Mahon Hails Flush Daryl

  • Mon, May 23, 2011 @ 12:24

INCHICORE is fast becoming Kavanagh Country as Daryl Kavanagh scored for the fourth time in five games to extend St Pats' superb run of form with a win away to Bohemians.

And Saints manager Pete Mahon heaped some very well-earned praise on the shoulders of the Waterford-born forward who has overcome some very big personal obstacles to emerge as a new hero for the Saints faithful.

Pats, who had a serious dip in form early in the season are now unbeaten in seven games, have won their last three away games in a row and have an impressive clean sheet record (four clean sheets in five), as Kavanagh scored the only goal of the game in the 76th minute to give Pats the points.

Bohs have now made it six home games without a win.

Pats keeper Gary Rogers was the provider as his long punt upfield was the source for Kavanagh's goal as he turned Bohs defender Liam Burns and finished well past Chris O'Connor.

Earlier this year, Kavanagh bravely went public on his troubled past, which included a conviction for armed robbery and getting into what he described as "drink and drugs" but Pats took a chance on the former Waterford United man and that faith is now being rewarded with some stunning form.

"I am very pleased with Daryl. It's been well documented that he had a rough time over the last couple of years but he's working really hard -- both on and off the pitch -- to get his life together again, and I think we're helping him," said Mahon after the win, the first win for Pats away to Bohs since a Keith Fahey wonder goal did the trick three years ago.

"Daryl has always been a good player, I can remember him back when he was at Waterford United.

"He had his problems but he has turned things around, and he deserves great credit for that.

"Daryl is enjoying his football and that's the most important thing, he's living in Dublin now, he's surrounded by good people.

"I think everyone deserves a second chance in life.

"Daryl has been given that opportunity and has shown what a good player he is," added Mahon.

Kavanagh did nick the only goal of a tight game but he could have had a hat-trick -- he was denied by a superb save from Chris O'Connor on 54 minutes, and then after netting that goal he was again kept out by O'Connor in injury time.

Mahon added: "It's a while since Pats last won here at Dalymount but statistics don't mean anything to me, that's all in the past. God can't change the past so we focus on the here and now. We are a work in progress, it's long and hard work, but when you get a win like we did last night it makes it all worthwhile.

"Now we have a very big game against Sligo Rovers next week and we have to try and keep going to make sure we finish in the top alf of the table."

Bohs offered little in the way of a real threat but there was a positive for the home side despite their poor form at Dalymount as long-term injury victims Glenn Cronin and Chris Fagan each made substitute appearances, while Barry Murphy, out for the last eight games, took his place on the bench.


Next Fixture

Drogheda United / March 29th @ 7:45pm
Competition: League
Venue: Weavers Park
 
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Derry City611
Sligo Rovers69
Waterford FC68
Galway United FC67
Bohemian FC57
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