Despite fielding without some regulars due to U12 hurling, some of our younger lads got to participate in U13 action this morning against Corrib Celtic. Both sides had met in a league play-off last season, when Colemanstown came out on top, but just about. Ryan Concannon, Cillian Roche & Cathal Keane all got to taste success at U13 level. Jason Finn & Gary Lally’s boys got off to a terrific start within 10mins after a quickly taken corner from Shane Quirke which involved Killian Hughes & Josh Buckley and was finished by Patrick Flynn on the edge of the 6’ box. Killian Hughes & Shane Quirke then drew great saves from the keeper but 5 mins later a lovely through ball from Killian Hughes found Paddy Flynn in space and he held his composure to slot neatly to the left of the keeper. These 2 goals completely settled Colemanstown and for the remainder for the game they were rampant.
Shane Quirke capitalised on a poor defensive clearance on 17mins to slot under the keepers legs. Quirke was the provider for No. 4 as he won the ball back in defence and his intelligent delivery found the inrushing Killy Hughes who slammed home a blinder. Killian Hughes’ delivery then found Cillian Roche who connected perfectly but his overhead bicycle kick was well snatched by the visiting keeper, although the smile on his face showed his delight. It was damn close to the most perfect example of a bicycle kick at U13 level. At this stage Sean Connolly, Cathal Kennedy, Dylan Murphy, Ryan Concannon & Cathal Keane were moving the ball well at the back to keep the visitors at arm’s length. 33mins into the game saw Fionn Flattery called into action for the first time. Shane Quirke added another great goal just before the break with a sublime finish to ensure there would be no late drama. 5-0 half time.
Straight from the re-start the visitors scored a fortuitous goal which they celebrated well. Fionn made another great save from a free kick, which he fumbled first but steadied himself to grab well on the 2nd attempt. 13mins into the 2nd half, Celtic brought it back to 5-2 as their striker was left unmarked on the edge of the box and he made no mistake. Cillian Roche put through a lovely ball for Cathal Hynes & Josh Buckley to run on to but the keeper was slow to sound his whistle for off-side. Dylan Murphy was just wide after good play from Buckley & Paddy Flynn. Right at the death Cillian Roche scored the goal he deserved with a well worked effort as he weaved past a number of players and his powerful left footed effort almost drilled a hole in the net. Final score: 6-2.
Squad: Fionn Flattery, Sean Connolly, Cathal Kennedy, Dylan Murphy, Ryan Concannon, Paddy Flynn, Cillian Roche, Shane Quirke, Cathal Keane, Joshua Buckley, Killian Hughes, Cathal Hynes, Diarmuid Ryan, Ross Lally, Cian Burke, David Walsh, Jonah Donnellan.