We had a series of challenges in Killarney this afternoon in which our boys did themselves, their families and the club proud. Their behaviour both on and off the pitch was fantastic.
Both squads, Park and Killarney, were divided up into 3 teams each and all teams played each other in 20 minute games.
Dave’s Group:
In our first game Celtic may have had the upper-hand, thanks to their keeper who was on the very top of his game, but our lads played very well.
Their keeper blocked shot after shot with hands, feet and even his head! Our goalie Jordan made some good saves and the back 4 of Ciaran, Peter, Cian & Thomas did all they could to keep Celtic at bay but to no avail.
In game two we won by a single goal, a Luke thunderbolt, but should have scored much more only for a crossbar once and post twice to deny us. Liam played a blinder as sweeper as did Niall, our keeper for this game, getting his body behind the ball at all times. With Patrick and Mervyn bossing the midfield and Richard and Nathan burning up the wings Celtic were pinned back in their own half for long periods.
Our final game of the day saw Cian score a beauty but Celtic equalised with only minutes to go after Thomas had made two fantastic saves. Hard work from Liam and Luke in midfield saw the ball break to Nathan on the wing who hit it first time to send an unstoppable shot to the Celtic net for a much deserved winner.
Padraig’s Group:
The first game was a tight affair, the second less so, with the third game a thriller with only the narrowest of margins between the teams.
Everyone played well with Michael shining through from the effort and skill shown. Didn’t matter how many of the oppposition were around him at any time, Michael showed great determination in competing for possession of the ball.
Conor showed both great skill and tenacity in both outfield and in goals. Andrew was a rock in goals, making several saves throughout the first couple of games before coming outfield for the last game.
Goal scorers for the Park were Conor and Jordan and it was only by the smallest bit that others are not on this list.
Other notables were Sean who proved to be a rock in defence and showed spirit in Midfield. Darragh demonstrated that he is a natural defender and made several crucial interceptions at vital times.
Rhys showed that he was tireless in midfield and probably covered more ground than anyone else during the games.
Great effort was also shown by the two John’s, Matthew, Kieran and Destynee.
Brian’s Group:
What can I say about this group, except “well done boys”. The lads were outstanding in all the games with goals coming from all around the team. Eoin got two in the first game, with Eoin (again), Rob and Darragh all getting one each in the last game.
In game 1, Eoin struck for 2 early goals which left the Celtic boys shell-shocked. Rob and Eoin’s combination up front was great to watch and if the boys continue to work this hard, then very few defences will be able to handle them.
Karl was playing his best game ever, he was just everywhere, one second winning the ball in defence, the next, supplying a pass for Eoin to score. Darragh and Cormac were ruling midfield, with Leroy and Greg keeping Celtic at bay in defence, ably assisted by Jack and Liam.
Special mention to Niall in goals. He made a series of great saves and his bravery is un-matched anywhere. What a super keeper!
Game 2 was a lot quieter, our boys weren’t as organised but Celtic couldn’t take advantage. Best for us in this game were Darragh, Jack, Leroy, Aaron and Cormac who never stopped working.
In game 3, we were much improved as everyone worked together. Some of the passing and movement was top-notch and the work-rate by everyone when we didn’t have the ball was much better.
Eoin scored with a classic breakaway goal early on, Darragh and Greg’s passing tearing the Celtic defence apart as Eoin cooly slotted past the keeper for his 3rd goal of the afternoon.
Rob then poached a goal after great work, first by Jack at right back, then a one-two between Eoin and Greg opened up the Celtic defense to leave Rob to apply a sublime finish.
Soon after Eliott hit the post with a rasper from the edge of the box, the ball rebounding to Darragh whose long range strike nestled in the top-corner. A well deserved goal for a great afternoon’s work by Darragh.
Aaron played very well in midfield in game 3 with Leroy, Cormac, Jack and Liam defending very solidly with Liam outstanding.
Squad: Niall, Jack, Leroy, Greg, Cormac, Liam, Karl, Aaron, Eliott, Darragh, Eoin, Rob
Thanks for Killarney Celtic for their hospitality on the day and congratulations to them on their fantastic facilities.
A big thanks also to Jackie Power for bringing us over on his bus. Jackie’s grandson, Connor, is also part of the squad.
