SUPERMAC’S U15 ACADEMY A FINAL

Half time score: SMB 4-06 - Doora Barefield 0-05

Full time score: SMB 7-08 - Doora Barefield 2-08

Scorers: Darragh Leyden (3-0), Patrick Lenane (2-0), Peter Gilligan (1-01), Cian Conroy (0-4), Cian McInerney (1-01), Donal O’Leary (0-02).

Our U15 Academy team lined out against St. Josephs Doora Barefield last Friday May 27th in the Supermac’s U15 Academy A Final with St. Josephs Doora Barefield winning the toss for home advantage. Conditions were perfect for this clash of the top two teams with the sun and the breeze across the field favouring neither side and with a sizeable crowd in attendance the scene was set for a great match.

Led by captain Killian Downes and vice-captain Cathal Aherne, Sixmilebridge got off to a strong start but it was evident that both teams were up for the challenge. With Messrs Downes and Aherne holding the back line alongside Paddy Lynch and the solid half back line of Conor Fitzpatrick, Dylan Keogh and Conor Peacock, they all ensured no easy passage for Doora Barefield but James Lynch was still forced to pull off a couple of critical saves to keep them out. Donal O’Leary bagged the first point for Sixmilebridge as we traded scores with Doora Barefield for the opening 15 minutes with Cian McInerney and Peter Gilligan tagging on a point each. Cian McInerney raised the green flag and began a period of play that would see the Bridge boys take control with Jack McNamara and Neil Forde causing problems for the Doora Barefield defense.

Some clever link up play between Patrick Lenane winning possession and offloading to Darragh Leyden saw Leyden rattle the net twice giving the opposition keeper no chance. Two more points from Cian Conroy and another goal hammered into the net from the immense Darragh Leyden stretched our lead significantly with Donal O’Leary grabbing another point before half time giving Sixmilebridge a comfortable 4-6 to 0-5 lead at the break.

The second half started with the inevitable surge from Doora Barefield most likely having received strong encouragement from their management team in the dressing room, they showed great determination and scored 2-02 unanswered, raising huge cheers from the home crowd in the stand. But true to form for our U15 boys, they did not panic, they did not quit and they kept up intense pressure on Doora Barefield with no quarter given. The typical Sixmilebridge work rate shown throughout the campaign was again evident and rewarded as Patrick Lenane chased down a ball that was destined for the end line before he whipped it into the back of the net to put a halt on Doora Barefields run of scores. This was followed by another point each from the hard working pair, Donal O’Leary and Cian Conroy with the ever solid Peter Gilligan bagging himself 1-01 as Sixmilebridge pulled ahead and put the game firmly out of Doora Barefields reach.

The valuable contribution of all Sixmilebridge substitutes helped the tiring bodies on the pitch to close out the game and it finished on a scoreline of Sixmilebridge 7-08 to Doora Barefiled’s 2-08.

Needless to say, the coaching staff were hugely proud of the performance but it’s a testament to the commitment and dedication of the U15 boys with the support of their families. The squad had put in over 40 training sessions since the start of the year including strength and conditioning sessions, fitness and wellbeing education and the team bonding trips.

The U15 Academy team and Management were delighted to bring home the first silverware of the year to the club.

U15 Academy Squad:

1. James Lynch
2. Paddy Lynch
3. Cathal Aherne (VC)
4. Killian Downes (C)
5. Conor Fitzpatrick
6. Dylan Keogh
7. Conor Peacock
8. Donal O’Leary
9. Peter Gilligan
10. Neil Forde
11. Darragh Leyden
12. Cian Conroy
13. Jack McNamara
14. Patrick Lenane
15. Cian McInerney
16. Jack McCloskey
17. Conor Gleeson
18. Darragh Sweeney
19. Charlie Keane
20. Eoghan O’Leary
21. Liam Sweeney
22. Oisin O’Brien
23. Dylan Tobin

Back L-R: Jack McCloskey, Cian McInerney, Patrick Lenane, Dylan Keogh, Conor Fitzpatrick, Paddy Lynch, Peter Gilligan, Cathal Aherne (Vice Captain), Darragh Leyden, James Lynch, Cian Conroy, Conor Gleeson, Neil Forde.

Front L-R: Padraic Keogh (Team manager / Mascot), Dylan Tobin, Charlie Keane, Jack McNamara, Oisin O’Brien, Donal O’Leary, Darragh Sweeney, Conor Peacock, Liam Sweeney, Eoghan O’Leary, Killian Downes (Captain).

The shield then did a tour of the village!