Danny Twomey reflects on the last game for the U16’s this season, an excellent display but unfortunate losers.
Result St Kiernans 2-08 Parnells 0-11
The day was good and the pitch slightly soft as the young men of St Kiernans and Parnells met to contest the under 16 London Championship final. Twenty one days prior to this fixture both of these teams had fought out an epic league final with Parnells eventually claiming the London League title. Hopes were high that the ‘boys in blue’ would now claim an historic double against their old foes whilst St Kiernans played the role of the ‘wounded tiger’.
From the outset it was Parnells who made the early running. Luke McHugh and Liam Bakery at midfield were superbly aggressive to the ball whilst all of the backs were really on their toes. U14 Beanón Corrigan was giving an exhibition in being first to the ball at right wing forward and showing intelligent distribution to his teammates. Niall Bradshaw was having a titanic battle with the superb Michael English on the left and Lewis Dickinson gave trojan work on the ‘40’. The inside line of Ciaran Griffin, Conal White and Niall Twomey were unmarkable during this first period and many fine chances were created. After twenty six minutes of beautifully controlled football Parnells found themselves 0-5 to 0-0 in control and really looking good. Unfortunately, at this point the leaking of a very soft goal followed by a quick point allowed the battling St Kiernans back into the game. These scores really came against the run of play and visibly gave St Kiernans a much-needed boost in confidence. The half time score of 0-6 to 1-1 to Parnells was scant reward for the possession we enjoyed during this period. It is also fair to say that Parnells could and should have been a lot more clinical in the last third as it is usually the smallest of margins that separate these teams so the spurning of real scoring chances was very disappointing.
As expected the second half brought an inevitable resurgence from St Kiernans. Suddenly Parnells were having to dig deep and the loss of Michael ‘the warrior’ Walsh midway through the first half with injury was starting to tell. It was ‘backs to the wall’ stuff for the next twenty minutes for Parnells with Eamon Kane, Cormac O’Brien and Aiden Doran battling for all their worth to keep the Edgware men at bay. Darragh Griffin really showed his class during the ‘hard times’ whilst Jojo Thabo and Eoghan Riley had their usual massive games against St Kiernans danger men Matthew Joyce and Elliot McPhun respectively. Conor Doran had also contributed to a fine defensive display.
The second half though belonged to St Kiernans. It was a two-goal salvo from Conleth Gallaher that clinched victory for St Kiernans. Parnells though never gave up and even in the closing stages created goal chances which on another day would have been converted. Luke McHugh had his finest game yet for Parnells while his midfield accomplice, Liam Bakery has been in superb form all season. Both of these young guys have been great recent acquisitions for the club and are a huge reason why we are now well able to compete and on occasion defeat this excellent St Kiernans team.
Eoghan Riley just gets better and better. This guy’s willingness to work allied with his undoubted talent drew many compliments from watching spectators on the day. It’s fair to say that Niall Twomey also had a fine game, finishing with a tally of 0-6 and enjoying a great second half tussle with numerous markers. Lewis Dickinson (cool and decisive as ever) chipped in with three fine points whilst Beanón Corrigan and Eoghan Riley with a point a piece made up to scoring list. Goalkeeper Ricardo Esteves could not be faulted for either goal and his kickouts were sublime. Substitutes were Patrick Peach, Jack Curd, James Phillips, Sam Langan, Darragh Griffin and Aiden Doran; these young guys have all made a huge contribution to the club this year and with hard work have big futures in store.
Fair dues to St Kiernans on the day. For Parnells it’s a bitter pill. The lads though must take huge credit for their improvement over the last couple of years. Two fine games against quality opposition and a kick of a ball in it at the end. Well done to referee John Doyle on a fine game. Heads up lads, now drive on.
Thank you to all the lads for a great effort this year and to all the parents for their ongoing support.
