CLAREGALWAY JUVENILE FOOTBALLERS PLAYED WITH DISTINCTION From the start of the 2012 season it was evident that our U-13 and U-14 teams held the potential to capture some highly prized silverware and thereby bring home the associated honours to the Club. The U-14s qualified for three finals, namely, the 2012 Féile Peil na nÓg final and both the Coiste Peil na nÓg Division 1A League and Championship finals. In the Féile, the Club hosted Group C at Lakeview on Saturday April 14. First up was the game against St. Gabriels which the home side won by 0-10 to 1-5. The next game against Craughwell proved to be a very exciting affair and, in arrears by 5 points with seven minutes left, the Claregalway lads had to dig deep to win by 3-5 to 2-7. The third game was against Corofin and Claregalway needed to win in order to qualify for the semi-final. They did so with a marvellous display of football and won by 3-6 to 0-3. The semi-final against Mountbellew/Moylough featured some high drama with the awarding of three penalties. Claregalway converted both of their penalties whereas Mountbellew/Moylough had their penalty saved by Claregalway goalie Aaron Moran. The final was played on the following day, Sunday April 15, in Tuam Stadium against Salthill/Knocknacarra. The latter proved to be the stronger side and dominated the early exchanges and led at half-time by 2-3 to 1-1. The Claregalway lads raised their game admirably in the second half and held Salthill/Knocknacarra scoreless. Although scoring 3 points, Claregalway were unable to wipe out the deficit and lost by 2 points; final score 2-3 to 1-4. In the Coiste Peil na nÓg Division 1A League Final, Claregalway again finished runnersup, losing out to Annaghdown by 1-5 to 0-6 at Duggan Park, Ballinasloe on June 28. In the U-14 A Championship Claregalway qualified for their third final following good wins over Moycullen, Mountbellew/ Moylough, Annaghdown and Clarinbridge. Their opponents in the final were Barna, played at Loughgeorge on Saturday September 22. Both teams went toe to toe from the off and it was Barna who made the better start with 4 points early on. But Claregalway settleddown and 2 goals drove them on to a lead of 2-2 to 0-5 at the break. The second half was a tight affair with the bigger Barna side piling on the pressure. But the Claregalway defence rose to the occasion in style and although Barna scored a goal, Claregalway held out to win the 2012 U-14 A Championship title. Hence, despite losing the Féile and League finals by 2 points earlier on, they showed the character to recover and win the A championship. The Cup was presented to team captain Shane Moylan by Coiste Peil na nÓg Secretary Larry Lohan. We extend thanks and tributes to the management team: Shane Moylan, Tom Coyle, Tomás Kilcommins, John Fitzmaurice, Tony Goldrick and Ben Trill. U-14 Co. Development Squad. Barry Goldrick, Shane Moylan, Aaron Moran, Cillian Green, Thomas Coyle, Dylan Connell, Colm Trill were called up for the Galway City team for the 2012 Sean Purcell Tournament played in Tuam. This is an Inter-county tournament for U-14 Co. Development squads. Ted Webb Cup. Five of our young players featured on the Galway City and West Ted Webb Panel: Mark Rohan, Peter O’Connorl, Padd Griffin, Ryan Manning and Padraig Keaney. Great Joy For U-13s: In the U-13 City League, after a walk-over against Clarinbridge in Round 1, Claregalway had a series of well deserved wins in against Oranmore/Maree, Craughwell and Moycullen on their way to the final. Their final opponents were Salthill/Knocknacarra, played at a sun-drenched Pearse Stadium. As both teams had won their Group games convincingly, the scene was set for an exciting decider. In the first half, play ebbed and flowed up and down the pitch as both sets of backs were on their game and scores were slow to come, resulting in a low scoreline at the break, 2-2 to 0-3 in Claregalway’s favour. Claregalway introduced four substitutes in the second half who, together with an improved team effort, helped to stretch Claregalway’s lead with two goals. Salthill/Knocknacarra stuck to their task and eventually scored their goal late on. But Claregalway responded well with a quick break-up field and the Salthill/Knocknacarra shook for the fifth time to seal victory by 5-3 to 1-7. BY SEAN FLANAGAN Team captain Eoghan Gallagher was presented with the City League Cup by John Connolly. We convey tributes to the managers Ja Keating and Noel Grealish. 35 KILLANIN U16 TEAM THAT DEFEATED LETTERMORE TO WIN THE DIVISION ONE SHIELD FINAL Back Row Left to Right: Colm Molloy, Dean Welby, Ultan Walsh, Gary Heffernan, David Kelly,Caolan Leonard, Enda Kelly, Calum Ceapony, Rory Greene,Patrick Bohan Conor Acton,Sean Thornton, Niall Lally, Niall Jackson Front Row Left to Right: Brian Barrett, Cillian O Malley, Mark Burke, Stuart Heffernan, Matthew Lawrence, Billy McAndrew, James Lawrence, Gary O Toole, Gearoid Bohan, Alan Heinz, Ryan Keogh
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