Our U16 Footballers competed in the 13 a side County Shield Final against St. Senans on Saturday 4th October 2014 in Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale.
Team: Paraic O’Neill , Evan Keogh, Tomas Connolly, Cian Leahy, Mark Shanahan, Donnacha Connolly , Karl Moloney, Jay Mccilligan, Shane O’Connell, Mi chael Bateman, Paul Collins, John Blake, Conor Kirby, Robert Greer, Peter Boohan, Shane O’Conor and Edwin Wixted.
This final was played at a sunny but windy Mick Neville Park and it was brilliant to witness our team lifting the U16 County Shield title after putting in such an effort all season.
Team Manager Mike Sweeney had a big call to make prior to the game as to whether or not to play Edwin Wixted who was available but on a strong antibiotic for a chest infection.
The management team decided not to and some changes had to be made but it did not affect the team who as a unit from No. 1 to 17 gave a battling performance. Cian Leahy made a welcome return after been laid off with an injured hand for some time.
We got off to a flyer of a start in the game with a super goal scored by Conor Kirby after a good pass from John Blake.
However we allowed St. Senans back in with a soft goal soon after.
We were playing against the wind which was difficult and required our backs to win as much ball as possible. This they did especially Evan Keogh, Mark Shanahan and Tomas Connolly who burst through on solo runs several times. His brother Donnacha for such a young age gave a master class in back play with his diehard approach.
Then Paul Collins knocked over a great point again assisted by John and soon after this was followed by a brilliant solo run and goal from the always lively Shane O’Connell. Another point was scored by Michael Bateman from a solo run.
Conor Kirby then scored his 2nd goal like any good forward by being in the right place at the right time and Shane put over another point to leave the Half time score Crecora Manister 3 – 3 St. Senans 1 – 3
In the 2nd half we took our foot off the gas somewhat and allowed St. Senans back into the game to within 4 points.
It was thanks to Paraic O’Neill that the gap wasn’t closed when he rushed off his goal line to clear a ball that one of their forwards was bearing down on.
Then a well taken goal from John Blake after receiving a fine pass from Shane who also scored 3 more points for us settled the team and Michael scored another great point to make sure we finished strong. Robert Greer and Peter Boohan came on and played well.
Our captain on the day was Tomas Connolly who received the trophy for us.
Final score was Crecora Manister 4 – 7 St. Senans 2 – 6
Our next outing is in the U16 County Hurling 13 aside Final on Saturday 11th October V Templeglantine in Mick Neville Park.
All support welcome.
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