With no County competitions for U13 teams we took part in the Coiste Tra Li League which proved to be a very competitive and gave our lads great experience. We were also invited to partake in the Rose Cup as part of the Rose of Tralee Festival where we were beaten in the group stages by eventual winners Na Gaeil by just two points. Many thanks to team trainers Mike Broderick and Roland Rogers for their time dedicated to these lads over the year.
With so many skilful players on show throughout the season, it was a joy to watch this marvellous group of players in action and one not merely hopes, but rather expects greater things from this particular squad of young lads. Comhghairdeas le gach uile duine !
FAOI 14 REVIEW
Competing in 4 competitions, having a squad of 29 players and reaching the finals of 3 and winning one competition was a very rewarding year for U14s as the emphasis this year was on performance, developing and work rate. Training commenced indoors in early Feburary under the guidance of Tony Silles, Gene O Keeffe, Willie Costello, Martin Lowe and Mike Dreelan. The highlight of the year was the winning of Division 3 of the Central Region with a great victory over Ardfert in the final played at Ballymac.
We were delighted to have 5 players, Josh o Keeffe, Daire Keane, Brian Lonergan, Tadhg Brick and Cillian Gallagher representing Ballymac on the U14 Castleisland District County Championship winning side.
FAOI 15 REVIEW
Our first competition of the year was the Munster Supertouch competition in which we were in a group containing St. Senans, Dr. Crokes and Laune Rangers. We were most unlucky not to emerge from this group but nevertheless it gave the lads great experience for the rest of the year. This team created history by becoming the first Ballymac Team to capture the Eric Mason Blitz Trophy. They finished the year in style by winning the Coiste Tra Li U 15 championship with a victory in the semi final over Austin Stacks and defeating Na Gaeil in the final with a magnificent display of football.
The management team of Willie Costello, John Creagh, Tony Silles, Gene O Keeffe and Roland Rogers were all loud in their praises for this talented group of players. Well done to all who gave so much time, energy, and commitment throughout 2014. Go mbeirimid beo ag an am seo arís!!