Our Under 10 boys team began the year playing in the Castleisland Go Game Blitzes. In July they took part in the annual John Mitchels Blitz. Wins in our group games against Beale, Desmonds, Austin Stacks and Keel saw us qualify for a final against Ardfert which we came out on top by a point thus becoming the first U10 team to win this Blitz in the new John Mitchels Complex. Another trophy was secured in Churchill when three wins by our U10 and 2 wins a draw by our U9 in their six games ensured that the Siobhan Cotter Cup is residing in Ballymac for a second year in a row. Another highlight of the year was at an Opel Sponsored Blitz where the boys got an opportunity to meet with and train with inter county stars like Colm Cooper and Ciaran Kilkenny. There is no doubt that great potential exists within this group of players which hopefully will be fully realised over the next number of years. Well done also to team mentors Dave Slattery, John Rice, Eddie O Connell, Eddie Lynch, Martin Lowe and Gerard Collins for their hours of dedication with the boys.
FAOI 12
Training for this age group commenced on 21st February, 2014 with their final game of the year being held on 3rd October, 2014.
The early start to the year certainly helped to bring the boys on. Under the guidance of Mike Broderick; Tommy Leen and Mike Brosnan, our Blue Team reached new heights in 2014:
* Winners of U12A County League Div. 4
* Winners of U12A County League Div. 3
* Winners of U12A Castleisland District
* The also competed very well in Div. 1 of Central Region and their experience at this level will surely bring the lads on in the future.
Our Gold Team mentored by Jer Lynch; Jack Culloty and assisted by Fintan Kelly and James Godley also had a very good 2014 narrowly missing out in the County Leagues and finishing runner up, the boys went on to be
* Winners of Central Region Div. 1 B
* Winners of Castleisland District B
A special work of thanks must go to Mike Broderick who brought all his coaching skills to this age group and who is a truly great asset to the club.
U12A – Most improved player Sean Pollman Daamen
Player of the Year Darragh Broderick
U12B – Most Improved Player Thomas O’Connor
Player of the Year Darragh Sweeney