Boys U13 Div 2. Craughwell 6 -1 Colemanstown. Saturday saw Colemanstown United U13 Boys travel to Craughwell who are in the battle for the top place in the league. A squad of 10 boys represented Colemanstown as the team was hit with injuries and unavailability. Craughwell respectfully agreed to play a 10v10 game, and the whistle went. Playing the first half into a low sun, Colemanstown stood tall. An early moment of madness with a late tackle on the Craughwell keeper saw a yellow card to Colemanstown. The team regrouped and 20 minutes of intense competitive football was played by both teams. Some long balls over the top from Kealan Murray released Tim Ruane and Mark Shaughnessy but a quick keeper and pressure defence cut out the Colemanstown attack. With tired bodies, the Craughwell lads scored on the 20th, 25th and 29th minute leaving a 3-0 scoreline at halftime. With no substitutes available, the intensity of the game was hard on the boys. A switch of Caelan Noone into the backline with Sean Forde moving into midfield, gave a different feel. Some structured passing off the goal line from Iarlaith Griffin into the backline of Conor Saunders, Caelan Noone and Ritchie O’Connor, released Oran Cosgrove and Thomas Kennedy down the wings, and a strong second half ensued. A number of corners were defended. Kealan Murray and Conor Saunders picked up injuries but stayed on battling. With 10 minutes left, Craughwell scored their fourth. Immediately after Craughwells pressure intensity resulted in them picking up a yellow card but not phased, Craughwell got their fifth. A long ball from Kealan Murray was picked up by Thomas Kennedy and fuelled with determination, Thomas hit the net, putting Colemanstown on the score board. Craughwell scored a sixth at the end to leave the final score 6-1. Match Report: Brian Saunders.
Squad: Iarlaith Griffin, Conor Saunders, Ritchie O’Connor, Sean Forde, Caelan Noone, Oran Cosgrove, Kealan Murray, Thomas Kennedy, Tim Ruane, Mark Shaughnessy
U13 Girls Champ / Div 1 Cup Athenry 3 – 1 Colemanstown. In challenging windy conditions, Colemanstown’s U13 girls delivered a spirited away performance against Athenry in the opening round of the Cup competition on Sunday. Despite the final score the game showcased grit, determination & skill from the Colemanstown youngsters. The game began with Colemanstown on the front foot. Siana O’Grady set the tone early with fierce crunching tackles down the right wing. Sorcha Nic an Iomaire opened the scoring midway through the 1st half with a brilliant solo effort; crafting & finishing a superb goal to give Colemanstown a well deserved lead. The defensive unit featuring Mia Corcoran, Laoise Naughton, Amy Morrissey, Eimear Flynn, Lauryn Murphy & Emma Burke were outstanding. They limited Athenry’s opportunities throughout the 1st half with Lily Burke reliable in goal to deal with any threats. Midfielders Julie Holohan, Lauryn Murphy, Niamh Lally & the O’Grady sisters, Siana & Lauren worked tirelessly to control the game, while Aoife Flynn led the line up front battling well against the elements. Just before halftime however, Colemanstown were unfortunate to concede. After a scramble in the box, Athenry managed to poke home a fortunate equaliser as the teams parted for the break in a 1 -1 stalemate. The 2nd half was only 10mins old when there was a bit of controversy as Athenry edged ahead 2 -1 with a goal that left the Colemanstown camp wishing for VAR. Shortly afterwards Athenry capitalised on a breaking ball to extend their advantage to 3 – 1 with a clinical finish. The Colemanstown lassies refused to back down though. Niamh Lally came close with a powerful run and shot that went narrowly wide. The girls won numerous corners & continued to apply pressure as Ava Forde held the ball up well up front. Despite Sorcha Nic an Iomaire being forced off through injury Colemanstown kept pushing but they were unable to claw back the lead. In the end, the scoreline failed to do justice to Colemanstown’s performance. The girls displayed fantastic effort & heart especially considering they were missing 4 key players. Overall it was a performance full of promise & showed the potential & resilience of this Colemanstown side. Match Report: Martina Donnellan
Squad: Lily Burke, Mia Corcoran, Amy Morrissey, Eimear Flynn, Laoise Naughton, Lauryn Murphy, Siana O’Grady, Julie Holohan, Lauren O’Grady, Sorcha Nic an Iomaire, Aoife Flynn, Emma Burke, Niamh Lally, Ava Forde.