Skryne U12’s were invited to play in a St Margaret’s Memorial competition on Saturday 31st August. Our U12’s to date have had a good season and it was drawing near to an end. The competition was 15 aside and penalties and square ball rule applied. We went with a panel of 21. Skryne were representing Meath. There were also teams from Dublin, Kildare, Offaly, Cavan, Wicklow, Louth & Westmeath.
St Margaret’s put a lot of effort in putting this together and it was a privilege to be asked. The teams had to be there at 9.30am and the day commenced with each county team handing over their Club flag and receiving their County Colours. Jack Dardis was the team captain who received the flag. The teams then marched around the pitch where a brass band led the way. The teams stopped at the Centre of the pitch and St Margarets had several pitches named after county grounds from “Breffni Park”, “Pairc Tailteann” & “Croke Park”.
Skryne received a team sheet and they were to play the following teams,
- Dunboyne who represented Kildare as Clane had pulled out of the games at the last minute.
- Mullingar Shamrocks representing Westmeath.
- Glen Emmets representing Louth.
Skryne’s age group varied from 10 year olds to 11 & 12 year olds. Skryne had a very young side but with great pace and enthusiasm. Our first match was against our Neighbours Dunboyne who were representing Kildare. The lads got off the firing blocks well with some perfectly executed points. They gave it everything and made it difficult for Dunboyne to get a grasp of things. There was a strong breeze and Skryne done a lot of damage in the first half with points from Niall Moreland, George Fitzpatrick and Niall Finnerty. Owen Conway was on fire and couldn’t be stopped. All 15 men plus the subs that were brought on played really well. Dunboyne got some scores at the end to narrow the gap. This match was played in Pairc Tailteann & the Final score was,
- Skryne 1-7
- Dunboyne 1-3
Our second Game was against Mullingar Shamrocks from Co Westmeath. Skryne had made some changes and brought in Oisin Keogh for Alex Grendon, Sean Mc Govern for James Ward. All subs would be needed with so many matches. The defenders played really well and once again Skryne played with the aid of a strong breeze and used this to their advantage. Owen Conway scored two goals with Niall Finnerty adding one before half time. Skryne gave it everything and at half time it was Skryne 4-01 Mullingar Shamrock 0-1. The second half was to see Skryne battle hard. The defensive line was put to their test and Gary Browne & Sam Hawes along with Luke Brady and David Rathbourne battled hard. It was a tough game and in the end Skryne held on for the win in Croke Park with a win of,
- Skryne (Meath) 4-01
- Mullingar Shamrocks (Westmeath) 1-04
Skryne now had two games won and the third and final game was against the Glen Emmets of Louth. Billy Reilly & Sean Mc Govern got the call. Skryne started with a blistering pace and in no time were 2-03 to 0-0 in front. The call was made for Tom Rafter and James Ward who were brought in. Sean Mc Govern scored some good points. Shane Smyth covered every blade of grass and was rested at half time with Jack Dardis, Niall Moreland, Niall Finnerty, David Rathbourne, Luke Brady and Krisstoffer Kinsella. David Clarke was sent in to an attacking role. Alex Grendon gave some great long balls down the wings. The players kept the pressure on Glen Emmets and ran out easy winners with George Fitzpatrick playing really well. The final score at Pairc Tailteann was,
- Skryne (Meath) 5-07
- Glen Emmets (Louth) 0-0
Skryne were now in the Semi Final and had a lunch break to get some refreshments in. St Margarets provided food and sandwiches for all the Adults and kids and put on a great spread. There was a lot of talk about how well the players had done and the effort that was put in by every player. There was a lot of support for the lads and we thank those who came to witness a great day. The Semi Final was decided and the team we were to play was the host club itself St Margarets. This game was to be played in Croke Park. Skryne had played St Margarets before in Skryne and this was a tough game. St Margarets had players that were 12 years of age. Skryne being Skryne never stands down for any challenge and again Skryne started with the wind. Skryne battled all the way and unfortunately St Margaret’s had players that were older. St Margarets had started with a shaky start in the league but were progressing along the way. Offaly had beaten them in their first match by a point. Skryne gave it everything and in the end the final score was,
- Skryne (Meath) 0-4
- St Margaret’s (Dublin) 3-06
St Margaret’s got into the Final and Skryne went out of St Margaret’s with their heads held high. In the end St Margaret’s went onto play Mullingar Shamrocks of Westmeath in the final after Westmeath beat Offaly in the other Semi Final. Skryne had already beaten the finalist but that is the luck of the draw. St Margarets went on to win it in the end by a comfortable 15 Points. It was a great experience for the lads and as you can see from the photos everyone enjoyed it.
Skryne GFC would like to thank Neville Monaghan & Co from St Margaret’s for putting on a great day and all the food. Great credit goes to them because things like this don’t get organised over night. Skryne U12’s is a team of the future to watch out for and also once again thanks to all the parents for their continued support.
The Skryne U12’s team is as follow’s : Josh Farrell, Sam Hawes, Luke Brady, Gary Browne, Kristoffer Kinsella, David Rathbourne, George Fitzpatrick, Jack Dardis, Sean Whelan, Niall Finnerty, Shane Smyth, Niall Moreland, Sean Keogh, Alex Grendon, Owen Conway, David Clarke, Oisin Keogh, Billy Reilly, James O Brien, Tom Ratfer, Sean Mc Govern, James Ward, Killian Cullen.
From the Managers & Mentors
Padraig Finnerty,
Cormac Grendon,
Martin Browne,
Declan Browne
Please see below for a selection of photos from the games
