Portmarnock AFC a year like no other in 2020 and a look forward to 2021.

Portmarnock AFC a year like no other in 2020 and a preview of what is to come in 2021.

By Steven Kelly,

04/01/2021.

Well, where to begin. It is fair to say that the year that was in 2020 was nothing short of unprecedented. Despite all the challenges that came to fruition, Portmarnock AFC still managed to achieve success with various squads throughout the year. Portmarnock AFC is situated in the beautiful coastal area of north Dublin. Its grounds are based on paddy’s hill overlooking the beautiful Irish sea. The views are breathtaking. The club has various squads from the Nippers panel the whole way up to LSL and UCFL senior level. The club is ever-growing and is steeped in landing silverware since its foundation in 1979. The various senior squads are currently managed by Simon Cash, Brian McCann, and Brian Irwin. So how did the teams fare in 2020?

Based on the 2019-2020 season which was interrupted by the covid-19 pandemic our major 1A side fared very well, finishing last season in 2nd place behind Sacred Heart Firhouse Clover. They can look forward to next season with an instilled confidence following a run of consistent performances throughout the campaign. Their final game of the season, however, ended disappointingly with a 4-2 away defeat to Collinstown FC. With young players like James Hendricken and Ross Waters to name but a few, hopes are high that this squad can land silverware down the line. 

Our 2nd senior side had a disappointing campaign in the senior division Sunday league. They were unfortunately relegated after finishing bottom of the pile. With some adjustments, this team can reach their full potential next season. Our underage squads have been training no end throughout this tough season, with squads from u9-19 turning out in all sorts of conditions. The PAFC coaches deserve a lot of credit for facilitating training in a safe but still fun environment. Mangers like Quintan Moran and Martin Keating give up endless hours for the good of the club and this is allowing the teams to be successful on the pitch. The work that has been done at underage level is harvesting the next generation. Players from these squads have played on a national stage in the past, most noticeably Darragh Curtin from the U14A squad. He was part of the DDSL side that participated in the Kennedy Cup. 

As competitive as PAFC have been on it, the work during 2020 off the pitch has been second to none. Fundraising is a major part of sustaining the facilities available to the teams. On March 7th, 2020, our race night was organized in the PSLC which provide a remarkable success for all concerned. Other successes that happened throughout the year included PAFC signing of the 20 by 20 club charter. The club aimed to recognize and promote the significance of female participation in sport. The club was also a key supporter of the covid-19 Fingal community response forum, which aimed to help the very vulnerable in the community, providing them with the necessary medicine and essential items. This showed the success the club has in coming together as a community and is something the club strives to do, regularly.

Later in the summer, PAFC teamed up with Naomh Mearnog GAA Club, Portmarnock Tennis Club, Athletics Club, and the links club to raise much-needed funds for 5 local charities. This was done via a go fund me page and provide an enormous success also. Although 2020 had many ups for the club, there was also a few downs, with some close people to the club who are no longer with us. The former treasurer of the club Sean Bolton sadly lost his wife Betty in late June, who is the mother of the PAFC committee members, Craig and Keith. Former senior manager, Cecil Nolan recently passed away, a man who had a charismatic influence on the club in the past. 

Looking forward to the 2021 campaign, we can only hope all action will get back to normal at some point. As well as the men's squads a mention must go to all the women's teams, who have been putting in huge work, which will hopefully lead to more success in 2021. Under the stewardship of Grainne Buckley, the club is in a healthy position and this can only improve as we enter a new year. PAFC has done incredible hard work from underage, right the way through to the senior set up ‘s and this can only filter further success for the next season. The coaches, to the chairperson, to the treasurer are all the ingredients needed to sustain if not build further on the clubs every growing status. Here is hoping we are back to normal shortly and can see our teams compete at all levels. Football at our club has never been more valued or appreciated. We can look forward to 2021 with optimism.