The Stacks under 12’s travelled to Killarney on a lovely sunny evening on Tuesday evening to play their great rivals Dr Crokes in a series of three excellent matches. The good news for the Rockies was we were undefeated on the night winning one match and drawing two in a night of excellent football by all the lads. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the night was that both clubs had in the region of 40 young players each and with the ‘Go Games’ each player got to play most if not all of their matches. Again like before lads were tried out in different positions throughout the three matches both clubs agreed afterwards the night was a great success.
Austin Stacks C’s 2- 14
Dr. Crokes C’s 4- 08.
First in action was our C Team who had a great win against Listowel Emmets last time out and they continued their good form with a mighty battle against the Crokes finishing the match on level scores. This was indeed a great battle as the lads led at half time on a score line of 1- 07 to 2-2 playing with the breeze. There were some terrific performances on the night in particular Eoin Lynch, Darragh O’Sulliavn and Simon Draghici. Eoin got some lovely scores from play and it was a joy to watch. Others to impress were Jamie Fitzgerald who scored two smashing points as well as Ian Mc Coy, Jordan O’Shea, Alan Dore, who also got on the score sheet. Ronan Foley was as tight as ever in defence and was ably assisted by Jack Mc Grath who was all over the place. Darragh O’Brien should his class when he went in corner back. Evan Maher played really well and it was great to see the skills of Darragh Hurley who played really clever football at times. Ian Dillane showed that not only he is a good performer in Siamsa he can do it on the football field as well. Well done lads as the wind was quite strong in the second half and they had to work really hard to level the match. One would have to say it was a fair result overall when the referee blew the final whistle. The last time we played the Crokes we got well beaten so it was very encouraging for the lads to put such a performance in.
Austin Stacks B’s 11 – 10
Dr Crokes B’s 0- 5.
Our B’s were the big winners of the night with a total domination of the proceedings in Killarney. These bunch of lads are going from strength to strength after recording a huge score again following a great victory over Laune Rangers last Sunday week. Looking at this match you would have to say there were leaders all over the field from Cian Talbot in goals to the deadly accurate John Holmes up front who broke the Crokes heart with some great scores. You can’t score if you do not get quality ball in and in truth Michael Slattery and Donagh Mc Mahon gave an exhibition of football on the pitch with top class fielding and running into space to make the extra man. Gearóid Fitzgerald and Dean O’Connell were immense in the middle of the park. David Couchman always beat his man to the ball with Kieran Killeen having another great game in the black and amber. Others to star were Ronan Moore, Dean Scanlon and the sticky Shane Kelliher at wing back who left no one pass him. Evan O’Connor was always a threat when he got the ball and Harry O’Callaghan also had a mighty game. Well done lads and keep up the training both on the pitch and at home.
Austin Stacks A’s 3– 12
Dr. Crokes A’s 5- 06
What a match these lads had and it went down to the wire. A tremendous game of football was played in a great spirit by both teams. Crokes looked a little sharper than us in the first half playing against the breeze but great credit to the lads who edged a point up with a minute to go when the Crokes got a reprieve with a free to level the match. On the balance of play it was probably a fair result. However, we were delighted to be able to shoot 3 goals and 12 points which is 15 scores to 11 from the opposition. Even though we conceded 5 goals it could have being a lot more only for Robbie Murphy in goals. He was excellent. Ciaran O’Reilly played really well as he had his hands full with the big full forward from The Crokes. Odhran Liston and Pauge O’Looney also played their part as did Dylan Casey, Michael Linnane and Joseph O’Connor. Conor Higgins and Cian Holden did very well with Shane Walsh in tremendous form at wing back. Tomas Sheehy played his part as well in this great match in the backs and he attacked at every opportunity. I suppose forwards win matches and Donagh Mc Kivergan and in particular young Gearóid Sheehan were immense and scored some lovely scores between them: a lethal combination one would have to say.
U12 coaches Jerry Fitzmaurice, Eamon Linnane, Pat Sla , Jim O’Connor, Kieran Kelliher and Manager Eamonn O’Reilly were delighted with the squad, their attendance at training and the lad’s attitude. It was also very encouraging to see so many parents who, travelled over to Killarney, to support their children and offering lifts to those who had no lifts. Training continues every Monday and Friday at 7pm in Connolly Park.