The Park U14 lads done themselves proud and dug deep on Sunday to retain the Pat Hennessy Shield Trophy against some top opposition from both the Cork and Limerick District Leagues.
Game 1 v Carrigaline Utd
The park took on Carrigaline Utd, a technically good side who had made it to the latter stages of the Nat Cup last season. The lads started brightly to take an early lead from Leo up front but the opposition were up to the challenge and within a 10 min spell were 2-1 up, colin struck a fine free kick to level but by halftime it was 4-2 to the cork lads. The Park came out fighting in the 2nd half and reduced the defecit to one from a fine team goal struck home by Colin on the 40 min mark, but the Cork lads just proved too strong in the end to finish 6-3. The Park boys would rue a lot of chances that went a begging and some unforced defensive errors.
Game 2 ( Shield Semi) v RockmountUtd
In a 1st half dominated by the Park lads failed to take their chances against the tournament hosts Rockmount and found themselves 1-0 down after 20 mins, but a fine Nathan strike just on the stroke of halftime levelled the tie.
The 2nd half proved to be a different story, with the boys showing great determination and within 10mins into the 2nd half Junior, Cian and Liam had closed the game out on a 4-1 scoreline
Game 3 ( Shield Final) v St Mary’s
What a cracker of a final, heart stopping finish, who’d be a coach, the park lads dominated the first 35 mins passing and moving the ball with a supreme confidence and through fine strike from Leo, Colin, Liam and Nathan we were 4-0 up and cruising or so you would think but to be fair to St Mary’s they chipped away at the lead and a final 5 mins and extra time with the scoreline at 4-3, the Park Lads showed great character to defend at all costs to take the Shield Trophy back to the Kingdom!!
Squad on the Day: Jack K, Gavin D, Nick I, Cian P, Darragh M, Rhys K (C), Junior A, Nathan G, Liam T, Colin W, Leo G, John C, Terrence C, Sean T, TJ McM.
Well Done to all the Squad on a successful day in a tough mentally and physically demanding tournament.
Thanks to all the Parents/Supporters who travelled on the day
Next up a tough challenge on Tues Night KO 7pm at home v Listowel
