Dee O’Leary Cup – Na Piarsaigh, Cork Tournament.
Austin Stacks U 12’s 1–8
Na Piarsaigh u 12’s 1- 4
Austin Stacks under 12’s retained the ‘Dee O’Leary Cup after an absence of 19 years. It will surely go down as one of this under 12 team’s greatest day out. In the pool section we played Aghada, Bishopstown and Na Piarsaigh the hosts. We easily beat Aghada in our first match with 15 minutes a side for each game and had some great scores from Dean Scanlon, Dean O’Connell and the classy Gearoid Sheehan. Then we played a tough Bishopstown team and were worthy 2-10 to 1-6 winners with Tomas Sheehy, Dylan Casey, Donagh Mc Mahon in great form at the back. At this stage we knew we qualified for the final and Na Piarsaigh beat us in the last pool game by six points despite some great performances by Ciaran O’Reilly, Michael Linnane, Paudge O’looney and free scoring Donagh M,c Kiveragan. That win by Na Piarsaigh meant we were to play them again in the final and what a game we had. Our captain for the final was Paudge O’Looney, who was a leader all day, elected to play with the wind in the first half and we led and half time by 5 points to nil with some terrific scores form Donagh Mc Kivergan, Joseph O’Connor, who moved to mid field, Pauge O’Looney and Geraoid Sheehan. In defence Robbie Murphy put in another mighty tournament with some terrific saves and excellent kick outs. Shane Kelliher had his best tournament this year and Hugh Healy who was sprung from the bench for the final was terrific to keep the Cork forwards at bay. Michael Linnane moved back in full back for the final and it proved a master stroke as he was excellent. Eoin Lynch and Dean Scanlon also played their parts as did Cian Holden, Dean O’Connell, John Holmes, Simon Drachici and Alan Dore.. The move of the match was David Fitzmaurice going back to half back when Tomas Sheehy got injured. He was outstanding. Even though Donagh Mc Mahon was carrying an injury he showed the true Rockie spirit and played his heart out. Move of the match in the second half was when we sealed our victory with a great goal when the ball was worked all the up the field from the backs and in particular Dylan Casey,who moved to centre back and played like Seamus Moynihan of old, through our excellent mid fielders Ciaran O’Reilly to Joseph O’Connor to Donagh Mc Kivegan who rattled the back of the net. We held on to our four points win and were well deserved of our victory.In truth in the second half, against the wind and when it mattered most the lads responded magnificently with real heart, self belief and determination. The Team: Robbie Murphy, Tomas Sheehy ( Hugh Healy), Michael Linnane, Shane Kelliher, Dylan Casey, Donagh Mc Mahon, Joseph O’Connor, Ciaran O’Reilly, Eoin Lynch, Paudge O’Looney, David Fitzmaurice, Gearoid Sheehan, Donagh Mc Kivergan, Dean Scanlon, Cian Holden, Dean O’Connell, Cian Talbot, John Holmes, Alan Dore, Simon Drachici. Thanks to Na Piarsaigh for their hospitality.
Our under 11’s also were in action and played some great football. Again the boys had three matches in their pool and were beaten by Aghada and Na Piarsaigh but had a wonderful victory over Bishopstown by 3 goals to 1- 5 for Stacks.there was some great performances from Gary Clifford, Jordan O’Shea and Ronan Foley. The team consisted of Cian Talbot, Ronan Foley, Hugh Healy,Alan Dore, J Looby, Ian Mc Coy, Jack Mc Grath, Simon Drachici, Eoin Lynch, Jordan O’Shea, Evan O’Connor, John Holmes, Gary Clifford and Padraig Linnane. In total 29 players travelled along with mentors and supporters Chips Clifford, Dave Scanlon, Brendan Mc Mahon, Eamonn Linnane, (Team Manager), Ciaran Kelliher and Jim O’Connor. Well done to all and we are all looking forward to the last night of our own street league in Connolly Park on Friday next 21st October.