The U15’s headed for Laytown for the Div 1 Semi Final of the High Kings of Tara (Skryne) Vrs The Seasiders (St Colmcilles) two fantastic clubs that bought have one thing in mind and that’s development and the Gaelic Skills. Skryne had previously played St Colmcilles and where on the wrong end of the score board that day. St Colmcilles would have went in and by an outsider would have fancied themselves to win the Semi Final. One thing we know about Skryne never write them off.
With Pilltown closed Skryne had to make an added journey to Laytown. The pitch was right on the coast next stop was Isle of man or England and had lovely scenery but it wasn’t a time to be admiring the views either. Skryne U15’s never played on the pitch before and when we left Skryne it was a calm Day but when we arrived in Laytown as people know it was a gael force wind and some people needed chin straps for the woolie hats. It was a good pitch and the Gael force wind was all that Skryne had to worry about and it was the same for St Colmcilles.
Throw in took place at 11.00am sharp and St Colmcilles were the first to register their score after 3 Mins. The game was frantic, fast and from a neutrals point of view exciting. It wasn’t good for the management of both sides. Skryne were playing against a strong wind and played with the utmost of confidence to move the ball up the field. Things were settled, positive and really controlled. Skryne had to work really hard against a strong wind. St Colmcilles went on the attack and received a free 30 Yards out and struck there second point. On Eight minutes and alot of movement and passing Skryne worked the ball up the field and mounted a fantastic attack. The ball came to Kian Reddy who blasted it into the net. From Fourteen minutes on St Colmcilles till Thirty minutes on it was a real battle. At one stage in the Skryne defence Kristoffer Kinsella took a heavy hit in the face and was down for a time. Thankfully Kristoffer got back up and was ok. Coming upto half time St Colmcilles were ahead 1-05 to 1-0. The wind was favouring St Colmcilles. Right on half time Skryne scored another cracker of a goal again to bring it to 1-05 to 2-0. This was a performance and one of the best the lads had put in when the half time whistle went. Every single player 1-17 gave it everything and to think that we have Oisin Keogh and John O Regan out injured and we hope they are back soon was a great first half.
I am going to keep this second half short as we don’t want to give away too much but what a game. Skryne teams are renowned to never give in, never give up and always play to the final whistle. Skryne got the start that they wanted with the Finnertys Niall & John playing superbly. Skryne from the off scored a goal and the tails were up. Cilles were not going away and reacted with three points. Later on Skryne were awarded a free and Sean Keogh struck it as sweet as you like and put it between the two posts and it travelled at least 65 yards. Skryne were being very dominating and Cilles were shook. The game progressed and points and goals were scored 😉 Cilles really threw everything at Skryne and credit where credit is due they never gave in. A fantastic team with plenty of skilled players ran at Skryne. With a minute to go there was only a two points in it and both teams were feeling the tiredness kicked in. Both teams game it everything they had in the tank. St Colmcilles got a free and there was only one in it. Skryne ran an attack again and slotted one over the bar to leave two points in it. The referee and blew the whistle and Skryne were on their way to another Final. These are a bunch of kids who give everything on the pitch and play with the pride of the Skryne jerseys. St Colmcilles had just had their first defeat of the U15’s competition and had topped the group which to their credit was well due but Skryne like Skryne do gave everything at them in the Semi Final and were worthy Finalists.
Hard luck to St Colmcilles and we look forward to the U16’s next year that will just keeping going to adult football. There is one thing Skryne would like to add and that is the Sportsmanship of the U15’s both players and management. One of our players took a heavy knock and it was a fair tackle with absolutely no malis. Both players went for the ball and collided. The Skryne player went down and the referee stopped play. With the Skryne player receiving attention he was ok to play on. St Colmcilles were given the ball and kicked it out over the dead line from 30 yards out on purpose. This is a credit to the club on how they are teaching the kids the right way to play the game. Skryne and the Cilles have alot if good history in the past with games against each other from the Minors down. The kids are a credit to your club and also the parents. The management and parents have alot to be grateful for and we look forward to many a game against you. There are plenty of stars in Cilles and we know for a fact we will meet again in Finals in the future
Also we have to credit all the Skryne players. They are a joy to train with and will give you everything. Some great goal keeping from Alex Curran, and the outfielders of Niall Finnerty, John Finnerty, Shane Smyth, Alex Grendon, Sam Hawes, James Dardis, Scott Armstrong, Kristoffer Kinsella (C), David Rathbourne, Kian Reddy, Niall Morland, Mark Swan, Gary Browne, Billy Reilly, Sean Keogh, Jack Swan. Remember these names as I have no doubt with Club & County there is a bright future.
Final Score
St Comcilles 4-11
Skryne 6-07
