As stated in last month’s report an Under 11 football league took place in the past number of weeks. Indeed the competition came to an end recently, with two finals taking place. The B final between the Lions and Tigers proved to be an epic battle that twisted one way then another with the Tigers marginally claiming a 9-7 victory, having trailed by four in the first half. Big performances from Corey Cambridge, Shane McElhiney and Colin McCarthy, added to impressive displays by Padraig Cloran and Jack Kiely led the Tigers to victory. Lions had every right to be proud however with Fiachra O’ Connell, Adam Kent Sean Kelly and Cathal O’ Flynn taking inspiration from the mighty Ross Murphy.
The A final was as exciting with League winners the Bears racing into a 5-0 half time lead thanks to Ciaran Quain’s continued good form in front of goal and Emily Hall and her creative handpassing skills. Sharks though made a game of it in the second half with scores from Ronan Quain and strong performances from Ruairi Casey, Ryan McCarthy, Cillian Hall and Cian O’Donovan. In the end though the Bears proved too strong with Cormac O Flynn providing the firepower and Aaron Kent offering the steel in defence. Daniel Kelleher finished a number of fine team moves to leave the final scores Bears 7 to the sharks 4.
Cork Football star Nicholas Murphy was in attendance and was quite impressed by the display of football skills on offer. He told the players the importance of playing with their local club and presented each player who took part a medal to reward their efforts.
Nicholas also presented the following individual awards:
Top Scorer: From week 1 Cormac O’ Flynn has led the charts and that’s where he stayed for the entire 7 games notching up 21 scores. Cormac is a quiet assassin in front of goal, letting his shooting-boots do most of the talking.
Best Player: Any number of players could have won this prize with the likes of Aaron Kent, Padraig Cloran and Ronan Quain (who was singled out by Whites Cross Minor Coach Paul Noonan as a particularly accomplished young footballer) narrowly missing out. In the end the guts and skill of Ross Murphy saw him confirmed as player of the tournament to the loud cheers of fellow players and supporters! A popular choice on the day.
Special Award: Watch out Elaine Harte! White’s Cross has produced another ladies footballer of considerable talent. Emily Hall was the lone girl taking part in the league and throughout never pulled back from the boys. As well as a winners medal from the A final, Emily picked up a special award to recognise her bravery and skills during the competition.
Special Award: From the first day of training, 18 months ago, one player has shown more improvement than anyone else. Ciaran Quain’s achievement was recognised when Nicholas Murphy presented him with a trophy for most improved player. Ciaran’s meteoric rise could not be stopped even when he missed a number of weeks to attend hospital over Christmas 08. Since January Ciaran has returned with a bang and has become a super young footballer with a big future with White’s Cross lying ahead of him.
So a great few weeks action came to a thrilling climax. However this group is now back in action after the Easter break, in the new Development League with 6 weeks of action scheduled against Gleann Na Laoi, Delaneys and Grenagh.
To Quote club President Dermot Whooley who attended the finals on Sunday, ‘Whites Cross GAA has a big future with these young players’.
Thanks to all the parents and club members who helped out in the completing of this competition and we hope to see you all at the up-coming matches.