Swinford Football Club

Connaught Telegraph

Fielding appointed new Swinford boss in bid to redeem former glories

TOM KELLY REPORTS




Swinford Football Club have announced the appointment of a big name manager. He is Paul Fielding who, as player manager, led Sligo Rovers to their first F.A.I. Senior Cup success in 1983. The Ballina-based coach was an ever present member of the Rovers side which lifted the League of Ireland title in 1977.

Fielding has been involved in two European Cup competitions with Rovers and Glenavon, and is one of the most respected figures in the game in the country. Since leaving the League of Ireland scene a number of years ago, he has been involved in the game in America and Australia. In America, he was a member of the coaching staff with the New York Apollo Club. His move to Australia co-incided with his appointed as player-coach with Canberra City. Before returning home to the West of Ireland, he completed a one year coaching assignment with the Lancashire F.A.

Swinford Football Club received ten applications for the position after placing an advertisement in the local newspapers. Five of those who applied were invited for interview, and Fielding was offered the job at the weekend. Donal Benson, president of the Swinford club, said they were delighted to be able to appoint a man of FieldingÕs pedigree and experience.

"We have top class facilities at Cloonachboy. Now we need a team to match our ambition, and I am confident Paul will help us to recapture our glory days."
Philip Moore, club chairman, revealed the new managerÕs immediate objective was to win promotion to the Premier Division of the Mayo League.
"The club has never captured the Premier Division title, and I think it is time we made definite strides in that direction again."
Thomas Philbin, new appointed secretary of the club, said there was a new mood of optimism in the club.
"When the news of FieldingÕs appointment was announced at the weekend, there was a great buzz around the town. It is our intention to put Swinford firmly back on the map of football success in the years ahead."
Jean Borza, treasurer, said the club had tremendous potential which they hoped to realise on the field of play in the seasons ahead.

BEST PERIOD

Arguably the best period in SwinfordÕs history was between 1982 and 1985. An element of ill-fortune denied them major success however. They were defeated in the Area F.A.I. Junior Cup final in both 1983 and 1985 by Castlebar Celtic. The 1985 defeat was particularly disappointed as they had led Celtic 1-0 through Tommy Pidgeon when Fergus McEllin secured a dramatic injury-time equaliser directly from a free-kick. Celtic won the game in extra-time.

Swinford reached the Connaught Cup final in 1984 when they lost to Sligo Collegians.

The clubÕs best performance in the MayoLleague Premier Division championship came in 1992 when they finished runners-up to Urlaur United.

Swinford have two Connaught Youths (Under-18) Cup titles to their credit, winning the prestigious crown in 1981 and 1990.

The clubÕs other successes were the Tuohy Cup in 1992, the Quigley Cup in 1982, and the Mayo League Division One title in 1990.

Fielding replaces Mickey McLoughlin who was the clubÕs player-manager last season.

Connaught Telegraph - News - February 1996

Connaught Telegraph - Sport - February 1996