The U/10 Football season drew when they won the Shield competition in Ardfinnan. Their only loss was to Commercials by just two points to qualify for the Semi Final. The multi talented Micheal Freaney started by slotting over a long range point and was deadly accurate from placed balls in all games. Goalie Jack Mulcahy was at his best and his excellent long kick outs kept the team on an attacking note. Senan Butler, scorer of some wonder goals in last week’s hurling quickly put over the second to narrow the gap followed by the speedy Jake French Davies with the third. Casey J Coleman, usually playing forward but when moved to midfield played an absolute blinder in all games levelled the match and with time ticking away. Casey then sent a Beckham like pass to Cian Roche who if playing later in the day for Ireland would have won a Mark with his catch, coolly turned and put the team into the Final much to the joy of the very wet supporters.
In the Final the spirit of this young side increased with each game. Captain Conor Neville played his best football. Jack O’Donoghue scorer of three goals last week in the hurling was defender this time and played like a hungry tiger in search of the ball. Liam Freaney, still U/8 starred at corner back and with Jack Landy’s strength proving decisive on so many occasions, the team was not going to be beaten. Aidan Morrissey, who was so impressive in the hurling last week displayed his determination once again to get on the ball.
This follows last week’s excitement as the U/10 hurlers won all of their games in the hurling blitz in Clonmel Og pitch. Kilsheelan were also missing Zack, Emmet, Alex, Aaron, Conor, Oisin, Eoghain, Sean and Michael who have all played so well with the club this year. One can only state that despite the atrocious conditions on Saturday last, how fortunate it was to be able bodied enough to take part in the games in Ardfinnan and whether you were a young referee, organiser, tea maker, supporter it was a privilege to be there, watching the wonderful displays of the young players. How many of the unfortunate children in Crumlin hospital will never have the honour of wearing a club jersey, or simply playing football with their friends that on this occasion in Ardfinnan, the effort made by all teams was inspirational. Well done to everyone who took part.
