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.

7 Points Clear at Top of Table

VEC recorded a well-deserved league win against Glasnaion FC on a bumpy Johnstown Park pitch to go 7 points clear at the top of Division 1, with just 3 games remaining. The only goal of the first-half was scored in the 12th minute by that man Paddy Cook (his 10th in the last 7 games), but we exerted our supremacy in the second-half, when firstly skipper Shane O’Connor’s bullet header from a Jeff De Castro corner kick rattled the net in the 54th minute; followed by a Pat Meghen strike 10 minutes later after a home team defensive howler. Then Joey Byrne put the game beyond Glasnaion’s reach with a lovely near-post shot (pic.) in the 70th minute, before manager Keith Moloney emptied the bench as VEC coasted to victory. The only ‘blemish’ from our point of view, was conceding a goal with literally the last kick of the game. See League Table

1-0 Within 10 Seconds!

This was VEC’s 5th goal and Neill Love’s first of the season when this spectacular overhead kick hit the back of the net in the 75th minute. The real drama commenced straight from the kick off when Pat Meghen pounced on a Coolock Village FC defensive howler to open the scoring within the first 10 seconds, in what must be a record in VEC and possibly the League! [Too quick even for the cameraman to capture it].
8 minutes later, we were 2-0 up when Ronan Murphy scored his first of the season and then further goals from Conor Lewis and Paddy Cook in the 57th and 65th minutes sealed this comprehensive win for VEC in Terenure, and puts us 5 points clear at the top of the Division 1 league table.

Return of Willie’s Boot

Following Willie Kissane’s untimely death in 1997 at the age of 36, a magnificent trophy was specially commissioned by VEC FC. Willie had played 160 games for VEC and scored 56 goals! His football boot, which was painted in bronze, was presented to the club by Willie’s wife, Susan. The Club then organised the 8-team annual Invitational Willie Kissane Tournament in each of the 20 years from 1998-2017 in Willie’s memory. Then on a sentimental day in August 2017, after the 20th and final Tournament took place, it was decided to return the Trophy to his family. The picture shows Noel Ryan – on behalf of the Club – presenting Willie’s father-in-law Eddie Power with Willie’s Boot. [See list of winners here]

VEC Return to Top of Table!

With the only goal of the game, Joey Byrne (out of shot) fires VEC into the lead in the 62nd minute, returning us to the top of the Division 1 table.
But it was an inspiring performance from man-of-the-match – goalkeeper Colin Power – with a number of outstanding saves, that ensured we took all 3 points. Solid performances from his defenders also greatly contributed to this deserved win. See League Table.

Peter O’Donoghue Wins Pickawinner

Former VEC player Peter O’Donoghue with 59 pts. wins €700!

Alan Burns finished 2nd on 57 pts. and takes home €200. Michael Curtin & Patrick Meghen both finished on 55.5 pts. and share 3rd prize: they receive €50 each. Congratulations to you all and well played. Check out the final Leaderboard!

Thanks to everyone for your participation. We’ll be back!

The Pickawinner Team, on behalf of VEC Football Club.

Happy Christmas

Wishing all the players and everyone associated with VEC Football Club a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. Le gach dea-ghuí i gcomhair na Nollaig agus na hAthbhliana.

We look forward to the resumption of football on 11th January 2025.