U10 Kerry Shoolboys Futsal CHAMPIONS
The Inaugural U10 Kerry Futsal Tournament took place over three Saturdays (15th, 22nd and 29th March 2014) in Mounthawk School Hall. Park FC had the biggest entry of any club in the county when a total of 32 of our protégés divided into 4 squads of 8.
On March 15th we had Park 1 and Park 2 taking to the floor. In what was a competitive day, each team played a total of 5 games each. 4 teams in total were to go through to the Finals Day. We were delighted that both teams qualified for the Grand Finals. The most competitive game of the day turned out to be the game between Park 1 and Park 2 with Park 1 coming out top (to the delight of manager Adam). It was the only game that Park 2 conceded goals in as they went on to top the group.
The squads on the day were:
Park 1: Arran Delahunty, Cian Moran, Donnacha Sayers, Dylan McKenna, Gearoid Meehan, Jack Kearney, Matthew Higgins, Sami Abdrhman
Park 2: Ben Hanafin, Cianan Cooney, Colin Doody, Conor Kerins, Kieran O Connor, Sean O Connor, Liam Carmody, Luke O’Connell
On March 22nd we were back in Mounthawk with 2 new squads, Park 3 and Park 4. We were paired up with two very strong squads from Killarney Celtic and an equally strong squad from CastleIsland. The Killarney Celtic teams went on to win and come second with both Park sides giving them a really good game. That put 2 places in the Grand Finals available between Park 3, Park 4 and CastleIsland. The games were hotly contested but we just missed out on getting both teams through, Park 4 getting through while Park 3 just missing out. Park 3 played really well in the tournament and a goal either way would have got them there also.
Park 3: Adam Hegarty, Cian Moran, Cillian Murphy, Conor Kirby, Dylan Hobbart, Eoghain O Loughlin, Kian O Shea, Lasha Bekauri
Park 4: Cillian Lynch, Darragh o Connor, Edward Sheehy, Enda Cahill, Mark Sheehan, Danimil Ignatov, Sean Hill, Tom Flavin
So it was off to Mounthawk again for the finals on March 29th. The Draws had been made with Park 2 and Park 4 in Group 2 with Castleisland and Kingdom Boys 2. Park 1 were drawn in a really tough group with both Killarney Celtic 1 and 2, and Kingdom Boys 1. The excitement was excellent with moms, dads, brothers and sisters all cheering for the boys. Each and every one of the 24 boys gave their all. The coaches were really impressed with their skills and in particular their attitude to their teammates, the opposition and the referee.
In Group 1 Park 1 were doing really well in each of the games they played but the bounce of the ball didn’t go their way on occasion and it meant that Killarney Celtic and Kingdom Boys qualified for the Semi-Finals. The boys were understandably disappointed but they should take great pride in their achievements in getting to the finals and the future is bright when they progress to schoolboys next year.
Group 2 was particularly tight with both Park teams playing really well. Park 4 and Park 2 played in a crunch match that Park 4 needed to win and would put qualification for the semi-final in the balance for Park 2. It was a really good game, probably the best of the day, with Park 4 coming out on top by the narrow scoreline of 1-0. Qualification was still a possibility for both teams but would go down to goal difference after the final series of games. Park 4 after playing really well for long stretches just didn’t get the result they needed against Castleisland which meant that Castleisland qualified. Park 2 had a 3-0 win against Kingdom Boys 2 to progress as Group winners.
The pressure was now on Park 2 to try to win the tournament for the other Park players as both other teams that made finals weekend had beaten Park 2 in the matches they played. In fact the only goals conceded by Park 2 in getting this far were scored by other Park players.
The semi-final was played against Kingdom Boys 1. This obviously had the hint of a local derby about it. The game was played over two 5 minute halves instead of a straight 8 minute match in the previous games. This seemed to suit the Park boys as they were very composed and used the ball very well throughout the game. All 8 players interchanged excellently when called on and the result went our way, 3-0 to the Park.
All that was left to do now was to sit and watch the other semi between Killarney Celtic and Castleisland. The game finished 0-0 and went to penalties where Castleisland prevailed and went on to meet Park 2 in the final, which was played over two six minute halves.
Park 2 kept the best to last as it turned out. The movement, passing, support play and finishing shown by them was as good as any seen during the tournament. 3-0 up at half time the result never really looked in any doubt with the Park going on to win 5-0 in the end. They did have to withstand a late onslaught from Castleisland to protect the stat of not conceding against any other club.
There were very noisy and joyous scenes at the final whistle, from the parents. The players were jubilant also but took time to shake the hands of the Castleisland players and coaches who had also done really well. The trophy and medals were presented and then the photoshoot took place.
Its back to Academy from next week but it is clear that the state of Park FC is in good hands thanks to the 32 players who took part in this tournament plus the other 15 u10’s who were not in a position to do so.
Thanks to all the coaches who have helped out with the 10’s to this point, Adam, Julio, Ken, Declan and Pat. Also thanks to Brendan Hogan and our own Pogga for organising the Futsal tournament.
St. Brendans Park – Winners 2014 Futsal.
