Under 9 Blitz 2010

Shankill Teams Shine Through Clouds In Brady’s Under 9 Soccer Tournament

After what seemed like weeks of sunshine the rain chose the day of Brady’s under 9 tournament to remind us who’s the real boss of the Irish weather scene. Fortunately, the Shanganagh Park pitches were parched enough to absorb a night of downpour but arriving parents and players struggled from cars with that bedraggled “What the - (bad word) season is this?” demeanour so characteristic of Irish Summer residents.

But while the tournament kicked off in an atmosphere that was somewhat less than festive all climate issues were forgotten as boot struck ball and the first tackles went in. In the first round of games Ardmore emerged as favourites after a 5-0 victory against Shankill 2 while Shankill 1 took full advantage of a St Joseph’s goalkeeping mistake to shade a 1-0 victory. The Shankill Under 8 team, coming in bravely as last minute replacements for Park Celtic, also got off to a flying start beating Carriglea 2-1.

By the time of the midday meal break the weather had cleared a little. Brendan Yates and his catering team created another ray of sunshine by providing the players, and the odd team manager, with free burgers and hot dogs. After 4 matches in the round robin league format Shankill 1 were neck and neck with tournament favourites Ardmore having played out a scoreless draw with them. Shankill 2 shared joint 3rd spot with St Joseph’s while the Under 8s were more than holding their own with two victories and 2 defeats by the odd goal.

The burgers must have disagreed with Ardmore. After the break they stumbled to two draws against Joey’s and Carriglea. And as the tournament drew towards its conclusion in far more cheerful weather than it began, Shankill 1 required just a draw against Shankill 2 to lift the trophy outright. But Shankill 2 had been quietly creeping up the standings. Should they win this game, both teams would play off again for first place.

This was a very local derby with no quarter given. But after 6 previous games tiredness was setting in. After a bright start some of the Shankill 1 team in particular looked out on their feet. Shankill 2 pressed hard but couldn’t prise open the solid defense of their opponents and a 0-0 draw was probably a fair result. The trophy would decorate the sideboards of the Shankill 1 team for the coming year.

For the tournament winners midfielders Shane Brack and Taidghe Hammett worked tirelessly and skillfully. Taidghe was creating goals through his sheer determination to see the net bulge and Shane’s forays forward always troubled opponents.  Jack Cautley scored some fine individual efforts. Niall Comerford not only ticked over the score sheet but made some great runs relieving the pressure on his defense. Above all though it was a superb defensive display that underpinned this victory with the winning team conceding only one goal in 7 games.

Goalkeepers Ethan Cunningham and Marcus McGrath did all that was asked of them and more, with Ethan making a crucial save against Joey’s and Marcus fingering over a screamer to keep Valeview on level terms in the Ardmore game. Evan McCann Cryan’s astute positional play led to a tournament long succession of important tackles and interceptions. Lawrence O’Toole could only join the team post break but his fresh legs and uncompromising tackling was vital to the side’s finishing spurt. Valeview 1s Player of the Tournament Lydia Cook completely bossed every striker that came her way, covered miles of pitch, and was swift to turn defense into attack when the opportunity arose.

The final tournament placings announced in Brady’s Pub saw Ardmore take runners up slot, Joeys were third followed closely by Shankill 2. One point separated 2nd, 3rd and 4th places. And Shankill 2 was only a goal away from finishing joint top.

For Shankill 2 Goalkeeper Nathan Martin was as exceptional as ever, while new boy Kevin Quinn inspired their advance up the table coming on for the second game onwards. Davey Stone worked his socks off up front and scored a marvelous goal against Carriglea leaving 2 defenders sprawling in his wake. Dean Delaney was always an industrious probing presence in midfield. Mark O’Boyle and Thomas Keogh also made important contributions to the team’s good showing.

The Shankill Under 8s got a well-deserved 5th slot followed by Carriglea, Ballybrack and Glencormac. The Under 8s gave many of the older teams a fright - leading Ardmore 1-0 and losing to the tournament winners through an own goal. Sean Mulhall starred for the Under 8s tormenting opposition defenses and scoring three of their goals. Sean Schutte was always busy in midfield and a constant attacking threat moving forward. Defensive trio Jack Kinsella, Louis Kelleher and Luke Weir were also outstanding against more experienced opposition attackers.

The annual Under 9s tournament is a tribute to the generosity of Brady’s Pub who not only provide trophy and medals but water for the players and a meal and drink for every participant afterwards. The club is also very grateful to the Brady’s bar staff who refereed the games with an easygoing assurance that contributed much to the smooth running of the day. There were many comments on how smoothly the tournament ran which was down to the host clubs’ scheduler Andy Walsh and a top class organising committee who solved a plethora of last minute hitches to get the show on the road.

(Jimmy Duggan)