Baking heat in Tramore this evening on a beautiful carpet of a pitch saw our latest tilt at trying to match the more experienced sides and disappointingly we found ourselves 4 down at the break with soft goals been gifted to Tramore.

We saw a much improved second half by our young side with some excellent goalkeeping by Becky Derwin and strong performances again by Sommer Grant and Aoidheann Lonergan.

A disappointing result but a much improved performance from our young ladies side. 0-0 with 35 minutes on the clock and well in the game with the girls giving as good as they were getting.

Two quick fire goals from Carrick after some sloppy defending took the wind out of our sails but a quick reply from a fabulous Sommer Grant free kick got us right back in the game and 2-1 at half time it stood.

Another sloppy goal in the early part of the second half saw Carrick stretch their lead but the girls stuck at the task and didn’t give a more experienced Carrick a second on the ball throughout.

Tired bodies and lapses in concentration saw two late goals put what might seem like a flattering scoreline on it. Great displays throughout the side with Sommer Grant leading the way with a Player of the Match display. Progress, disappointing result but progress.

We are still catching up with players from the awards night and today we caught up with Tommy Kehoe the U11b Most Improved player of the year and cup winner too.

A tough evening and some harsh lessons learned at the Jimmy Walsh Memorial Tournament. A mix of 3rd division and youth players took to the field to take on a Portlaw side who are knocking on the door of the Premier league with a number of years.

A more experienced Portlaw side punished us on a couple of occasions in the first half and went in 3 up at half time.

Four changes at half time to gain valuable experience for young and game time for old yielded a half of shooting practice for Portlaw and they tagged on several goals but plenty learned by all involved this evening, to eliminate simple mistakes and keep the game very simple is the way forward.

Well done to Portlaw on some fabulous football and some good finishing throughout. Best of luck for the season coming and well done to Locky Power and Co on organising great preseason tournament.

Tomorrow evening sees the first run out of preseason for our mens adult side who will take on Portlaw at 6.15 in the Paddock in the Jimmy Walsh Memorial Cup.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the tournament first run in 1970 and with the entry of 20 teams it is one of the largest pre season tournaments in the country.

Support for the Mooncoin lads would be very welcome.

Disappointing scoreline but a very decent performance from our young side who stuck to their task throughout regardless of the scoreline.

Some fabulous goals by a very impressive Dungarvan team in the first half had them 5 up at half time but our girls dug in and regrouped and had a few half chances themselves before Dungarvan tagged on two late goals.

Slowly getting there, overall a very positive effort tonight, with very good performances from Aoidheann Lonergan, stand in goalkeeper Grace O’Toole and Lynne Casey this evening. Well done ladies.

A windy evening in Tramore saw league champions Ferrybank and our own boys go toe to toe for the Frank O’Byrne Cup on offer.

Chances came and went for both sides in the first half with Ryan Sutton going close twice only to be foiled by the impressive Ferrybank number one, Tyler Kelly pulled off a stunning double save and had John Mackey to thank for clearing away the third attempt. 0-0 at half time.

The second half started with Mooncoin Celtic on top with Will Doherty, Richard Hayes, Jack Twomey and Ryan Sutton getting on top in midfield. 3 minutes in and Will Doherty latched on to a through ball and slid it past the advancing keeper much to the delight of the big support from Mooncoin.

More chances came and went for Ferrybank with Tyler Kelly in top form on goal when tested and Evan O’Brien went very close to sealing the game but could only find the side netting.

A tense finish saw wild celebrations at the final whistle as our boys hung on against a very good Ferrybank team. Massive well done to this big squad and coaches Shane Twomey, Martin O’Brien and Lyndsey Kelly and a big thanks to the travelling support last night and all season.

A very tight game between Ferrybank and Mooncoin Celtic this evening with 2 strong teams not giving an inch but also playing some great football and on the turn of an instant Mooncoin got their noses in front and took the Cup win.

Some great celebrations followed.

Full match report to follow but for now enjoy the video and pictures.

A stark reality check for our ladies for the level that is required to compete, in what will be a very strong league. A very fit, direct and well drilled Carrick team took no mercy and scored some cracking goals throughout the game. A tough evening at the office and plenty food for thought.