The Kilmeena U-14 Boys team commenced indoor training in December in preparation for the season ahead. A total of 28 boys were registered with an average of 20 players attending each training session.
After two successful challenge games in March, our lads participated in Division 1 of the league grouping against Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris, Parke and Moy Davitts. Despite performing well in all six games, our lads were unfortunate only to pick up a single win against Parke.
Following another block of well-attended training sessions, in mid-June, we were drawn to play Kiltimagh at home in the opening round of the championship. Here, our lads left everything out on the pitch and deservedly came away with a win by the smallest of margins. Seven days later, we came out on the wrong side in a hard-fought battle against Castlebar Mitchels.
This game signalled the end of the road for our lads in the County Championship. However, we still had Féile Peil na nGael to look forward to in the last week in June. We were privileged to host St. Ergnats of Moneyglass from Co. Antrim for the tournament. The opening game was in Swinford, and Kilmeena showed their class and recorded two impressive victories at this venue. The following morning on our home turf we came up against our hosts, St. Ergnat’s, where we retained our one 100 per cent start to the tournament. That same afternoon in our quarter-final we lost in controversial circumstances to a Glenullin from Derry.
That evening we held a social event at Gracy’s Bar, Westport, where families from Kilmeena and our guest club could interact. A great night was had by all.
Three weeks after our somewhat successful Féile campaign, we faced Breaffy away in the West Mayo “A” quarter-final. Despite being quite depleted with injuries, we ran out comprehensive winners after a dominant second-half display. In the semi-final, these injuries finally caught up with us, and we were well defeated. This game marked the conclusion of the U-14 Boys’ season.
The loss of three players to injury, undoubtedly restricted our success this year. We wish a speedy and full recovery to Daniel Kelly, Donal Hastings and Rian Kilcoyne.
Special thanks to Teddy McDonnell (Teddy’s Fashions) for the sponsorship of a set hoodies for the boys at the end of the season.
Overall, 2019 was a hugely enjoyable year. From a management’s point of view, all the players have had considerable game time during a most satisfying year and improvements in fitness and skill levels noted. We hope to see all the lads donning the Black and White again in 2020!