U-14 FOOTBALL

Following last year's success in winning the Leinster A title this year's team followed with great endeavour. They won South Leinster again and reached the Leinster Final for the second consecutive year only to lose out to a fine team from Marist Athlone.

C.B.S U-14’s started the year with a hard-fought victory against their old rivals Good Council in Eire Og. Nothing could affect the excitement of the day and Portlaoise came out deserving winners by a single point. Portlaoise saw staggering performances by many of their players. Darren (Barney) Maher shone in goal as Wayne Mc Fall and Alan Dowling provided a rock solid defence. Larry Fitzpatrick and Cathal Og Greene dominated midfield as Joey Delaney and Colm Lalor provided the C.B.S attacking power.

The next match was against Newbridge, away from home, was played in miserable conditions but never the less Portlaoise dominated from the start. Portlaoise kept on the pressure and won well. Great performances coming from Mark Delaney in defence, Cathal Og Greene in midfield and up front Scott Conroy, Kieran Delaney and Michael Tierney performed well.

The next game brought Portlaoise to their first loss of the campaign. It was a game of two halves with our opponents dominating the first half while Portlaoise took command of the second. Despite their comeback, Portlaoise allowed themselves to fall too far behind and were beaten by three points.

Portlaoise had enough victories to reach the South Leinster Final where once again we came up against St. Peters, however, Portlaoise got their revenge.The game was a quick paced one with St. Peters taking an early lead, but their full back line could only hope to  cope with Portlaoise’s lightening quick forward line which tallied a score of 4  4. It was not just the might of Portlaoise’s forward line which won the game but the brilliant overall team performance.

Portlaoise then went on to face St. Davids of Athlone in the Leinster Semi-Final. Portlaoise took an early lead but four first half goals gave Portlaoise a scare. An inspiring pep talk from Mr. Donlon and Mr. Duggan sent Portlaoise out with all guns blazing. The defence cleaned up and with the forwards kicking scores at will Portlaoise came out on top.

In the Leinster Final Portlaoise’s dreams of doing a double were soon shattered by a superb Marists performance. Portlaoise tried throughout but Marists determination proved to be too much for Portlaoise on the day.

The whole squad wishes to thank Mr. Donlon and Mr. Duggan for their hard work and commitment all year.

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