Passion and skill. The reason why Soccer was invented.

Reaching two semi-finals and still unbeaten in the league, the Knocknacarra U-12’s are preparing themselves for a tough schedule over the coming months. Last Saturday in an emotional game they fought their way into the last four of the Connaught Shield when they finally overcame an excellent Maree/Oranmore. Enjoying the majority of the better play in the first half Knocknacarra were 2-0 up at half time thanks to the skilful left boot of midfielder Eoin Hynes. Coming in to the squad recently because of injuries Hynes has grasped his chance to shine with a superb game in the previous Cup clash with Claremorris and followed it up with a stunning display of skill and ability. Together with fellow midfielders Darragh Flynn and especially Tom McDonagh, they created chance after chance when combining with striker Ben Molloy. Special mention should go to the other forward Tobias Ritter for his selfless and untiring decoy runs that created gaps for others to exploit.

In the second half and with a scatter of substitutions Maree knew they had to fight and this they duly did with some strong pressure that resulted in two penalties, one converted, one missed. Just before full time they squeezed in another goal to leave things tied 2-2. Maree could have nicked it before the end except for some fine goalkeeping yet again from Shane Cooney.

Suffering from shock that their 2-0 lead had been whittled away Knocknacarra started into extra time looking shattered. Maree were on the ascendancy. Swarming over the Knocknacarra defence they soon took the lead for the first time. But this Knocknacarra team are nothing if not resilient and with a roar from their inspirational captain Alex Byrne they took the game to Maree. Starting the second half of extra time it was obvious that Knocknacarra were drawing on reserves of strength they never knew they had. Now it was Maree who were buckling and the tension was palpable from the large crowd of supporters that had gathered when they learned of the extraordinary battle going on. Byrne was controlling and shielding the ball beautifully, pinging passes to and back from wingers, forwards and midfield but always keeping possession. Finally finding himself up at the opposition’s penalty box he slipped a perfectly weighted pass to crafty Ben Molloy who gave his marker the slip and rocketed a shot to burst the Maree net. Heartache for the home team, but jubilation for the visiting players and the strong support that came with them. The one thing you have to compliment both teams for was the comradery of the squads and the superb quality of the penalty kicks that were to decide the contest. Kick after kick was dispatched expertly, a few were well saved but in the end Knocknacarra just edged it. 9-8 stood the score at the end. The U-12’s returned home relieved to have escaped but satisfied in the knowledge that they have the strength and commitment of character to achieve anything.

With the weather improving there should be a full compliment of games over the coming week.

The Junior A’s will be up early and hoping to pick up some valuable points when they travel to Castleblakeney to take on fellow bottom of the table strugglers C B Trotters this Sunday at 11am.

Picking up an easy three points last time out Knocknacarra’s U-15 squad will be keeping up the pressure on themselves to finish their season with a flourish as they host fourth place Devon in the league. With plenty of skill in this exciting team it should be a great game to support. Kick off 11am.

With the extra hour of light in the evenings kicking in, the Galway FA is anxious to make up lost fixtures and the U-14’s find themselves in action again this Monday when they travel to Renmore in the league. Knocknacarra will be looking for revenge for their recent defeat against the same team when they had all the possession but could not find the net. Kick off 6.45pm.

It’s been a while since we caught the U-13’s in action and this Saturday’s away match in the league should be a cracker. Last time out in the cup Knocknacarra gave Mervue a fright by playing a storming game that went all the way to the end of extra time. Coach Mike Buckley promises more of this spirit this time out. Kick off 11am.

The U-11’s meanwhile turn their attention back to league matters this Saturday when they travel to Furbo to take on Barna at 12.30pm. They’ll also see action against Devon in Drom next Wednesday at 7pm.

Finally, the exuberant U-8’s development league continues this Saturday on the astro turf behind Kate’s Bar.

Training continues for all during the week, details at www.knocknacarrafc.com.