MATCH REPORT:

Our U15 boys travelled across the city to play our refixed football match v St. Monica’s on a fine, but cool Tuesday evening. Missing a few players, and guessing from other results, this was predicated to be a close affair. What transpired was a masterclass in football, and showcased the boy’s teamwork, work rate, support play and determination, to its fullest.
Winning the toss, we played with a decent breeze in the first half, and were quickly into our stride, kicking some fine points. The half-back & mid-fielder were dominant, winning all the 50-50 battles, and providing quick possession forward to create the opportunities. A few goal opportunities went a begging, and concern on the line that we needed a cushion for the second half was rife, but the lads kept tipping over the points and the gap was widening. A rare skirmish by St. Monica’s into our half, led to the rattling of the crossbar, and their only point for the first half. Half Time 13pts to 1pt
The first 10 minutes of the second half were going to be critical, into the breeze, and so it transpired. First score of this half when our way with another fine point. Intense pressure and direct running from St. Monica’s, seeking goals was the plan, and despite some valiant defending, they breeched the line. A quick response was needed and was given with a goal of our own within a few minutes. Monica’s kept the heads up, and kept coming, and did breach the goal line on 2 further occasions, but our boys also kept the scoreboard ticking over, and kicking 2-5 into the breeze in the second half was a mighty achievement! Final Score 2-18 to 3-3.
Every one of the boys, including our subs, played a part, and this was key to the success. Almost every score that came from play, came from full team participation, working the ball out of the defence, through 4 and 5 players to create the opportunities. The balance of ability across the pitch was critical and gave so many options for each & every attack. Too many players played above and beyond the call of reason to be mentioned here, but it was the stance of some, defending & protecting teammates in the face of some strong tackling from the opposition, that was most heartwarming, whilst conducting themselves impeccably. An absolute credit to their families and club.
Team lineout: 1 Cian Lynch; 2 Eoin Gleeson; 3; Conor Teehan; 4 Jamie Lang; 5 Colm Murphy; 6 Henry Todd; 7 Liam Foran; 8 Jack Sheridan (0-1); 9 Darragh Burns (0-5); 10 Harry Walsh; 11 Aidan Doyle (2-2); Cillian Doherty (0-3); 13 Daniel Mulryan (0-2); 14 Sean Solan (0-5); 15 Ollie McCormack; 18 Jamie Colgan; 19 Aaron Farrell; 20 Patrick Nicol; 21 Elliot Cox.