It was a very busy Saturday as the county u13 boys leagues commenced and our teams all impressed. Well done to all our teams and we wish them al the very best in Round 2 next week

Our teams play in Groups B, E, G and J and thanks to all the management teams putting for their hard work and excellent reports

U13 GROUP B Gaeil Colmcille 3-9 Cilles 1-8

Travelling inland today away from the coast we knew the heat would be raised as we travelled to Gaeil Colmcilles for our first u13 match of the season in Roinn B.

Before the game we asked our men to give a performance, work hard, understand they would make mistakes but understand that mistakes are ok, but how they would react to mistakes was more important.

With some great one on one battles all over the pitch we lead at the break by two points.

The restart found the same rhythm again and coming into the water break in the second half the sides were level.

Our forwards were working really hard in not just trying to score but prevent counterattacks also.

Our defenders repelled many attacks and got on the front foot to deliver quality ball to our midfielders who worked hard all day long and on to the attackers.

After the break the hosts scored an opportune goal and tagged on a point after too.

With a bit more guile in front of goal and some more assertive point taking the difference of seven in the end would not have been that, in fact we felt we could have won it.

Overall, performance, hard work and determined attitude was delivered in spades today. It will be up to us as coaches to fix the other things for the next day.

Onward and upward, thanks to all the parents and to our opponents on the day.

GROUP E v Longwood

Unfortunately our opponents, Longwood were unable to fulfil the fixture and the points were awarded to us.

GROUP G Moynalvey 3-8 Cilles 3-12

Great stuff today by the boys away v Moynalvey. A much bigger, more physical team, the led 2-4 to 2-2 at half time. It was nip and tuck all the way, there was a great defensive performance in quarter 3, great blocks and last gasp tackling to save a number of Moynalvey goal chances. Finally in the last ten minutes, Cilles managed to pull away with the midfield and forwards getting on top. The lads won a number of Moynalvey kick outs that turned into scores. A great learning experience overall with the much bigger pitch and against older, bigger opponents. Well done to all the squad.

GROUP J RATOATH 0-8 Cilles 4-11

An excellent performance from the young Cilles saw the points go to the Seasiders. On a baking hot day it was going to take a huge effort from everyone and so it proved against their excellent hosts from Rataoth.

The Cilles led this game from the start but it was only in the last quarter that the win was secured. In an excellent squad performance it was impossible to pick out stars. Super goalkeeping, strong defending, excellent midfield and stylish forward play were the order of the day. All team mentors and parents were delighted with the efforts and a great start to the campaign