U16 Girls Cup WP

 

U16 Girls Cup

Mayo 2

Kerry 1

Evergreen Park Kilkenny

Eoin Horkan

It was Mayo’s day in Kilkenny on Saturday afternoon as they managed to bring home the All Ireland U16 trophy, beating Kerry by a solitary goal.

Despite a number of Mayo girls having played for the county Gaelic football team the night before, this didn’t stop them flying out of the blocks from the start of the game. Within five minutes of the kick off, Mayo had opened the scoring through Kayla Doherty, as she finished well into the corner after some great build up play in the middle from Muireann Nolan and Maura Hughes. The Westerners kept the pressure on the Kerry goal with the forward contingent of Ashleagh Salmon and Kate Brennan producing some fine efforts but Lucy O’ Connor kept her side in the game with some excellent saves.

It wasn’t until the twentieth minute of the tie that Kerry launched a meaningful attack as they burst down the wing. After some good defending, the ball fell to Maeve Courtney, whose effort flew into the net to level the tie. This slight reprieve didn’t affect the Mayo girls as within five minutes they had taken the lead again. It was Doherty this time who provided the assist from a corner, before Isobel Phillips finished neatly into the net. The rest of the half belonged to Mayo with Brennan Hughes and Christine McEvilly having chances, but they couldn’t extend the one goal lead before half time.

The second half was a much tighter affair, as Kerry seemed to have got to grips with Mayo’s tactics. The first notable effort of the half came from Phoebe O’ Shea ten minutes in. Her effort narrowly missed the target. Kerry was getting the better of the chances but the Mayo defensive unit, led by Heaney in goal, were staying strong. Both sides started to empty their bench. This led to a stalemate in the  middle of the park –no team could gain complete control of the ball.. It was Mayo who closed out the game for a win when Doherty brought the ball into the corner and it took three players to disposess her at the end of the tie.

Mayo; Sarah Heaney, Isobel Phillips, Emma Walsh, Emily Jennings, Rebecca Moran, Muireann Nolan, Maura Hughes, Kayla Doherty, Ashleagh Salmon, Kate Brennan, Christina McEvilly. Subs Used; Alyssa Murphy for (Walsh 47) Helen Murray for (Hughes 68), Róisín Horkan, for  (McEvilly 60) Blaithín Brennan for ( Salmon 55)

Kerry; Lucy O’ Connor, Sarah Warren, Amber Macindoe, Hannah Nic Gerailt, Liadh Forde, Clodagh Moriarty, Hannah Casey, Kate Foster, Kate Forde, Phoebe O’ Shea, Maeve Courtney. Subs Used; Jacinta Griffin for ( Casey 68),  Anna Roberts for ( Moriarty 72) , Abbie Finnan for ( O’ Shea 73)

U16 Girls Cup MN

 

U16 Girls Cup

Mayo 2

 K Doherty (5), I Phillips (25)

Kerry 1 M Courtney (20)

Evergreen Park Kilkenny

Eoin Horkan

On Saturday afternoon in Kilkenny, it was Mayo's day as they defeated Kerry by a single goal to win the All Ireland U16 trophy.

Even though several Mayo girls had participated in the county Gaelic football team the previous evening, this didn't stop them from attacking with energy from the starting whistle. After a superb build-up play in the middle from  Muireann Nolan and Maura Hughes, Mayo scored the game's first goal through Kayla Doherty, five minutes after the game began. Ashleagh Salmon and Kate Brennan, two of the Westerners' forwards, continued to apply pressure to Kerry's goal, but Lucy O'Connor was keeping her in check.

The first significant Kerry attack didn't come until the 20th minute of the match. Kerry broke down the flank, and after some solid Kerry defence, the ball fell to Maeve Courtney, whose shot soared into the goal to draw the game. The Mayo girls were unaffected by this brief respite. They regained the lead after five minutes. This time, Doherty assisted from a corner before Isobel Phillips skilfully finished into the goal. Brennan Hughes and Christine McEvilly both had opportunities to expand Mayo's one-goal advantage before halftime, but they were unable to do so. Mayo dominated the remainder of the half.

As Kerry appeared to have mastered Mayo's strategies, the second half was considerably closer. Phoebe O'Shea made the first noteworthy attempt of the half ten minutes in, but her strike just missed the goal. Kerry was having more success attacking , but Heaney in goal and the Mayo defence were holding firm. The centre of the park came to a standstill when both sides began emptying their respective benches.  The game ended when Doherty brought the ball into the corner and it took three players to get the ball off her at the end of the match. Mayo was the one to seal the victory.

 

Mayo; Sarah Heaney, Isobel Phillips, Emma Walsh, Emily Jennings, Rebecca Moran, Muireann Nolan, Maura Hughes, Kayla Doherty, Ashleagh Salmon, Kate Brennan, Christina McEvilly.

Subs Used; Helen Murray, Róisín Horkan, Blaithín Brennan.

Kerry; Lucy O’ Connor, Sarah Warren, Amber Macindoe, Hannah Nic Gerailt, Liadh Forde, Clodagh Moriarty, Hannah Casey, Kate Foster, Kate Forde, Phoebe O’ Shea, Maeve Courtney.

Subs Used, Jacinta Griffin, Anna Roberts, Abbie Finnan

Referee Kevin O’ Neill

U16 Girls Bowl

 

U16 Girls Bowl

Limerick County 3

Midlands SL 1

Evergreen Park Kilkenny

Eoin Horkan

Limericks U16 girls came away with the bowl beating Midlands by two goals on Sunday morning in Kilkenny.

From the opening whistle the Limerick girls took control of the tie with Olivia McCarthy and Thea O’ Brien . It was McCarthy whose early effort for her side flew over the bar. Midlands broke forward against the run of play Ava Shine but her cross couldn’t be finished into the net. This was a slight reprieve as Limerick pushed forward again but in almost a carbon copy of the opposition cross no one could get on the end of Jayne Ryan sumptuous cross. With twelve minutes left in the half Limerick won a free out wide., it was O’ Brien who stepped forward to angle an effort into the corner. Giving her side a deserved lead.

This scare kicked the opposition into gear as they managed to goal efforts that were well saved by Afton Purtill in the goal. With the game edging towards the break Jayne Ryan suddenly burst into action collecting a through ball from Zoe Reeves Wasik to finish into the net. Moments later Ryan went on a solo run to give her side a three goal lead at the interval.

The second half was much the same for the westeners as they pushed forward at every opportunity. They created three chances within ten minutes but couldn’t extend there lead as Abi Swift and her defence stood strong at every opportunity. After this patch it was the Midland side that started to control the tie up until the final whistle. They created a fantastic chance but Adeline Bowen volleyed effort flew over the bar.

The last ten minutes of the tie belonged to the Midlands as they pushed forward to et back into this final. With a minute to go this pressure finally paid off as Hannah Hogan struck an effort in the net from the edge of the box. This consolation goal was well deserved for the side even if though it came at such a late stage.

Limerick County; Afton Purtill, Rachel Widger, Chloe Enright, Nicola Martin, Ciara Donarumma, Olivia McCarthy, Orlaith Purcell, Thea O’ Brien, Freya Wiegand, Zoe Reeves Wasik, Jayne Ryan.

Subs Used: Aoibhe Gardner, Aoibheann McNamara, Emma Sweeney, Katie Keogh, Lauren McNamara, Méabh Leahy, Shauna Dempsey.

Midlands SL;  Abi Swift, Holly Murphy, Kayla Lawlor, Emily Flynn, , Devine Samuel Emma Francis, Hannah Hogan, Ella Cuskelly, Aimee Coffey, Laia Urresola, Ava Shine.

Subs Used, Karissa Burns, Adeline Bowen, Sally Morgan , Leah Brennan, Aoife Ross,  Lauren Byrne.

Referee Darren Keating 

U15 Girls Shield WP

 

U15 Girls Shield

Mayo 0

Carlow 1

Evergreen Park Kilkenny

Eoin Horkan

The final Mayo girls' team to play on Saturday was unfortunate to lose to Carlow on Saturday night in Kilkenny by a single goal.

The home team got out to a stronger start with an early attempt from Mollie Cowman that flew past the crossbar. As the half went on, Mayo then began to exert their control. The first shot fired in rage was a long rang free from Aine Monaghan. Later, a long forward ball troubled the Carlow defence, but Roisin Murphy  magnificently cleared the ball out of harm's way. As Mayo advanced, Carlow's defence remained solid.

Carlow began to take greater control about the midpoint of the first half and against the flow of play, particularly through Mia Branagan but   Aoife Meaney in the Mayo goal made a good stop on her opening shot. Her subsequent attempt, this time from thirty yards out, eluded Meanaey's grasp and found the back of the net to give Carlow the lead just before halftime.

After the break, the game became much more competitive as both teams had more opportunities to score. Carlow's Alice Hickey  controlled the ball before shooting her attempt wide of the goal post. When Mayo started to remove players from the bench, Cliodhna Dowling's header from a corner went over the bar nearly immediately. After a brilliant solo run through the defence a few minutes later, Dowling again created a chance, but this time her goal-bound shot just missed the post. This was the westerners' final significant shot at the goal. The final two shots of the game were made by the opposition by Cowman , and substitute Ashely Smith , but Meaney remained firm in the Mayo goal.

 

 

 

Mayo; Aoife Meaney, Mary Moran, Cara Culkin, Áine Monaghan, Kate Byrne, Sadhbh O’Donnell, Emma Higgins, Aoife Collins, Ursula Shaughnessy, Mary Ann Ward, Alana Kelly.

Subs Used; Ruby Jennings, Cliodhna Dowling Aoibhin McGarry

Carlow; Amy Farrell, Ellen Barrett, Abbey O’Shea, Emily Kelly, Roisin Murphy, Mia Branagan, Sarah Devine, Summer Doorley, Kate Burke, Mollie Cowman, Alice Hickey

Subs Used; Ashley Smith, Katie O’ Reilly, Mai Craddock

Referee Dean Toner

U15 Girls Shield MN

 

U15 Girls Shield

Mayo 0

Carlow 1 ( M Branagan 29)

Evergreen Park Kilkenny

Eoin Horkan

The final Mayo girls’ team to play on Saturday  were unlucky to beaten by Carlow by a solitary goal on Saturday evening in Kilkenny.

It was the local side who started the stronger with an early effort from Mollie Cowman flying over the crossbar. Mayo then started to assert their dominance as the half went on . There first shot in anger came from an Áine Monaghan long rang free. Moments later a long ball forward caused trouble in the Carlow defence but Roisin Murphy  cleared the ball expertly out of danger. Carlow’s defence was standing strong as Mayo pushed forward.

Halfway through the half and against the run of play Carlow started to gain more control especially through Mia Branagan . Her first effort on goal was well save by Aoife Meaney in the Mayo goal. Her next effort from thirty yards evaded the hands of Meanaey to finish in the back of the net to give Carlow the lead on the stroke of half time.

After the interval the tie became much more open with both sides creating chances with Carlow’s Alice Hickey controlling the ball before drilling her effort wide of the post. Mayo began to empty their bench this caused an almost immediate impact when Cliodhna Dowling header from a corner flew over the bar. Minutes later it was Dowling again who created a chance after a fantastic solo run through the defence her goal bound effort narrowly skimmed the post. This was the westerners last meaningful attempt on goal. The opposition produced the final two effort of the game from Cowman   and Ashley Smith  but Meaney  stood resolute in the Mayo net.

 

 

 

 

Mayo; Aoife Meaney, Mary Moran, Cara Culkin, Áine Monaghan, Kate Byrne, Sadhbh O’Donnell, Emma Higgins, Aoife Collins, Ursula Shaughnessy, Mary Ann Ward, Alana Kelly.

Subs Used; Ruby Jennings, Cliodhna Dowling Aoibhin McGarry

Carlow; Amy Farrell, Ellen Barrett, Abbey O’Shea, Emily Kelly, Roisin Murphy, Mia Branagan, Sarah Devine, Summer Doorley, Kate Burke, Mollie Cowman, Alice Hickey

Subs Used; Ashley Smith, Katie O’ Reilly, Mai Craddock.

Referee Dean Toner

U13 Girls Bowl WP

 

U13 Girls Bowl

MGL South 3

Mayo 0

Evergreen Park Kilkenny

Eoin Horkan

The Mayo u13 ladies tried their hardest to defeat MGL from Dublin on Saturday night, but they were unsuccessful.

The deadly attacker Matilda Stelmaszek's first opportunity of the game came five minutes in, but Ava Mitchell in the Mayo goal made a fine stop. From the first whistle, the Dublin team grabbed control of this match.  It was up to Emily Connolly  who surged forward for the girls in red against the flow of the game, but her goal-bound shot missed the target. This respite did not deter the Dublin team, as Sive Flanagan successfully stopped Zara Behan's attempt.

Mitchell and Stelmaszek engaged in mini battle for the remainder of the half.  Mitchell was leading this battle with  two fantastic saves, but Stelmaszek eventually broke the deadlock  as Mitchell came out of her goal she was beaten  with a controlled lob. Stelmaszek extended her team's advantage just two minutes later  with a composed attempt from the edge of the area. Stelmaszek came close to completing her hat-trick with a few minutes remaining in the half, but her shot cannoned against the crossbar and left the score her side two up at the break.

As both young  teams grew weary and the Mayo midfield began to compete for control, the game became considerably tighter in the second half. This parity temporarily halted the MGL attack.  Even with this control very time Stelmaszek collected the ball, she continued to cause chaos, but Mitchell always maintained her composure. As both teams cleared their benches, Mayo created their last chance when Connolly's single run from the middle of the pitch resulted in a shot that was expertly blocked. Jessie O'Reilly of MGL was given a penalty with two minutes remaining in the match after moving quickly in the box. Stelmaszek stepped forward to finish her hat trick and give her team the advantage.

 

MGL South; Olivia Kenny, Ava Kelly, Eimear Byrne, Ginevra Data, Ruby Boland, Zara Behan, Lara Dallaghan, Matilda Stelmaszek, Ailbhe White.

Subs Used: Katie Anderson, Keeva O’ Reilly, Robyn Collins, Emma Flannery, , Sienna Boucher.

Mayo: Ava Mitchell, Beth Murphy, Katie Flynn, Saoirse McGing, Sive Flanagan, Grace Mulroy, Kayla Kelly, Rachel McGrath, Emily Coleman.

Subs Used: Caoimhe O’ Donnell, Anna Burton, Anna Meaney, Lucy McDermott.

U13 Boys Trophy Wicklow

 

U13 Boys Trophy

Wicklow 2

Longford 4

Evergreen Park Kilkenny

Eoin Horkan

A strong second half comeback was enough to see Longford bring the U13 trophy back west from Kilkenny Sunday evening.

It was Longford who started this game at a lightning pace as from the opening kick-off midfielder Mia Murtagh attempted to lob the Wicklow goalkeeper but Lucy Doyle collected the ball over her head. Minutes later Adam Kinlon tested Doyle again but the Wicklow net minder stood strong to keep out the goal bound effort. It was against the run of play that Wicklow opened the scoring as Sam Conyard broke forward down the left  before laying the ball back to his twin brother Kale who curled an effort into the top corner inside ten minutes. Wicklow piled on the pressure after this with the Conyards controlling the middle of the park. This control led to there second goal when striker David McCormac broke away and was awarded a penalty which he converted himself  to double his sided lead.

It was all Wicklow after the second goal as ten minutes later they had the ball in the net again but James McBride’s effort was ruled out for offside. The last chance of the for his side fell to Sam Conyard who tried to replicate his twin’s goal , unfortunately his effort narrowly missed the far post. With the last attack of the half the opposition broke away  through Alvin Kontoh who fired an effort against the post from an acute angle.

The half time interval didn’t stop Wicklow as within minutes of the resumption they had netted again only for the flag to be raised for a second time. Longford were holding the opposition at bay barely resulting in plenty of corners. One of these corners landed on the head of Cillian Maher whose effort flew over the bar. As the opponents started to empty  the bench one of them made an immediate impact winning an penalty which was converted by Mia Murtagh. With the next  play Tim Kenny controlled the ball well on the edge of the box before laying in off to Oisin Kiernan  to finish into the corner to level the tie halfway through the half.

The team from the west had hit their purple patch and this didn’t let up as five minutes later they had taken the lead after some great work by Kinlon and a fantastic save by Doyle this  wasn’t enough as Kontoh gave his side the lead. As Wicklow pushed forward to search for the equaliser they couldn’t break through a resolute Longford rear-guard and with three minutes left Oisin Dillon broke away on the counterattack to finish off the tie with an expert finish.

Wicklow;  20 Lucy Doyle F,  2 Shane Doyle,  3 Tristan Fogarty,  4 Cillian Maher,  5 Rhys Behan,  14 Samuel Moraghan, 7 Sam Conyard,  8 Kale Conyard, 9 David McCormac, 10 Failim Redmond, 11 Cian Murphy.

Subs Used;  17 James McBride,  16 Zach Cavanagh,  18 Alex Murphy, 13 Tiernan Shorthall

Longford; 1 Thomas Reilly, Tim Kenny, 14 Kamdi Aguneche, 3 Owen Kenny, 5 Alfie Murphy, 6 Kacper Slezak,  7 Ryan Kenny, 8 Mia Murtagh, 9 Oisin Dillon, 10 Adam Kinlon, 16 Alvin Kontoh.

Subs Used; 11 Oisin Kiernan, 15 Oliver Brychy, 2 Kian Treacy, 4 Daire Kilmurray, 20 Cormac Regan, 13 MJ Mifya.

Referee: Noel Connolly.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/soccer/bright-start-fades-for-wicklow-under-13s-in-sfai-final/a2099723765.html 

U13 Girls Bowl MN

 

U13 Girls Bowl

MGL South 3

Mayo 0

Evergreen Park Kilkenny

Eoin Horkan

It wasn’t to be for the Mayo u13 girls Saturday evening as they fought as hard as possible but couldn’t get the better of MGL from Dublin.

The Dublin side took control of this tie from the opening whistle with a strong middle third creating chances for the dangerous striker Matilda Stelmaszek whose first chance of the game cam five minutes in which was well saved by Ava Mitchell in the Mayo net. It was against the run of play when Emily Connolly drove forward for the girls in red but her goal bound effort drifted wide. This reprieve didn’t stop the Dublin side as Zara Behan’s effort was well blocked by Sive Flanagan .

The rest of the half turned into a battle between Mitchell and Stelmaszek. It was Mitchell who was winning this battle two excellent saved , eventually Stelmaszek broke the deadlock with a controlled lob as Mitchell advanced of her goal. Within two minutes Stelmaszek had doubled her sides lead with a well-controlled effort from the edge of the box. With minutes to go in the half Stelmaszek nearly completed her hat-trick but her effort cannoned back of the upright leaving two between the sides at the break.

The second half was a much closer affair as both young sides started to tire and the Mayo midfield  started to fight for possession this parity helped stop the MGL onslaught for a period of time. It was still Stelmaszek who was causing havoc every time she collected the ball, but Mitchell was standing firm at every opportunity. With both sides emptying their benches Mayo carved out their final opportunity as Connolly’s solo run from the middle of the park led to a shot that was well saved. With two minutes left in the ties MGL’s Jessie O’ Reilly was awarded a penalty after some quick feet in the box. Stelmaszek stepped up to complete her hat trick and give her side the victory.

 

 

MGL South; Olivia Kenny, Ava Kelly, Eimear Byrne, Ginevra Data, Ruby Boland, Zara Behan, Lara Dallaghan, Matilda Stelmaszek, Ailbhe White.

Subs Used: Katie Anderson, Keeva O’ Reilly, Robyn Collins, Emma Flannery, , Sienna Boucher.

Mayo: Ava Mitchell, Beth Murphy, Katie Flynn, Saoirse McGing, Sive Flanagan, Grace Mulroy, Kayla Kelly, Rachel McGrath, Emily Coleman.

Subs Used: Caoimhe O’ Donnell, Anna Burton, Anna Meaney, Lucy McDermott.

U13 Boys Trophy Longford

 

U13 Boys Trophy

Wicklow 2

Longford 4

Evergreen Park Kilkenny

Eoin Horkan

Longford was successful in bringing the U13 trophy to the west from Kilkenny on Sunday night thanks to a spirited second-half comeback.

As soon as the ball was kicked off, Longford's midfielder Mia Murtagh attempted to lob the Wicklow goalkeeper, but Lucy Doyle intercepted the ball above her head. A few minutes later, Wicklow goalkeeper Doyle was once more put to the test by Adam Kinlon, but he kept his ground to stop the goal-bound attempt. Wicklow scored first against the odds when Sam Conyard advanced down the left before passing it back to his twin brother Kale, who curled a shot into the top corner after ten minutes. Following this, Wicklow increased the pressure with the

After the second goal, Wicklow had the ball back in the net within ten minutes, but James McBride's shot was disallowed for offside. Sam Conyard had the last chance of the game for his team, but his shot just missed the far post as he attempted to score like his twin. Alvin Kontoh, the opposition's last attacker of the half, made a break for it and slammed a shot against the post from a sharp angle.

Wicklow continued to play after the halftime break and scored again shortly after the game resumed, only for the flag to be raised a second time. Longford was only just keeping the opponents at bay, leading to numerous corners. Cillian Maher was the recipient of one of these corners, and his effort soared past the crossbar. One of them made an instant effect, gaining a penalty that Mia Murtagh converted as the opposition's bench began to empty. Midway through the half, Tim Kenny levelled the score by controlling the ball well on the outskirts of the box and handing it off to Oisin Kiernan to finish into the corner.

After five minutes, the team from the west had grabbed the lead thanks to some excellent shot  by Kinlon and a brilliant save by Doyle, but this wasn't enough as Kontoh  finished to give his team the lead. The team from the west had reached their purple patch and this didn't let up. With three minutes remaining, Oisin Dillon broke away on the counterattack to put an expert finish on the game while Wicklow attempted to get an equalizer but were unable to get past a staunch Longford defence.

Wicklow;  20 Lucy Doyle F,  2 Shane Doyle,  3 Tristan Fogarty,  4 Cillian Maher,  5 Rhys Behan,  14 Samuel Moraghan, 7 Sam Conyard,  8 Kale Conyard, 9 David McCormac, 10 Failim Redmond, 11 Cian Murphy.

Subs Used;  17 James McBride,  16 Zach Cavanagh,  18 Alex Murphy, 13 Tiernan Shorthall

Longford; 1 Thomas Reilly, Tim Kenny, 14 Kamdi Aguneche, 3 Owen Kenny, 5 Alfie Murphy, 6 Kacper Slezak,  7 Ryan Kenny, 8 Mia Murtagh, 9 Oisin Dillon, 10 Adam Kinlon, 16 Alvin Kontoh.

Subs Used; 11 Oisin Kiernan, 15 Oliver Brychy, 2 Kian Treacy, 4 Daire Kilmurray, 20 Cormac Regan, 13 MJ Mifya.

Referee: Noel Connolly.

U13 Boys Cup WP

 

U13 Boys Cup  

Mayo 1

Galway 0

Evergreen Park Kilkenny

Eoin Horkan

The U13 Mayo lads defeated Galway in Kilkenny early on Saturday afternoon with a magnificent football performance from tip to end.

Conor Carey made the first of Mayo's two shots on the Galway goal within a minute, and Tom Cunningham then tried his luck shortly after. Both of these attempts came close to hitting the upright.  Early on, Mayo had perfect control of the tie with to Matt Leonard's superb performance as the number nine. Because of his ability to exert control, Leonard was able to collect t a pass from Mattie Vahey and score. Carey and Vahey's efforts did not affect the scoreboard as Mayo continued to dominate.

Galway began to take control of the game after this early purple patch, which allowed them to create a series of quick-fire opportunities. Before his strike teammates Fionn Duffy and Daniel O' Halloran had opportunities that were denied by a staunch Mayo defence, Jonathan Echefy received the first of these. But was thwarted  by Ryan Nolan Mayo outperformed the opposition in the second half thanks to Leonard and the perpetually vivacious Robbie Ruane. At the interval, this left the smallest distance between the sides.

Galway came out stronger in the second half as they sought an equalizer. Early pressure led to a free kick at the edge of the box, but Nolan comfortably stopped Adam Lloyd's attempt. Moments later  from a Ruane corner, Mayo captain Mattie Vahey nearly doubled his team's advantage, but his header went over the crossbar. Since Galway’s substitute  goalkeeper was giving the Mayo back line trouble with his boot, switching goalkeepers almost proved to be a genius move. His lengthy passes to Jonathan Echefy resulted in two additional goal-bound attempts that Nolan masterfully stopped. Luke Barry, a Galway man who entered the game as a substitute, had an immediate impact but his attempt just missed the upright.

It was Mayo who heled out expertly to win this tie. After the game manger Gabby explained how “ it was a huge relief and after seven games they managed to dig out the victory”.

He then went on to praise his defence stating, “ that in seven competitive games we have not conceded a goal it says a lot about our defence.”

Mayo; Ryan Nolan, Josh O’Malley, John Murray, Ethan Duffy, Ethan Kelly, Mattie Vahey, Tom Cunningham, Conor Carey, Matt Leonard, Rian Gavin, Robbie Ruane.

Subs Used Sean Nolan for (Cunningham 50), Mattie Daly  (Leonard 57)

Galway; Elim Griallais, Ethan Horan, Liam Carberry, John Kelly, Colm McCarthy, Dylan Kilraine, Adam Lloyd, Cayden Harty, Jonathan Echefy, Fionn Duffy, Daniel O’ Halloran

Subs Used; Callum Conway, Thomas McCartan, Emmett Hawkins, Luke Barry, Eoin Mullery, Jack Nolan.

Referee Mitch Corrigan

U13 Boys Cup MN

 U13 Boys Cup  

Mayo 1 (Leonard 10)

Galway 0

Evergreen Park Kilkenny

Eoin Horkan

The U13 Mayo boys produced  a magnificent display on football on Saturday afternoon to overcome near neighbours Galway  in Kilkenny

Within a minute, Conor Carey took  the first of Mayo's two shots on the Galway goal; immediately after, Tom Cunningham tried his luck. Both of these efforts narrowly  shaved the upright.  Due to Matt Leonard's excellent play as a number nine, Mayo took complete control of the tie early on. Leonard was able to control the situation enough to receive a pass from Mattie Vahey and score. The scoreboard remained unchanged despite Carey and Vahey's efforts as Mayo maintained their lead.

After this early purple patch, Galway started to control the game, which allowed them to generate a number of quick-fire opportunities. Jonathan Echefy received the first of these before his strike companions Fionn Duffy and Daniel O' Halloran had chances that were thwarted by a resolute Mayo defense. I was then the turn  of  Leonard and the consistently energetic Robbie Ruane, to gain a foothold as Mayo outperformed the opposition in the second quarter . This resulted in the smallest gap between the sides at the interval.

Galway improved in the second half as they looked for a leveller. After some early pressure, a free kick was awarded at the edge of the box, but Nolan easily blocked Adam Lloyd's shot. The Mayo captain Mattie Vahey almost increased his team's lead moments later from a Ruane corner, but his header sailed over the crossbar. Switching goalkeepers almost proved to be a brilliant idea because Galway's replacement goalie was causing problems for the Mayo back line with his boot. Two more goal-bound tries were the consequence of his lengthy deliveries to Jonathan Echefy, which Nolan expertly blocked. Galway native Luke Barry, who came on as a replacement, had an immediate impact but his shot almost missed the goalpost. It was Mayo who heled out expertly to win this tie.

After the game manger Gabby explained how “ it was a huge relief and after seven games they managed to dig out the victory”.

He then went on to praise his defence stating, “ that in seven competitive games we have not conceded a goal it says a lot about our defence.”

Mayo; Ryan Nolan, Josh O’Malley, John Murray, Ethan Duffy, Ethan Kelly, Mattie Vahey, Tom Cunningham, Conor Carey, Matt Leonard, Rian Gavin, Robbie Ruane.

Subs Used Sean Nolan for Tom Cunningham , Mattie Daly  Matt Leonard.

Galway; Elim Griallais, Ethan Horan, Liam Carberry, John Kelly, Colm McCarthy, Dylan Kilraine, Adam Lloyd, Cayden Harty, Jonathan Echefy, Fionn Duffy, Daniel O’ Halloran

Subs Used; Callum Conway, Thomas McCartan, Emmett Hawkins, Luke Barry, Eoin Mullery, Jack Nolan.

Referee Mitch Corrigan

U13 Boys Bowl LO

 

Limerick Desmond’s  3

Midlands Blue 2

Evergreen Park Kilkenny

Eoin Horkan

It was a momentous day for the west Limerick boys in Kilkenny as they came out on top in a five goal thriller to bring home the All Ireland U13 bowl title .

It was the Desmond’s who took control of this tie early on with some fantastic passing in the middle of the park from Dan Healy and Yurí Statchak . This early control led to there first chance of the game when Statchak header flew over the bar inside the opening five minutes. Minutes later it was Healy turn as his cultured free kick shaved the post as Limerick pushed forward. After this early pressure the midlands side started to gain a small bit of parity in the middle but couldn’t get the ball into the final thirds. Just after the midway point of the half Limerick won a penalty which was duly converted by Michael O’ Kelly.  Within a minute the tie was level as a through ball from Darren Corcoran was controlled an finished into the net by Jan Kruczviech

After this three minute of madness the game fell into a battle around the middle again with both sides finding it difficult to carve out any major chance until the last five minutes of the half. Kruczviech was causing damage down the wing and his cross come shot nearly found the far corner of the net only to miss by inches. The opposition carved out the last chance of the half as Finn Ruttle effort was expertly kept out by the Midlands net minder Rioch McEvoy.

The second half began much like the first with the young Limerick lads controlling the ball. After a sustained period of possession they won a corner , which was swung in by Healy. The ball pinballed around the opposition box until Kyle Smith got a boot on it to give his side the lead. It was the composure of Healy and Statchak in the middle that was heling the Limerick side for the net ten minutes as they took complete control of this tie.

The final ten minutes of this final turned into chances galore as the final whistle grew nearer. The Desmond’s managed to get a two goal cushion   when substitute Conor O’ Dwyer fed a ball to Leon O’ Connor who finished expertly off the inside of the past. This goal looked like it was going to be enough for the westerners but with three minutes to go with the lead was back to the minimum as  Kruczviech effort from outside the box flew into the corner. The Midlands boys pushed forward and with the last kick of the game James Tierney had a chance to level the tie but his goal bound effort was expertly kept out by Ronan O’ Carroll to ensure the win for his side.

Limerick Desmond’s;  Ronan O’ Carroll,  Stephen Grimes, Alex Collins, Michael O’ Kelly, Jamie McAuliffe, Your Statchak, Finn Rattle, Dan Healy, Tiernan O’ Flynn, Ashton Kelly, Leon O’ Connor.

Subs Used Conor O’ Dwyer, Kyle Smith.

Midlands Blue; Rioch McEvoy, Will Heffernan, Shane Glennon, Darragh Keenan, Scott Farrelly, Kevin Kilduff, Jan Kruczviech, Darren Corcoran, Maksymillian Piech, Aaron Martin, Will O Brion.

Subs Used: Noah Tierney , Aidan Mooney.

Referee Paul Kirwan

U13 Boys Bowl LL

 Limerick Desmond’s  3

Midlands Blue 2

Evergreen Park Kilkenny

Eoin Horkan

This  victory in a five-goal thriller to win the All Ireland U13 bowl was a historic day for the west Limerick boys in Kilkenny.

With some amazing passing in the middle of the park from Dan Healy and Yuri Statchak, the Desmond's were the ones to seize the initiative in this match early on. The game's first opportunity came as a result of this early control when a Statchak header went past the crossbar in the first five minutes. A few minutes later, it was Healy's time as Limerick drove forward and his artistic free kick scraped the post. The midlands side started to get some parity in the midfield after this initial pressure, but they were unable to get the ball into

After these three minutes of mayhem, the game resumed as a melee in the middle, and neither team was able to create any significant chances until the final five minutes of the half. Kruczviech was causing havoc down the wing, and his cross-come-shot was millimetres from finding the far corner of the net. The opposition created the final opportunity of the half, but the Midlands goalie Rioch McEvoy superbly blocked Finn Ruttle's shot.

The youthful Limerick players controlled the ball to start the second half just like they did the first. They gained a corner after holding it for a while, and Healy swung it in. Up until Kyle Smith planted a boot on the ball to give his team the lead, the ball bounced about the opposition's area. The Limerick team was helped by the calmness of Healy and Statchak in the middle during the final ten minutes as they grabbed complete control of this match.

As the final whistle crept closer, the final ten minutes of this game were chances galore. Conor O' Dwyer, a replacement, assisted Leon O' Connor in giving the Desmond's a two goal lead when he skilfully finished off the inside of the post. When Kruczviech's shot from outside the box landed into the corner with three minutes remaining, it appeared as though this lead might not be enough for the westerners as James Tierney had a chance to tie the game with the final kick of the contest, but Ronan O' Carroll expertly  blocked his goal-bound shot to secure the victory for the Limerick  boys.

Limerick Desmond’s;  Ronan O’ Carroll,  Stephen Grimes, Alex Collins, Michael O’ Kelly, Jamie McAuliffe, Your Statchak, Finn Rattle, Dan Healy, Tiernan O’ Flynn, Ashton Kelly, Leon O’ Connor.

Subs Used Conor O’ Dwyer, Kyle Smith.

Midlands Blue; Rioch McEvoy, Will Heffernan, Shane Glennon, Darragh Keenan, Scott Farrelly, Kevin Kilduff, Jan Kruczviech, Darren Corcoran, Maksymillian Piech, Aaron Martin, Will O Brion.

Subs Used: Noah Tierney , Aidan Mooney.

Referee Paul Kirwan 

U12 Girls Shield WP

 

U12 Girls Shield

Waterford 1

Mayo 0

Evergreen Park Kilkenny

Eoin Horkan

A goal by Waterford in the second half of the U12 girls' final on Saturday in Kilkenny was all that stood between Mayo and glory.

Since their lengthy journey to the southeast had no impact on them, Mayo held total control of this tie in the first half. Saoirse Reynolds led Mayo up front wonderfully, and it was the Westport girl who fired the opening shot in rage, which Molly Dunphy O' Brien expertly blocked. Lola Hanley, another striker for Mayo, tried her luck a few minutes later, but O' Brien once again defended the Waterford goal with a great save.

After the halftime break, Mayo got a corner, and after some pinball, O' Brien once again succeeded in getting the ball out of harm's way. As the game approached the half as Mayo continued to press forward, the always dangerous Reynolds had the final shot of the half, which just missed the crossbar. At the interval, the sides were level

In contrast to the first half, Waterford took the control  early in the second half. Aoife Commins stopped a goal-scoring attempt by Leah Fennell.  The team from the southeast began to take more  control of the game as the half wore on, but they didn't produce any meaningful chances or worry the Mayo goal until ten minutes remaining . Maia Stokes sent in a cross, and after a brief hiccup Lilly Codd beautifully controlled the ball at the edge of the box before sending a calm volley into the Mayo goal. Mayo produced the game's final two opportunities as time ran out. Chloe Stagg launched the opening volley.

 

 

Mayo; Aoife Commins, Rheanna Hoban, Robyn Butler, Sarah Cunningham, Bonnie Walsh, Chloe Stagg, Saoirse Reynolds, Lola Hanly, Clara Kelly,

Subs Used; Karolina Filak.

Waterford; Molly Dunphy O’ Brien, Abbie Morris, Clara Cullinan, Lilly Walsh, Leah Fennell, Maia Stokes, Molly Dowling, Lilly Codd, Kayleigh  O’ Neill/

Subs Used: Isabel Doyle, Sophie Whittle, Kate Mannix, Áine Desmond, Ruby Hallinan

Referee; Brendan O’ Regan.

 

U12 Girls Shield MN

 

U12 Girls Shield

Waterford 1 ( L Codd 50)

Mayo 0

Evergreen Park Kilkenny

Eoin Horkan

All that separated Mayo from victory in this U12 girls’ final was a second half goal by Waterford in Kilkenny on Saturday.

Mayo had complete control of this tie in the first half as the long trip down to the southeast didn’t affect them. Mayo was expertly  led upfront by Saoirse Reynolds and it was the Westport girl who got the first shot off in anger which was well saved by Molly Dunphy O’ Brien. Within minutes it was the tun of Mayo’s other striker Lola Hanley to try her luck but yet again O’ Brien stood strong in the Waterford net.

After the midway point of the half Mayo won a corner and after some pinball it was O’ Brien that yet again managed to clear the ball out of danger . With the tie heading towards the break and Mayo still pushing forward it was the ever dangerous Reynolds who had the last shot of the half which narrowly flew over the crossbar. Leaving the sides deadlocked at the break.

The second half was a role reversal of the first with Waterford getting control early on , as Leah Fennell fired an effort on goal which was kept out by Aoife Commins.  As the half went on it was the side from the southeast who started to gain control of the tie but weren’t creating anything noteworthy or that troubled the Mayo goal this was until ten minutes to go. A cross came in from Maia Stokes and after a moment’s confusion Lilly Codd controlled the ball expertly at the edge of the box before firing a controlled volley into the Mayo net. With the game slipping away Mayo created the last two chances of the game. The first coming from Chloe Stagg whose volley grazed the cross bar before Reynolds had one final chance with two minutes to go but couldn’t mange to find the net. Giving Waterford a win by the narrowest of margins.

 

 

 

Mayo; Aoife Commins, Rheanna Hoban, Robyn Butler, Sarah Cunningham, Bonnie Walsh, Chloe Stagg, Saoirse Reynolds, Lola Hanly, Clara Kelly,

Subs Used; Karolina Filak.

Waterford; Molly Dunphy O’ Brien, Abbie Morris, Clara Cullinan, Lilly Walsh, Leah Fennell, Maia Stokes, Molly Dowling, Lilly Codd, Kayleigh  O’ Neill/

Subs Used: Isabel Doyle, Sophie Whittle, Kate Mannix, Áine Desmond, Ruby Hallinan

Referee; Brendan O’ Regan.

U12 Girls Cup Wexford

 

U12 Girls Cup

Wexford  3

Galway   1

Evergreen Park Kilkenny

Eoin Horkan

It was Wexfords day in Kilkenny as Mia Whelan’s hat trick was enough to see them get the better of Galway in there All Ireland final Saturday afternoon.

It was Wexford who got off to the perfect start as they won an early free from thirty yards out. The crowd expected the ball to be crossed into the Galway box but Mia Whelan had other ideas as she let fly an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. It was the southeast side that kept the pressure  on the westerner’s goal as inside ten minutes they had nearly doubled  their lead but Ella Robin Casey effort flew over the bar.  As Wexford pushed forward Galway managed to clear the ball for  a corner. This corner  was swung in by Emma Fitzpatrick it landed on  the head of Whelan who angled her header into the corner of the net to double her sides lead.

These quick fire goals woke Galway up and with their first meaningful attack of the game Mairéad Mulkerrins drove forward before sliding a ball to Tilly Carroll who finished expertly into the corner of the net. Moments later Carroll troubled the goal again but her effort flew narrowly wide of the upright . This purple patch for Galway didn’t last long  as Casey was causing havoc up front as she managed to carve out the last two chances of the half which were expertly kept out by the opposition rear- guard.

The second half began much like the first as the Galway rear-guard were standing strong at every opportunity. The next chance in anger fell to Ruby Meaney for Galway but as she drove through the Wexford defence Amy Dwyer managed to keep her at bay. With ten minutes left in the tie and both midfields cancelling each other out up stepped Whelan again. She managed to collect the ball inside the opponent’s half, she then  spotted the keeper  off her line and duly let fly to finish off her hat trick and the contest as a whole.

 

 

Wexford; Amy Dwyer; Tabitha Byrne, Emma Fitzpatrick, Brooke Clancy; Mia Wright; Mia Whelan, Freya Pender, Ella Robin Casey, Ellie Byrne .

Subs Used: Shona Larkin for Ella Robin Casey, Charlotte Stafford for Ellie Byrne, Orlaith Burke for Mia Wright, Grace Redmond for Freya Pender.

Galway: Catherine Halleran; Hannah McHugh, Siún Cullinane, Aidean Kilgannon; Laragh Downes, Mairéad Mulkerrins, Róisín Sammon; Ruby Meaney, Tilly Carroll.

Subs Used: Cassie Gleenon, Erin McCarton, Martá MacAdam.

Referee ( James McGivern Dublin)

U12 Boys Sheild Wicklow

 U12 Boys Shield

Kerry 2

Wicklow 1

Evergreen Park Kilkenny

Eoin Horkan

In what was the penultimate game of the weekend it was Kerry who came  away with the victory even after a late rally from the Wicklow men.

The long trip up to Kilkenny didn’t seem to affect the Kerry men as they started to control the game from the opening whistle. Within five minutes a Nathan Anthony shot had whistled past the Wicklow goal. Inside ten minutes the same man had the ball in the back of the net only for it to be ruled out for offside. The men from the south’s  strike partnership were causing havoc. This time it was the turn of Mason Sheehy Elston to try his luck after a pass from Kian Cronin . His effort flew into the net to give his side the lead midway through the half. It was that man Sheehy who broke away again minutes later but with the goal at his mercy Dylan O’ Neill pulled off an excellent save to keep his side in the tie.

After the Sheehy effort Wicklow started to gain control around the middle through Cian and Rian Ward, this control led to half chances for their side but they didn’t fail to covert any of these efforts. With the final attack of the half and against the run of play Sheehy broke through again but his lobbed effort as the keeper advanced bounced narrowly wide of the target. Leaving the minimum between the sides at the break.

Straight from the kick off Wicklow pushed forward and after some great work from Tyler McElvaney he laid the ball to Rian Ward whose strike was magnificently kept out by Ben O’ Sullivan. This threat seemed to awaken the opposition again as the aforementioned Sheehy who was a constant danger had the next two chances of the half but both were well kept out but O’ Neill who was coming out on top in this battle. It was third time lucky for Sheehy as he managed to scramble an effort home after the ball pinballed around the Wicklow box.

Kerry were now in complete control of this tie passing the ball around with ease and it looked like all they had to do was wait till the final whistle . Wicklow had other ideas because with five minutes to go Alessio Coppola drove down the wing before firing a cross into Evan Gregan who rattled the back of the net. With time left on the clock the boys from the southeast pushed forward to try and level the tie , this was to no avail as Kerry held strong to come out victorious.

Wicklow; 1 Dylan O’ Neill, 2 Sean Byrne, 3 Freddie Kavanagh, 4 Donagh McKerr, 5 Cian Ward, 7 Kevin Yan, 8 Rian Ward, 9 Tyler Kenny, 10 Alessio Coppola.

Subs Used; 11 Robbie Doyle, 14 Evan Gregan, 6 Nadal Kingne, Oskar Dominik, 12 Ciaran Kenny, 15 AJ Long.

Kerry: 1 Ben O’ Sullivan, 2 Sam Moriarty, 3 Iarla O’ Donavan, 4 Michael Carmody, 6 Kian Cronin, 7 Rian Foley, 9 Mason Sheehy Elston, 10 Nathan Anthony, 11 Eric Corcoran.

Subs Used; 5 Daniel O’ Leary, 8 Eoghan O’ Driscoll, 13 Denys Moiseiev, 20 Eanna Leahy.

Referee: Chris Sheridan

 

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/soccer/brave-effort-falls-short-for-talented-wicklow-under-12s/a1160248435.html

U12 Boys Sheild Kerry

 U12 Boys Shield

Kerry 2

Wicklow 1

Evergreen Park Kilkenny

Eoin Horkan

In what was the penultimate game of the weekend it was Kerry who came  away with the victory even after a late rally from the Wicklow men.

The Kerry boys  didn't seem to be affected by their lengthy journey to Kilkenny because they immediately began to dominate the match. A Nathan Anthony shot missed the Wicklow goal after only five minutes. The same player got the ball in the net inside of ten minutes, but it was disallowed for offside. The striking partnership from the South was wreaking havoc. Following a pass from Kian Cronin, it was Mason Sheehy Elston's turn to try his luck this time. Midway through the half, his effort sailed into the net to give his team the lead. Sheehy, who had the opportunity to score at his disposal, broke free once more a few minutes later.

Following the Sheehy shot, Wicklow began to take control of the midfield through Cian and Rian Ward. This dominance gave their team half chances, but they were able to convert on all of them. Sheehy again came through on the final attack of the half against the flow of play, but his lobbed attempt as the keeper approached bounced just wide of the goal. A minimum space should exist between the sides at the split.

Wicklow moved forward right away, and after some outstanding work from Tyler McElvaney, he put the ball to Rian Ward, whose shot was superbly blocked by Ben O'Sullivan. This threat appeared to reawaken the opposition, as the previously mentioned Sheehy—a continuous menace—had the next two opportunities of the half, both of which were expertly blocked by O' Neill, who was winning this struggle. Sheehy managed to scramble an effort into the net as the ball bounced about the Wicklow box, making it his third time lucky.

Kerry was now completely in charge of this game, throwing the ball around with ease and appearing to only need to wait for the final siren. With five minutes remaining, Alessio Coppola surged down the wing before launching a cross into Evan Gregan, who scored for Wicklow. The boys from the Southeast made a last-ditch effort to equalize the game by pushing forward with time running out, but Kerry held strong to win.

Wicklow; 1 Dylan O’ Neill, 2 Sean Byrne, 3 Freddie Kavanagh, 4 Donagh McKerr, 5 Cian Ward, 7 Kevin Yan, 8 Rian Ward, 9 Tyler Kenny, 10 Alessio Coppola.

Subs Used; 11 Robbie Doyle, 14 Evan Gregan, 6 Nadal Kingne, Oskar Dominik, 12 Ciaran Kenny, 15 AJ Long.

Kerry: 1 Ben O’ Sullivan, 2 Sam Moriarty, 3 Iarla O’ Donavan, 4 Michael Carmody, 6 Kian Cronin, 7 Rian Foley, 9 Mason Sheehy Elston, 10 Nathan Anthony, 11 Eric Corcoran.

Subs Used; 5 Daniel O’ Leary, 8 Eoghan O’ Driscoll, 13 Denys Moiseiev, 20 Eanna Leahy.

Referee: Chris Sheridan.