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Na Fianna 0-8, St. Judes 5-13 Sun 15th October (League Div 1)
Leave aside the scoreline for the moment - let's focus on the positives. Firstly, it was a pleasant, mild and sunny afternoon, perfect for a hurling match. Secondly, this match was played without a number of key regular starters for Na Fianna - the 'walking wounded' from a bruising football championship final yesterday (see other notes on this) - and yet the team still managed to put on a good show against the Champions of Dublin. Thirdly, a number of players confirmed their value to the team by virtue of their performances this afternoon (without mentioning the 5-6 names - you know who you are). Fourthly, inspired no doubt by some of these great individual efforts the team in general refused to lie down in front of a superb Judes team, whom no one would disagree, outclassed Na Fianna from start to finish. Nevertheless, it is against such a level of skill and organisation that Na Fianna should measure themselves and the obvious progress they are making year by year, and this is another positive to be gathered, even from a whalloping like todays! Na Fianna were behind 0-5 to 3-8 (12 points) at the break. They fought hard to reduce this deficit in the second period, and indeed ate into some of Judes' lead for a while but eventually succumbed to some well taken points and two late goals from the Templeogue club before the referee called a halt to the proceedings. Scorers for Na Fianna: 3 points from Sean Burke, and one each from Kevin Reilly, Conor McCarville, Andy Kelly, Zac Lennon and Niall McGovern.
With just one match to go in the league campaign this year - can we improve on last year's total of points? Bring on the Crokes!
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Bray Emmets 2-11, Na Fianna 3-8 Sun 1st October (League Div 1)
The long trip out to Old Connaught Road this afternoon was done with some foreboding - and not just due to the dark clouds looming over the Sugarloaf. No, this was not just fear of the weather (we've learned to shrug off the odd shower of rain) but a weariness in the bones of our assembled players given the tough football matches all had been involved in just 24 hours before. (The U14 A Team had won a tense semi-final against St Judes - see elsewhere in the website for the report - and the B team had beaten local rivals Ballymun in the league.) We also had some concerns about missing a few regular players through absence or injury. These forebodings apart, there were certainly some tired legs and arms out there but in spite of this our lads got off to a great start, putting up 1-3 without reply within the first few minutes (points from Sean Burke, Adam Caffrey(2) and a goal from James Higgins.) One of the Bray players received an injury and not having any subs on their side, Na Fianna graciously took off a man to level things up. This seemed to work too well and Bray came back into the game with a vengeance, scoring five points before Ciaran Hanton added another to Na Fianna's score. Then Bray scored a goal and continued to dominate the rest of the first half with further points to lead by four points at the break (1-4 to 1-8). It was clear that Na Fianna were generally coming off second-best around the park, and the mentors urged the team to realise that they still had the opportunity to take the points for this game, but that they had to compete much more vigorously. This they did in a much more evenly contested second half which saw Na Fianna reducing the deficit and indeed putting themselves a point in front at one stage thanks to points from Ciaran Hanton, Adam Caffrey (2 more) and well taken goals from Conor McCarville and Eoin O'Sullivan. But as we know from previous meetings with Bray, this team are no pushover and they came back at Na Fianna, and but for some heroic goalkeeping from Eoin (Casso) Cassidy, and backs-to-the-wall defending from Jack Donohue, Conor Baxter and Kevin Augney, they surely would have won the day. Towards the end of the game, we witnessed a controversial point awarded to give Bray the lead, a controversial goal from Bray disallowed (Casso said it didn't cross the line!) and all eyes on Billy Shanahan as he lined up to take a 65 in the dying seconds of the match. He struck it straight and true and through the middle of the uprights to earn Na Fianna a draw. On a day when the spirit and never say die attitude of this team was much more apparent than its levels of stamina, this was no less than they deserved.
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Na Fianna 3-4 Ballyboden St. Enda's 2-15 Mon 11th Sept (CHAMPIONSHIP)
We're beginning to see a pattern here.... it's pouring rain, so there must be a hurling match on for Na Fianna U-14s! Sadly, a well-soaked Na Fianna bowed out of the Championship following this defeat to Ballyboden, following a gallant display against an overall superior side. The fact that the 5 point deficit at half-time was only increased by 3 points at the finish bears testimony to the fighting spirit of Na Fianna, always the underdogs against this year's Dublin Feile winners. The conditions, while not reaching the tropical rainstorm standards of the previous match against Judes, made it a miserable and wet occasion for the many spectators, but to the credit of the boys from both teams, they battled on through the rain which got heavier as the evening wore on. Scores for Na Fianna came from two well taken goals from Thomas O'Connell, and another from Conor McCarville, with two points apeice from Adam Caffrey and Billy Shanahan. Difficult to single out any players - (especially when the light began to rapidly fade) - but surely Kevin Aughney deserves special mention for a great display at the back for Na Fianna, which lit up an otherwise gloomy evening for us all.
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Na Fianna 1-3 St. Judes 6-7 Saturday, 19th Aug (CHAMPIONSHIP)
Sadly, the scoreline is accurate. This defeat was as dismal as the weather, and whereas their previous match in the championship saw Na Fianna 'singing in the rain' with a great victory over Vincents, the conditions under which this match was played made the rain last Tuesday seem like a mere drizzle. It was touch and go as to whether the game would go ahead, and it was to the credit of both teams that it was played at all. The only 'neutral' present - the referee - praised the attitude of both sets of players in terms of how they attempted to play in such dreadful conditions. Unfortunately, from the home supporters' point of view, St Judes adapted to the 'water hurling' better than Na Fianna. Always seen as the favoured team, given their tremendous form in the league and in this year's Feile, Judes proved too strong all across the park and built a commanding lead of 4-4 to 1-1 by half-time. Na Fianna bravely battled on into the second period and reduced Judes' scores to a minimum, but still finished trailing by that huge margin. Scorers for Na Fianna were Kevin Reilly (1 pt) and Conor McCarville (1 goal) in the first half, and Adam Caffrey and Billy Shanahan, a point apeice in the second half. Positives from this game? Nobody drowned. Character building? ........ maybe.
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St Vincent's 3-7 Na Fianna 3-10 Tuesday, 15th Aug (CHAMPIONSHIP)
A sweet victory for Na Fianna against the team who were their most recent opponents in their last competitive fixture, in the league nearly 2 months ago, and against whom they were second-best on that occasion (see match report below). On a rain-drenched encounter, the boys from Mobhi Road brought sunshine into the hearts and mouths of their loyal supporters unaccustomed to winning in Marino! Detractors may argue they played a much depleted Vincent's team, but Na Fianna were without some key players too, and yet they played as though their lives depended on the result. Indeed, Na Fianna were under a good deal of pressure early on in the match and were pinned back in their own half for the first ten minutes. However they recovered from the early onslaught from Vinnies - which left Na Fianna trailing to some well-taken points - by countering with some equally good scores - especially two goals taken by Adam Caffrey and Ciaran Hanton - and put themselves in the driving seat at half-time, leading by 2-6 to 0-4. They must have been expecting the increased offensive from Vincent's in the second period, and that's what they got. Na Fianna responded with some superb defensive performances from the half back and full back line and they restricted Vincent's chances mainly to some long range efforts. However some of these were converted, including an unfortunate 'soft goal' and soon the Na Fianna lead was reduced to a small margin. Nevertheless, our boys did not drop their heads or their hurleys, and sprang out of defence with great economy and opportunism. A well taken goal in the last 10 minutes by Kevin Reilly restored Na Fianna's slender advantage of 3 points, and in spite of some further points from Vincent's which ate into their lead, well-taken points by Billy Shanahan, Niall McGovern, and Kevin Reilly brought a well-deserved victory to Na Fianna. Every single one of the team today played with great passion and no little skill (take a bow all you guys in the defence!) but the performances of Eoghan Nichol, Sean Burke, Niall McGovern were particularly eye-catching. Bravo! Bring on the next team in this championship!
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Na Fianna 2-8 St. Vincent's 2-10 Saturday, 24th June (League Div.1)
Well, Na Fianna won the second half! But, unfortunately, only by a point, and that meant their half-time deficit of 1-3 to 1-6 was not overturned. Regular followers of this site will have realised by now that Na Fianna have developed a habit of winning matches - particularly those away from home! So, it's disappointing when they fall down even by a couple of points, in spite of a great effort from everyone in the team, and even more so, when against their only Northside rivals in this Division. Still, St. Vincent's won more comfortably (by nine points) when last they met (see match report below), and so the signs of the improvement in the team are evident. Hopefully, with one more match to play before the summer break - against Bray Emmets - away from home - Na Fianna will return to their 'regular' form and bring home 2 points once again.
Lucan Sarsfields 1-4 Na Fianna 3-5 Tuesday, 20th June (League Div.1)
Another midweek away match across the city, and another successful outing for Na Fianna. This is becoming a habit and it's one we hope Na Fianna don't break! This was a great performance in really challenging conditions due to the extremely strong breeze blowing across the pitch. Lucan won the toss but elected to give Na Fianna the benefit of playing with the wind in the first half, which was surely an overly generous action on their part! However our lads used their first half advantage well, accumulating goals and points to lead 3-3 to 0-1 at the break. The goals came from Conor McCarville (2) - one a real cracker - and Sean Burke, who switched from full back to full forward during the first half, reverting to his more familiar position to do battle with the wind as well as the Lucan forwards in the second half. We knew Na Fianna were going to face an uphill task when they turned around, but they rose to the challenge with great determination. Although Na Fianna managed to score only two more points in the remainder of the match, more importantly they kept Lucan's forwards out and reduced their scoring to a goal and three points. Several players acquitted themselves with excellent performances, too numerous in fact to mention them all. This great team performance lifts Na Fianna into the top half of Division 1 - where, it is clear, they truly belong. Now, we're wondering, can Na Fianna replicate their away form at home?
Kilmacud Crokes 1-4 Na Fianna 1-8 Thursday, 15th June (League Div.1)
At the end of this fantastic victory for Na Fianna, a mentor was heard to exclaim, 'There is a God!' - and for someone else to add, '...and He has red hair.' We don't want to get into dangerous theological waters here, but those who were at the match will know what was meant by that remark. But a fantastic performance it surely was, by a team who only a short time ago were not supposed to win on their travels across the Liffey - and, readers please note, their last two trips southside have yielded maximum points! Without wanting to overdo the praise, it is certainly justified on this occasion. Na Fianna were missing a number of regular stars - away in Gaeltacht/holidays/etc - and with only the bare number plus one sub to muster. They were playing on a pitch that hasn't been a happy hunting ground in the past - sombre memories of a recent Feile defeat still lingered perhaps? The first half saw Na Fianna mostly defending against waves of attacks from Crokes, and but for a brilliant battling display from the full back and half back line, they would surely have not turned around trailing only by 0-1 to 0-4. It was the realisation that in spite of all the pressure from Kilmacud they were still in the game that prompted Na Fianna to come out in the second half with all guns blazing, and they scored a couple of points to narrow the margin to the minimum. Then Crokes got what was to be their only score of the half, but it was a goal and would this, we wondered, cause our gallant team to drop their heads? Not a bit of it, they came back all the stronger, scoring another point and then a marvellously opportunist strike by our red-headed debutant Danny Murphy (to whom we alluded earlier) stuck the sliothar in the back of the net. It was Kilmacud's team who wilted, and further strikes over the bar followed to put the Northside team into a deserved lead, and one they tenaciously clung onto with a continuation of the superb defensive work we had seen in the first period. The final result could have been even more comfortable as another goal by our marvellous 'supersub' Murphy was disallowed controversially (perhaps the umpire was unsighted?) - but this did not take away the sweet taste of success this evening. Having experienced no luck in their last game against Ballyboden, things went very well for Na Fianna this bright evening in Silverpark - hence the 'return to faith' by the mentor. Overall, this was a game won by the whole team - all sixteen of them - and apart from already naming the goal poacher supreme - it would be unfair to single out any individuals even though there were some wonderfully eye-catching performances across the field, especially in the backline! I'm sure Kilmacud Crokes were looking at several of the team in yellow and blue and wishing they were playing in their colours. Well done the Warriors!
Na Fianna 2-7 Ballyboden St. Enda's 1-11 Sat, 3rd June (League Div 1)
Before the match started, a respectful and dignified minute's silence was observed by both sides and spectators in honour of Colette Nichol, mother of Eoghan and wife of Kevin, who died earlier this week following her long illness. We extend our deepest sympathies once again through this medium. May she Rest in Peace.
This was a tremendous game - a full-on, breathless encounter between two teams who showed great commitment, determination and skill. Na Fianna were within a whisker of beating the Dublin Feile champions, but for a great save from their keeper in the last few minutes of the game. As it was, in spite of an absolutely heroic display from every man on the field, Na Fianna lost by the narrowest of margins. This is surely a measure of how this team have improved when assessed against the likes of 'Bodens, who are certainly one of the best two teams in Dublin in this age group. Our performance may have surprised Ballyboden who led at half time 1-5 to 0-3 and looked quite comfortable in their lead. (Na Fianna's scorers in the first period were Kevin Reilly, Ciaran Hanton and Adam Caffrey.) Two smartly taken points after the break (by Kevin Reilly and Adam Caffrey respectively) followed by two magnificently taken goals by Adam Caffrey however really shook the southside team who had requested this match to be played as a four-pointer, and who were beginning to realise they had a real contest on their hands! They came back at Na Fianna and began to eat into the slender lead with some well-taken points. Further points from Billy Shanahan and Sean Burke kept Na Fianna in front until eventually the more clinical point scoring of the southsiders edged them in front - yes, Na Fianna should rue the number of wides they suffered in this game! Eventually the clock also ran away from Na Fianna as they tried to mount one final attack on the St. Enda's goal. The gallant losers left the pitch to a rousing round of applause from their supporters who really appreciated the 100% effort they had put into the game this evening. They could certainly hold their heads high, and losing to a team as skilful and competitive as Ballyboden have at present is no disgrace. That team knew they had earned their victory today, and surely went back across the Liffey with some relief that they claimed the four points for their title challenge. As for Na Fianna, they can look at this game as further evidence of their overall improvement and begin to believe more in their ability to take on these teams in Division I.
Cuala 2-2 Na Fianna 2-3 Sunday, 28th May (League Div.1)
This was a very hard fought, yet much deserved win by the team who surely deserved to be called warriors after this performance. Na Fianna got off to a great start with 2 goals smartly taken by Adam Caffrey. This was very much against the grain of what happened in the first half however, as Cuala put Na Fianna under severe pressure for most of it. This really tested the mettle of the defence who battled away courageously but it could be said, also rode their luck, and were helped by a number of wides from Cuala. The Dalkey boys were becoming more and more dominant and it seemed, as the match progressed were bossing Na Fianna around, and eventually pulled back the lead with a deserved goal and a point. Nevertheless, in spite of being on the defensive for most of the half, Na Fianna still managed to get the ball away to the forwards and they were surely far more economical in terms of taking their chances with two further points from frees put over by Adam Caffrey. Cuala's pressure told again before half time with a superbly struck goal which left Na Fianna leading 2-2 to 2-1 at half time. At the break, the mentors told their team not to accept being second-best in the 50-50 tussles with Cuala - i.e to stop being bullied by them! It seemed to work - in spite of an early point for Cuala which levelled the score - Na Fianna managed to turn around the possession a lot more in the second period, and were unlucky to have a goal disallowed when they were beginning to get on top. Unfortunately the tension of the match seemed to get to both sides and a game that had been hard but generally clean began to slide into some bad tempered exchanges between players, and resulted in a player from each side leaving the pitch following a squabble. It seemed as though Cuala were tiring and Na Fianna finished the stronger with Billy Shanahan, who had another excellent game, scoring the winning point from play. And so, under the darkening skies of Dalkey, in this highly competitive but otherwise not very memorable game, a vital win was secured for the warriors from Mobhi Road. However this was a match won by the defence of Na Fianna more than it was by the forwards, and for this all the defenders deserve commendation, but in particular the outstanding performance of Eoghan Nichol is worthy of special mention, for so often he seemed to be 'the rock in the storm' in repelling wave after wave of attacks by Cuala. Credit is due also to goalkeeper Eoin Cassidy when the back line was breached on a few occasions. Overall a brave and hard working display - even if not the most skilful one in the conditions (a fairly bockety pitch at Hyde Road) - meant that Na Fianna made great strides in terms of securing their Division 1 status for another year.
Féile na nGael 2006 12 – 14 May
Saturday 13th May. Pairc Ui Murchu.
Ballyboden St Enda’s 4-8 Na Fianna 0-3
A comprehensive defeat for Na Fianna in the opening match, however the Na Fianna strategy, wisely as it transpired, was to keep some of the first choice players in the squad fresh for the second match that morning, which given the luck of the draw in the Féile meant the losers of the opening context had to turn around and play the next match immediately. The mentors were acutely aware of what happened in similar circumstances to the footballers a couple of week’s ago – and we all knew that it was going to be against massive odds to upset the form book and beat one of the tournament favourites Ballyboden on their home turf. Bearing in mind all of the frequent switching and resting of players, Na Fianna can take much heart from this match. Though defending for much of it, they scored three times from only four or five attacks. (Smartly taken points from Adam Caffrey and Niall McGovern (2) respectively.) They trailed 1-5 to 0-3 at half time and were still in the game, until ‘Bodens fired in a couple of goals in quick succession which effectively killed the game as a contest. Nevertheless, the boys from Glasnevin kept battling away until the final whistle and refused to drop their heads or their hurleys. Would they have the stamina and strength of character to play Lucan in the next match within 20 minutes?
Lucan Sarsfields 1-1 Na Fianna 2-3
Yes, the strategy paid off! Only 20 minutes or so from the end of their first match, Na Fianna came back out of the dressing rooms all guns blazing. There was plenty of gas left in the tank and indeed, in the first 10 minutes of the match, any neutral observer happening along to Ballyboden at that time would not have known that Lucan were the fresher team! (We suspect that the music CDs produced by Peader O’Laoire for the Féile might have had some effect? The words of that well-known GAA supporter, eminem, must have been scorched into the minds of the team, “If you had one shot, one opportunity, to seize everything you’ve ever wanted… one moment to capture, or to let it slip…..do not miss your opportunity … this opportunity comes once in a lifetime…. ” ) This was a tremendous game and credit must go to both teams for giving their all. Lucan have had the better of Na Fianna in recent outings but the team were determined to not to slip up this time. (Thanks again eminem). There were a couple of turning points in the match, when the teams were level at a point each - (Na Fianna’s from Kevin Reilly) - in what was proving to be a very tight game, the sliotar found its way past the backs to a Lucan forward clear through on goal. Somehow corner back Conor Baxter found the extra speed to get back and block the shot. Shortly after this a breakthrough goal came for Na Fianna, thanks to Ciaran Hanton, giving a well-deserved lead crucially before half time. The second half continued in the same vein – i.e. a ferociously contested match, but which saw Na Fianna taking their opportunities to score – (a second goal from Billy Shanahan and points from Ciaran Hanton and Adam Caffrey) – and reducing Lucan’s efforts to a single goal. The forwards, midfield and defenders all played their part. It was a game won by all of the players on the squad - so much so, one wonders if you looked up the definition of ‘teamwork’ in the dictionary, it would probably say, ‘see Na Fianna’! This victory meant that Na Fianna would progress to the semi-finals of the Hurling Féile provided that Lucan did not upset the odds again and beat Ballyboden in the final game of the morning. Although to their credit they put it up to ‘Bodens (leading at half time) and causing no little anxiety for the supporters of Na Fianna (who found themselves in the strange territory of cheering for St Enda’s) Lucan suffered the same fate as Na Fianna in the Football Féile, finding it too hard to respond after defeat in a back to back match. So Ballyboden advanced as group A winners and Na Fianna as runners-up, and with a semi-final to play in Silverpark the next morning. Special mention of thanks to Ballyboden for their generous hospitality – tea, coffee and sandwiches were much appreciated but also their warm welcome to all visitors on this day.
[ photo below: c/o Mary Cassidy, taken at Silverpark 14/5/06 before Semi-Final Na Fianna vs St. Judes ]
Sunday 14th May. Silverpark.
St Judes 2-4 Na Fianna 0-2 The scoreline does not tell the full story - only the result of this match. Much fancied St Judes, who have soundly beaten Na Fianna on recent occasions, had it put up to them by our team who played as though their lives depended on it. Against it must be said, an extremely skillful side who put them under serious pressure for most of the match, Na Fianna to their credit stayed in the game until the last 10 minutes or so. Indeed at half time, they were still in it, trailing only by 4 points (1-2, to 0-1 our point coming from Ciaran Hanton) and the defence were magnificent, responsible for forcing Judes into no less than 7 wides in the first period. The second half was very encouraging for Na Fianna, taking an early point (through Adam Caffrey) and keeping the possibility of a comeback very much alive. This remained until Judes whipped over another couple of points (one from a free) and a controversial goal which even their supporters said they were lucky to have. St Judes in the end were worthy winners but they knew (confirmed by their mentor to our lads) they had been in one hell of a scrap. Na Fianna U-14s can hold their heads high. Their performances over the weekend of this Féile epitomised all of the virtues of teamwork, and to this we can add the word 'courage' because, we, the supporters of the team, saw this displayed in abundance out on the field at Silverpark on this day. Aine O'Laoire spoke for all the parents, mentors and supporters in saying to the players that everyone of them in the squad, including those unfortunate to not get a full game, made us proud to be there watching this team. We will remember this tournament and this bunch of players will surely progress on from being a team with great guts and spirit to one which has more skill and craft and they will surely bring many cups and trophies back to the clubhouse at Na Fianna in future.
We take this opportunity to thank all those who joined with our regular mentors, Dick, Liam, Peadar, Colm and Michael to help prepare the team for the Féile. * A further welcome addition to this team is Ernie Hanton.* This includes Colm Burtcheall, Pat Fanning, Colm O Ceallachain and Declan Feeney. The lads also appreciated the great support from the senior squad (and enjoyed training with them last week) and were very grateful for the support they received over the weekend from the many other club members. Thanks to all for making this a memorable occasion. We would also think it is very fitting to make special mention of Kevin Nichol, who coached this team since they were U9s and who couldn't be with us to see the Féile - and the great form of son Eoghan, due to the illness of Colette, Eoghan's mother. We are all thinking of you and praying for you all at this very tough time.
ST JUDES VS NA FIANNA 1-11, 0-1 Sat, 6 May
Although they were under no illusions that this was going to be a tough contest (especially any of the lads who played at Tymon Park last year) this match certainly brought them back down to earth following their victory over Bray only a day and half before. Nevertheless, in the performance of Na Fianna we saw silver linings on this otherwise cloudy day. Despite being short several normally 'first choice' players the team acquitted themselves very well against superior opposition (although the same could be said of them, who were apparently without a few starters following their triumph in the football feile the previous weekend). At half time, in spite of having had to defend for most of the first half, Na Fianna trailed 0-5 to no score. In the second period, they were deflated by an unfortunate goal coming at a time when they threatened to get back into the game. Nevertheless they refused to lie-down and battled through to the final whistle. Special mention is due for Billy Shanahan, who is now rivalling Sean Burke as one of the most consistent performers for Na Fianna. He displayed great skill and commitment throughout the match. Overall Na Fianna can surely take some encouragement from this performance and if they play with the same determination and have just a little bit of luck, who knows what might be achieved at the forthcoming Feile next weekend? We wish all the players and mentors well in the Feile.
NA FIANNA VS BRAY EMMETS 5-9, 1-3 Thu, 4 May
A comprehensive victory for Na Fianna against a team who have beaten them just as convincingly in the past. Bray had the disadvantage of travelling cross-city on a wet evening (2 hours the journey time we're told) - and goodness knows, we've experienced that handicap ourselves. However Na Fianna showed no mercy and following the delayed start (nearly 8pm and darkness falling) they caught Emmets cold with two smartly taken goals within the first 10 minutes. Thereafter they refused to allow Emmets back into the game, although to their credit they kept plugging away, and Na Fianna managed to ensure that they won both halves of this contest. All of the team played well, and Conor McCarville was singled out for special mention for his fine performance and it was noted that he was certainly the most improved player in the Na Fianna U14 squad. Well done to all the team on the night however, for winning so convincingly a match the mentors had identified as a 'must win' game for Na Fianna in this very competitive division.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ST. DECLAN'S BOYS! [posted 30 April 2006]
Special congratulations are due to the boys of St. Declan's CBS who won the Schools U14 Division 1A Dubin hurling championship against Colaiste Eoin last week. The team included 3 of our U14 squad, Sean Burke, Adam Caffrey, and Andy Kelly. So great work all round to those Declan's boys, following on from their success in the football - winning the Dublin and Leinster titles! Let's hope some of this success rubs off onto the rest of the Na Fianna U14 hurlers!
ST VINCENTS VS NA FIANNA 4-6, 1-6 Thu, 13th April
It can be argued that Vincents were the better team on the day, but equally, that Na Fianna were not 9 points worse than them. The scoreline in the end flattered the home side who, considering the whalloping they gave us last year, must have expected to run out easy winners of this fixture. Instead they met a determined and battling performance from Na Fianna, who thanks to the strong breeze led at half time 1-3 to 0-2. Until the last 10 minutes of the game however, St Vincents with the advantage of that strong wind in the second half, still only led by a couple of points. But for our team's inability and misfortune to convert scoring opportunities (a couple of points came back off the posts) - plus an excellent display by Vins goalkeeper it should be said - the match would have been a much closer affair. Perhaps even - dare we say it? - could have resulted in a victory for Na Fianna. As it was, Vincents took their chances where our lads did not, and rattled in a couple of goals in the last few minutes to take the game. Credit where it is due to all the team who fought hard throughout the game - against a very physical and aggressive Vincents - and refused to lay down. Better luck next time Na Fianna!
NA FIANNA VS LUCAN SARSFIELDS 2-5, 1-9 Sat, 1st April
The U-14s lost this keenly contested match by a single point. The match was played in awful conditions - the weather influencing the quality of the hurling for sure - but that was the same for both sides it has to be said, and to be fair Lucan had the better of most of the second half. Na Fianna failed to capitalise upon their early dominance in the match when they led in the first half only by a couple of points - it should have been much more. There was a feeling among the freezing spectators that our side might pay for their failure to put scores up while on top. Nevertheless we cannot fault our lads who battled hard right to the end of the match and never gave up. Unfortunately, Lucan were equal to this effort and commitment and it was to be their day, not ours. Better luck (and weather we hope) next time!
NA FIANNA VS CUALA 5-7, 1-2 Sat, 4th March
An emphatic victory for the U-14s in their first match of the new season. The truth is, it could have been even a higher score, such was their overall domination of the match, but Cuala must be given credit for some resolute defending also. While not wishing to single out any player in what was a great team performance from the entire squad, Adam Caffrey deserves special mention for his scoring contribution of 5-2! A good beginning then, for the league campaign ahead, against a team which took valuable points off Na Fianna last time around. To complete the pleasure of the occasion, everyone was particularly delighted to see Aine O Laoire appear on the sidelines to see the lads win their opening match, and the team showed their appreciation to her at the end. Well done Na Fianna!
Challenge Match vs Lucan Sarsfields Sun. 26th Feb
Our thanks to all the team members for their work in raising funds for the Feile in the bag-packing at Tescos. In the meantime it is good to be getting back to some serious hurling after the long lay off since last October. The season starts in earnest on Saturday 4th February, but to get themselves warmed up for the new season, the U14s had a friendly against Lucan Sarsfields on Sunday 26th Feb, which we are pleased to report was won by Na Fianna. Our thanks to Lucan however for providing us with a match a short notice.
All the team, parents and mentors send best wishes to Aine following her recent operation and we look forward to her speedy recovery and return to full health.
League stats......
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DIVISION 1 |
PLAYED |
WON |
DRAWN |
LOST |
POINTS |
|
NA FIANNA U-14's |
13* |
5 |
1 |
7 |
11 |
to date: 15-10-06 * match against Ballyboden played as a 'four pointer' (03-06-06)
NA FIANNA U14 HURLING SQUAD 2006
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KEVIN AUGHNEY - CONOR BAXTER - SEAN BURKE - ADAM CAFFREY
EOIN CASSIDY - JACK DONOHUE - ALAN FITZGERALD -
GERARD FITZGIBBON - CONOR HANLON - CIARAN HANTON -
CONOR HENNELLY - JAMES HIGGINS - ANDY KELLY - ZAC LENNON
CONOR McCARVILLE - NIALL McGOVERN - DANIEL MURPHY -
EOGHAN NICHOL - SEAN OG O LAOIRE - EOIN O'SULLIVAN -
KEVIN REILLY - BILLY SHANAHAN |
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