Our U 14 team played Killarney Celtic B at home on Saturday. The heavy rain of the early morning gave way to bright sunshine and perfect conditions by the time the match kicked off. Killarney started strong and both teams were evenly enough matched in the initial ten minutes. As the opening phase of the game wore on Fenit’s Midfield of Daithi Lenihan ,Christopher Murphy Sean Donnellan and Austin Clifford began to get the upper hand on their opponents. Murphy and Donnellan in the centre proved a formidable combination and with Lenihan on the right winning several crucial one to ones to get up the wing, Fenit began to exert good pressure on Celtic. Brilliant set up play by Fenit’s man of the match Ciaran Murray up front led to Fenit’s first goal, which Fiachra Ennis dispatched to the net with a Messi like finesse. Killarney responded well to Fenit’s goal, and Fenit’s back four of Cormac O’Brien, Adrian Nolan, Ciaran Carmody and Padraig O’Mahoney had their work cut out. O’Brien showed himself to be a classy player and deft tackler. O’Mahony an exceptional tackler never failed to beat his man, and get his pass off to Clifford on the wing. In the centre Nolan and Carmody were decisive and assured. The commitment of Fenit’s back four ensured that Brian O’Regan had mainly to deal with long range shots which caused him no difficulties. Two further sublime layoffs by Murray finished by Ennis gave Fenit a 3-0 lead at the end of the half.
Killarney came looking in the second half, but Fenit were more than able to contain them. Good play by Fenit’s midfield duo of Murphy and Donnellan and the electric pace of Ennis saw Fenit register their fourth. Murray latched onto a pass from Lenihan, dribbled passed two defenders before unleashing a thunder bolt to make it 5 for Fenit. Stephen Dolan played well up front when introduced for Murray ensuring the Celtic’s backs were under pressure. Good inter play started by O’Mahoney at left back saw Clifford put his name on the score sheet. Sean Donnelan scored a fine shot from distance to make it 8 for Fenit. Harry Tyrell and Oisin Le Gros both gave good accounts when introduced. Tyrell gave a dogged performance and a fine run saw LeGros made it 9 nil for Fenit. O’Regan faced down Celtic penalty with a fine save, and finished with a clean sheet.
The score line didn’t do justice to Celtic who had several very good spells when Fenit’s metal was tested. Over all Fenit gave a good solid performance. Murray and Ennis were outstanding, with Murray’s intelligent unselfish play and hard work earning him Fenit’s man of the match.