Carrigaline United AFC is the biggest amateur football club in Munster and has recently enjoyed huge success for some of its underage teams over the last few weeks.
Carrigaline United U13 Boys complete The Double
It’s been a memorable season for the Carrigaline United U13 Boys soccer team and their manager, Brian O’Neill. Fighting on all three fronts over the last 9 months, the boys ended up winning the Roy Keane U13 Premier League, the Cork Local Cup, and reached the semi-final of the National Cup.
Having qualified out of Cork in the National Cup, the lads faced away ties throughout the Spring against Crumlin, Portlaoise, Clonmel and Pike Rovers from Limerick. After a remarkable run, the boys finally bowed out at the semi-final stage a few weeks ago. Beaten, unbowed, and more to come……
Back to League and Cup duties over the last few weeks, the boys finally tasted the success they deserved by winning the Cork Local Cup in Turners Cross on Wednesday May 9th, defeating Castleview 3-0.
After the celebrations died down, the team regrouped three days later to play their final league game on Saturday May 13th. With a point required to secure the League, again the boys played brilliantly and clinched the Roy Keane U13 Premier League with a 3-0 away win against Wilton.
Many words have been used to describe this team over the last year. Talented, committed, courageous and disciplined are just a few. But most importantly of all, they’ve provided us all with great memories, and have forged bonds and friendships that will last for years to come. To the U13 “Band of Brothers”, congratulations and thank you, from your Coaches and all your supporters at Carrigaline United AFC!
Carrigaline U14 Girls win the U14 Permanent TSB Cup
Last Sunday, 14th May, in glorious sunshine in MTU Stadium, the U14 Girls of Carrigaline United, managed by Mark Hayes defeated a very strong Douglas Hall to win the inaugural U14 Permanent TSB Cup. This was always going to be a very tight, exciting, game between two strong teams who’s games this year have been very close, not to mention that both teams competed against each other a year previous, on the same day, to try and win the U13 cup final. After going 1-0 down in the first ten minutes the Carrigaline girls had to settle and compose themselves quickly, which they did and struck back with a goal before half time. In what was a very exciting game for spectators, Carrigaline, on a very solid defensive platform, began to create more chances in the second half as they pushed for another goal. After continued pressure their second goal arrived with eight minutes to go and the Carrigaline girls saw out the rest of the game, holding possession high up the pitch, to record a fantastic win!!!
Last Sunday, like all season, it has not been just about 11 players, it has been a fantastic squad effort with all 20 girls contributing to this cup final success.
To see the joy on all the girls faces at the final whistle, while jumping and embracing their teammates on the pitch, the scenes of girls holding jerseys out of car windows, while car horns are blowing, as they brought the cup back to Carrigaline, will live long in the memory for players, coaches, and parents. Successes like these are built on hard work and huge commitment from all the girls, support from their parents, dedication from all our coaches while facilitated by our fantastic club. Congratulations girls on a great win and fantastic day ye gave us all!
Carrigaline U14 Premier Team go Undefeated.
For most Schoolboys league teams, the beginning of the league in August brings a feeling of expectation and hope but for this U14 team things were a little bit different!
The team the majority of which had been together for eight years and had come through the club’s academy had just lost its manager and were due to lose 7 players to the national league come the New Year. Most teams in my opinion may have ceased to exist in these circumstances but what actually unfolded was, a fantastic team that would demonstrate the courage and commitment of the team and club.
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