Under 14s
A distinctly mixed but ultimately disappointing season for the under 14's I’m afraid. It was always going to be a struggle losing 10 players from last year’s panel and so it proved in the latter stages, our squad number down to 22 when all are fit and available.
These losses in the main were down to schools and other sports.
We had some tough early season grading games but once the season proper started we acquitted ourselves very well in Division 1 Section A of the League, losing just once.
Our cup runs also brought mixed fortunes – in one, a strong Barnhall side eventually proved too much for us although we were with them until half‐time. The subsequent plate saw us defeat Old Wesley before coming undone against Ashbourne in the semi‐final in what was an abject performance. The other cup saw us drawn against a Clontarf “A” side (note that they were the only club fielding 2 sides this year, while our other local neighbours (Malahide) failed to field at all at this age group) that had won a league and cup double last season and were heretofore unbeaten in this one. We came up slightly short, going down 20‐17 and probably should have won it. The game should have proven a catalyst for the subsequent semi‐finals to come but unfortunately it failed to be so.
Highlights were few, defeating the Clontarf “B” team by c. 60 points just before Christmas in front of a big crowd here in Station Road and getting another opportunity to play (and win) on the main pitch in Donnybrook. Lowlights were those 2 semi‐final defeats and the drop‐off in numbers. The principle challenge for next season will be recruitment as we look set to lose further players to other sports and the junior cup squads of the Section B schools.
Penultimately, a thank‐you to all who’ve supported us over the season (particularly the President who despite the many calls on his time was a regular attendee at our matches) and lastly the parents for continuing to ferry the boys to training and matches without a whisper of complaint.
Team Manager: Dave Bolger – (086) 8579184