FAOI 12 REVIEW
BLUE TEAM
Our U 12 Blue team began the year in Division 1A in both phases of the Co. League. The standard in both phases was particularly high and our boys proved themselves more than capable in the top division. Victories over Austin Stacks and Glenflesk and defeats to Laune Rangers and Dr. Crokes and a draw against Kilcummin in our final group game saw us again placed in 1A for the second phase of games. Four victories over Glenflesk, Fossa, Ardfert, and Kilcummin set us up for a winner takes all game against Laune Rangers. On the evening the Killorglin side came out top. In the Castleisland District League victories over Scartaglen and Currow set us up for a final against Knock/Brosna. On the day our boys proved too strong for the combination side and ran out deserving winners.
Our U12’s blue team competed in the central region, playing against Killorglin , Milltown Castlemaine, Ardfert & Austin Stacks. We got off to a good start with a facile win over the Rockies. The Milltown/Castlemaine game was a thriller finishing in a draw. Killorglin again proved to be a formidable outfit getting the better of our side, but with a little bit of luck on the night it could have been a different result. In our last game against a physical Ardfert we played brilliant football to beat our opponents with a couple of points to spare. Overall an enjoyable experience with Laune Rangers again being the only team to defeat this outstanding team.
Our combined blue and gold U 12 team travelled to Fitzgerald stadium to take part in the Munster U 12 blitz. In our group were Macroom, Fossa and Duagh. In our first game against Macroom it took us a while to settle having missed some easy chances however when Macroom scored a goal midway through the game our boys responded in style and ran out comfortable winners. Our game against Fossa was a much tougher battle but our opponents were much more clinical up front and were worthy winners. In Our final game against Duagh we played with great confidence and ran out easy winners. We were treated to a tour of Fitzgerald stadium by Fionn Fitzgerald after our three games. A great day was had by all. Thanks to everyone who travelled.
We received an invitation to the Newmarket Blitz where we again came out on top with a victory over the host Club in the final.
Throughout the year this team played some outstanding football and credit must go to trainers Roland Rogers, Declan O’Connell and Eddie O’Connell for the work they put in with the boys all year.
FAOI 12 REVIEW – GOLD TEAM
Our U12 Gold team were in Division 1B in both phases of the Co. League and certainly not out of their depth in the top division.
There were unlucky to lose to Dr. Crokes in their first game but recovered well to defeat Austin Stacks, Laune Rangers, Glensflesk and Kilcummin to finish second in the table.
In the second phase they recorded victories over Laune Rangers, Kilcummin and Ardfert with defeats to Fossa and Glenflesk . Next up for the boys was Division 1 of the Central Region. Again they performed excellently winning all their games against Austin Stacks, Laune Rangers, Miltown Castlemaine and giving their best display in the final group game against Ardfert which saw them win out the competition.
The final competition of the year was the Castleisland District League where we secured victories over Scartaglen and Desmond’s with defeats to John Mitchels and Cordal. These results saw us qualify for a final against Cordal. This final played in Castleisland was a thrilling encounter and it was the Cordal boys who lifted the trophy.
The boys participated in 2 blitzs during they year the Jerry Foley Memorial blitz in Firies was of a very high standard with some excellent football played by all teams.
We also received an invitation from Moyvane to participate in the Hughie Fitzmaurice Memorial tournament where we reached the final only to lose out to the home Club.
The lads showed an improvement with every game and credit for this must go to team mentors John Rice, Martin Lowe and Jack Culloty.