First things first. Congratulations to Bohemians and UCD for winning the Premier and First Division titles. Both teams were fully deserving winners.
In Bohemians case, retaining the Premier Division title proves the strength of their squad and the ability of Pat Fenlon as a manager. I suppose the battle for them now is to try to keep the spine of that squad together and perhaps add a fresh face or two if finances allow.
The students have been a model of consistency throughout the season and Martin Russell can be rightly proud of what he and his players have achieved, in what is an increasingly difficult league to get out of.
Now the real hard work begins for them. The question has to be, can they consolidate, and maintain their Premier Division status next term?
They looked impressive at times when I saw them play Shamrock Rovers in the FAI Cup, and their league results show that they have the nucleus of a pretty decent team.
Unfortunately the last series of matches in the league was overshadowed by the news that Derry City were set to be expelled from the League for alleged financial irregularities.
The excitement that should have surrounded Friday night's games involving St Patricks Athletic, Sligo Rovers, and Galway United was diluted with the news that the results would more than likely be irrelevant because of the Candystripes travails.
From our point of view on RTÉ Television, it somewhat took the wind out of our sails. We had hoped for a tension filled evening, with scores coming through from other grounds that would have a big bearing on what we were broadcasting. Instead, in truth, the whole thing was a little flat.
On the face of it, it looks as if the FAI have the evidence to throw the book at Derry. We received a lot of emails from Derry City supporters criticising the FAI for the decision that they've reached, but interestingly, we also received a number of emails from Derry supporters questioning the actions of the Derry board, and wondering whether the club would be better off if it was operating under the control of a new board.
It will be interesting to see if the offer from the FAI for players at the club to come forward to the Association or the PFAI with further evidence of dual contracts is taken up by the players. It would seem to me, that if they want to continue as professionals, it would be the right and prudent thing to do.
I have a huge regard for Derry City as a club. They have survived very turbulent times during the troubles, and when they joined the League of Ireland they brought something very special to the party.
The crowds may not be as big as they used to be, but they still have one of the bigger travelling supports and the other clubs in the league will miss that revenue. On that point, it occurs to me, that there's no reason why the FAI would dismiss the club from the league without good reason.
They're one of the jewels in the League of Ireland crown. In the MNS office I debated with a Derry City supporting fellow worker, that I felt Derry would be back in football next season in the First Division, but he was much less optimistic, and is already pondering who he might have to follow now, and worryingly he thought maybe he wouldn't have any team to follow and surely in this day and age, the League can't afford to be losing supporters.
Time will tell. But I sincerely hope Derry City or a new outfit, be they called, Derry FC or whatever might emerge from the awful situation that pertains at the moment.
It was a fairly heavy programme this week, but I hope by contrast when it comes to the final show of the season on Monday week, the mood will be much lighter and we'll be able to celebrate some of the good things from season 2009.
It was with a degree of shock that I read Damien Richardson's latest column on the MNS website.
I was surprised on a number of fronts. Firstly I was actually able to comprehend most of what Rico was waffling on about for a change, but his grievous and totally unwarranted attack on my ability as a deliverer of the finest karaoke version of a well known 1980's song, has left a very sour taste in my mouth.
Considering how bad some of the other participants were, my confidence has been shattered by the Rico-nator. Could I really have been worse than Colm Foley, or Rico himself? You'll have to judge for yourselves on Monday the 23rd during the last MNS of the season, but be kind to me. I need a lift after Damien's harsh words.
Our last show of the season on the 23rd will not only feature the nonsense I've been mentioning above, but also analysis of the FAI Ford Cup final, the result of our goal of the season competition, and review of the season overall and possibly an out-take or two.
In my final blog of the season after that programme I'll be listing my Con Murphy award winners for 2009.
In the meantime enjoy the play-offs and the Cup Final.
