Oatlands U14 Gaelic football

Oatlands U14 Gaelic team on the way to their emphatic win against De La Salle, Raheny	One of Oatlands ten goals against De La Salle, Raheny

Trials started in September and it was clear from the start that interest was very high. Good early season performances against local rivals Colaiste Eoin and St. Benildus set Oatlands up well for the beginning of this year’s competition. The group stages have since proved comfortable with 3 easy victories against poor opposition, leaving Oatlands in a Quarterfinal.

The team has started to take shape with several players staking strong claims for inclusion. Indeed competition has been intense for places on the panel with great turnouts at training since the beginning of the year.

Several players from last year’s victorious u14 team are playing key roles again this year. Alan Nolan is again solid in goals, with Oisin Geogehan proving to be an able deputy. Dillon Mulligan, Ronan Carney and Mark Kavanagh are providing excellent leadership for the younger members of the squad. Sean Mahon and Paul Sheridan are forming a formidable midfield partnership, showing great strength and skill.

1^st years James Kavanagh and Giovanni Boccarossa are providing Oatlands with a lethal cutting edge up front, scoring at will. Jack Memory, Thomas Clarke and Kevin Murphy are all playing excellent football.

In defence Ian Goulding, Niall Murphy, John Huben and David Devereux are all doing an excellent job. Jamie Fernandez has proved to be an inspirational Full back, storming out with the ball time and time again.

At this stage there is still places on the panel up for grabs with several players impressing. Mark Hanratty, Ryan Jennings, Ryan Moore, James Butler, Andrew O’Malley, Dean Clarke, Matthew Pearse, Kenneth Kelly, Simon McGinty have all played well in the games so far.

Sterner tests will lie ahead for Oatlands and all players are well aware that 2 more big performances will deliver a trip to Croke Park and a place in the Dublin final.