Last Friday morning the U12 boys set off at 6am from the complex for their long awaited trip to Blackpool to play in the Blackpool Cup. Spirits were high and the early start didn't bother them. They finally arrived in Blackpool after having loads of fun along the way especially on the boat. With spirits still high they set out for the opening ceremony in Blackpool Tower where everyone was treated to live entertainment and the boys were introduced with the National Anthem being played for them.
Saturday was the start of the tournament,
the boys kicked off against Whiteacre Wolves from Scotland, they won 5-0 with goals from Cathal Egan, Alex McCauley, Billy Butler, Darragh O Gorman and Sean Whelan.
Game 2 saw the boys winning 10-1 against St. Fiaccs from Carlow with goals from Alex McCauley 3, Cathal Egan 2, Sean Whelan 2, Jamie Blake, Conan Mangan and Darragh Heaney
Game 3 saw them paired against FCS Ronaldos from England, they got a 1-1 draw to top the group on goal difference. The goal came from Alex McCauley.
They went to see what Blackpool had to offer Saturday night and had great sport on the piers enjoying the amusements and rides, team bonding at its best.
Onto Sunday for day 2 where they were in semi final action against a very good Midlands team from Ireland they went down 2-1. Cathal Egan with the goal.
The 3rd/4th place playoff was next on the horizon, the boys played West Coast from Scotland and won 3-1 to finish the tournament in style. Goals from Cathal Egan 2 and Sean Whelan.
The boys gave everything and were Unlucky to come up short as overall winners.
The closing ceremony followed shortly afterwards, the boys received medals and trophies to represent their exceptional effort over the weekend.
The long journey home started Monday morning, again with the boys in fine form. The late nights/early starts all weekend hadn’t phased them or dampened spirits in the slightest.
After their brilliant behaviour and performances displayed all weekend on and off the pitch every one of the boys can be extremely proud of themselves. They represented their club, town, county, country and most importantly themselves and their families amazingly. They played with great pride and respect all weekend.
The players along with their coaches are extremely grateful to everyone who contributed to make this trip a reality. Without people’s generosity none of the above would have been possible.
In conclusion, The boys have made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Stories will be told and retold long after their playing days are behind them.
Saturday was the start of the tournament,
the boys kicked off against Whiteacre Wolves from Scotland, they won 5-0 with goals from Cathal Egan, Alex McCauley, Billy Butler, Darragh O Gorman and Sean Whelan.
Game 2 saw the boys winning 10-1 against St. Fiaccs from Carlow with goals from Alex McCauley 3, Cathal Egan 2, Sean Whelan 2, Jamie Blake, Conan Mangan and Darragh Heaney
Game 3 saw them paired against FCS Ronaldos from England, they got a 1-1 draw to top the group on goal difference. The goal came from Alex McCauley.
They went to see what Blackpool had to offer Saturday night and had great sport on the piers enjoying the amusements and rides, team bonding at its best.
Onto Sunday for day 2 where they were in semi final action against a very good Midlands team from Ireland they went down 2-1. Cathal Egan with the goal.
The 3rd/4th place playoff was next on the horizon, the boys played West Coast from Scotland and won 3-1 to finish the tournament in style. Goals from Cathal Egan 2 and Sean Whelan.
The boys gave everything and were Unlucky to come up short as overall winners.
The closing ceremony followed shortly afterwards, the boys received medals and trophies to represent their exceptional effort over the weekend.
The long journey home started Monday morning, again with the boys in fine form. The late nights/early starts all weekend hadn’t phased them or dampened spirits in the slightest.
After their brilliant behaviour and performances displayed all weekend on and off the pitch every one of the boys can be extremely proud of themselves. They represented their club, town, county, country and most importantly themselves and their families amazingly. They played with great pride and respect all weekend.
The players along with their coaches are extremely grateful to everyone who contributed to make this trip a reality. Without people’s generosity none of the above would have been possible.
In conclusion, The boys have made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Stories will be told and retold long after their playing days are behind them.
