Town under 13s win Shield Final

Mitchelstown/Ballygiblin 7-8 Clerihan 1-4

Our under 13’s finished the season with a magnificent performance against Clerihans under 14s to win the Carmel Macken Shield final last Sunday in Ballyporeen. Clerihan beat us by 8 points earlier in the competition but knew we had improved and travelled to the game with confidence. Clerihan were short a few players so we played 13 a side. Sean Walsh did the warm up and the boys hit the ground running and dominated from the off. It was one of them days where everything clicked for us and we played our best foorball to date. Clerihan had advantage physically but our unselfish accurate passing was a joy to behold. Everyone was working hard and tracking back to help out when we lost possession

We lead three goals after 15 minutes, with two brilliant finishes from Luke Keane and a long range shot from David Conroy. Clerihan got a couple of points but we finished the half with three points to lead at half time on a score of 3-3 to 0-2. Straight from the throw in, a long ball to Colin McNamara who passed to the unmarked Luke Keane who blasted to the net. Clerihan came at us but our defence was rock solid. Colin McNamara, David Conroy and James Connolly Murphy added points. We hit Clerihan for three quick goals, two from Colin McNamara and Luke Keane scored his fourth. Clerihan fought gallantly and added 1-2 while we had points from Oisin Hanrahan and Eoin Flynn to complete the scoring.

Captain Cormac Luddy accepted the Carmel Macken Shield on behalf of the team and the team were presented with medals by members of the Macken Family and the celebrations began.

Jake Fox was excellent in goals and brought off some great saves. Eoghan Geary was all action and cut out several attacks while Fionn Hanrahan is a rock at full back. James Connolly Murphy was brought back to Centre Back and showed what a versatile footballer he is and back playing his best football. Bobby Baker and Oisin Hanrahan are excellent at turning defence into attack and were in top form. Gavin O’ Donoghue and Adam Barry dominated their physically bigger opponents in midfield. David Conroy lead the attack while Robbie O’Sullivan, James and Cormac Luddy set up attacks and tracked back continously. Eoin Flynn linked the play excellently while Colin McNamara and Luke Keane were scoring for fun. Cathal Sheehan and Conor Walsh unavoidably missed the final but played a big parts in getting us to the final.

A big thanks to Fionn Herlihy and Sean Walsh for the coaching work done with the lads. What a start to their coaching careers! Thanks to the parents who supported the lads on the day and brought refreshments. Thanks to Jim O’ Callaghan and Ballyporeen for organising this competition, tea and sandwiches, the pitch and finishing with this lovely day. Thanks to referee Kevin Dowling for doing an excellent job and letting the game flow. Team and scorers Jake Fox, Eoghan Geary, Fionn Hanrahan, Oisin Hanrahan(0-1), James Connolly Murphy(0-1), Bobby Baker, Gavin O’ Donoghue(0-1), Adam Barry, James Luddy, David Conroy(1-2), Cormac Luddy, Capt., Colin McNamara (2-1), Luke Keane(4-1), Eoin Flynn and Robbie O’ Sullivan