Men: Killarney Celtic B 2 v 1 Samphires (Scorer: Sean Allen)
Our senior A team suffered a disappointing 2–1 defeat away to Killarney Celtic B in a game that will feel like one that got away. The match started slowly for us, with Celtic seeing more of the ball. Despite not finding our usual rhythm, we managed to take the lead midway through the first half. The goal came from a swift counter-attack — Billy Walsh broke down the left and delivered a superb cross into the box, where Sean Allen was on hand to finish. That goal was against the run of play, and we were somewhat fortunate to go into the break 1–0 ahead after a flat first-half performance.
The second half saw little improvement, as we struggled to keep possession and looked disjointed across the pitch. While we battled hard defensively, Killarney Celtic continued to push and were eventually rewarded late in the game. Two goals in quick succession, around the 85th minute mark, turned the match on its head and left us empty-handed at the final whistle.A frustrating result and performance, but plenty to learn from as we look to bounce back stronger in our next game.
Men: Ferry Rangers 4 v 0 Samphires B
A poor display last Sunday saw Ferry Rangers deserving winners over our B team. An unusual dip by the lads and we can have no complaints about the result. Hopefully this will give us renewed vigour at training and that there will be a resonse in the next game.
Girls U16s: Samphires 4 v 3 Listowel Celtic (Scorers: Aeva Mai Carmody, Erin Harty(2), Fiadh Nelan)
A great win for our team against a spirited Listowel team who wouldn’t give up. We had slightly more of the play overall in the game and had a good few chances and hopefully we will be a bit more clinical going forward. We were pretty solid defensively with Aoife in goals quick off her line to deny Listowel chances. In front of her, the defence and midfield had to defend heroically to keep Listowel out in the last 10 minutes but we held out. Great to see to the passing by the girls, especially in the second half. Goals from Aeva-Mai, Fiadh and Erin won the day for us but all the girls from back to front played their part.
Boys 15s: Cappamore Celtic FC 0 v 8 Samphires (Scorers Evan Neary (3), Cody Deady (2), Eoin Reilly, Patrick Egan, Daniel Lawlor)
A comprehensive win against an under-strength side. We dominated from the start and an early hatrick from Evan Neary set us up for a solid win. Good performances all round. Thanks to our hosts for the for teas and refreshments afterwards.
Boys 15s: Killorglin B 0 v 2 Samphires B (Scorers: Cian Slattery, Ger Teahan)
A good win in Killorglin by the 15s last Sunday morning. All the team played well and it was great to see some of the things we’ve worked on in training being put into practice in the game. We were solid at the back, creative in midfield and dangerous in the final third all through. Well done to all.
U13 Girls: MEK B 0 v 1 Fenit (Scorer: Fiadh McElligott)
Our u13 girls were away to MEK B today. It was a great battle with the MEK goalkeeper making some great saves. The match was 0-0 at halftime and it looked going into the second half that their keeper was not for conceding goals today until Sadhbh O’Donnell made a run from midfield with purpose and intent with 3 mins left to play. Her shot was blocked as well as Eimear’s one but Fiadh was there and tucked it home for the girls to take all 3 points! A really good team performance where we had some girls make their debut as well which is brilliant to see.
Boys U13s: Cappamore Celtic FC 0 v 3 Samphires (Scorers: Eoghan Gilligan, Cian O’Sullivan(2))
A fantastic performance from all in a depleted squad against a strong Cappamore side. We only had 11 with a number of players injured, sick or away. Despite this we started brightly and put the pressure on from the start. From a corner Eoghan half-volleyed home. We continued to create chances but couldn’t quite get the 2nd. 0-1 at half time. Cappamore pushed a little more in the 2nd half but we broke away to get Cian through and he finished expertly into the bottom corner. He added a third towards the end as we finished strongly against a tiring Cappamore side. Great battling and workrate from all and well done to players who stepped up. Thanks to our hosts for the teas and refreshments afterwards. Well done boys.
Girls U12s: Caherdavin Celtic 2 v 0 Samphires
We travelled to Limerick for the second time in 2 weeks in the National Cup, this time being our Girls U12s. It was a real nip and tuck affair and we would consider ourselves abit unlucky with the result. We had good displays all round but weren’t able to get the first goal especially in the first half when the chances came our way. Our hosts got that crucial first goal and added a second near the end and we wish them well in the next round. A big well done to all our girls plus the management for their great effort on the day.
Boys U12s: Samphires 5 v 3 Killorglin A (Scorers Abja Torres, Eoghan Gilligan(2), Cian O’Sullivan, Ciaran Murphy)
Our winning start to the season continued this morning in Fenit against a really strong Killorglin side. Killorglin started stronger and went a goal up in the opening minutes. Our team then settled and a Cian O Sullivan cross was met by a superb Abja Torres to make it 1-1 at half time. A quick start by Killorglin saw them take the lead again but that’s when our boys upped their levels again and 2 strikes by captain Eoghan Gilligan, a Cian O’Sullivan strike and a fifth goal by Ciaran Murphy saw us in the driving seat and take the win despite a late Killorglin goal on the full time whistle. The effort and work rate shown by the team today was magnificent epitomised by Luke McCann on the right wing who ran himself into the ground to earn our player of the match. Thanks to Killorglin for a sporting game. Well done boys on a great start to the season.