U14 footballers win Division 8

These teams have been well-matched across the last 2 seasons - all but one of the 4 games that they have played these teams were separated by a single point. Last time out Jude’s ran out 8 point winners over an under-strength Syl’s side.

The story could not have been more different on Saturday afternoon in Tymon park where a great traveling support saw their team dominate from the start - taking the initiative, pinning the home team into their own half, and

winning every 50:50 ball. However despite having the majority of territory and possession the forwards were finding it difficult to get scores on the board and were guilty of a series of wasteful efforts early on. Any resulting anxiety was quickly eased however when Jack Butler smashed home a goal after consistent pressure on the Jude’s goal. The final 10 minutes of the first half really settled the game - a terrific solo run brought Jack Hussey through the heart of the Jude’s defence - he played a great 1-2 with Sean McFerron in the box and then struck the back of the net. Paul Grehan also got his foot to a loose ball in the Judes penalty area for another 3 pointer.

At half time the visitors lead 3-4 to no score. The coaches had one major message at half-time - that there was no place for complacency - they could expect Judes to respond in the second half and to come out fighting and that Syl's needed to keep the pressure on every man and every ball. 

In truth, despite hanging on bravely, the Jude’s had no answer - Syl’s were consistently first to the ball, consistently stronger in the tackle, consistently fitter, and to-a-man displayed a belief and confidence which over-powered the southsiders.

All over the pitch there were guy’s who played to the best of their ability and with cohesion and confidence. A team that at times this season struggled for numbers and form had found their mojo. A team which featured 5 lads who were not playing football at the start of the year had played like old hands. But most of all a team that had put the work in - in the gym - on the beach - and up in Broomfield - got what they deserved: a county medal.

Back in church road afterwards the teams joined with the u16 hurlers in celebrating a great day for the Juvenile section of the club. There was pizza, sugar buzzes, sandwiches and smiles all round - brilliant.

Squad: David Rodriguez, Jonnie Shiels, Jack Maughan, Niall Horan, Jack Quinn, Daniel Deneher, Cathal Manning, Sean McFerron, Jack Hussey, Luke Cassidy, Max Sheridan, Jack Butler, Paul Grehan, Niall McKenna, Sam Greenan, Daniel O’Brien, Cian Reid, Conor Moore, Conor O’Byrne, Evan Walshe, Matthew Gannon & Kieran Murphy.