U13 Boys Div 2 Colemanstown 6- 5 Moyne Villa B. In a league match that will be remembered for its relentless action & dramatic twists, Colemanstown’s U13 boys edged out Moyne Villa with a 6–5 victory at home on Saturday. Despite injuries & player unavailability limiting the squad to 12 players, the squad showcased remarkable resilience & determination to secure the win in an 11 goal thriller. The game began with both teams eager to assert dominance. Colemanstown struck first on 8mins when Sean Forde connected with Kealan Murray, who calmly finished to give Colemanstown a 1–0 lead. However Moyne Villa responded swiftly, as they equalised on 14mins & then capitalised on a defensive lapse in concentration minutes later to take a 2–1 lead. Not to be outdone, Colemanstown levelled the score at 2–2 in the 20th min, thanks to Thomas Kennedy’s assist to Tim Ruane. The visitors managed to regain the lead just before halftime as both sides headed for the break with a 3–2 advantage. Moyne Villa doubled their lead early in the 2nd half to make it 4–2. Colemanstown’s response was immediate as Tim Ruane set up Iarlaith Griffin to narrow the gap to 4–3. The end to end action continued as Moyne Villa scored again in the 42nd minute, pushing the score to 5–3. Demonstrating unwavering spirit, Colemanstown fought back as Kealan Murray this time provided the assist for Tim Ruane on 48mins to make it 5–4. The hosts’ persistence paid off when Tim Ruane completed his hat-trick on 55mins to level the game at 5 apiece to rapturous applause from the Colemanstown contingent in the stand. In the dying moments Se Laffey set up Iarlaith Griffin, who netted the decisive goal, sealing a remarkable 6–5 victory for Colemanstown in an absolute humdinger. Match Report: Martina Donnellan
Squad: Conor Saunders, Daniel O’Dea, Ritchie O’Connor, Caelan Noone, Adam Mitchell, Thomas Kennedy, Kealan Murray, Sean Forde, Oran Cosgrove, Iarlaith Griffin, Tim Ruane, Se Laffey.
U14 Boys Connacht Shield: Westport 6 – 2 Colemanstown. On a sun drenched afternoon in Westport, our U14 boys set off for a challenging Quarter Final clash in the Connacht Shield. The game started with the hosts taking early control. With just 2mins in, Westport split our defence to go 1–0 up. Then after 20mins, the Colemanstown lads were caught from a corner as the Westport striker capitalised on the opportunity to put the hosts 2 – 0 up. Undeterred by the early setback, the Colemanstown lads began to rally. After 30mins, following determined work from Daragh Blake & Daniel Ruane, Dermot Parker responded with a perfectly placed lob over the keeper to reduce the deficit to 2 – 1. However Westport’s momentum continued to build & a killer offside goal just before half time saw Westport extend their lead to 3 – 1; a blow that appeared to dampen our fighting spirit as both sides parted for the break. The 2nd half saw Westport extend their lead further through confident play down the right wing & their winger scored to make it 4–1. The Colemanstown lads found the game a bit of a struggle at this stage & with 2 more goals from Westport, they eventually put the game beyond reach. Credit must be given to our lads though for their relentless effort. Even though the game was well in hand for the hosts, Dermot Parker managed to pull one back with another sublime lob over the keeper late on, to finish the score at 6 – 2 in favour of Westport. The focus now shifts to the league as the lads prepare to face Oranmore- Maree on Saturday. Match Report: Martina Donnellan
Squad: Aidan Quinn, Daragh Blake, Oisin Nugent Lally, Darragh Finnerty, Finian Walsh, Owen Hillary, David Barrett, Jack Barrett, Daniel Ruane, Mikey Nutley, Dermot Parker, Sean Forde, Thomas Kennedy.
U13 Girls Div 1 Knocknacarra 0-3 Colemanstown. In an impressive display of passing & team cohesion on Knocknacarra’s astro turf pitch on Sunday afternoon, Colemanstown’s U13 girls recorded a convincing 3 – 0 win over Knocknacarra. The game was marked by dynamic attacking play, resolute defending & some individual standout performances, all of which contributed to one of the girls best passing games of the season. The game was particularly special as it saw the return of Ciara Somers after a lengthy injury layoff, adding renewed energy to the Colemanstown side. With regular keeper Lily Burke unavailable the team showcased remarkable depth and versatility. Four rotating keepers – Laoise Naughton, Julie Holohan, Kayla Maloney & Lauryn Murphy all took turns between the sticks & each adapted admirably to the unfamiliar role & contributed to the team’s solid defensive display. The game was an even contest for the first 10mins with Knocknacarra nearly taking an early lead when their nimble striker found the net within the first 5 mins. However, the goal was disallowed for offside to keep the game at stalemate. Colemanstown then began to assert their dominance on the field. Julie Holohan was a constant threat down the right wing & broke the deadlock on 10mins. A well worked corner resulted in a sliced clearance from Knocknacarra, the ball bounced into the 6-yard box where Holohan met it with a clean half-volley from close range to open Colemanstown’s account. Colemanstown’s momentum continued to build. Just 5mins later, Sorcha Nic an Iomaire demonstrated exceptional speed & composure as she cut in from the right, steadied herself after a defender’s challenge & unleashed a powerful left footed effort from 14yards to double the lead. In a moment Colemanstown could have extended their advantage even further. Julie Holohan again looked dangerous as she raced down the right & crossed to Sorcha Nic an Iomaire, however, the referee ruled the ensuing play offside. 2-0 at half time. Straight from the off in the 2nd half, Colemanstown maintained their rhythm with several fluid passing sequences. They were rewarded with a 3rd goal which came midway through the half from a set piece. With the ball in her hand & eyes on goal, Sorcha Nic an Iomaire called on Kayla Maloney. Maloney’s well placed right footed strike sailed into the net sealing a 3 – 0 victory. While a late scramble by Kate Geary in the box nearly provided an additional goal, the final whistle confirmed this nice comprehensive win. Match Report: Martina Donnellan
Squad: Laoise Naughton, Aoife Flynn, Niamh Lally, Amy Morrissey, Ciara Somers, Siana O’Grady, Kate Geary, Kayla Maloney, Julie Holohan, Ava Forde, Sorcha Nic an Iomaire, Mia Corcoran, Lauryn Murphy, Emma Burke.