Shamrocks have qualified for the playoffs of the B Féile football after 3 tough games of football in Whitescross and Brian Dillons on Saturday morning. This is our first time qualifying for the playoffs at any point in our history and great credit is due to the players who responded in kind to the many challenges placed upon them on the day.
The strong wind and wet squally conditions made the going tough for everyone throughout the morning. Shamrocks did their scoring with the wind when they needed to and then when facing the elements they played controlled football spreading the ball around and taking the sting out of the opposition. Shamrocks beat Whitescross 3-2 to 0-2 in the first game and travelled to Brian Billons for their next two games without their centre back Adam McSweeney who got injured towards the end of that game. The team was rejigged and some u12 players came into the side. A similar 3-2 to 0-3 win was registered over Castlelyons with the lads controlling the last 7 minutes into the wind after coming under serious pressure after the break. Onto the last game and it was winner takes all against Carrig na bhFear. Carrig na bhFear played with the strong wind in the first half (15 minutes) and scored 1-1 inside 3 minutes. Shamrocks backs were to the wall but all the players stood up and were counted. Again, Shamrocks controlled the ball and worked it up the field and this time, two important scores were registered – a point followed by a vital goal from Shane Darcy. A draw at HT. Tired legs all around were the order of the day at this point but Shamrocks scored 0-4 with the aid of the breeze to lead 1-5 to 1-1 as we entered the 5 minutes of injury time. Carrig na bhFear came forward and scored a goal to leave a point between the sides but the referee blew up shortly after and Shamrocks topped the group.
The players deserve enourmous credit for three gutsy displays over nearly 100 minutes of football. There were heroes all over the field all morning. Thanks to them and to their parents for their committment and support on the morning.
Panel: F. Hayes, M. Foy, A. Brady, D. Carroll, A. McSweeney, P. Dorney, M. Sisk, S. Darcy, A. Maye, H. Andrews, D. Howard, E. O’Flynn, C. O’Flaherty, R. Barrett, J. Bartlett.
U14 Footballers who qualified for the féile semi finals 1/4/17 – Back l to r: M. Foy, D. Andrews (mentor), E. O’Flynn, A. Maye, S. Darcy, C. O’Flaherty, M. Sisk, P. Dorney, H. Andrews, D. Howard, A. McSweeney. Front, l to r: D. Carroll, A. Brady, J. Bartlett, F. Hayes, D. McCormick, R. Barrett, D. O’Brien, P. Andrews (mentor)
