October Parents Newsletter

RIP Patrick O’Brien 

72 years ago, a group from Dalkey village (John Keyes, Brian Reilly, Billy Byrne, Des McWilliams, Pat O'Brien, Tom Roche and Barney Kavanagh) who used to meet up to play football on the field of the quarries on ‘the Hill’ got talking after a game one summer’s evening. They should form a football club they said. Discussions continued over a couple of weeks when it was agreed to start a club that would be called Dalkey United AFC.  

They were enthusiastic and determined and borrowed money for the first Dalkey United kit, with its famous black and white striped jerseys.  

Last month, we said goodbye to one of that group, a founding member of Dalkey United, Patrick O’Brien. Clubs like Dalkey don’t exist without people like Patrick O’Brien. From that day in 1953, Pat remained an enthusiastic player, supporter and volunteer.   

In 1954, that first Dalkey United side won the Wicklow District Junior Cup and Pat played for many years, with a reputation as a defender that made many a forward hesitate.  

His son Peter also played for Dalkey United and his son-in-law Paul Noone is coach of our current U-19s side. Pats' grandsons Sonny and Finn have played and continue to play for the club.  

In 1981, Pat headed up the project for the building of the new clubhouse extension. As a great believer in the power of community, Pat used prisoners to help build the extension, providing them with work experience and a sense of purpose.  

His funeral at the Church of the Assumption in Dalkey was a fitting farewell to a wonderful family man who gave so much to Dalkey and to our club.  

Everyone at Dalkey United would like to send our sympathies and gratitude to Noreen and Pat’s children, Clodagh, Simon, Peter and Saoirse while remembering Noreen and Pat’s late son, Joseph too.   

Thousands have passed through Dalkey United since those days in 1953. The community club they imagined on that summer’s evening on the hill has grown and prospered. It is a legacy of which Pat and his family can be rightly proud. 

International Honours 

In the midst of a big sports weekend, many eyes at Dalkey United will be on Prague where Leah Kitteringham will be part of the Ireland U-16 squad for a two-game series against the Czech Republic. 

Leah is a goalkeeper and played with our 2010 team for many years until she moved to DLR Waves earlier this year. Leah was among the first girls to make the transition as part of our partnership with Waves and she is an outstanding example of the pathway in operation. 

At Dalkey United, Leah represented her club on trips to Barcelona, Munich and Venice so she is well used to international football! 

Remarkably, Leah is the second player from the 2010 to achieve international recognition, Lara Dallaghan also achieved this honour last season. Add Anna Butler (2009) and that’s 3 ex-Dalkey United players with international caps in the past year.

DLR Waves are hosting trials for Dalkey girls born in 2011 and 2010 in November for next year's U17 National League Squad. This will be the next opportunity for Dalkey girls to take the step up to national football. Anyone interested should contact Simon Boucher on [email protected]. 

The club would like to wish Leah all the best with Ireland this week. In a newsletter where we remember one of the founding members of the club, it is a tribute, not just to Pat O’Brien but to all the volunteers, especially Leah’s coaches, that Dalkey United is also celebrating an Irish international. 

Halloween Camp 

• Boys and Girls 2013-2018 are welcome

• Dates: 28-31 October

• Cost €100

• Location Hyde Park

• Time 9.30am-2.15pm

• Register here: Halloween Camps

Saturday Morning Academy – Limited Girls’ Spots Available! 

Our Saturday Morning Academy is almost full — but we’re delighted to have a few remaining places for girls born in 2018, 2019, and 2020! 

Training takes place on Saturday mornings at Castle Park Astro, offering a fun and supportive environment for young players to learn and enjoy football. Contact Clare on 086 1943102 for the registration link. 

Please spread the word and help us grow our fantastic girls’ section!  

Communications help needed

We’re looking for a communications expert to take our parent/member/player comms to the next level. This includes newsletters (like this one), website, social, and communication apps. We’re open to any other ideas that can drive community and engagement.  It’s a 2-3 hour per month role and would partner primarily with our Chairman Dion.  If you are interested please contact him at [email protected].

We need a few good Refs

As many of you are aware, there is a substantial shortage of referees available to be allocated to DDSL matches, particularly on Sundays. If you are interested in becoming a referee, the FAI have some upcoming Referee Beginner courses which you can book through the links below:

Dublin Referee Beginners Course - Saturday 15th November (10-4pm) - https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/40991053

Online Referee Beginners Course - 25th & 26th November (7-10pm) - https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/40991316

Becoming a referee is the opportunity to give something back to the game you love, and to help ensure the players enjoy the game.

Bobble Hats are Back 

Winter is Coming. We have a limited run of stylish Dalkey United bobble hats that are set to arrive in the next few weeks and guaranteed to keep you warm.  They can be purchased here for €20: Dalkey United Bobble Hat. 

Club Kit for 24/25 

We encourage all match aged players to wear the official track suit tops to training and matches.  These are available, in an extensive club shop, through our partners at Teamwear.  

Those striped socks! How about we bring these kits back for our 75th season?