VEC player Andy Howell – on behalf of the Club – presents his father Mark with the first prize of €600. Mark scored a remarkable 60 points to win Pickawinner ahead of Séamus Doherty who finished 2nd on 58.5 points. Congrats Mark!
100 Games for VEC and Counting!
We congratulate Colin Power on playing his 100th competitive game for VEC FC last Saturday against Blackforge FC, helping the team reach the last 16 of the Richard Knight Cup. Colly marked the occasion with some excellent saves and a ‘clean sheet’, with the Club’s top goal-scorer Joey Byrne scoring the only goal of the game.
Hat-Trick Patrick
Joey Byrne rolled back the years with a spectacular left foot volley (and his first of the season) after just 5 minutes, to put us ahead in this Challenge Cup game in Sean Walsh Astro, before Pavee equalised in the 30th minute, but that was the end of their scoring!
Paddy Cook (pic.) then took over with a hat-trick for VEC, scoring his first in the 42nd minute and adding two more in the 60th & 72nd minutes. In between, Andy Hooke scored in the 70th minute and then impact sub. ‘Swannie’ Sweeney banged in two more in the final 10 minutes, when the opposition had effectively thrown in the towel. Next up in the Challenge Cup is Larkview 3rds at home.
Cup Draws & Dates 2025-2026
Challenge Cup – Last 16: VEC FC v AGP FC
Richard Knight Cup – Last 16: VEC FC v Quarryvale FC
FAI Junior Cup – 22/02/2026 – Draw not made: VEC FC
Pic. shows our Quadruple medals from 2015-2016
Hard-Fought Win!
With just 13 fit players, and having lost one through injury after only 10 minutes, we certainly had our backs to the wall for large periods of this first game of the season against fellow newcomers to the 2025-26 Premier Division, St. Mary’s Sandyford. But when Paddy Cook skillfully evaded three challenges before crossing for Swannie Sweeney to score the only goal of the game in the 32nd minute, we defended magnificently, denying the visitors any chance of an equalizer, despite endless pressure.
Changes to the Laws of the Game
A number of changes have come into effect as of 1st July 2025
Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct – A corner kick is awarded if a goalkeeper, inside their penalty area, controls the ball with their hand(s)/arm(s) for more than eight seconds before releasing it. The referee will decide when the goalkeeper has control of the ball and the eight seconds begin and will visually count down the last five seconds with a raised hand.
Law 3 – The Players – The FAI is committed to reinforcing the ‘Only the Captain’ policy at all levels of the game. Normal interactions between players and the referee are allowed and remain important.
- Players showing dissent by word or action will be cautioned
- Key decisions will be explained to the captain: [Penalty area decisions/ Red cards/ Serious Foul Play/ Goal Decisions]. The captain must approach the referee and engage in a respectful manner.
Pre-Season Training
In the ETB (VEC) Sportsgrounds Terenure, every Tuesday & Thursday from 6.45pm to 8.00pm.
PRIVATE Grounds – Excellent facilities!
Map/Directions at end of page.
NEW TALENTED PLAYERS ALWAYS WELCOME!
VEC FC are always on the look-out for talented new players. If you are interested, then contact Richie at 087-6760870 or e-mail: sec@vecfc.ie
We Say Goodbye to Jeff
Jefferson De Castro who is returning shortly to his native country, played his last game for VEC today, captaining his team to an impressive 5-3 win against Glasnsion FC. Jeff has been such a valuable member of VEC teams over the past 6 seasons, playing in 106 games and scoring 11 goals along the way. He never let us down on the pitch with his calm attitude and his tremendous zest for the game as it should be played. He was consistent, reliable, dependable and strong, with great balance and superb close control. It was a privilege and a pleasure knowing him and we will miss his unique skills which added so much to our team. Wishing you all the best for your future Jeff. Desejamos-lhe tudo de bom para o future. Jeff’s ‘career’ with VEC FC: https://vecfc.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1-Bio-JdC.pdf
What an Extraordinary Start!
Conor Lewis beat 2 defenders down the right and sent a bullet of a shot to the roof of the net, just 15 seconds into this Shield game in VEC against Harding FC 2nds. We then missed a penalty in the 26th minute, and paid for it, as the visitors equalised mid-way through the 2nd half. However, we won the penalty shoot-out 5-4 to gain an extra point in this round-robin Shield competition.
Colly Saves the Day!
3 magnificent saves in the penalty shoot-out in Albert College by VEC Keeper Colin Power ensured that VEC FC progressed to the quarter-finals of the Richard Knight Cup, after the teams had finished level at 1-1 after 90 mins. and after extra-time.
Pat Meghen’s penalty in the 4th minute had us leading up to the 38th minute when Shelbourne AFC equalised. While we had the better chances thereafter, there were no further goals. However, we eventually advanced – winning the shoot-out 6-5. More details & 2 saves here.