Skryne U13’s are Div 2 Champions and retain the cup for a second year. Also they kept the same record as last years U13’s going unbeaten in the Div 2. A fantastic display by the players in Dunganny today who showed that the Future of Skryne is Bright, Eamonn Barry complemented the players on some fine display and point taking, Something that a Senior team would be proud of, Congratulations to the Skryne Players and also Paddy who lifted the cup as Skryne U13’s captain, Well done to the management also who comprises of Sean O Regan, Pat Hawes & Jason Fox.
Final Score
Skryne 3-16
St Cuthberts 1-06
See movie link below for the U13’s Mannequin Challenge.
Full report below
Skryne U13’s Division 2 Champions 2016
On a day of great football and tough competitive action, Captain Paddy Wright lifted the cup as Skryne U13’s retained the title for a second year with a fantastic team display to beat St.Cuthberts in the final played in Dunganny on 26th November. For the 3rd week in a row Skryne supporters were able to pull out the blue and white flags to support another underage team in a final. This time is was the turn of the U13 Footballers who were keen to ensure that Skryne GFC finish the season on a high following fine displays by U15s and U21s over the previous two weekends. The 13s are made up of a young panel of 25 players with most of them eligible for this grade again next year. What they lack in years they more than make up for in heart and determination and the skill and work rate to allow them to play fast attacking football which is the hallmark of there playing style. Having come through the group stages undefeated against very strong opposition is an indication of the quality and scoring capability of the team. (Walterstown, Ashbourne, Seneschalstown, Gael Colmcilles, Dunboyne, St.Cuthberts)
The final was played in Dunganny, with St.Cutberts the opposition. We got a glimpse of what to expect from St.Cutberts when we narrowly came out on top in our final group game so a hotly contested and physical match was always on the cards. Despite the time of the year the Dunganny pitch was in excellent condition and allowed for a cracking match. The game began with a bang with the Cuthbert lads going straight through the Skryne defence to score an excellent goal. Skryne struggled early to get to grips with the direct play displayed by their physically stronger opponents allowing them to tag on a few more points inside the first quarter. Many teams would have dropped the heads and folded at this point but not these lads – they dug deep and got stuck in and the through character of the team started to emerge!
The backs unit of Scott Armstrong, Rian McConnell James Dardis and Jack Swan began to dominate their opponents and limited the scoring chances which steadied the ship. Further out the field Alex O’Reilly, Oisin Keogh, Billy Reilly and John O’Regan began stamping their authority and winning the hard fought 50 50 possession which Cuthbert’s were not expecting. Pin point goal kick accuracy by Alex Curran meant the lads could combine well with the clever movement of our forwards of John Finnerty, Kian Reddy, Andrew Nolan and Paddy Wright which creating a number of scoring opportunities resulting in 3 fine points without reply! Fully regrouped Skryne went on to score a further 2 -2 before half time. The first goal was a fine team effort finished by John Finnerty which was followed by a “Messi” touch by Andrew Nolan to finish off a move that started way back with a turnover in the Skryne full back line. At the other end Oisin, Jack and Scott combined close down and make repeated blocks on the Cutberts attackers to deny what looked like certain goal chances. Things got hot and heavy at times as half time approached with James Dardis and John O’Regan giving as good as they got resulting in yellow cards for their opposite numbers leaving the halftime score at 2-5 to 1-4 in favour of Skryne. Having recovered so well from a slow start the Skryne lads were in determined mood at half time and they went on score 1-11 in the second half to produce their best 30 mins of football this year.
Skryne are fortunate to have such a big panel at this age level and it creates healthy competition for places which the lads thrive on. Most positions have 2 lads which are more than capable of doing the job. However, whilst only 13 can be picked to start the bench is where our real strength in depth is. The seamless introduction of the entire bench as the second half unfolded is testament to this and a notable feature of the final was the role and ability of all 11 subs as they came to do their job in what was a very tight and competitive match. Luke O’Brien, who is an excellent defender, took over in goals and proved himself with a fine save late on and some very accurate kick-outs. Cillian Moss, Cathal Lenehan and Conor Ward came into defence and continued to deny the Cuthbert lads any opportunity to score. James Mangan and Nathan Chawke got into the action in the middle of the park with great effect combining well with the mobile forward line. Up front, Mark Swan, Oisin McConnell, Shane O’Connor, Daniel O’Keane and Sean McCarthy were in top form creating scoring chances and kicking some excellent scores.
Even though the final score of 3-16 to 1-6 might suggest otherwise, the game was far closer and does not reflect the effort and ability of a fine Cuthberts team. In the end it was the never say die attitude, accuracy and point scoring ability of the Skryne lads that saw us come out on top. Meath Coaching Officer Eamonn Barry complimented the lads on this aspect of their game when presenting the cup to team Captain Paddy Wright – who led by example throughout the campaign! The team management of Jason Fox, Pat Hawes and Seán O’Regan would like to thank the effort put in by the full panel of 25 players – great credit is due as they continue to do themselves, their families and there Club proud – up Skryne!
2016 U13 panel – Scott Armstrong, Nathan Chawke, Alex Curran, James Dardis, Jack Donnelly, John Finnerty, Oisin Keogh, Cathal Lenehan, James Mangan, Sean McCarthy, Oisin McConnell, Rian McConnell, Cillian Moss, Andrew Nolan, Luke O’Brien, Shane O’Connor, Daniel O’Keane, John O’Regan, Alex O’Reilly, Kian Reddy, Billy Reilly, Jack Swan, Mark Swan, Conor Ward, Paddy Wright (Capt.)
