U16 Boys Div1: St. Patrick’s 1 – 3 Colemanstown United. This latest U16 Boys league encounter saw Colemanstown United secure a well-earned 3-1 victory over St. Patrick’s in an exciting & competitive away match. The opening 10 minutes were a tactical battle, with both teams sizing each other up. St. Patrick’s attempted a few long-range shots but keeper Tommy Nutley dealt with them confidently. Meanwhile, the Colemanstown defence comprising Daniel Booth, Morgan Keogh, Padraig Fallon and James Somers held firm, facing little threat. St. Pats eventually broke the deadlock with a well-worked move and a deflected long range effort which left Nutley with no chance. Despite trailing 1-0 at halftime, Colemanstown remained confident, knowing the game was still within their reach. The second half brought changes in personnel, injecting fresh energy into the team. A strong attacking move down the left led to the equaliser, an own goal that levelled the game at 1-1. Momentum shifted in Colemanstown’s favour and they soon took the lead thanks to a moment of brilliance from James Somers. His perfectly placed 30-yard pass found Tadhg Hart who finished clinically into the bottom corner to make it 2-1. Colemanstown continued to press forward with Sean Keating and Martin Mellody both coming close to extending the lead. Their persistence paid off when another move initiated by James Somers and involving a series of neat passes through midfield set up Tadhg Hart for his second goal sealing a 3-1 advantage. Jamie Cunniffe bravely challenged the onrushing goalkeeper for a loose ball but was unfortunate not to convert picking up an injury in the process. We wish him well in his recovery. Stephen Murphy had a late chance to add to the tally but his header went just over the bar. In the end, Colemanstown United’s teamwork, tactical discipline, and attacking flair proved too much for St. Pats. It was a well deserved victory that keeps our lads in strong contention in the league. Match report: Luca Lualdi
Squad: Tommy Nutley, James Somers, Daniel Booth, Oisin Gavin, Padraig Fallon, Morgan Keogh, Noah McDonnell, Paddy Gavin, Jamie Lally, Ryan Shaughnessy, Joshua Lualdi. Second half subs: Sean Keating for Noah McDonnell, Martin Mellody for Joshua Lualdi, Tadgh Hart for Ryan Shaughnessy, Tom Holohan for Paddy Gavin, Niall Robbinson for Padraig Fallon, Mike Lally for Daniel Booth, Fionn Proulx for James Somers, Jamie Cuniffe for Jamie Lally, Stephen Murphy for Jamie Cunniffe.
U12 Girls Div 1: Colemanstown 2 – 3 Oughterard. Colemanstown welcomed Oughterard to a Winter sun soaked pitch on Sunday for the first game of 2025. Our girls hit the ground running as they created plenty of early chances with Lauren O’Grady coming agonisingly close to finding the net. Our defensive quartet of Jade Devaney, Helia Costello, Faye Ryan & Ciara Maybin stood firm but a well placed kick-out from the Oughterard keeper split our defense allowing the Oughterard striker to capitalise and slot home the opening goal. The visitors doubled their lead before halftime with a long range strike that nestled into the top corner leaving Emily Tuohy with no chance of making any save. Early in the 2nd half Oughterard added a 3rd, but Colemanstown refused to back down. Aislinn Murray & Lauren O’Grady took charge carving out chances only to be denied by an outstanding Oughterard keeper. Fresh legs in the form of Holly Mellody & Grace Flynn injected new energy & soon the momentum shifted. A breakthrough came when Lucy Burke Hardiman picked out Ava Forde who showed great vision to lob the keeper from distance as she pulled one back for Colemanstown. Soon after a long kick-out from Emily Tuohy was met by the ever alert Lauren O’Grady who finished clinically into the corner & suddenly it was game on! With just a goal in it, Colemanstown piled on the pressure in the closing stages, throwing everything at Oughterard in search of an equaliser. Despite relentless efforts from the girls, the final whistle went with the visitors narrowly holding on. It was a fantastic performance from all 12 girls who showed incredible determination, skill & never say die attitude. They were simply amazing! Match Report: Anne Forde.
Squad: Emily Tuohy, Ciara Maybin, Jade Devaney, Faye Ryan, Aislinn Murray, Ruby Lally, Lucy Hardiman Burke, Ava Forde, Lauren O’Grady, Holly Mellody, Grace Flynn, Helia Costello.
U14 Girls Championship/Div 1 Cup. Colemanstown 1 – 4 Athenry. Our U14 Girls bowed out of the Championship/Div 1 Cup on Sunday following a tough defeat at home to local rivals Athenry. Although the visitors are ranked a division higher, this local derby carried extra significance as many of the girls know each other well, making for an intense yet spirited contest. Despite sharing possession equally, Colemanstown struggled to convert their chances while Athenry took full advantage of the conditions particularly in the 1st half when they had the sun at their backs. Athenry broke the deadlock after just 10 mins capitalising on a right wing cross to take the lead. 10mins later they doubled their advantage after a goalmouth scramble as our girls failed to clear their lines. The visitors added a 3rd before the break with a well taken solo effort leaving Colemanstown with an uphill battle in the 2nd half. Colemanstown showed resilience after the restart & got themselves back into the game 10mins in. Emily Rohan delivered a well placed free kick which Shauna McDonagh finished clinically at the back post. Colemanstown pushed forward creating several chances. Maddie Rohan went close in a one-on-one situation only to find the side net. Emily Rohan, Muireann Roche & Shauna McDonagh also threatened but they couldn’t make the most of Lucy Butler’s long kick-outs which launched play deep into the Athenry half. As Colemanstown pressed forward in search of a 2nd goal, Athenry struck again with just 5mins to play, sealing their victory with a 4th goal & put the result beyond doubt. Although disappointed with the defeat, the Colemanstown youngsters will take lessons from their performance. A slow start proved costly but there are plenty of positives to build on as they now shift their focus solely to the league campaign. Match Report: Niall Rohan
Squad: Lucy Butler, Niamh Naughton, Grace Connolly, Kate Mitchell, Emma Collins, Leah Hansberry, Shauna McDonagh, Muireann Roche, Maddie Rohan, Emily Rohan, Evelyn McDonnell, Tia Loughnane, Tara Dillon, Aoife Walsh.