When we received a call from St Colmcilles regarding their 15th annual competition we just couldn’t
refuse the opportunity of entering the U10’s in their first competitive games. The whole thing was
based around fun and enjoyment and also put an edge to it knowing that there was the chance of
getting a cup at the end of it. The rules were simple one bounce one solo, No zones and 45’s. Skryne U10’s have a panel of 26 and with 11 aside plus 6 subs we entered one team. It is always a difficult decision to know who to pick but with a competition in Gowna on the 15 th those that weren’t at St Colmcilles are coming to Gowna. We were grouped with Navan O Mahonys, St Colmcilles & Glen Emmets of Tullyallen.
Skryne’s first game was against Glen Emmets and with a sunny day with a very strong cross wind breeze this was going to be a great start for the Skryne young guns. Niall Finnerty started off the game with a great point and minutes later a high ball came in with Sean Keogh punching the ball into the back of the Glen Emmets net. We always knew going into the competition that Skryne U10’s have a very strong team but never could have predicted the great play and passing from Skryne.
Later Alex Grendon added another with a great kick to the bottom corner from 10yrds out. Glen Emmets tried to stop the Skryne charge but it was impossible. As managers and mentors you can only train them so much and advise them but what they done on the pitch it was all up to the young lads. The fast moving the quick passing and the skills were outstanding. Killian Cullen who worked hard all day set up Niall Moreland and added another goal again. The damage was done the score was now 3-01 to 0-0. At half time we brought on 5 subs and wanted everybody involved in the games. John O Regan went into Half Back & Gary Browne went into goals. A lot of the 11 are 10 years old and with the subs are only 9. With the changes made the young lads played exceptional.
Glen Emmets only managed to score 1 point for the whole game the final score was Skryne 4-6 to Glen Emmets 0-1. The defenders and midfielders had a lot to do with keeping Glen Emmets scoreless.
Our second game was against Navan O Mahony’s. Niall Moreland started off the scoring with the first goal and a second by Niall Finnerty both goals were well taken and the lads once again were on fire. Shane Smyth like he always does covered every blade of grass and let some great balls into the forward line. By half time we were 4-01 to 0-1 up and it was time to bring on all the subs. The lads started up from where we left off being very domineering all over the field. Niall Finnerty and Niall Moreland added more scores with the defenders not allowing Navan in to get a score. Alex O Reilly scored the final goal leaving the end score Skryne 7-05 to Navan O Mahonys 0-2.
This now left Skryne in a very comfortable position on the league table and with our final game against the host club St Colmcilles this was going to be one of our toughest games. Skryne U14’s always had a tough battle with St Colmcilles in finals and this wasn’t going to be any different. Shane Smyth got off to a great start by scoring 2 great points.The next 3 mins was going to change the whole game. Skryne fought hard for everyball. St Colmcilles scored a goal and now had Skryne on the back foot. A ball came in to Alex Grendon who fielded it well and crashed it back into the nets of St Colmcilles. This was the start of the rought from the Skryne young guns. Minute laters Niall Moreland ran at the St Colmcilles defence to score a goal. Skryne really worked hard all over the pitch and defended well with David Ratbourn, Gary Brown, Sam Hawes & Billy holding the defence line. The defenders are always as important as the forwards and this is something we always stress to the young lads. It is a team effort from the players on the field to the subs and this really showed.
At half time all subs were brought on and with the likes of Kian Reddy, Jack Swan, Alex O Reilly,
Alex Bartley, Sean Mc Govern & Oisin Keogh played out of their skins in all games and showed great potential. With the exception of Alex Bartley they are all only 9 Years of age. A year makes a big difference specially when you are competing against a village or town that has a larger population. The lads played outstanding. The last kick score of the game was registered by Kian Reddy who scored a great point. The final Score was Skryne 3-04 to St Colmcilles 1-3 . This now left Skryne with a 100% record and topping the group with 6 Points. Skryne were now in the final and was awaiting their opposition.
There was a break between the games for some refreshments and food. The lads were really up for it and even at the break it was hard to keep them calm as they kicked the ball around the field. I think the parents were more tired and where some of these lads get their energy from is hard to know. They were now after playing three games with 10mins per half. We had to enter two players for a completion so Billy Reilly and Kian Reddy were given the call and were ready for the challenge. There was a net that had three openings in it and you had to kick the ball through the hole. This may sound easy but it isn’t. Graham Reilly was there to encourage the lads there was a total of 24
who entered the completion and if you missed you were out. Billy was the first to get the call and unfortunately put it just wide of the opening next was Kian who also came very close but it wasn’t enough. Out of all the panel of 24 only three got it through the opening. Two from Whitehall and one from St Colmcilles in the end St Colmcilles won the trophy.
Now it was back to business. Skryne were to play Ratoath who also toped there group. Skryne started well and were missing a key player that had to go after our final game against St Colmcilles but as they say the show must go on and we were delighted to have him for the other games. Skryne battled hard and this game was to be different from the others with a lot of defending and play from end to end. At half time we were playing well but finding it hard to score and Ratoath were the same. There was some changes made out on the field to try and break down the Ratoath defence. Skryne had a few wides in the first half and were unlucky not to be level at half time. The half time
score was Skryne 0-2 Ratoath 1-02. The second half got on the way and for the first time in all the games was behind at half time. David Rathbourne was swithched as a third midfielder. Gary Brown who was playing great was switched into full back. Sean Keogh went into midfield with Shane Smyth and Niall Finnerty went into half forward. The changes did help but Skryne had to give it everything
in order to score. The cross breeze wind was still very strong and the lads gave it everything. Niall finnerty dodged and turned some Ratoath players before being fouled. He was 10 yrds from the Ratoath goal and with 3 mins left he made his own decision to go for goal and rattled the back of the net. This could be the come backs of all come backs. The score now was Skryne 1-2 Ratoath 1-4. There was only a few minutes left. Ratoath went on to register another point. In the end time ran out for Skryne. Skryne 1-3 Ratoath 1-6. We were really proud of all of our team. This is a team that will no doubt follow in the footsteps of successful teams that Skryne has already produced. The
never say die attitude is renowned for the Meath teams but also with the U10 young guns. All Skryne players received a medal and posed with a picture with Meath’s Graham Reilly. We would like to thank St Colmcilles for hosting a great event and also the parents who urged the lads on. Once the club house is finished they will want to make sure there is a large enough cabinet for all the trophies the lads will bring home in the future.
The panel for the U10’s in no particular order is,
Niall Moreland, Gary Browne, David Rathbourn, Sam Hawes, Shane Smyth, Billy Reilly, Niall Finnerty,
Killian Cullen, Alex Grendon, Sean Keogh, Oisin Keogh, Alex bartley, Jack Swan, Alex O Reilly, Kian
Reddy, Sean Mc Govern & John O Regan.
Thanks Cormac & David
