The U13s are getting to the business end of the season with the Academy squad playing a Shield semi-final against ClooneyQuin last Thursday evening. After a run of good performances where the results did not go their way, the boys turned up on Thursday ready for action.

Before the game, Eoin Murphy was nominated as Academy captain for the remainder of the championship. Eoin has been putting in great performances in training and games all year so this was a very popular decision amongst both players and management.

A bright start by the lads saw scores from Eoin, Oisin Rafferty, Noely Duggan and Mikey Lyons settle the team and see them going into half time with a commanding lead.

The second half saw the expected ClooneyQuin fightback with the goalkeeper Colum Keane and fullback line of Aidan Cunniffe, Dylan Lee and Fionnan Heffernan putting in a good shift to keep them at bay before subsititue Neil Og MacGiollaCearra settled proceedings with a handful of goals midway through the second half. Final Score Sixmilebridge 8-5 Clooney Quin 2-2

From a coaches point of view the most pleasing aspect of the performance was the attitude the lads showed throughout the evening - they were fully tuned in from the warmup right to the final whistle. The backs were out in front for every ball, the midfield worked their socks off and the forwards took their opportunities when they came. Special mention also to our subs on the night (Anthony Bender, Zach Sheedy, Conor Naughton, Neil Og McGiollaCearra, Jack Lynch and Derek McCauley) who all made serious contributions when they came on.

The boys are now looking forward to the Shield final against Doora Barefield next Wednesday evening.

Next up for the u13s:

• Mon 25th A Round 7 v Clooney Quin (6:15 Sixmilebridge)
• Wed 27th: Academy Shield Final v Doora Barefield (time/venue to be announced)
• Sun 31st: A Round 8 v Ballyea (11am Ballyea)