This has been a brilliant year of the Under 14 Premier, which saw them reach the last 32 of the SFAI Cup, the quarter final of the NDSL Cup but the icing on the cake was the winning of the NDSL under 14 Premier league ,becoming the first team from Ashbourne to win a league at this level. (Hopefully our 17's should follow suit within the next week).
The final run in saw Ashbourne behind St. Kevin's by 15 points, with games in hand, the team went on a run that ended by defeating St Kevin's by 3 goals to 2, in an outstanding last game of the season and taking the title by 4 points. What is more remarkable is the squad only consisted of 13 players for the whole season, so the commitment of the players has to be admired. Who said 13 was an unlucky number???
In goal there is the every dependable Michael McKiernan, new to the team this year, who is one of the best shot-stoppers around and a safe pair of hands behind the defence.
The back four of David Murtagh, right back, solid in the tackle all the time, Shane Melia, excellent reader of the games, covers the back line with effortless ease. Stefan O'Neil, again new to the team this year, brave and solid in the air and on the ground, Eoin Joyce left back, up and down the line every game .
In midfield with have the silky skills of Paddy Rock, on the left wing. On the right wing we have, the hard tackling and tricky Justin O'Connor. In the mid field Shane Ryan, in each match he covers every blade of grass on the pitch. Neil Shortall, great winner of the ball on ground and in the air. Closing off the mid field is team captain Andrew Colgan, team's dead ball specialist, who has made many a goal this season. Up front we have the speedy Ciaran McGrath, knows how to finish when in front of goal, teams top scorer this season. Evan Rodgers, great target man, holds the ball up well and scored some very important goals this season .Adam Hughes, excellent runner with the ball.
To the team sponsors of GGL Security, who provided a home kit for this season, the team would like to say thank you.
The management team of Paul Colgan and Paul Joyce would like to thank all the parents for their support and efforts over the season, In particular the Three Amigos Declan, Derek and Jimmy, whose wit knows no bounds and who make a great cup of tea.
The bar has been raised for next season and we are sure that this team will meet the challenge