De Courcey Albion, though finishing the season on a low point losing 4-1, can look back on the season with their heads held high. Favourites for relegation at the start of the season in their first year up, they finished fifth in the league. 1 point from a 3rd place finish and 2 wins from a promotion playoff.
Tim Harrington stole the show all season long. A massive 31 goals saw him overtake his brother Fran as the top scorer in 1 season. John Duggan, who has gotten used to the golden boot every season, played only 7 games this season but still managed to net 9 goals, 4 of which he scored against Rylane. Martin El-sahen in his first season with Albion netted 6 whil JP Hayes got his name on the scoresheet 4 times from the wing.
All of the new signings impressed this season as Rob O’Donovan, Ben Dillon, Tim Harrington, Martin El-sahen, Jack Crosbie, Elliot Thomson & Fran Harrington all contributed to Albions fine league & cup form throughout the season. Deccy Murray & Colm O’Donovan enjoyed a solid season at centre half, Jody Mac had his finest season in the red & white as did James O’Driscoll – player of the season. Ger O’Connell proved why he is called “Block” at right full and Mike Walsh was intsrumental when present between the sticks. Conan Dillon was solid as usual in midfield and up front towards the end of the season. A huge list of injury casualties may have cost them a place in Division 1 though they will take this season as another year of experience as they hope to build on it during the summer. With the likes of Rob Daly & Ben Dillon looking to recover from long term injuries & be ready for pre-season in July, along with the return of Conor Hurley, Albion will also be hoping as always to add to their current squad. John Hipwell will have to sit out most of next season while he recovers from his knee injury, Hipwell would have no doubt been there or there abouts as player of the season had he not been injured.
Pre-season training begins mid-july. If you are interested in playing Junior Soccer for De Courcey Albion for the 2012/2013 season, please contact Martin on 087-2719425 or email decourceyalbion@gmail.com.