Getting up and out to play is never easy, going out to play when it’s been raining for days even less so, but going out to play when the whole of the junior league programme has been called off for the weekend…. well that takes heart and dedication and this u12 girls team have it spades.

The girls headed towards Kilmedan for their first match at this level, with a kind invite from Ballyduff, to play a friendly and came away with a fantastic 6-4 win and smiles as wide as the Comeragh mountains.

Things didn’t start off to well, going a goal down but it wasn’t too long before the ever energetic Emily popped in a low drive to make it 1-1.

It is now that a ding-dong of match really started as Mooncoin went 2-1 up (Emily 😎 then in a flash it was 2-2. Then 3-2 (Emily 😎 and straight back came Ballyduff 3-3.

Half time came and all the girls huddled under 2 large golf umbrellas, laughing at the meer thought that the match would be abandoned.Wind, rain, cold who cares let’s get going for the 2nd half.

And not long after the tip off Mooncoin are 4-3 up (Emily) and now we see a strong Mooncoin defense hold firm Eimear Quinn getting in front of every attack, Ella Bailey clearing, and clearing again with Sadbh tracking every move of the dangerous and tricky No. 8 from Ballyduff.

Roaming across the midfield and no word of a lie covering every blade of grass was Caoimhe Hartwell, she tracked down everything not letting a thing get past her in midfield and then bursting into attack from midfield was Ella Brennan with get Coin up the field again.

After a few scares Ballyduff made it 4-4 and nearly went 5-4 up but for a great save from Mia. Then after a few passes exchanged between Erin Quinn and Anna Tolan on the right which moved the ball towards the left where Ella Brennan was determined to get forward, she broke a few tackles and burst forward, hit a pass to Emily who got it back to Ella on the edge of the box and once the goal was in sight Ella slotted the ball home from a tight angle. 5-4 Mooncoin!!!

It was now that Caoimhe came into her own blocking everything in midfield and sure enough this blocking lead to another Mooncoin attack with Emily Blackmore executing a great strike to hit the back of the net again.

It was rainbow time in the sky as the sun broke through, with the pot of gold being Mooncoin Celtic U12 girls team.

Big thanks to all the parents for braving the weather and to the great hosts Ballyduff who accommodated all the late requests.

Today, U14 away to Abbeyside postponed

All junior league games off this weekend other than junior and FAI Youth cup

Tomorrow: FAI Youth cup, Mooncoin Celtic home to Ferrybank, kick off 2pm.

After a few weeks break, this squad will hope to continue their good form when ‘A’ league Ferrybank come for what will be a good test.

Congratulations to Mooncoin minor hurlers on their famous county final win against Dicksboro. Well deserved win after a stirring second half comeback.

A little shout out to U13 manager Derek Tebay who has become a very valuable asset to the club over the last few years. Aswell as looking after the current U13 squad along with Thomas O’Brien and Catherine Blackmore, Derek has been helping out with the academy coaching the younger boys at u6/7 level. With his son Robbie joining the academy this year, Derek stepped in to help out and has been a big hit.

He is also a member of our 2A squad, always on time, giving his all regardless of conditions or results. A big thanks to Derek for his commitment and efforts over the last few years.

Last Thursday morning/afternoon there was an u12 blitz for regional girls squads held in Carriganore. 3 games played for each squad with Emily Blackmore starring in a variety of positions.

First game Emily was goalkeeper( a position she loves to play in ) in a 2-2 draw between Waterford/Cork selection v South Dublin. The second game they were beaten 3-2 by South East selection with Emily scoring the two goals for Waterford/Cork.
The final game saw them beaten 2-1 by North Dublin in what turned out to be an excellent blitz with quality on show throughout.
With Emily only turning 11 last month,she now has the year coming to really make her mark at her own age group at this level providing she succeeds at the upcoming trials. An excellent attitude and work rate which will bring this young girl a long way in the game. Emily is pictured in her goalkeeping kit for Waterford/Cork.

Pictured is Iker Lopez Marcos with his new Premier League Football which was signed by all of today’s squad to mark his hat trick today in their 8-1 win, well done iker and squad.

After a brilliant result last week you’d think the bad weather may have slowed the lads down but it done the complete opposite. With the new formation we took 10 minutes to settle into the game and when we did it was with great effect. Jason Ryan broke through clear on goal to put us 1-0 up. Our new Spanish striker Iker added to his goal last week to make it 2-0. A corner kick from Stephen Brennan seen Mike O’Keefe control the ball and roll it back to Stephen who curled it first from the corner flag into the goal 3-0. Bohs got a goal back before half time 3-1 at the break. Iker got his second of the day to make it 4-1. Last seasons top scorer Eoin O’Callaghan got his first of the season to make it 5-1. Iker ran in one on one with the keeper and calmly tucked it away for his hat trick, that’s 4 goals in 2 games for our back up keeper. Stephen Brennan scored his second of the day with an excellent run and exquisite finish to make it 7-1. Ben O’Hanlon was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet when Eoin played a ball into him on the edge of the box and Ben turned the defender and his a shot first time just wide of the far post. Mike O’Keefe seen his shot saved by the keeper and fall to Sherwan who got ball under control and hit it into the top corner to make it 8-1. The change of formation and constant shooting practice in training the past 10 days has paid off with 12 goals in 2 games. Big credit to all players and especially to the parents who came along to support the lads in such poor conditions. Credit also to Bohs who kept trying to get back in to the game and showed great resilience.

Yes ye are reading correctly, a fully deserved win for neighbours Kilmacow as Christmas came early for them. Kilmacow raced into a four goal lead after 10 minutes and this had the lads in a spin and from there on it was very much downhill. Aaron McLoughlin got the goal in what was a day best forgotten.

The very best of luck from all in Mooncoin Celtic to Mooncoin Minor hurlers on Sunday as they face Dicksboro in the County Final in Nowlan park. Fingers crossed they’ll bring home the cup.

Tomorrow:

u11 home to De la Salle, kick off 10.30
After their good showing against St Paul’s, John Hearne and his coaches will be hoping to up the performances again and be more than a match for DLS who always bring strong sides out.

U13 home to Bohs C, kick off 12.30
After last week’s win against Ballyduff, Derek’s squad will be aiming for another three points with confidence high in the camp.

U15 away to Kilmacow, kick off 2.30
Derby day and a big six pointer after Kilmacows loss to St Paul’s set them back last Monday. The lads will have to up their performance from the Carrick game to gather the three points on offer and stay top of the table.

Support for all teams is most welcome.