U12 Footballers win Div1 North
Click for Picture Gallery supplied by Hugh Daly
Syls U12As were confirmed as North Dublin champions on Saturday last with a comprehensive win over closest rivals Na Fianna. Both teams entered the last game of the season with identical records having lost only one match each throughout the campaign.
This Na Fianna team have been the benchmark in this age group, and beat our A & B teams by fifty points each just 18 months ago!
Syl’s were quickly out of the blocks, Luke Hughes completing one of his trademark runs from half back with a great shot into the net within a minute of the throw-in. This was quickly followed by a point from AJ McCabe and a second goal from Sean Daly following a typically mazy run. Na Fianna were reeling at this point, unable to cope with Syls’ speed and sharpness to every ball. Sean Daly’s runs directly at the Na Fianna defenders were causing mayhem in the away team’s half.
However, the boys from Drumcondra soon rallied and managed to snatch a goal that was somewhat against the run of play. This gave them the lift they needed and they dominated the next ten minutes, racking up a total of 1-3 to put them back in contention. This Syls team though has lots of heart and resilience to go with their outstanding skills on the ball. The local boys responded to the threat, driven by Daniel Deneher, again an outstanding performer in midfield, supported by Phelim Butler, who notched a couple of points. A penalty from Jack Whelan and another point from AJ left Syls in a commanding position as the first half drew to a close, leading by 3-4 to 1-3.
The visitors struck first in the second period but were soon reeling from a spectacular solo effort from Luke Hughes, who slalomed past 4 defenders before unleashing a rocket into the Na Fianna net. While Na Fianna added another 1-1 to their score, their attack was well marshalled by some resolute defending from Syls, particularly Aaron Lynch, Mikey Dowling and Josh Reinhart, aided as ever by some astute distribution from Harry Barnes in the Syls goal.
Denis O’Brien made some inspirational clearances, and Brian Murray claimed a number of breaks.
Daniel Brennan & Marcus Young worked tirelessly as linkmen, and were supported by Osian O’Dullaghain when he came in.
Further scores from the Deneher, Conor Mulcahy and Bobby McCarthy meant that the Malahide boys and their loyal supporters were able to enjoy the final minutes of a well deserved victory. Following their successful trip to Donegal earlier in the year, this team has now added a second trophy to the club cabinet for 2011. Great credit for their success goes to their dedicated mentors, Brian Barnes and Paul Reinhart, ably assisted by an excellent support team of Paddy, John, Ben and Dave.
This is a good starting point, but the hard work only starts here.
The club has managed to field three teams all year which has meant a significant number of games for our squad of 52 players.
Hopes are high that this squad will stay together and go on to achieve even greater success in the future – the mentors are committed to the two u13 15 a side teams continuing to train together next year – there was huge support at the game yesterday from the lads who were not togged out.
Special thanks also to the parents who work really hard to support the players and mentors, not just this year, but every year.
Eamonn Dullaghan - John Crosse