Men Seniors: Samphires A v Ratoo Rovers
Men Seniors: Killarney United v Samphires B
Boys U17s: Mastergeeha v Samphires
Boys U15s: Samphires A 1 v 0 Killarney Celtic B (Scorer: Ben Stack)
A good night for the two u15 squads during the week in Mounthawk where the A team beat Killarney Celtic B 1 nil. A very solid defensive display supported by the excellent Conor Walsh in goals in a very balanced game against a very well set up Killarney team. An improved second half brought more opportunities and our goal was scored by Ben Stack.
Boys U15s: Samphires B 4 v 3 Killarney Celtic C (Scorer: Eoghan Farrelly, Liam McDonnell, Conor McCarthy(2))
In the B game the goals were plentiful. Powerful display by Muiris and Peadar Stack in defence, strong running by Zack Mullins and tireless work by all the lads resulted in a 4 -3 win having been 3-1 down. Well done boys…. keep it up.
Girls U14s: Killarney Athletic A v Samphires
Boys U13s: Samphires A 1 v 0 Charleville a.e.t. (Scorer Ruadhan Lawlor)
Samphires U13A booked their place in the next round of the National Cup after a thrilling victory over Charleville FC in an excellent first-round encounter. It was a cracking end-to-end contest, with both teams displaying tremendous skill, determination and sportsmanship throughout. Neither side could be separated at the end of normal time, with chances at both ends and both teams refusing to give an inch. The game went to extra time, where we finally found a breakthrough when Ruadhan Lawlor showed great determination to find the back of the net and secure a hard-earned victory.
A key feature of the team’s display was their ability to play football from the back. Time and again, the boys showed great composure, working the ball through the lines and building attacks patiently from defence rather than simply clearing their lines. It was a mature performance and a credit to the work the players have put in all season.
Kayden O’Shea was excellent between the posts and produced a superb penalty save low to his bottom right when it looked certain Charleville would score. In front of him, the back four of Marcus Henry, Ben Teahon, Ruadhan Lawlor and Abja Torres Burke were outstanding. They defended solidly throughout while also showing great confidence on the ball and playing a major role in our ability to build attacks from deep positions.
In midfield, Joe Dennehy produced a tireless performance, covering huge ground and setting the tone with his work rate. Eoghan Gilligan and Leighton Murphy were also excellent, contributing at both ends of the pitch and helping Fenit remain competitive throughout a physically demanding game. Matthew Rael was relentless, covering every blade of grass and making important contributions all over the pitch.
Up front, Olek Oglaska was outstanding, getting onto balls he had no right to win and constantly putting the Charleville defence under pressure. Luke McCann worked tirelessly throughout, finished very strongly and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet when his effort struck the crossbar. The introduction of Eanna Griffin, Riley Maughan, Johnny Dowling and Tommy O’Brien provided fresh energy at crucial stages of the game. All four made valuable contributions and helped us maintain our intensity right through extra time.
Credit must also go to Charleville FC, who played their part in a fantastic cup tie and were sporting opponents throughout. They finished strongly and asked plenty of questions of the Samphires defence, but our resilience and determination ultimately saw us through.
There were several players who could easily have claimed the award, but Player of the Match goes to Matthew Rael. His tenacity, work rate and willingness to battle for every ball edged him ahead in a game full of outstanding performances. Well done to all the boys on a fantastic team display and best of luck in the next round of the National Cup.
Boys U13s: Samphires B 5 v 1 Castleisland B (Scorers: Rory Lennon (2), Alan Fitzgerald (2), Bobby Morgan (1))
Samphires B produced an excellent team performance to record a convincing 5-1 victory over Castleisland B. The boys were outstanding from start to finish, showing great determination, teamwork and work rate throughout the game. We kept pushing right to the final whistle and were rewarded with some excellent football and five well-taken goals.
On the scoresheet were Rory Lennon (2), Alan Fitzgerald (2) and Bobby Morgan (1), with Alan’s two goals coming from excellent attacking play and Bobby adding a cracking finish of his own. A solid defensive platform was key to the victory, with the back four of Charlie O’Sullivan, Lucas Neale, Daire Reidy and John Joe Kee performing superbly throughout. They defended strongly, worked well together and helped keep Castleisland’s chances to a minimum.
In midfield, Paraic Cronin and Bobby Morgan worked tirelessly and controlled large periods of the game, while Diarmuid Lawlor delivered a very assured performance in goals whenever called upon. Tommy O’Brien put in a tireless performance, setting up several goals and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself. His work rate and movement caused problems for the Castleisland defence throughout the match.
Special mention must also go to Louie and Harrison, who were called up from the U12 squad and did not disappoint. There were strong performances all over the pitch and several players could have been chosen, but Player of the Match goes to Alan Fitzgerald for his two goals, outstanding work rate and overall contribution to the team.
Well done to all the boys on a fantastic team performance. Keep up the great work!
Girls U12s: Samphires 4 QPR 1 (Scorers : Seóna McElligot Grace Gaynor (3))
A fantastic win against QPR by our U12 Girls Premier Team, captained by Hannah Whelan. A united front by all the girls, total involvement by the whole team . Well done girls
Boys U11s: Dingle Bay Rovers B v Samphires C