Hugh Lenihan receiving the Siobhan Cotter Shield from Sinead Cotter.
Siobhan Cotter Tournament: A sun lit Churchill pitch at the Spa saw the annual Siobhan Cotter tournament play out between Ardfert, Austin Stacks, Ballymac and Churchill.
Overall it was a great day with some very close and entertaining encounters. The games were played in good spirit by the players and enjoyed by the spectators on the field.
Churchill wish to express their gratitude to everyone that helped make it the day it was; from the home teams and mentors, the travelling clubs, the referees and the parents and club members that contributed to the treats that were donated or helped out on the day. We also wish to thank the Cotter family who support this traditional end of season tournament and always make themselves available on the day.
The final results saw Austin Stacks retain the cup with a total of 17 points from 8 wins and a draw. Churchill performed admirably and only for a few unlucky results could have won the tournament out right.
In the end Hugh Lenihan was presented with the Shield from Sinead Cotter on behalf of Churchill for finishing 2nd in the competition on a total of 15 points from 7 wins and a draw.
Churchill Game Reports:
U10:
Our U10s gave a great display of football and teamwork during the tournament, getting better with every game. First up was a game against a physically strong Ardfert side, and the Churchill players were slow to get into their stride. Though ultimately there wasn’t much to choose between the teams, Ardfert ran out winners by a couple of points, despite Churchill giving it everything and playing to the final whistle.
Following a short break, next up was a game against Ballymac and this time Churchill were up for the battle. From the throw in, Churchill gave it everything and soon got a few points on the board to give them confidence. Despite Ballymac getting an early goal, the lads heads didn’t drop and a couple of goals by Churchill meant they took a 5 point lead into the second half. Though Ballymac threw everything at Churchill in the second half, a great defensive display ensured the home side went on to record a morale-boosting victory.
Our final game was against Austin Stacks who had won their first 2 games, so Churchill knew they were up against it. However, encouraged by their previous win, the boys and girls gave as good as they got. In fact, they threw everything at Stacks and a cracking game was served up. A tense first half where the teams finished level at 1-1 a piece ensured this had the makings of a great second half. Roared on by the home crowd, the Churchill lads turned on the style in the second half.
A couple of quick goals after half time by Maurice Lenihan gave Churchill the upper hand and though Stacks, like any great team, fought back for a goal of their own, Churchill kept the scoreboard ticking over to ensure there would be no famous comeback from Stacks. Churchill emptied their subs bench and everyone that came on played their part. At the final whistle, the team were mobbed by the rest of their teammates and the victory by the U-10s ensured that the Siobhan Cotter Shield was secured. Well done to all players for 3 great displays – the benefit of their hard work in training and challenge matches during the year was clear for all to see.
U9:
There was a great turn out of U9s on Sunday for the Siobhan Cotter tournament.
First up was a mixed U9/10s Ardfert team. Although Ardfert had some stronger players throughout the field Churchill worked very hard to get into the game and in the second half finished very well and finished up with the points.
Our second game against Ballymac was a ding dong affair and our lads got off to a blistering start with some beautiful scores in the first few minutes. Ballymac battled back into the game but were limited by some tenacious tackling throughout the field by the Churchill players. The second half saw some tremendous football by both sides with Churchill leading up to the final few minutes and were unfortunate to lose by a few late scores from Ballymac.
Our final game with Austin Stacks was a tough battle and despite conceding a few early goals all Churchill players worked hard until the final whistle and deserve great credit for their never say die attitude.
Well done to the full panel on their performance and I’m sure they are already looking forward to next years competition.
U8:
The Churchill U8’s first played Ardfert in what was a very close encounter. Both sides showed off their skills and in the 2nd half Churchill got to grips with the game and beat Ardfert in what was a trilling finish. Sean Hickey, Paddy Hannifin, Micheal O’Sullivan and Conor McGibney played man of the match performances.
The 2nd game saw Churchill against Ballymac. Ballymac were physically strong and both teams were evenly matched until a Churchill goal just before half time. The 2nd half saw a dominant Churchill team and the ladies stood up to tip the scales towards Churchill. Anna and Riona played exceptional well and Churchill were victorious and now only had one game to make it three in a row.
The 3rd and last game saw Churchill against the Stacks. The Stacks team were very dominant in the first half and showed great passing skills. They were well ahead at half time and Churchill heads were dropping. Churchill regrouped and started to put pressure on Stacks in the 2nd half and their hard work started to pay off. A last minute goal saw Churchill draw level and this is how things finished up.
Unbeaten Churchill U8 should be very proud of themselves and all kids really showed great heart and team spirit. The U8 mentors were very proud.
U7:
The Churchill under sevens played with huge commitment and determination for all three games of the Siobhan Cotter. Our first game against Ardfert was neck and neck right up until the final whistle, in particular our defence of Austin Donnellan, Diarmuid Murphy, Sarah O’Sullivan and Ciara Quilter kept the Ardfert forwards at bay.
Our second game was a titanic struggle against a very strong Ballymac team, but in the end we pulled away to win with particular credit due to our midfield of Dara Harty, Tom Lenihan and Luke O Carroll supplied with quality ball from Cillian O’Brien.
Finally we were up against the might of Austin Stacks. The Churchill under sevens remained focused and played some fantastic football with huge efforts from all players. During this game Gavin Deasy, Cillian Burns, Conor Nolan, Billy Naughton, Caoimhe NicThreinfhir and Laia Nolan did Trojan work, covering the length and breadth of the field. This game drew a crowd and Churchill raced into an early lead, at half time we were up by two goals with the championship to play for, but stacks came back to pip us on the line and take the victory.
Throughout the competition our under sevens put on a wonderful display of quality football with steely determination, and deserve great credit for their efforts.
