The Meath finals were played in lovely conditions in Ratoath, in a knock-out style format.  And as always at these events, the parish turned up in force.  Base camp was set-up for this away trip for what we hoped would be a long day but knew that this was really down to our girls and how the games went.  8 teams entered into the event this year, which meant the day was to start with quarter finals.

Skryne played Dunboyne in their quarter final match, who have got the better of our girls in the last few outings – including last year’s U14 community games final and also the Meath Feile finals this year.  But not today, where the Skryne girls led from the start and won their first match of the day on a scoreline of 2-3 to 1-3.  It was a superb game of football and a tough contest, which is normal when you come up against a team of Dunboyne’s calibre.

The semi-final saw our girls face Dunshaughlin/Culmullen, where a strong start saw the Skryne girls win through 4-6 to 0-2 and progress to the final, where our neighbours Kentstown/Beauparc awaited us.

The final was a real local derby, seeing friends and school pals and indeed former team mates in both soccer and gaelic face up to one another.  Same could be said for the sidelines J.  Referee was Dunsany’s Micky Ryan, which just added to the local feel of the contest.

2 very well matched teams, with Skryne edging it in the first half 2-1 to 0-2.  Hard work and staunch defending from both sides in the 2^nd half saw both teams only manage 2 points each, leaving the final scoreline at 2-3 to 0-4.

Many of these Skryne/Rathfeigh girls were part of the All Ireland winning U12s in 2016.  Many of the older girls were part of the team that were U14 runners up in Meath last year.  Put those 2 sets of players together and it is not all that surprising that they came out on top today.

Skryne/Rathfeigh now progress to the next stage of the Leinster qualifiers were they will face the champions of Longford later in May.  We wish them well and know they will be well supported as always.

Skryne/Rathfeigh Team:  Caragh Conway, Isabella Pentony, Ciara Smyth, Molly Fitzpatrick, Katie Ryan, Steffi Finegan, Samantha Clarke, Ellie Murphy, Lisa Browne, Roisin McManus, Naoise Canavan, Niamh Cahill, Ciara Cowley, Naoise Smyth, Rachael Loftus & Ava Purcell.

Coaches:  Declan Smyth, Elizabeth Morland, Mick O’Dowd, Terri Cahill, Madonna Purcell & Brendan Canavan

The Boys Medals Presentations will take place on Saturday, 14th January in The RST Centre, starting with the U6s, U8s and U10s at 5.00pm .

Then at 6pm we have the U12s, U13s, U14s and U15s. There will refreshments available.

This is going to the CCC where Skryne nor Duleek have any say. What did come out of it was a fantastic game by both sides. You have to give credit to all the lads from Duleek / Bellewstown & Skryne who put on one of the best diplays at U14’s Div 1 football. The never give up attitude to both teams was heart stopping and emense. Both teams should be used as an example in the best sportsmanship ever witnessed. The teams mingled at the end and how they both had the energy to even talk as it was that fast of a game. 30 players plus covered every blade of grass from one end of the pitch to the other. Three yellow cards was given out for a small tug of the jersey.

The Second half started abit slower for Skryne. Skryne seemed to go into sleep mode for a while. St Brackens werent going home without a fight. St Brackens went on the attack and took some well taken points. As full time was drawing nearer the 10 point lead was narrowing too fast. Some quick thinking of the managment made some changes and as the full time whistle blew and some supporters not too sure of the score Skryne had won by a point to everyones relief.

Scores for Skryne are as follows,
Niall Morland 0-1, Sean Keogh 1-01, Niall Finnerty 1-0, Alex Grendon 1-0

Skryne 3-03
St Brackens 1-8

Skryne played Portlaoise next and one of the favourites who had already beaten St Brackens by Seven points. This was a game that flowed end to end and with the Skryne defence standing firm and not allowing Portlaoise to score. This was a game that was two well matched teams. Skryne registered a point in the first half and Portlaoise remained scoreless. The cross wind never really benefited anyone but it was a game where two teams battled for every ball.

Half time score
Skryne 0-1
Portloaise 0-0

The second half started well for Skryne and they were now starting to put alot of pressure on the Portlaoise side. Skryne regisetered some lovely points from play. As the game progressed Skryne launched attack after attack as the defence sttod strong Portlaoise were finding it difficult to break down. Portlaoise were forced to kick from distance and kicked many a wide. Skryne goalie Alex Curran was exceptional with his kick outs. Skryne kept Portlaoise scoreless for the whole game.

Full time score
Skryne 1-04
Portlaoise 0-0

Skryne were now in a final and had an hours break. They were due to play St Lawerences of Kildare. Skryne never really got going in the final but St Lawerences were a good side. They had the same as Skryne athletic and good footballers. Alot of them were also 14 and some of them were well over Six foot in height. Coming up to half time Skryne battled hard and were unfortunate not to score another goal.

Half time score
Skryne 0-2
St Lawerences 1-06

Skryne started the second half to a perfect start with a cracking goal and a pass that started from John Finnerty for an inch perfect pass to Niall Finnerty and he made no mistake. Game On !! Skryne battled hard and legs were now starting to slow down. Skryne launched another two attacks only to be broke down. St Lawerences went on the attack again after 20mins and scored another goal to knock the wind out of Skrynes sails. St Lawerenes went onto win it in the end by Seven points and Skryne were up against a good side. Skryne are ones to watch and will learn from this. The parents and supporters applauded Skryne off the field. We would like to thank Portlaoise for hosting the games and it was a fantastic tournament that was well ran.

Final score,
Skryne 1-02
St Lawerences 2-06

Scorers Niall Finnerty 1-01, Sean Keogh 0-1

The lads enjoyed a Chicken Curry in the club house and im sure there are alot of tired bodies.

Well done to the players who’s passion goes beyond their boundaries. The word passion was used alot in the half time speeches and that was clearly seen on the pitch. Well done lads and see you all on Tuesday night against Navan O Mahonys.

Also well done to the Managment who have given up their day and all the time to make the U14’s such a success.

 
U14s team is as follows,
Alex Curran, Sam Hawes, Kristoffer Kinsella, Gary Browne, Billy Reilly, David Rathbourne, Oisin Keogh, Alex Grendon, Shane Smyth, Niall Finnerty, Niall Morland, John Finnerty, John O Regan, Sean Keogh, Killian Cahill, Kian Reddy, Jack Swan, Paddy Wright, Scott Armstrong, Nathan Chawke.

Managment..Padraig Finnerty, Cormac Grendon & Martin Browne.

‪#‎anscrinabu‬ ‪#‎fantasticteam‬ ‪#‎feile2016‬

Walterstown launched a barrage of attacks and credit has to go to the Skryne Girls who played well in defense. The last five minutes was nail biting stuff. The midfield and forward line had a lot to play its part and the Subs were also called upon.

The venue for the final was the holy grail of Meath Football on the last day of May 31^st with a 7-45pm throw in. Pairc Tailteann has seen many a good games and the history behind the venue can write many a good story and maybe one that has had a bad one. For Skryne it had everything going for them. The dressing room was that of the current Minor team has had many a success, a perfect playing surface and a good referee Martin Dawson also an opposition which was of the same mind set as the Skryne lads to play football and be competitive.

Skryne was going into this unbeaten like that of the U13’s Div 2 that they had previously won. Already having drawn with St Colmcilles on the first game of the spring League Skryne was really up for a tough game in Blistering heat. The crowd of which was split between Skryne & St Colmcilles were basking in the sun eagerly awaiting the throw in.

Skryne lads had done the warm up and the usual team talk and the lads looked calm as the music was being played in the dressing room supplied by one of the players. The Bluetooth speaker blasted out the tunes and was nothing compared to Christy Moore or Joe Dolan. The players remained calm and that’s all that mattered. Skryne players entered the field to the cheers of the Skryne supporters.

Skryne started off brightly with a ball from the paring of Alex Grendon & Shane Smyth. The two lads have been fantastic in the midfield position all year. Shane let a long ball into Niall Finnerty and Niall got the score board operating after 2 mins to register the first point. Alex Curran who has been fantastic in goals all year with his kick outs and saves has really showed what a top class keeper he is. Alex kicked a beautiful ball out to the half back line of Billy Reilly. Billy gave a long ball and it was broke down. The Cilles went on the attack and a high ball that went rustled to the back of the net. Alex was unfortunate as the sun had caused him to lose the vision of the ball in mid-flight. A throw up then commenced in the middle of the field and Cilles regained possession as they had a height advantage. Cilles went on the attack and registered another point. Skryne lads didn’t panic. Alex kicked a ball out to Oisin Keogh and with his fast pace burst forward. Oisin is the younger of the two Keoghs and will be one to watch in the future. Oisin gave a ball into the half forwards of Niall Moreland. Niall gave an inch perfect pass to Niall Finnerty and was brought down in the square it was a Penalty to Skryne as Finnerty was through on goal after 9 mins of play. This was a titanic battle between two skilled teams. Niall Finnerty that we could nearly nickname impossible to mark stepped up to take the penalty.  As calm as you like Finnerty struck the ball low and hard into the Right hand corner on the hospital end. Goal and GAME ON!!! It was all level with 10mins gone. The Throw up commenced in the middle of the field as players and spectators drew breath. Grendon who has been fantastic all year one the ball and gave it to Smyth who covers every blade of ground and won’t give in. Smyth gave a pass to Moreland a fast and energetic half forward who will play to the end gave one to Sean Keogh. Keogh struck a ball on the 21mtr line as sweet as a point that you would ever see. Sean is a fantastic player that has showed that he has what it needs to be one of the best full forwards in the County. Cilles responded with a point after the defence of David Rathbourne & Kristoffer Kinsella played the game of their lives. Kristtoffer made it as hard as possible for the Cilles forwards to score but Cilles had to get by David Rathbourne first. In Fact all Skryne’s defence gave an expedition on defending. If the opposition are scorning you’re not going to win and that’s pretty obvious. Cilles had a habit of scoring many goals in the build up to the final and Skryne closed them down at every opportunity. Sam Hawes swept up many a ball and only back from injury didn’t look one bit out of place and is one of the best defenders in the County. Gary Browne fielded some high balls and was playing a captains role.  In front of Billy was Oisin Keogh and on the opposite side was Billy Reilly who can read the game well and has a good football brain. Its clever football that wins games. After a couple of battles between both teams Cilles went on another attack. Just outside the 21 the Cilles player was fouled and up stepped there full forward to register a point with 12 mins gone. A ball worked from Curran’s kickout to Oisin Keogh who gave it to Smyth passed a perfect ball off the Shoulder to Cahill and hit it right but luckily Skryne won the breaking ball and John O Regan left it stuck to the back of the net to the joy of the Skryne supporters. O Regan is a young player who is not afraid to kick with both feet and did not look out of place. Cilles started off again from the middle and there was a battle of the Giants with Grendon, Smyth & the two Cilles player battling for every ball. Cilles won the break and went on the attack only for them to register another score from play. Cilles scored a second with a free right on the 21^st minute. Skryne once again had a hum dinger of a battle as all players were fighting to keep possession.  Skryne launched another attack this time keeping it wide. Skryne switched play to Moreland who was playing exquisite football and the passing was as accurate as you would see. Another quick ball and that man Finnerty was at it again as he struck it to the net at 23mins. Skryne were 5-3 to 1-04 up and cruising. But Cilles being Cilles were not giving up. Cilles launched another attack and registered a point. Half time was coming and both teams were throwing everything at it. Cilles were eager to close the gap and Skryne wanted to extend it as the sun was beating down. Cilles launched another attack from midfield and laid a ball off to their forward. Cilles hit it low for it to go into the net there was three in it. The Referee didn’t get a breath and blew the half time whistle. Cilles were given a life line.

Half time discussions are always kept under wraps in Skryne and some people would love to be a fly on the wall. The lads went into the dressing rooms calm and once again weren’t panicked. Skryne management were happy with the overall performance and yes Cilles scored a goal before half time Skryne lads had control of the game.

The lads came out in the second half to the applause of the crowd. Twenty Five Minutes more was all it would take to see it through and claim the title. Grendon & Smyth went in for the jump and as Smyth held tight he saw Finnerty moving at pace. He gave Finnerty a pin point pass and there was only one place the ball was going and that was into the back of the net. Finnerty struck it sweetly as his brother James who was back on holidays from Villa urged him on. Finnerty had now a hat trick scored on 26 mins and was unmark able. Cilles had tried three players and he is one of the trickiest attackers to mark. He is a team player and urges all his players on. Cilles launched another attack for their defence line and Billy Reilly gave an expositional block and unfortunately the ball bounced kindly into the hands of the Cilles player. Cilles struck a point and registered a second nearly immediately. Cilles moved there Left half Forward into defence and Oisin Keogh followed suit. This brought Keogh into play who immediately went on the attack and a perfect worked pass from Kinsella saw a ball to Rathbourne and onto John Finnerty Keogh moved at pace at struck it into the Right hand corner. The Forwards were moving all over the pitch and really carved Cilles open. The lads at the Forward line now when and where to move. It’s a simple and effective and also a joy to watch. Cilles launched another attack and registered a point from a free. Cilles were finding it hard to come by scores and really had to work hard. The Cilles were not giving in and as the score board clock was ticking away it was looking more likely it was Skryne’s to win. Skryne launched another attack and young O Regan was playing a stormer. He received a perfect pass and shifted to the left only to be brought down. Finnerty stood up and put it over with the left foot on 48 mins. Cilles launched another attack but when the big midfielder was go forward he was stopped in his tracks from the tight defence of Browne. Cilles took the point as there was no room through and the gates were shut tight. A ball worked from Hawes saw Reilly moving and gave a ball into space to run onto. Skryne were still full of running and Cilles were looking tired. Reilly gave a pass to Grendon who saw a gap and hit a perfect ball with the outside of the right foot to O Regan, Moreland was like a freight train that was late for a pick up and ran through the Cilles defence. Moreland buried one in the back of the net and it was game over for Cilles with 51mins gone. Skryne Management and Players kept their composure. Kian Reddy and Jack Swan was introduced and both players who have played superb all season. Kian Reddy was brought in as a half forward and Jack Swan normally as a corner defender was put in as a full forward. Two Johns came off as O Regan and Finnerty were giving a round of applause. Grendon and Smyth must have been floating on clouds and a throw in the middle of the field saw them win the battle yet again. Grendon laid it to Smyth who gave it to Finnerty and with his first touch of the ball saw Swan sealed another goal in the back of the net. It was now 52 mins gone and the Referee Martin Dawson blew the Final Whistle. To the cheers of the Skryne crowd that lads were now Crowned Div 1 Spring League Champions and still remain unbeaten. Gary Browne accepted the cup and the lads celebrated and emphatic win. To the credit of the Cilles Management and Players they knew that Skryne were up for it. Cilles didn’t give in at all and should be proud of getting to a final. They finished in Second place on the league table and will be ones to watch in the future. From a Skryne perspective there were a lot of happy faces and it was a pity that a senior fixture was put on in Skryne the same night as a lot of others missed out on a fantastic game. Div 1 finals only come around once a year !!!

We can’t go without mentioning the super subs. It takes a team to get to the final and all players were always called upon to play full matches. There is so much talent in this squad. Well done to Paddy Wright who can play any position from Corner back to Corner Forward. Paddy scored an abundance of points against Ashbourne. Nathan Chawke is a young player who missed out with the U13’s and came back into the mix with the 14’s a super athlete who is growing in confidence all the time. Scott Armstrong another player who can play anywhere. In recent times we have put him as a corner forward and registered 2-2 points from play to the amassment of the spectators. Scott was always knowing as a defender. The Players are a credit to the club and are most certainly following in the footsteps of the successful Minor team.  Up next is a Feile for in Portlaoise on the 25^th of June.  Thanks to Skryne GFC for the Chips and Pizzas in the RST everyone enjoyed the well-earned break and a cup of tea. The talk was of that of the Final all night into the early hours. Also thanks to the management who have brought the team on in leaps and bounds. Starting with Padraig Finnerty, Martin Brown & Cormac Grendon.

Final Score

Skryne 8-04

St Colmcilles 2-09

The Team is a Follows,

(Goals) Alex Curran

Sam Hawes                           Kristofer Kinsella                                          Gary Brown ©

Billy Reilly                            David Rathbourne                                         Oisin Keogh (1-0)

(Midfield)    Alex Grendon

(Midfield) Shane Smyth

Niall Finnerty (3-2)                   Niall Morelan (1-0)                                         John Finnerty

John O Regan (1-0)                  Sean Keogh (0-1)                                        Killian Cahill (1-0)

Subs : John O Regan for Jack Swan (1-0),   John Finnerty for Kian Reddy, Scott Armstrong, Nathan Chawke, Paddy Wright.

The game kicked off in Ashbourne on Thursday 5^th of May with a throw in of 7.00pm and conditions were ideal for a game. The pitch surface was hard with the good drainage.  Skryne got under way and after 47secs Skryne won the midfield battle with Alex Grendon & Shane Smyth. Grendon gave a long ball into Niall Finnerty who knew exactly where the goals were and buried the ball to the back of the net.  Ashbourne went on the attack and a Sam Hawes made the perfect block but the ball bounced back kindly for Ashbourne and they scored a point after 1min. Skryne worked a well out ball with a inch perfect pass from Alex Curran who has been brilliant all year to the trusty David Rathbourne. Rathbourne found the energetic Smyth who then worked it well to Finnerty and scored a perfect point. Another attack from Skryne from a poor kick out saw Kian Reddy who played really well caught a perfect ball to lay off to Finnerty and then left a perfect ball nestle once again to the back of the net after Four mins. Ashbourne went on the attack again and Gary Browne who has been really strong in defence gave a ball to the pacy Oisin Keogh and gave a long Ball to Niall Moreland who was covering every blade of grass and doing really well. Skryne once again scored another goal on 6 mins and Ashbourne were really in trouble with the pace of the game.  A long ball from Ashbourne to their forward saw Billy Reilly make the perfect interception and gave a pass to Grendon who saw Finnerty and without hesitation split the posts with a perfect point. The next attack saw a player that has really showed that hard work does pay off. Sean Keogh who is playing out of his skins and is a fantastic player worked the ball from the half Forward line to Jack Swan and received the return pass and gave it onto Moreland who registered another score after 11mins. Up next was John O Regan one of the youngest players and is a master at blocking down registered a perfect score of his own. It was now 3-04 to One point in Favour of Skryne after 12 mins. Ashbourne went on the attack and a ball that was in the box where defenders tried to clear it saw a Donaghmore / Ashbourne player brought down. Truth be told we are still trying to find out who brought the player down but no one has admitted it as yetJ. The defenders are the makings of any team. They might not score goals or points but this bunch of lads keeps any opposition at bay at all costs. Ashbourne stood up and buried the ball into the net and Curran in goals was unlucky not to stop it. Paddy Wright was brought in and Paddy is a solid player who stands his ground and plays to the end and a fantastic player. Paddy Wright was only on the Field and registered a score on the next kick of the ball from a perfect ball from Jack Swan who reads the game to perfection. The next score came from pass from Grendon who had a battle of the giants in midfield. It was a battle that neither player was willing to give in on and a fair one. Compliments to both players for the sportsmanship and hard tough play throughout the game.  Grendon gave a ball to Finnerty who with his trusty boot sent it over the bar. Skryne were on fire and playing really well. The game had gone from Ashbourne’s grasp but to be fair they weren’t giving in. on 21^st min Swan pointed another score with Smyth following another fine score from a pass from Oisin Keogh who can travel faster than the speed of light. A ball from the trusted defender of Hawes saw a ball clinched from the hands of the defender. Hawes went on the attack to the half forward line and gave a ball to Smyth who was brought down and up stepped Finnerty who score another point.

Half Time Score

Skryne 3-09

Donahmore / Ashbourne ..1-01

The Second half got under way and Scott Armstrong who can play in any position went on the attack and gave a perfect ball in and Skryne registered another fine point. Skryne actually registered the next Five points from Reilly, Finnerty and Wright. The defence battled well  and closed down all players at all times. Curran was exceptional with his kick outs all throughout the game and was brave on some occasions when The Donns went on the attack. Nathan Chawke was coming a lot into the game and playing really well picked off a lovely point from a tight angle. Ashbourne gave another burst and weren’t giving in registered there only score of the second hald on 34mins. Some positional changes were now being made and Smyth worked a ball into Grendon who left a rocket to the back of the net leaving the keeper with no chance. Some more scores from Grendon, & Finnerty saw the game come to a close where Skryne were never troubled and Donaghmore / Ashbourne never gave in to be fair. Skryne now meet Duleek / Bellewstown with a home Semi Final with a time to be confirmed. Well done to all the players from The Goalie, Defence, Forwards and Subs who all played a part in the win.

Final Score

Skryne 5-18

Donaghmore / Ashbourne 2-03

Panel for U14’s is as follows,

Alex Curran, Sam Hawes, Gary Browne, Nathan Chawke, Billy Reilly, David Rathbourne, Kristoffer Kinsella, Oisin Keogh, Alex Grendon, Shane Smyth, Niall Finnerty, Niall Morelan, Jack Swan, Paddy Wright, Scott Armstrong, Sean Keogh, Kian Reddy, John O Regan, John Finnerty, Killian Cahill.

Management : Padraig Finnerty, Cormac Grendon & Martin Brown.

Well done lads and Roll on the Semi Final.

http://meath.gaa.ie/competitions/juvenile-2/u14-football-division-1/

Skryne 5-07 St. Colmcilles 5-07

Well done to Skryne U14s in the Div 1 Spring League today as they took on St Colmcilles in Fr McManus Park today. Skryne got off to a blistering start with a 1-6 to no score after only twenty two minutes.

In the second half Skryne played the better football but Cilles got 2-2 on the board by the 10th minute of the half. In true Skryne spirit the lads kept there composure and scored some fantastic points. Skryne were a goal ahead with 1 minute remaining and a Cilles free on the John Thornton side saw Cilles kick a high and hopeful ball into the air that dropped into the Skryne net to leave the game level.