December Parents Newsletter As we approach Christmas, the club and committee would like to thank all of you for making 2024 a memorable year for Dalkey United.
The club has had a hugely encouraging 12 months. There was, of course, the tremendous news regarding the clubhouse redevelopment with Cuala which will be of huge benefit to both clubs and the broader community. We are hopeful too of progress in 2025 regarding pitches.
Most important, however, has been the joy and satisfaction we hope all our players have got from being part of the club. This wouldn’t happen without the efforts of those who volunteer and ensure the club functions seven days a week. Every contribution, no matter how big or small - from helping to put away the nets after a game to taking training a couple of times a week or flipping burgers at the Champions League - is critical for a club like Dalkey. There are a couple of people to single out, our head coach Francesco Georgescu who is tireless in his commitment to coaching at the club, and Kim Fortune, without whom, quite simply, Dalkey United would grind to a halt.
There have been great triumphs this season, a league title for Franco’s U-21 side and a wonderful fourth place for our U-15 girls’ side in the Bayern Tournament in Germany are just two highlights. Our U-14s boys also had a memorable trip to Malta, the standout moment of which was holding Liverpool to a scoreless draw at half-time. In the second half the most successful club in the history of English football went on to score three but they were tested by Dalkey United and Pep Guardiola might be looking for some tips from our 2010’s.
But more important than victory or defeat is the sense of community we hope all of you and your children get from being part of Dalkey United. There have been a few events this year that have underlined what we hope the club is about. The first was the Champions League, the magical May Bank holiday weekend when more than 400 children from five to 13 took place in a dramatic, gripping and uplifting two days of football.
Another was the club’s participation in the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Dun Laoghaire, an occasion when it was hard to know who got more delight from the chants of ‘Dalkey United’ that could be heard all along the seafront, the coaches or the kids. We hope to be participating again in 2025.
A special highlight was the trip to Ireland’s play-off game against Wales at the Aviva earlier this month. More than 200 parents, coaches and players attended the game, an incredible turn out in support of our Women’s National Team. A wonderful occasion which also demonstrated the phenomenal work done by all who have contributed to growing girls’ football at the club, something everyone can be proud of.
Our Girls Supporting the Girls in Green
We look forward to many more highlights in 2025. These might be at one of the big events or simply on a pitch on any weekend somewhere in the Greater Dublin area when we see our kids enjoying all that is great about football and, particularly, enjoying all that is great about being part of a team.
On behalf of the committee, I would like to wish all of you a very happy and peaceful Christmas and thank you for all your support for Dalkey United over the year.
Dion Fanning, Chairman
Bobble Hats are Back The first order is sold out rapidly. We’re happy to run another batch of these and have them on hand (and on heads) by late January. If you would like to order, please do so by the end of December to ensure that you get one this time. Buy Bobble Hat January Schedule Our training will resume on the same schedule starting on 6 January and matches will resume on 18 January. Please look for official word from your coaches.
Academy Academy will resume on the 11 January and we’ve extended the capacity for our Academy and all of those on our waitlist are now in. Please invite your children's friends for the second half of the season. 9:00 am: U5 and U6 (2019 and 2020) 10:00 am: U7 (2018) 11:00 am: U8 (2017) Please join the ClubZap group to ensure you are getting the latest updates for these age groups: Join Academy ClubZap.
Looking Ahead to the Champions League The biggest event on our club calendar is coming back this Spring. We could use your help in planning and running this event. Please contact Conor at keatingconor@hotmail.com if you are interested in volunteering or being a part of the event committee.
We’re Looking for a New Secretary! We are currently on the lookout for a new Secretary (or two to share) to join the Dalkey United committee. If you or someone you know is interested in taking on this important role, please reach out to us at chairman@dalkeyunited.ie for more information.
ClubZap We’ve partnered with ClubZap to streamline our registration and communications. All payments, registration, and communications, will come to you through ClubZap. Go to the app store and search for ClubZap (Apple and Google)
