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Back Row: Fionn O'Connor, Aengus Farrell, Joseph Fitzgibbon, Aaron Jesson, Emile Mullan, Stephen Murray, Adam Ronayne, Conor McHugh, Robert Hatton, Danny Ballance, Ciaran Reilly
Front Row: Cillian Byrne, Eoin Buckley, Eoin Flanagan(capt.), Conor Stone, Sean Griffin, Eoin McCullough, Andrew Quinn
The moment of triumph as Eoin accepts the trophy from Raymond Smith of GAC1
Aengus enjoys the spoils and wonders what was all of the fuss about !
Hungry work !!
19th June 2006
Congratulations to the Under 12 footballers who won the 'A' North Cup final last Saturday. In a closely contested match against perennial rivals St Sylvesters, Na Fianna eventually won through on a 4-5 to 0-6 scoreline but not before being put to the pin of their collars by a resolute and well-drilled St Sylvesters team. The venue was the far pitch in Erin's Isle, Finglas - the same pitch on which the two clubs had contested the Division 2 Camánt final last September as Under 11s. The match had originally been fixed for May 20th but had been rained off due to a waterlogged pitch that weekend. The contrast with the weather last Saturday could not have been greater as a sun-drenched pitch greeted both teams for the throw-in at 12.30pm.
Na Fianna had suffered a pre-match blow on Friday evening with the news that star forward Conor Stone had been ruled out due to injury. The situation looked as if it might be exacerbated a few minutes after throw-in when Conor McHugh seized up with a leg injury. Plenty of wintergreen and the magic fingers of Michael and Sé got Conor back on his feet and it was just as well as St Sylvesters looked the better team in the early exchanges. With the upper hand at midfield, Syls piled the pressure on the Na Fianna rearguard and went two points clear. The pace was hectic and credit to Ciaran Reilly and Robert Hatton in the full-back line for withstanding the early pressure and restricting the damage to two points. Slowly, Na Fianna began to find their feet and Adam Ronayne was unlucky to see his goal effort hit the post and go wide. Minutes later, Joe Fitzgibbon flashed a low effort across the face of the goal and wide of the far post. Early nerves were settled when following good work from the lively Sean Griffin, the ball fell to Eoin Buckley in front of goal. Needing no second invitation, 'Bucko' crashed the ball to the net to put Na Fianna in front. The goal had a galvanising effect on the team and Conor McHugh curled over a delightful left-footed effort having been given the advantage after being fouled in possession. The same player was later unlucky to hit the crossbar with a great effort from 30 yards after a spectacular fetch.
St Syls were still prominent and were winning plenty of possession all over the pitch. A point from their outstanding midfielder reduced the arrears to the minimum. Adam Ronayne replied with a pointed free and Joe Fitzgibbon knocked over a fine effort from the right hand side of the field to put Na Fianna three points clear. Just before half-time, Na Fianna struck again for goal - a high dangerous ball from Adam was followed into the square by Conor McHugh and finished with aplomb to the net with a fisted effort with his back to goal. This left the half-time score Na Fianna 2-3 St Sylvesters 0-3.
Any notions that the match was already won were well and truly dispelled in the second half when St Syls came out and got on top again. Aengus Farrell was called upon to deny a goal with a courageous last-ditch block. From the resultant '45', Fionn O'Connor was harshly adjudged to have overheld the ball and a free-in was awarded to the resurgent Syls. A definite goal was averted when team captain Eoin Flanagan was able to claw down from just underneath the crossbar a ball which had goal written all over it. The clearance was made and Na Fianna breathed a collective sigh of relief. The pressure was unrelenting however and Syls kept Na Fianna on the back foot. The half-backs bore the brunt of this pressure and both Aengus and Fionn revelled in the physical exchanges. Eoin was his usual assured self and Emile Mullan began to pick up the pace in midfield and take the battle to Sylvesters. Emile's athleticism and Adam's strength proved a winning combination in centre-field and allowed Joe Fitz to roam forward to telling effect. At the back, Stephen Murray delivered another polished performance between the posts and his handling and decision-making were faultless throughout. They say that the last line of defence is the most important and the team is indeed fortunate to have Stephen between the sticks.
Three points from Syls had been cancelled by a Joe Fitzgibbon goal to leave the scores at 3-3 to 0-6 with ten minutes to go. At this point, it was anyone's game. Danny Ballance had been introduced as a substitute for the hard-working Aaron Jesson and his pace posed problems for the Syls full-back line. Following some good approach work from Danny, the ball got stuck underfoot in what promised to become a goalmouth scramble. Quick as a flash, Joe Fitz swooped and with a Ronaldinho-type flourish back-heeled the ball to the net to put Na Fianna nine points in front. This was an inspirational score and effectively decided the contest. Further points from Joe and Conor McHugh put the gloss on a great win for Na Fianna.
It must be admitted that the eleven-point winning margin was a touch flattering for Na Fianna. However, there is no denying the fact that the better team won the day. St Sylvesters emerged with great credit and it is clear that they will present a serious challenge in the Autumn when the League Division 1 resumes. For the moment however, Na Fianna can enjoy their Cup triumph. They have proved themselves the leading force at Under 12 football on the North side of the river.
The trophy was presented after the match by Raymond Smith of GAC1 to the winning captain Eoin Flanagan. Raymond paid tribute to both teams and in his congratulatory remarks offered the view that it had been the finest Under 12 Cup final that he had seen in many years. Afterwards, the victorious team brought the trophy back to Mobhi Road where they were presented with their medals by club Chairman Brian O'Sullivan who had been associated with this team in their formative years after the club nursery. The boys dined 'al fresco' in the car park with their friends from the other '94 squads, supporters and family members. A special note of thanks to Michael Hatton for sponsoring this victory picnic and to all of the supporters who turned out to give their support. The curtain now comes down on the football season after this week's Mini Leagues finale. League fixtures will resume in late August and there will probably be a few kickabouts before then. For now, enjoy the Summer and let's hope that the weather will continue in this vein. Up the Dubs.
Stephen Murray
Robert Hatton Ciaran Reilly
Eoin Flanagan Fionn O'Connor Aengus Farrell
Emile Mullan Joe Fitzgibbon (2-2)
Conor McHugh (1-2) Adam Ronayne (0-1) Sean Griffin
Aaron Jesson Eoin Buckley (1-0)
Subs: Danny Ballance Eoin McCullough Cillian Byrne Andrew Quinn
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June 1st
With the 'A' Cup final against St Sylvesters postponed until Saturday, June 17th, focus has temporarily switched to the League where Na Fianna has entered teams in Divisions 1, 4 and 5 of the Northside Under 12 Leagues. All three teams were in action last night and all three enjoyed convincing wins.
The Division 1 team were away to St Vincents and recorded a decisive win on a 6-12 to 2-4 scoreline. Despite the absence of Ciaran Reilly, our lads really rose to the challenge and franked the form of our recent Cup win over the same opposition.
Goalkeeper: Stephen Murray
Backs: Danny Ballance, Fionn O'Connor, Eoin Flanagan, Aengus Farrell, Robert Hatton
Midfield: Emile Mullan, Adam Ronayne
Forwards: Sean Griffin, Conor McHugh, Conor Stone, Eoin Buckley, Andrew Quinn
Subs: Joseph Fitzgibbon, Aaron Jesson
The Division 5 team was at home in the school to Castleknock and ran out convincing winners 6-10 to 7-2. Particularly prominent were Eoin McCullough and Shea Gormley who has made a great impression since joining us from New Zealand.
The Division 4 team were out in Balbriggan to face O'Dwyers and got on top of affairs from the word go. Cillian Byrne delivered a consummate performance at centre-forward linking the play excellently between a dominant midfield and the inside forward line. Thomas Caulfield and Carl Duffy were well on top in the middle but the Man-of -the-Match was Aidan Greene at centre-back whose fielding and positional play throughout were faultless. The final score was 8-8 to 1-6 in Na Fianna's favour.
Goalkeeper: Jonathan Berkery
Backs: Luke Cushen, Robert Fenlon, Joe Brennan, Aidan Greene, Barry Maguire
Midfield: Thomas Caulfield (3-1), Carl Duffy (2-1)
Forwards: Niall Shannon (0-1), Cillian Byrne (0-2), Conor Cronin (1-1), Eoghan Grace (1-1), Ian Guiden (1-0)
Subs: Diarmuid Ring, Naoise ó Gallchóir, Sidney Harshman-Earley (0-1)
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10th April 2006
It was an eventful weekend for the Under 12 footballers with all three teams in action - two at home in St Vincent's school and the third team away to Na Dubh Ghaill in Donaghmede Park.
The 'A' team had what promised to be a tough fixture against the previously unbeaten St Vincents. The Marino club had won its five matches to date in the 'A' Spring Cup. It had also been successful in having all six of its nominated players selected on the final panel for the Easter tournament next weekend - the only Northside club so honoured! A severe test of our lads was expected. However, Na Fianna rose magnificently to the challenge and turned in our best performance of the season so far. In registering a resounding win on a scoreline of 3-7 to 1-2, a very clear message of intent to progress in the Spring Cup was delivered. It was great to have Adam Ronayne back in action after a lengthy lay-off due to injury and particularly satisfying to see Joseph Fitzgibbon and Aengus Farrell turn in stellar performances. Well done also to Eoin Flanagan, Emile Mullen and Robert Hatton who after contributing handsomely to the defeat of St Vincents went on to play Championship football for the U13Bs in the afternoon against Thomas Davis in Albert College Park.
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The 'C' team were away to Na Dubh Ghaill in Donaghmede Park. Another great team performance saw Na Fianna run out winners on a 5-6 to 0-6 scoreline. The first half featured a blizzard of rain and wind for a period of 5 to 10 minutes which would have tempted many a referee to call a halt to proceedings. However, Michael McCabe of Trinity Gaels is a hardy soul and he was having none of it. The Baldoyle club had most of the game in the first half with the strong wind at their backs and led at half-time by 1-1 to 0-5. Na Fianna had Dan Doolan to thank for a well-taken goal after a good pass from Danny Ballance and a fine point from an acute angle from 'Dan the Man' meant that Na Fianna were well in touch at the half-time break.
Soon after the break, Conor Cronin levelled matters with a fine point on the run after a nice solo run. Na Dubh Ghaill replied with a point but from there on Na Fianna took over. Pierce Caulfield delivered a commanding performance in defence and with Danny Ballance and Shea Gormley both having stormers in midfield, it was clear that Na Fianna had the upper hand. Shea found the net to put Na Fianna in front for the first time and from there to the end it was one-way traffic. Pierce floated a dangerous ball into the goalmouth which Shea met with a meaty punch which came back off the crossbar - Conor volleying the rebound into the roof of the net with a flourish.
The move of the match soon followed with Pierce and Conor exchanging passes before Pierce found Danny with a great foot pass. Danny went off on a 'Mulligan' to crash the ball into the net after a surging solo run. Rory Monaghan then got into the scoring act with a goal and a point to seal a very good win. Hard luck to Conor Whooley whose late effort came back off the post. A special note of thanks to Oisin O'Connor, Loughlin Mac Niallais, Cormac Fitzgerald and Peter Farrelly from the Under 11 squad whose match against Naomh Barrog was called off at late notice and who came out to Baldoyle.
Scorers: Danny Ballance 1-2, Conor Cronin 1-2, Dan Doolan 1-1, Rory Monaghan 1-1, Shea Gormley 1-0
Man of the Match: Danny Ballance
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The 'B' team faced O'Dwyers of Balbriggan in St Vincent's school. This was a match which Na Fianna dominated for most of the game until fading in the final 10 or so minutes. Having led for most of the game, we ended up on the wrong side of a 2-3 to 4-6 scoreline following a late avalanche of scores for the North county club.
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February 7th
Another good win in the 'A' Cup last Saturday for our Under 12s when a trip to Carrickhill yielded a comprehensive victory over Naomh Mearnóg. It was a particularly satisfying win as the same opposition had beaten our team twice last year at Under 11. The final score was Naomh Mearnóg 0-5 Na Fianna 6-6. It was good to see Stephen Murray making a welcome return between the posts and he played very well, making at least three excellent saves to keep a clean sheet. A notable return to form also from Eoin Buckley following his recent injury problems. 'Bucko' made his mark with some lovely scores. Overall an excellent team performance.
The team lined out as follows.
Stephen Murray
Ciaran Reilly, Robert Hatton, Eoin Flanagan, Fionn O'Connor, Aengus Farrell
Emile Mullan, Joseph Fitzgibbon
Conor McHugh, Conor Stone, Sean Griffin, Eoin Buckley, Aaron Jesson
Sub: Andrew Quinn
Not such good fortune for the other two teams. The scheduled match against Parnells was called off at very late notice which meant that Na Fianna brought no less than 28 players to Oliver Plunketts. With a separate team playing a half each, the boys were well beaten by a strong Plunketts outfit.
This coming weekend, all three Under 12 teams are at home in St Vincent's school when the opposition will be provided by Clontarf, Ballyboughal and Ballymun Kickhams.
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January 31st
The Under 12s had their first competitive outing of the New Year on Saturday last when the 'A' team faced St Peregrines in the first game of the round-robin Spring Cup. Although missing three or four of the regular team, the team played some very good football to get the measure of their opponents on a scoreline of 10-10 to 2-4. It was our first outing in the 13-a-side format and the overall performance augurs well for the tougher tasks which loom ahead.
The starting line-up was as follows.
Conor Cronin
Ciaran Reilly, Aengus Farrell, Eoin Flanagan, Barry Maguire, Fionn O'Connor
Joseph Fitzgibbon, Emile Mullan
Conor McHugh, Conor Stone(c), Aaron Jesson, Sean Griffin, Eoin Buckley
Subs: Carl Duffy, Eoin Smith, Dan Doolan,
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The second team unfortunately did not get to play its game as the scheduled opponents O'Dwyers failed to show up at the appointed time and venue.
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The 11-a-side team had a bye, but at short notice, a challenge match was arranged against Parnells whose scheduled opponents, Clontarf, were unable to field. The match took place in Chanel College and resulted in a defeat on a score line of 5-7 to 1-4. The match was notable for an eye-catching performance from ex-Kiwi Shea Gormley who marked his debut for Na Fianna with two nice points.
The starting line-up was as follows.
Joe Maguire
Kevin McCormack, Barry Maguire, Robert Keenan, Carl Duffy
Robert Fenlon(c), Rory Monaghan
Fionn Montague, Conor Cronin, Conor Whooley, Shea Gormley
Subs: Aidan Greene, Eoin Smith, Luke Cushen
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