A massive crowd from the parish went to Finn Park tonight to support our young celts in the county final. With the way the boys have been playing all season, they have been fantastic in how they played throughout really showing what the academy is trying to achieve.
Unfortunately, tonight was not the performance the boys hoped for and the academy philosophy didnt shine as it has all season, however they worked tiredlessly and to the final whistle. Swilly Rovers went 1 nil up in the first half with a good strike, that the Celtic keeper would not of got to with a ladder due to the size of the goals!!
At one down, there was 3 very good chances with Jamie Doherty’s effort being blocked on the line and 2 Eoin De Burca effort saved well by Kyle Burns who was very good in goals for Swilly. Unfortunately, no goals came, and with a good 15 minute spell in the second half pushing for an equaliser, we were caught on the break which left us chasing the game from then on. The boys showed great character and determination led by captain Donal Mac Giolla Bhride, to keep working hard to the final whistle, and Eoin De Burca had a great effort saved well by Burns again.
On the balance of play however, it is fair to say that Swilly Rovers played the better football throughout, passing really well with Dylan Dorrian and Frankie Campbell standing out. On the Night, They were deserved winners, so a massive well done to them.
To our support, thank you all, the massive crowd who travelled from Gaoth Dobhair shows the support within the community. Go raibh mile maith agaibh!!Overall the young celts had a fantastic Champions League campaign and No.2 in the county at their level, what an achievement that is for all involved and for the Academy. We are really showing were making head-ways very fast and progressing rapidly in our players development with our new coaching curriculum only in operation 14 months.
Next up for the U12 Academy side is the NW Cup Final next week, after topping the league and reaching the Champions League Final, what a way to finish their years development off. Coinnigh Leis!! Maith Sibh A Cheiltigh!!!!