Veterans like Martin Mulvany, Johnny Quinn, Brian Smyth, Alan Carty and three goal hero Felim O’Rourke led the way in this match.  They were ably assisted by an up and coming number of younger players like Sean Cassidy Niall Morley Timmy Lennon, Cian Lynch and Paddy Doherty.  In Goals Skryne had their ever reliable Adrian Doyle.  The Full back line of James Conroy, Vinny Reilly and David Harrington were rarely troubled on the night.  James Looby at number five not only closed down his opposite number but gave him a considerable headache with his darting forward runs. Brian Byrne lorded the centre of the field until late in the second half when he was replaced by Doherty who took up where Brian left off.  Curraha struggled all evening with the speed of Kevin O’ Reilly at number twelve.  Skryne also introduced six substitutes in this game Des McAviney replaced the injured James Conroy and played a vital part in the defence. Paddy Doherty, Cian Lynch, Paddy O’Leary , Jamie Jordan, and Shane McEnroy also played a huge part for Skryne when introduced.

Skryne took an early lead when Felim O’Rourke slotted home a penalty after Brian Smyth had been unceremoniously pulled down in the square.  They were never led after this score.  Curraha pulled a point back on twelve minutes but Alan Carty restored the difference a minute later.  Carty then fired over another to give Skryne a four point lead with eighteen minutes gone.  Curraha were not going to give in that easily and posted two points in quick succession to make it a two point game coming up to the break but Kevin O’Reilly fired over for Skryne just before the short whistle to leave the half time score at Skryne 1 – 3, Curraha  0 – 3.

The second half was only three minutes old when O’Rourke got the second of his goals after good work from Cian Lynch. Curraha pulled a point back but five points from Alan Carty (3) Cian Lynch and O’ Rourke put this game well under the control of the Tara men.  O’ Rourke capped a fine night with a third goal to leave the score at this stage Skryne 3 – 8, Curraha 0 – 6.  Curraha did get in for two late goals, one from the penalty spot but Skryne finished up stronger and four more points from Sean Cassidy, Johnny Quinn, Felim O’ Rourke and Jamie Jordan ensured that Skryne would have some silverware to decorate the top table at this year’s annual dinner dance.

It is difficult to single out one man for man of the match from a game like this.  A total of twenty one players took the field and each gave one hundred percent. Backs defended like it was their homes which were under attack. Center field won possession that they had no right to win and supplied brilliant ball into a magnificent forward line.  However, if put to it, I would have to choose Vincent O’Reilly at full back.  He was magnificent; he caught everything, distributed brilliantly and let absolutely nothing by him.

Skryne: Adrian Doyle, James Conroy, Vinny Reilly, David Harrington , James  Looby, Martin  Mulvany, Timmy Lennon, Alan Carty (5), Brian Byrne , Niall Morley, Johnny Quinn (1), Kevin Reilly (1), Felim O’Rourke (3 – 2), Brian Smyth, Sean Cassidy (1),

Subs:, Des McAvinney for Conroy (25 min) Cian Lynch (1) for Morley (H/T) Paddy Doherty for Byrne (48Min) Jamie Jordan (1) for Kevin O’Reilly (50min), Paddy O’Leary for Harrington (52min), Shane McEnroy for Quinn (56min)

Joseph O’Brien Skryne PRO and team manager

Skryne 2 – 13, Senchalstown 2 – 12

Needing at least a draw to qualify for the final of the B.League division 5 football competition, Skryne had to dig very deep to get over the line in this hard fought match on Monday evening.  Played in Skryne, under almost perfect conditions with only a slight breeze in weather terms , this match was up for the taking by either side right up to the final whistle.  Senchalstown were first of the mark with a point after three minutes but Kevin O’Reilly cancelled that out almost immediately.  Niall Morley then sent Skryne ahead with a free but this too was cancelled out one minute later. O’Reilly put Skryne in front again with twelve minutes gone but Senchalstown got back in front with a goal shortly after, leaving the score at Skryne 0 – 3 Senchalstown 1 -2.  Brian Smyth then hit over a superb point from out in the left corner to leave just the minimum between the sides with twenty two minutes gone. Kevin Reilly traded points with Senchalstown and with twenty five minutes on the clock Sean Cassidy received a pass from Conor O’Brien and had no hesitation in finishing to the back of the net.  Skryne were now back in front but with the first-half nearly up Senchalstown added another point to make the half time score Skryne 1 – 5, Senchalstown 1 -5.

Cassidy and O’Reilly pushed Skryne into a two point lead early in the second half.  Then Senchalstown enjoyed a period of dominance and scored 1 – 2 to make the score Skryne 1 – 7 Senchalstown  2 – 7, Felim O’ Rourke pulled one back from a 45 but this was quickly cancelled by the Kentstown side.  Skryne substitute Cian Lynch put over another with a fine individual effort but this again was cancelled out almost immediately.  Time was fast running out for Skryne who were once again four points in arrears with only six minutes left on the clock.  However Felim O’ Rourke and Kevin O’Reilly,from a free, cut this to two points. When it looked like Senchalstown would hold out for the spot in the final of this competition Conor O’Brien shot the ball to the back of the net to put Skryne a point in front in the closing stages.  Jamie Jordan added a point to make it a two point game with time already up.  Referee Michael McDonagh found a further six minutes broken play and Senchalstown laid siege to the Skryne end in the hope of rescuing the game .  However brilliant defensive work from the Skryne backs in particular Johnny Quinn and full Back Vinny O’ Reilly, who brought of a spectacular high catch at the end, kept the Kentstown side at bay and the Tara men held out for a one point victory.  Amongst those who deserve special mention is Skryne Goalie Adrian Doyle who kept his side in the game with some fine saves during the match.

Full time score Skryne 2 – 13, Senchalstown 2 – 12

Skryne : A Doyle, S McEnroy, D. Harrington, P. O’Leary, J. Conroy, V, O’Reilly, D. McAvinney, A. Carty, P. Dogherty, K. O’Reilly (5, 4f), J. Quinn, C. O’Brien(1-1), S. Cassidy(1 -1), B. Smyth(1), N. Morley(1 f). Subs F O’ Rourke (2, f,45)for Harrington, D. Rogan for McEnroy, C. Lynch(1) for McAvinney, J. Jordan(1) for Morley

Referee: Michael McDonagh

Skryne 3 – 16

Moylagh 2 – 10

In the B league Div. 5 match between Skryne and Moylagh ,played in Moylagh on Saturday evening, the visitors took both points.  Two goals from wing forward Sean Cassidy in the first half and a further from Alan Carty in the second laid the foundation for this win.  Skryne dominated proceedings in the first half but the home side came more into the match when Skryne’s influential midfielder Vincent O’ Reilly had to leave the field of play after sustaining a shoulder injury.  However, the Skryne backs, led by David Harrington at full back, put in a sterling performance and when Timmy Lennon moved to midfield Skryne once again got the upper hand.  Brian Smyth and Jamie Jordan were to the fore up front scoring nine points between them and substitute John (Tipper) Allen had the final say with a point on full time.

Skryne: A. Doyle, S. McEnroy, D. Harrington, P.O’Leary, J. Conroy, M. Mulvany, T. Lennon (1), A. Carty(1 -4), V Reilly,  S. Cassidy(2-0), J. Quinn, D. McAvinney, J. Jordan(5), B. Smyth,(4) M. O’Brien. Subs K. O’Rourke for Reilly, J. Allen (1) for Quinn

Skryne 5 – 11

St. Brigids 1 – 11

Division 5 of the B League saw Skryne take both points against St Brigids on Tuesday evening.  Playing at home under very favourable weather conditions the Tara men had a very comfortable win over the Ballincree side, thanks to their five goal tally.  St Brigids were first to trouble the scoreboard minder and were three points to the good before Felim O’Rourke from a 45 got Skryne of the mark.  O’Rourke pulled another one back from another long range free  before Alan Carty levelled matters with sixteen minutes on the clock.  Jamie Jordan then got the first of Skryne’s goals after good work by Brian Smyth.  Sean Cassidy then scored a goal to rival any that might be scored this year after the ball was laid on by Jordan.  Two more points from Jordan and one from Brian Smyth left the half time score at Skryne 2-7, St Brigids 0 – 5.

Three more points from Cassidy, Carty and Smyth were countered by points for St. Brigids before Jordan got his second goal with forty two minutes gone.  However, the Brigids didn’t give up the chase just yet and were rewarded when the ball was bundled over the Skryne line for a goal to leave the score at Skryne 3 – 10, Brigids 1 – 11.  This score was followed up with a further point but when Cyril Carty sent in a long speculative shot which went straight to the back of the net there was no way back.  Felim O’Rourke finished off the scoring with a further goal and a point to leave the full time score at Skryne 5 – 11 St Brigids 1 -11.

Skryne: A. Doyle, S. McEnroy, J.Looby, K. O’Rourke, J. Conroy, P.O’Leary, T. Lennon, A. Carty(2), D. Harrington, D. McAvinney, J. Quinn, S. Cassidy(1-1), J. Jordan(2-2), B. Smyth,(2) F. O’Rourke(1 – 4). Subs V’O’Reilly for K O’Rourke, E. Greally for McAvinney, C. Carty(1-0) for Smyth, D. Byrne for Harrington, P. McGoldrick for McEnroy, P. Bannon for Jordan,

Referee Richard Morris, Blackhall Gaels.

Joseph O’ Brien,  Skryne PRO.

Skryne 5-13

Clonard 1 – 7

Skryne ran out easy winners over Clonard in this B league Division 5 match played in Skryne on Monday evening.  Skryne were already two points to the good when they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Felim O’Rourke which he converted himself.  Four more goals were added in this half from Jamie Jordan, Cian Lynch and two from Niall Morley in the first half.  At the break Skryne were ahead by 5 – 7 to 0 – 2.

Clonard did have a mini revival early in the second half and notched up a goal and three without reply between the thirty first and fortieth minute.  However Skryne steadied the ship and posted a further five points to run out eventual winner on a score line of 5 – 13 to 1 – 7.

Skryne were well served in this match by Cian Lynch, Felim O’Rourke and Niall Morley up front while Kieran O’Rourke and David Rogan were strong in defence.

Skryne: A. Doyle, K. O’Rourke, D. Harrington, P. Murphy, D. Rogan, J. Looby, J. Conroy (0 – 1), A. Carty, D. Lynch, J. Jordan (1-0), C. Lynch (1 – 1), N. Morley (2 – 3), F. O’Rourke (1 – 5), B. Smyth (0-2), J. Quinn. Subs. C. Carty(0 – 1) for Smyth, E. Greally for A. Carty, M. O’Brien for Quinn, A. Flanagan for Jordan, M Doyle for Morley, O. Coyle for Lynch.

Referee: Liam Reddy (Duleek)

Skryne have maintained their unbeaten run in the B league Div 5 in a win over Ballivor on Tuesday evening.  Good performances form veterans Felim O’Rourke and Brian Smyth which saw them score a total of 1 – 9 between them was the key to this win.  Ballivor went in at the break ahead by two points on a score line of seven points to five.  Indeed they should have had a bigger advantage but found difficulty in managing the diagonal direction of a stiff breeze.

Second half scores tended to cancel themselves out.  Ballivor were playing well early in this half but sterling performances from the Skryne backs particularly Harrington and O’ Leary was keeping them at bay.  Vinny Reilly moved to centre-field for the Tara men and his high fielding was the main reason Skryne got on top.   With forty minutes gone Brian Smyth got on the end of a ball that was shot across the goals, and punched it to the back of the net.  This put Skryne ahead for the first time in the game on a score line of 1 – 9 to 0 – 10.  Skryne’s advantage was further increased when Niall Morley sent over after a fine solo effort.  This was cancelled out by one for Ballivor two minutes later.  Felim O Rourke sent over two more for the home side but with time running out, Ballivor brought the difference down to a single point when they scored a goal of their own.  The visitors did have chances to get a draw or even win this game, however, with time up O’Rourke put over another to see Skryne run out winners by two points.  This was a battling performance from Skryne which sees them still top the table in this Division.  On the night everyone worked hard for the team which saw them finish on a score line of 1 – 13 to 1 – 11.

Skryne:- A Doyle, S McEnroy, D Harrington, P O’Leary, J. Conroy(1), P Murphy, V. Reilly, A Carty, C. O’Rourke, M. Doyle, J. Quinn, N. Morley(2), F.O’Rourke (7),  B. Smyth (1-2),  D. McAvinney,  .

Subs: S. Cunningham for McAvinney (H/T), D. Rogan for K O’Rourke (H/T), C. Lynch for Doyle, E. Greally for Cunningham,(52), J. Carter forMurphy (45), A Flanagan for Morley (55)

Skryne 2 – 15

Navan O’Mahonys 0 – 7

Skryne secured both points against Navan O’Mahony’s in the B League Div 5 match played in Navan on Tuesday night.  This was a very strong performance by the Tara men who led with a goal from Brian Smyth after only a minute.  A second goal from Niall Morley towards the end of the first half saw them go in at the break on a very favourable score line of 2 – 6 to 0 – 5.

The Navan side upped their game considerably in the early minutes of the second half and were rewarded with two points.  However resolute defending from all the Skryne backs ensured that they weathered the storm before extending the score line again.  Indeed these two points were the only scores the town side got in this half. On 38 minutes Skryne were awarded a free, forty yards out, which Niall Morley took and put it over the bar to lift the siege.  Further points were added by Sean Cassidy and James Conroy which left the score at Skryne 2- 9 to 0 – 7.  With three quarters of the game gone Skryne introduced Paul McGoldrick and Eoin Greally who duly got in on the act and slotted over two more. Another sub Cyril Carty also added one. With Time running out Skryne added three more from Alan Carty(2) and Niall Morley.

This was a good performance from the Skryne men with excellent displays from a number of players particularly James Looby, Alan Carty and Niall Morley.  However man of the match, in this writer’s opinion, was Vinny O’Reilly who commanded the number six position for Skryne cutting out many attacks and setting up moves many of which resulted in scores.

Final score Skryne 2 – 15, Navan O’Mahonys 0 – 7

Skryne:- A Doyle, S. Cunningham, J Looby, P O’Leary, J. Conroy(1), V. Reilly, P Murphy, A Carty (4), D. Lynch, N. Morley (1- 3), J. Quinn (1), S. Cassidy(2), D. McAvinney, B. Smyth (1-0), C. O’Rourke(1).

Subs: C. Carty(1) for O’Rourke (H/T), P McGoldrick(1) for McAvinney(49), E. Greally (1)for Cassidy,(52) M. O’Brien for Smyth(55), E. Dunne for Murphy(55)

Donaghmore Ashbourne 3 – 15

Skryne                                     3 – 2

A very strong Donaghmore Ashbourne side beat Skryne in round one of the B League Div one in Ashbourne on Monday.  Played under lights in crisp but good conditions, this was a much more competitive encounter than the score-line would suggest.  Indeed but for some way word shooting, coupled by a very vigilant Don/Ash backline, the score would have been much closer.  Skryne had to wait until the thirteenth minute before Felim O’Rourke posted their first score from a free.  However the home team had already registered 2 – 3 at this stage, the goals coming in the seventh and eight minute of the game.  Donaghmore Ashbourne then added a further three points before Kevin Mulvany was put through with a perfect pass from Vincent O’Reilly and he made no mistake as he shot from close in for Skryne’s opening goal.  Both sides exchanged points before half time with Felim O’Rourke again getting on the scoreboard.  This left the score at the break, Donaghmore Ashbourne 2 – 7, Skryne 1 – 2.

With an eight point difference it looked like it was a hopeless case for Skryne.  However the Tara men were not going to throw in the towel just yet.  On forty minutes Niall Morley got the ball in the right corner and passed to Vincent O’Reilly who found the net again for Skryne.  Three minutes later O’Reilly turned provider for the second time in the game and put through Donie Ryan who scored Skryne’s third goal.  This left just two points between the teams.  Unfortunately for Skryne Vincent O’Reill y pulled his hamstring in his last effort and was helped off by the ever present Skryne physio  Lily Fox.   Without their talisman Skryne were always going to struggle for scores and indeed they didn’t trouble the scorekeeper for the remainder of the game.  However the home side now redoubled their efforts and scored a further 1 – 8 to leave the final score at Donaghmore 3 – 15, Skryne 3 – 2.

This was a very good performance from a strong Donaghmore Ashbourne side but despite this Skryne played good football until the final whistle with some very good performances in the game, particularly from Donie Ryan at midfield, Tommy Farnan in the backs and man of the match Vincent O’Reilly at full forward.

Skryne: I Gillette, D Harrington, D. Morley, D. Brennan, T. Farnan, G. Geraghty, C. Byrne, D. Ryan(1-0), K. Mulvany(1-0), C. Lynch, A. Carty, N. Burke, N. Morley, V. O’Reilly(1-0), F. O’Rourke(2).  Subs:  B. Smyth for O’Reilly, J. Conroy for Morley.

Skryne 0 – 10

Drumconrath 0-9

In a very tightly fought Div 5 B league game played in Skryne on Sunday afternoon, Skryne overcame Drumconrath by a single point to register their second win in as many games in this competition.  There was never more than two points of a difference in this game mainly due to the tightness of the defences on both sides.  Brian Smyth got the home side off with a point after five minutes but this was quickly cancelled out by Drumconrath who then went one up with twelve minutes on the clock. Felim O’Rourke put the home side back on level terms and with nineteen minutes gone Mark O’Brien fired over to give the Tara men a slender lead.  The sides swapped two further points each to leave the half time score at Skryne 0 – 5, Drumconrath 0 – 4.

The second half was only three minutes old when Felim O’Rourke pushed Skryne into a two point lead but the next twenty minutes belonged to Drumconrath who scored four on the trot to go two points up.   However the Skryne men upped their game and further points from Niall Morley and Mark O’Brien drew the game level with ten minutes left to play.  Skryne introduced Sean Cassidy and within thirty seconds he fielded well, beat his man and fired over for the lead. This was added to by Felim O’Rourke to make the score with time running out, Skryne  0-10, Drumconrath 0 -8.  However the North Meath side were well up for this game and produced attack after attack but could only register one more point.  Indeed credit must be given to the stellar performance of the Skryne backs who defended extremely well particularly David Harrington, Paddy O’Leary and Vinney Ryan.

The final score was Skryne 0-10, Drumconrath 0 – 9.

Skryne: A. Doyle, S. McEnroy, D. Harrington, P O’Leary, J. Conroy, V. Reilly, D. McAvinney, A. Carty, K. O’Rourke, P. McGoldrick, J. Quinn, N. Morley(1), M. O’Brien (2), B. Smyth(2), F. O’Rourke(4). Subs: A. Whyte for McGoldrick (H/T), S. Cassidy (1)for McAvinney (45 min)

Ardcath 0 -9

Skryne’s third team, playing in the B league division 5, got off to a very good start when they accounted for a strong Ardcath team in Ardcath on Monday (03 March).  Played under lights on what was a very poor sod, this was anything but an easy fixture.  Indeed Ardcath were first of the mark with two fine points before Sean Cassidy got Skryne on the scoreboard with a well taken point.  Both sides missed some gilt edged chances to raise a green flag before Felim O’Rourke eventually found the net and followed up with a further point.   Alan Carty then posted another point to leave the half time score at Skryne 1 – 2, Ardcath 0 – 3.

Brian Smyth added a further goal early in the second half.  O’ Rourke posted  two further points with Alan Carty also contributing another minor making the score with forty minutes gone Skryne 2 – 5, Ardcath 0 – 3.  However from there until the end it was Ardcath who were in the ascendancy as they reeled off six points in succession.  With the game almost up Ardcath were awarded a thirty five meter free and chose to launch the ball into the square.  However the ever-safe Adrian Doyle,  in the Skryne goals, fielded well and from the ensuing clearance the ball was worked up the field and put over the bar again by O’Rourke, making the full time score Skryne 2 – 6; Ardcath 0 -9

The team  for this competition in 2013 was more often than not picked from a total of thirteen players.  On Monday night we had 26 players who made the effort and togged out.  It was a joy to see a number of minors turn up and equally a considerably number of players who have in previous years featured on more senior teams but who are still willing to help younger players get into adult football.  However, with so many togging out it is impossible to give everyone a starting place or even a run on the night.  The black card also makes matters more difficult as the management was forced to reserve at least one sub just for cover in case a further black card was issued.  The starting team included one minor who had featured in every game in 2013 and who was taken off at half time in order to give another player a run.  A second minor was introduced well into the first half as a replacement for a black card.  Only one player on the field had played any football this year.

The management of this team is delighted to see the enthusiasm for football of those who turned up and will be endeavouring to give every player as much game time as possible.  Players should also join in on the excellent training that is being provided by the club.  The evenings are now getting long and more clement and all our players are welcome at the training.

Skryne: A. Doyle, P. Murphy, D. Brennan, P O’Leary, J. Conroy, D. Lynch, V. Reilly, A. Carty, J. Looby, D. McAvinney, J. Quinn, N. Morley, S. Cassidy, B. Smyth, F. O’Rourke.

Subs:T Lennon for O’Reilly (21), C. Lynch for Cassidy (H/T) K. Burke for Murphy (43), S Cunningham (50), E Greally for Cunningham (55)