenyunited.ie and we will post them.
🎉 Christmas Cracker at the Clubhouse 🎉
This Sunday, Dec 14th
🕓 Bar open from 2:00 PM
⚽ Manchester Derby on the big screen 🩵 ❤️
4:30 PM
🍕 Mulino’s pizza direct to your table
🎄 Big Christmas raffle draw
6:30 PM
🎸 Live Music by 10 Blue
7:30 PM
11.1 on terrific cup run
The 11.1 girls are in their final season in a non-competitive league before moving to Under-12 football. To prepare for the transition, the coaching team sought the club’s approval to enter them into the Under-12 SFAI Girls National Cup. The girls have exceeded expectations, advancing through three rounds and securing impressive wins against strong teams, including Granada Under-12s (Premier) and Ballyouster Under-12s, who included players from their Under-13 league-winning squad. Now in the last 32 of the tournament, they may face teams from anywhere in the country. It’s been an incredible journey, showing what hard work and team spirit can achieve. Where-to next? The girls are hoping for a road trip! 😊
U13 Major 1 girls fundraiser – a big success!
The U13 Major 1 Girls hosted a fantastic family quiz night on Saturday, 23rd November, filled with fun, laughter, and incredible prizes. Highlights included a Castore Ireland team polo, Ireland shorts, perfumes, wines, a Christmas tree, and a very special raffle prize; a voucher for two to enjoy a Secret Street Tour of Dublin, generously gifted by Coach Eva. co-leader of the team and director Secret street tours. Killian and Eva extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who came out to support the girls. Your generosity and enthusiasm meant the world. Thank you for being part of such a great evening!
Last-gasp victory a fitting send-off
This was a monumental game for Raheny United’s LFL Division 3 squad. They aimed to avenge an October defeat to SVS, while also bidding farewell to five players departing for Australia the next day. Vice-captain Luke Amplett took the armband for this emotional fixture, joined in his final game by Luke Browne, Jamie Jeal, Alan Quinn, and Adam Delaney. The first half was intense, with SVS taking an early lead. Raheny responded in style when Adam Delaney, after a brilliant solo run through midfield, slotted home the equaliser. In the second half, SVS regained the lead scoring a long-range free-kick. As the clock ticked toward full-time, Shane Brennan delivered a spectacular solo effort to level the game at 2-2. Our camera crew just about managed to catch this goal.
Then, in the dying seconds, Raheny pulled off a moment of magic. Luke Amplett, the departing captain, poked home from an excellent Daniel Fuller cross, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory. This time the camera crew were ready and the winning goal and celebratory pile-on were recorded for all to see.
This hard-fought win earned the team three vital points and a climb up the Division 3 league table. The five players leaving for Australia will be sorely missed but are sure to keep the Raheny spirit alive abroad as they reunite with former teammates Sean Barrett and Ethan Shoebridge who are already down there. Back home, the remaining squad has vowed to press on in league and cup. And we wish the lads all the best in their new adventures down-under.
🇦🇺🐨🦘
FAI Club Mark: progress and next steps
The Executive Committee is pleased to announce that we will apply for the FAI Club Mark Entry Level in Q1 2025. The FAI Club Mark is a three-tiered accreditation award that promotes best practices in the governance, management, and administration of football clubs. Clubs begin their journey at Entry Level and can progress to One Star and Two Star status. Each step challenges clubs to implement policies and procedures aligned with best practices. Taken from the Club Mark website:
Parent participation
As part of the application process, our Club will host a Parent Awareness Workshop early in the New Year. This 40-minute session, facilitated by FAI staff, will focus on sideline behaviour and other important topics. We encourage parents from all teams to attend; while not everyone needs to come, we hope to see a strong turnout. The workshop is expected to take place in late January or February 2025. Your participation will be key to supporting this vital initiative. It is important to note that compliance with Club Mark Entry Level becomes mandatory for all clubs by the end of 2025.
Strengthening child welfare
In conjunction with our Clubmark application, we are delighted to announce the establishment of our new and improved Child Welfare Team, with three fully trained Safeguarding (SG) officers now in place.
Designated Liaison Person: Aidan O'Looney (SG1 & SG3)
Children’s Officer (Male): Gareth Fitzpatrick (SG1 & SG2)
Children’s Officer (Female): Anne Cheevers (SG1 & SG2)
We aim to add more Children’s Officers in the coming months to further strengthen our child welfare framework. Additionally, a Child Welfare Notice Board will be installed in the new club foyer once construction is complete. This board, positioned at eye level for players, will provide key information and updates related to child safety and welfare. Together, these initiatives represent a significant step forward in ensuring a safe, well-managed environment for everyone involved in our club.
U17s had a 100% record in November
The 17.4 boys enjoyed a stellar November, securing 4 wins from 4 and taking maximum points, setting themselves up for a strong title push after a slow start to the season.
With excellent performances against Mount Merrion, Sporting Greystones, Cabinteely, and Hartstown Huntstown, confidence is sky-high going into the christmas break. The standout game of the month came against Mount Merrion, where the entire team did brilliantly. Jayden netted a brace, while Sean Thunder, Lucas Clohessey, and Liam Kelly each added a goal each. Against Sporting Greystones, it was another goal fest, with Billy and Liam both bagging braces in a 7-0 victory!
November also saw several players volunteer at the Raheny Academy as part of their Transition Year Gaisce Award. Billy, Mark, Cian, Jayden, and Robert have been lending a hand every Saturday, supporting the next generation of young footballers.
Family bingo New Years Eve
We're hosting another family bingo on New Years Eve. Details in poster below:
Thank you to our sponsors
We couldn't do it all without the amazing support we get from our sponsors. Thank you in particular this month to Castlerock who recently renewed their sponsorship with us.
This month we're also giving a special shout out to Northwood Technology and Kable Kings for their generous sponsorship.
Thank you!
Your town, your club. Get involved!
If you want to support or volunteer with Raheny United in any capacity, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch
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