Despite some reservations at the start of the year our U16’s were graded in Division 2, where it was decided they needed to be to maintain the high standards that have come to be expected from Skryne underage teams.
This proved to be a wise decision when Skryne U16’s were crowned division 2 champions in May 2012 and reached the division 2 semi-final stages of the summer league in August.
With first rounds beginning in mid-April and training starting a couple of weeks previous extending out to late August it proved to be a fruitful 6 months.
The first match of the year was played on home ground where Skryne were heavily defeated by a strong Trim outfit. It should be noted that Skryne lined out with an under strength squad due to injuries to a number of key players.
Things did improve after this when some of the injured members returned to the panel and Skryne progressed to the semi- final stage where they once again faced Trim.
With a full strength panel available Skryne blitzed their over confident opponents in the first half and survived a second half fight back to claim a comfortable victory over a shell-shocked Trim side.
Skryne had now qualified for the league final against their old bogey team Rathkenny.
This was a tough encounter where both sides finished level at the full time whistle. Skryne utilised their stronger bench and proved to have more in the tank when they eventually ran out 10 point winners after extra time.
The summer league got off to a slow start again with defeat to near neighbours Seneschalstown. However despite absentees due to holidays and injury Skryne did enough to reach the semi-final stages once more.
Their semi-final opponents were a Trim side out to revenge the earlier round and league semi-final defeats at the hands of Skryne.
Skryne lined out at their home venue for the semi-final with a couple of notable absentees in mid-August where they lost heavily to eventual league winners Trim.
Any time that silverware is claimed can be regarded as a good year for a club and this has been such a year for the Skryne U16’s, which can be attributed to the strong work ethic of the young players & the guidance of Manager Eamonn Doherty and trainer Martin Frayne.
Skryne were also well represented at county level with 3 of their panel members on the U16 development squad and further representation at U15 and U14 levels.
On behalf of all parents of the U16 squad & on behalf of the squad members I would like to thank Eamonn and Martin for volunteering their time and effort and to wish Eamonn well in his recent move to the USA.
David
