U15's claim Division 3 title over Kilbride in Dunganny !!!

Skryne U15’s were due to play their final on Friday 11^th but it was luckily enough as the inclement weather was poor on the friday and throw in was moved to Sunday 13^th with a 1.30pm. Skryne had beaten Dunderry in a tough game in the Semi Final.

The venue was Dunganny and conditions were ideal for a match. Skryne met up an hour before hand and Kilbride were the opponents and the only ones to beat Skryne this year in a close contested game.

Skryne got off to a great start with Luke Brady knocking the ball down to Alex Grendon in midfield. Grendon gave a long ball to Niall Morland who passed to Niall Finnerty who was fouled. With Forty nine secs gone. Finnerty made no mistake and stuck it over the bar. Kilbride reacted with a point of their own immediately. Skryne went on the attack with Gary Browne in goals giving the ball long to Eoghan Conway. Conway gave a long ball forward who just put it wide. Skryne won the Kilbride kick out and unfortunately Morland just also put it wide. It took Skryne a few minutes to settle in and when they did it was impressive to watch. The fast movement and slick play was enjoyed by the large Skryne gathering that we are very proud to have. One to Fifteen plus the Five subs all played there part in the game. Finnerty went on a scoring spree in this time and bagged 1-03 from 13mins to 22 mins. Finnerty was his usual self and made it a nightmare for the Kilbride side. With the fantastic supply of ball from a strong defence of Skryne with Sam Hawes, Jack Dardis, Eoghan Conway, Kristoffer Kinsella, David Rathbourne & James O Brien the lads made it also hard for Kilbride to score. The midfield paring of Alex Grendon & Luke Brady was immense and on both occasions with the start of both half’s won the throw ups and held off the strong Kilbride players. Up front Skryne were on fire. The lads movement was exceptional to watch and some of the best at underage level. With Oisin Keogh, Shane Smyth, Niall Morland, Josh Farrell, Sean Keogh & Niall Finnerty the lads played really well upfront. The safe hands for the day was Gary Brown in goals who’s kick outs were accurate and bravery in goals was important. Kilbride went on the attack and registered a Goal and a point but then stood up Sean Keogh registered a goal from a 30 yard shot that just dropped under the cross bar. Just on half time Alex Grendon went on the attack with his pace and stuck one in the back of the net. The half time whistle blew and Skryne were after playing down hill with the advantage of a slight breeze. Half time score,

Skryne 3-4

Kilbride 1-04

The second half got under way and yet Skryne won the battle. A long ball to Smyth saw him nestle it to the back of the net. Skryne got the start they wanted. Josh Farrell came off for George Fitzpatrick. George has been fantastic. Kilbride were turning up the heat and making it tough for Skryne. Alot of positional changes were made by Kilbride and credit has to go to them for not giving up. Billy Reilly came in at half back and is another young gun. Reilly got stuck in from the off and played really well. Billy has always been a part of the U15’s side. Billy broke the ball down and gave a pass to Kinsella who went on the attack and registered a point to widen the gap. Kilbride launched another attack on 40 mins and scored a well earned goal. Skryne had one hand on the shield even though they conceded a goal as they had a comfortable gap. Alot of these players are eligible for U15’s again next year. Oisin Keogh went on the attack and let a rocket of a shot over the bar on 41mins. The defence of Skryne was standing strong and credit must go to the lads. The amount of work rate was a joy to watch. The free flowing game that the Skryne lads played was worth the entrance fee. Oisin Keogh went on a second attack and registered a second point in quick concession. George Fitpatrick was on for 18mins and registered his first score which was a goal. On 52mins Kilbride went on the attack again and Skryne had lost Jack Dardis due to cramp. Alot of changes were made and Ian Mc Keown who is a fantastic player and has worked hard at training was introduced Along with Patrick Fitzpatrick and young Scott Armstrong. Both Scott and Pat are young players and Scott can slot in anywhere. Patrick like his older brother will always give you 100%. Skryne were playing with confidence at this stage and playing into the wind. Kilbride went to register a goal of their own and it looked close to be a square ball and he consulted the umpires and the goal was awarded. The referee was having a great game and let things flow as much as possible. It’s nearly the toughest position on the field. Niall Finnerty went on again to register his next goal to leave Kilbride with an uphill battle. Kilbride pulled one back in what seemed a definite victory for Skryne. George Fitpatrick registered his second score goal of the game on 59 mins. There was six minutes of added time and six minutes of panic for the Skryne lads. The shape was lost and Kilbride threw everything at Skryne including the kitchen sink. Skryne had alot of players in defense and from 61mins to the final whistle Kilbride registered 1-5 points. It was all hands on the pump for Skryne. The final whistle was eventually blown by the referee and the joy on the Skryne lads was that of relief and delight.

It has been some weekend for the club with the U21’s reaching another Final for the Second Year against Donaghmore / Ashbourne.

We would also like to thank those who came to support the lads in Dunganny and also to the parents who brought them to all games during the Summer and Winter evenings.

Well done to the players who have put in all the hard work and also to the Management of Declan Browne, David Keogh, Darren Carty, Eamon Giles & Cormac Grendon.

The Players & Positions for the U15’s Final are as follows,

1.Gary Browne 2. Sam Hawes, 3. Jack Dardis (c) 4.Eoghan Conway 5. David Rathbourne 6.Kristoffer Kinsella 0-1, 7.James O Brien, 8.Alex Grendon 1-0, 9. Luke Brady 10. Niall Morland