Our U-14 Boys 2020 season came to a close last Saturday afternoon with a Division 1B home tie versus Laune Rangers. The pitch was in immaculate condition, the weather was fabulous, and our boys turned up tuned in and ready for the occasion, but alas things just didn’t work out for us on the day.

Missing our inspirational captain Shane O’Sullivan who couldn’t play on the day, coupled with an early injury to our centre back Cian Russell (who I am glad to say has recovered well from same) really stretched the ability of this small squad.

The boys fought hard but this Laune Rangers team is a fantastic squad of players and they were just too strong for us on the day and won out handy in the end.

The boys can be extremely proud of their efforts for the Blue & Gold this year.

We met in total 50 times (which is no mean feat given the coronavirus restrictions imposed early on), played 10 games with notable wins versus Legion and Rathmore (Phase 1 of County League, Kilcummin and Kenmare (Phase 2 of County League) and friendlies v Beaufort and Keel/Listry.

We lost to Kilcummin away (Phase 1 of County League) and lost away to Keel/Listry by the slightest of margins (Phase 2 of County League), so 7 wins and 3 losses is the summation of results for 2020.

We have a small squad of 19 players and each of them played their part in representing the club at the highest level they can play at being U-14 Division 1 football.

It was a strange year for everyone, we trained doing core work in the gym last November, broke for Christmas, back in January, broke in March due to coronavirus and back in late June again until last Saturday. Whilst the breaks were unsettling, it didn’t deter the enthusiasm of the lads and for that we must commend them.

Whilst we break again now until further notice, the management team of Adrian, Mike F, Denis and Mike would like to take the opportunity to thank the boys and their parents for all their efforts this year.

To the families, stay safe, to the boys, keep kicking ball and exercise whilst we break and make sure to keep supporting (albeit maybe remotely) East Kerry this weekend and our seniors thereafter in their Intermediate competition.

Adrian, Mike F, Denis & Mike