U15 Boys: Div2: Craughwell 1-7 Colemanstown. Our U15 Boys produced a fantastic performance on Saturday to secure a convincing 7–1 away league win over Craughwell. From the off, Colemanstown played with great energy, teamwork & purpose. The lads created plenty of chances throughout the game & controlled proceedings for long periods with some excellent attacking play rewarded on the scoresheet. Thomas Kennedy led the scoring with a brace while Mark Gerrard, Caelan Noone, Sean Forde, Mark Shaughnessy & Oran Cosgrove also found the net.
It was lovely to see six different players on the scoresheet, highlighting the teamwork & attacking threat throughout the squad. The lads finished the game strongly to claim an impressive 7–1 win & deservedly take the plaudits for an excellent all-round performance. Well done lads! Match Report: Ann Forde
Squad: Iarlaith Griffin, Connor Saunders, William Jordan, Tim Ruane, Adam Mitchell, Caelan Noone, Oran Cosgrove, Sean Forde, Trevor Harlowe, Thomas Kennedy, Mark Shaughnessy, Oisin Dolan, Cathal Higgins, Mark Gerrard, Niall Mason, Richie O’Connor.
U15 Girls Championship Cup: Colemanstown 3-0 Oughterard. Our U15 girls booked their place in the Championship Cup semi-finals with an excellent 3–0 victory over Oughterard. Playing with a strong wind at their backs in the first half, Colemanstown took control of the game early and were rewarded with the opening goal when Julie Holohan capitalised on a mix-up in the Oughterard defence. Julie reacted quickest and made no mistake, expertly dispatching the ball into the roof of the net. Colemanstown remained well on top and doubled their advantage following a brilliant team move down the right. A low cross was delivered into Sorcha Nic an Iomaire who produced an exquisite finish, wrapping her left foot around the ball and deftly directing it into the net. Oughterard offered very little threat during the opening half, but Colemanstown knew they would face a different challenge after the break, having to play into the strong wind.
The introduction of Lauren O’Grady, Ava Forde, Caoimhe Cleary and Amy Morrissey made a big impact, and Colemanstown actually became even more dangerous going forward. The third goal came from Ava Forde, who showed a sublime first touch to create the space before producing her trademark cool finish to put the game beyond doubt. Niamh Lally came out of goal and showed great composure in defence, helping Colemanstown comfortably see out the remainder of the game and secure a well-deserved clean sheet. It was a very strong all-round team performance from the girls, who dealt superbly with difficult conditions and now march on to the Championship Cup semi-finals. Full Time: Colemanstown 3–0 Oughterard. Match Report: Garry O’Grady.
FAI Youth Cup (U18 Boys) 2–6 Bearna na Forbacha. Our U18s bowed out of the FAI Youth Cup on Sunday following a 6–2 home defeat to Premier League side Bearna na Forbacha. This was always going to be a difficult challenge for Colemanstown, particularly with a severely depleted squad. With clashes with other sports, we were left with just 11 players available & the lads faced a Bearna side playing two divisions higher which made the task even more demanding.
Bearna started the stronger of the two sides & took an early lead, but Colemanstown showed excellent character to fight their way back into the contest. Joshua Lualdi got Colemanstown on the scoresheet to make it 2–1 & give us plenty of encouragement. The visitors eventually extended their advantage, but Colemanstown continued to battle throughout. Joshua Lualdi scored his second goal of the afternoon in the 2nd half.
Special mention to Philip Fitzgerald, who deserves enormous credit for his commitment. Philip had already played a full GAA match that went to extra time before turning out for Colemanstown & completing another 90 minutes of soccer. That is some effort – his body must still be sore! While the result didn’t go Colemanstown’s way, the lads can take plenty of credit for their effort & attitude in fairly tough circumstances. The U18s now turn their attention to the FAI Youth Trophy, where they will look to put this experience behind them & continue their campaign. Well done to all 11 players for giving it everything. Match Report: Steven Broderick