On a wonderful sunny evening in Walterstown, the Skryne U12 footballer overcame the challenge of neighbours Seneschalstown to win the Meath U12 Group B title on a 31-29 scoreline. With just one score separating the sides when they played in the earlier rounds a tight and close game was anticipated. Great credit is due to the large number of supporters from both sides that made their way to cheer on the players. With both games starting just shortly after 6pm the crowd were treated to a really exciting, well contested game of football with the young players making little of the hot conditions and showcased all that is exciting and good about underage football. Excellent point taking was complimented with blocking, tackling, kick passing and high fielding.
Skryne Team A were captained on the evening by James Dardis and he led by example with an excellent display especially in 2nd half when Seneschalstown were applying pressure. From the outset the Skryne lads got into the game. With John Finnerty and Daniel O’Keane dominant at midfield the created a number of scoring opportunities that were taken by the lively full forward line of Josh Grendon and Billy Smith. At the back Ciaran Quinn and Ben Armstrong were covering well and broke up a number of attacks. Kickouts from Mikey Daly was reaching their targets. Skryne led by 2 at the break. The 2nd half was end to end action with every Skryne score followed by a Seneschalstown score. Ciara Smyth was winning a lot of possession and linking play between backs and forwards. Sub Stephen Corry and Darragh O’Dowd were introduced and both caused problems in the Seneschalstown attack and created opportunities for the other forwards. Mark Swan who had been lively all evening kicked a number of excellent scores including one top class point from way out on the sideline. Seneschalstown never gave up and their constant pressure kept the Skryne defence on their toes. Luke O’Brien switched to goalkeeper, where he made a number of excellent saves and interceptions, and his long kickouts relieved pressure on the back. Dylan Murphy and James Reeves used their speed to win possession and break out with the ball. As the game nearer the finish the desire of all the Skryne players not to be beaten came through and at the final whistle they had won on a 14-12 scoreline.
Skryne Team B were led by the lively Cillian Moss. If the first game was a close encounter this game was to prove even tighter with the lead changing on a number of occasions. Skryne with Ben Cherry and John O’Regan, who had recovered from a hand injury that caused him to miss the semi final, started well in midfield and kept a steady stream of possession going into the forward line. Up front Andrew Nolan and Sean McCarthy were using their speed to create openings and kept the Seneschalstown backs on their toes. At the back Shane O’Connor was having an excellent game between the posts and his long range kickouts which were landing past midfield helped keep the ball in the Seneschalstown half. The full backs of Riain McConnell and Cillian Moss were snapping at the heels of the Seneschalstown forwards and were giving them little or no space. Ahead by the minimum at half time the Skryne lads knew a big effort was needed in the 2nd half. They duly delivered. Cathal Lenehan and James Mangan were both excellent in the half back line. Up front Andrew Canavan and Charlie Swan ensured the scores kept coming. When fresh legs were needed Jamie Mullen, Ciaran Fox, Jack Donnelly and Zak Farrell were all introduced to major effect. As the half progressed there was nothing separating the teams and when the final whistle blew both teams were level on a 17-17 scoreline, with the overall score of 31-29 in Skryne’s favour.
Afterwards Ciaran Flynn of Coiste Na nOg presented the trophy to Captains James Dardis and Cillian Moss. It was an excellent result for the young players and a well deserved reward for all the hard work and training the lads have put in. Great credit is due to Seneschalstown who did their club and parents proud and without doubt there will be more memorable encounters to come between these two sets of players.
We cant forget to mention the management of the U12’s who have dedicated so much time to the kids. Thanks to Pat Hawes, Sean O Regan, Pat Lenihan, Sean Byrne & Jason Fox who have brought the kids on so much.
Apologies for so many photos but days like this is one we will remember for a long time and its good to have the memories.
