Clontarf U14s through to SFAI National Cup Last 16

What a day, Feb 3^rd 2024 will live in the memory of the Clontarf boys and their supporters for many years to come.

It had been a six week build up the game since the draw on December 22^nd but we got a sense in the league games and training leading up to the that the lads were looking forward to the game.

Thanks to the club we filled a bus for the u14 team, the u10 team and supporters for the trip

We were in the Red kit, kindly sponsored by Damian and Sinead Markey of Markey Construction to avoid a colour clash with Nenagh who were in all blue.

The first half was a nervous affair with both defences on top.

Clontarf got joy from our attacking full backs, David Pepper on the right and Lucio Colella on the left.  The Nenagh goal was tested with shots from Derin Jonmark in the 15^th min and Dylan Jordan in the 23^rd min, both narrowly missed the target.

As the half progressed the midfield of Eddie Ross, Ryan Caffrey and Marc Woods got us up the pitch more often, the introduction of Cormac Nolan added great energy to the middle of the park

At half time it was 0-0.

In the second half Clontarf really started to take hold of the game, our centre backs Seánie Whelton and Max Murphy mopped everything up at the back which enabled the midfield to push further up the pitch.

Derin up front was proving to be a nightmare for the Nenagh defence with his strong running and shooting but the ball would not go into the net.

Then on the 55^th minute, a beautiful through ball by Zaid Al Mesry set Derin up for a shot into the bottom corner, to the delighted of the team and travelling supporters.

For the next 5 mins it was backs to the wall with Seán de Burca in goal claiming a number of crosses and bringing such composure to the Clontarf defence.

Nenagh had to commit players to the attack as they searched for an equaliser, but this left gaps in their defence which Jake Osborne and Derin capitalised on for Derin to get the second and made the last few minutes of the game a little less nervy. Then it was time to celebrate as the ref blew the final whistle and the team and supporters celebrated as one after a hard fought win for the lads.

Thanks to Nenagh for hosting us and providing tea and sandwiches after for everyone which was greatly appreciated.

Onto the last 16 now, on the weekend of the 24^th February where we could face teams from Cork, Mayo, Donegal, Limerick, Tralee, Waterford or Dublin.

But this team of lads from Clontarf won’t be afraid of anyone

Match day Squad

Seán de Burca, David Pepper, Lucio Colella, Eddie Ross, Seánie Whelton, Max Murphy, Ryan Caffrey, Dylan Jordan, Derin Jonmark, Zaid Al Mesry, Marc Woods, Jake Osborne, Cormac Nolan, Adam Thompson

Injured Cathal Markey, Jared Quinlan, Robbie Porter