Under 16 and Senior Boys Football

Under 16 and Senior Boys Football

It was a disappointing week for our u16 and u18 gaelic football teams. After a successful pre-season of pitch work and circuit training, there was high hopes for both teams. However, in difficult weather conditions both teams ended up on the wrong side of results this week.

Our u16s contested against a very strong Cross & Passion team in Hawkfield on Monday the 7th of December. After, 20 minutes the teams were equal at 2 points
each and St. Pauls looked to be comfortably in the game. This was to be the highlight of the game as Cross & Passion competed much better in the adverse weather conditions. Our u16s gradually lost control of the game and 2 quick goals in succession for Cross & Passion set the foundation for a comfortable victory for our opposition. The players can take great heart for the way they fought tooth and nail right up until the final whistle even when a potential victory was not achievable late in to the second half. Cross & Passion will fancy themselves to advance far in to the competition and on the day the best team won.

It was the turn of our u18s to take the field the following day. This team on paper looked to be a formidable outfit and they certainly proved this on the field particularly in the opening half of their game against St. Farnan’s of Prosperous. Against horrendous weather conditions and on a difficult playing surface St. Pauls can hold there heads high for the way they conducted themselves on this particular occasion. Led by senior players Sean Kavanagh, Steven McNally, Adam Forde and Ryan Bannon we entered the half time break 2 points up playing against a difficult wind. The second half began brightly and St. Pauls found themselves 4 points up and fully in control of the game. With Shane Lynch and Denis Donoher converting 2 opportunist goals it looked like this day was going to be St. Pauls day. However, we were up against a quality team who were playing off the back of winning the u16 Leinster championship last year. They scored 3 outstanding goals in quick succession, which our goal keeper had no chance of stopping and from this they held on to a victory. This was a disappointing way to finish the year, especially when victory was within our grasp. Days like these will stand to our teams and we will be back stronger next year to compete for another title challenge.

Thanks to all the players who gave a big commitment all year and hopefully our fortunes will improve next year.