Over the Easter Weekend a small group of our Under 14 players and adults travelled to Scotland to take part in the Glasgow International Easter Cup. This would be the first time that a Mallow schoolboy team would participate in such a tournament.

The Glasgow Easter Cup is a renowned international tournament catering for age groups ranging from Under 9 all the way up to Under 17 as well as this there is a ladies section and as such attracts scouts from all over the British Isles and Europe to view the talent on show over the two days.

On Easter Saturday we were based at the Greenfield Football Centre which had nine full sized pitches and numerous small sided astro turf pitches. There were twelve teams in our age group and we were divided into three groups of four teams with the group winner guarenteed a semi final spot and the best placed runner up getting the remaining spot.

Our first match on Saturday would see us take on East Kilbride side EKYC Yellow 97’s. Our boys started very well and attacked from the kick off and were rewarded for this early pressure when the Kilbride side conceeded a penalty. This was smartly tucked away by Jack Singleton after five minutes. The Kilbribe boys were in all sorts of trouble and could not cope with Mallow's constant pressure and just before half time conceeded a second penalty. Jack Singleton would again give their keeper no chance with the kick and at half time we led 2 – 0.

The second half was ten minutes old when man of the match Jack Singleton completed his hat trick with a free kick from the edge of the penalty area. We were well in control now and numerous changes were made so that as many players as possible would play. Emmanuel Fow would get our fourth goal when he reacted quickly to a loose ball in the penalty area. With time almost up East Kilbride would get on the score sheet with a breakaway goal to let the final score 4 - 1.

Our next match which kicked off two hours later was against Glasgow side Maryhill Harp FC. This game was a much closer affair but we got the breakthrough when Luke Delaney cut in from the left wing to shoot past the advancing keeper. There were chances for both teams as the halftime break approched but none were taken so at the break we had the lead. The second half followed the same pattern. Mallow's lead was increased on fifteen minutes when Craig Lynch would run to the front post and volley home a corner to give us a two goal advantage. There were some anxious moments in the closing minutes as Maryhill got a late goal and piled on the pressure to try and get a draw. There was relief as the final whistle went as we had another victory this time on a 2 – 1 scoreline.

We had two hours to wait before our final group match against Renfern Victoria FC.

We knew we could not afford to lose and our opponents needed a win to progress. This was our toughest match with many of our boys feeling the effect of knocks from the earlier matches. Play was pretty even with both sides having chances. The breakthrough would come from a corner that we failed to defend and so Renfern were a goal up after fifteen minutes and we were behind for the first time in the tournament. We reacted well to this setback and after good midfield play Emmanuel Fow would release Luke Delaney with a lovely through ball to beat the advancing keeper and tie the match. There was no further scoring in the match and as full time approched we knew we were in the semi final on Sunday morning. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.

An early start on Sunday morning would see us going to the Glasgow Green Football Centre which had better quality playing pitches. There were nine grass pitches and one fullsized astro turf pitch and eight small sided astro turf pitches. This was to be a huge test for the boys as we would play the Athlone Distric Leagues Kennedy Cup Team. We new it would be a very hard game and for large periods of the match we were pinned back in our own half. Our defence held strong and Mallow keeper Brian Guerin kept the Athlone attack at bay with some very smart saves. The game would end scoreless and so to the penalty shoot out. Many of our boys were out on their feet but they found that extra strength in the shootout. The turning point came when Brian Guerin dived to his right to save the third Athlone penalty. Mallow would score all theirs and win the tie 5 -3 and in doing so advance to the Championship final two hours later against Clydebank United. This match with was a very physical demanding match on our lads who had given everything for the semi-final victory but in doing so made their task in the final even harder as many were carrying knocks and were very tired.

This Clydebank team is made up of many players who are already signed by clubs such as Rangers, St.Mirran and Dundee Utd. and act as a nursery for many other Scottish clubs. They have a team of professional coaches looking after them on a daily basis. We knew that we would be really tested but at this stage we had nothing to loose as reaching the final had surpassed anything we had expected before the tournament. Clydebank would prove to be too strong and would run out 5 -0 winners. On the day it must be said that Clydebank were the best team on display and fully deserved to win with some very gifted young players on their books.

Overall the tournament was a huge succes from Mallow United's point of view as our players proved that they can compete with the best and judging by the inquiries from watching scouts who were very impressed with some of our players I would not be surprised if some were invited for trials later in the year.

Over the five games played not a single yellow or red card was shown to any one of the team. We went not knowing what to expect and came away as the only Irish team to reach any final. Our players played with great commitment and as i have already said many watching scouts were very impressed. Well done to all you did yourselves, your club, and your town proud.

Group results:

Mallow United 4 East Kilbride 1, Mallow United 2 Maryhill Harp 1, Mallow United 1 Renfern Victoria 1.

Semi-Final: Mallow United 0 Athlone Distric League 0 . Pens, 5 - 3

Final: Mallow United 0 Clydebank United 5.

Mallow Panel: Brian Guerin, Craig Lynch, Bo Tung,Gavin Lehane,Luke Delaney, Kevin Doyle, Jack Singleton, Gavin Kearney,Kevin Leahy, Billy Walsh, Trevor McEvoy, Nathin Healy, Surong Naglajhtira, Arron Touhy, Conor Mansfield, Dylon Cronin, Emmanuel Fow, Charlie Lillis

Report courtesy of Ger Spillane. Photos from the tournament, taken by Ger, can be seen here

"Cork Under 11s had a great win in the Frank O'Byrne Memorial Tournament in Waterford yesterday. Four leagues were invited, Waterford, Kilkenny, South Tipperary and Cork.

Cork's semi final opponents were S. Tipperary. Cork started nervously enough but goals from Pierce Phillips (Rockmount) and Keane Buckley (Mallow United) put them 2-0 ahead. However S. Tipp. pulled one back just before half time. The second half was a stop start affair punctuated by lots of substitutions and S. Tipp. eventually got a late equaliser with a good long range effort, bringing the game to penalties.

Cork held the nerve better and won the shoot out 5-4 without missing a penalty. n the other semi final Kilkenny beat the hosts Waterford 3-0.

The final produced a superb display of football from Cork, with great performances all over the pitch. Conor McCarthy (Blarney United) put Cork into a deserving lead in the first half. Great attacking play produced a second from Keane Buckley (Mallow United). Kilkenny briefly rallied with a goal 5 minutes from time. However Ross Welch (Corinthian Boys) cracked a super 25 yarder to the roof of the net to tie the game up for Cork. Team photo here

On last Saturday May 29th the Schoolboys section of Mallow United was privileged to have Mr. John Delaney CEO of the FAI in St.Gobnait’s Park to officially open the new clubhouse. The weather held dry as the guests, players, and parents gathered for this momentous occasion. Schoolboy soccer has been thriving in Mallow since its formation over thirty years ago and continues to grow with the number of boys in the club increasing every year. The large crowd listened to the various speakers in anticipation of the introduction of John Delaney for the main event. After making a short speech Mr. Delaney formally declared the new clubhouse open as he unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion. The building was blessed by Fr. Leader.

As the schoolboy section now have a home to be proud of it was good to meet so many past committee members who had contributed to the development of soccer in the town over the years. The building was constructed by OL Construction and much thanks must go to Ronan and Shane O’Leary and all the other workers who produced the clubhouse we now have for our schoolboys. There were refreshments served in the marquee by Matty Taylor and his staff of Food Capers. Many stories of past matches were discussed over a cup of tea or coffee. During the evening there were two matches between Schoolboy teams from the club to entertain those present. When the matches were finished the Schoolboy player of the year awards were presented to all the award winners by Schoolboy chairman Paul Cosgrove.

Since the schoolboy section was formed just over thirty years ago in 1979 the schoolboy teams had no real home to call their own. From the outset a home venue was hard to secure with games being played in the Town Park, then St.Gobnait's Park for a while, and from there the committee secured a pitch at Summerhill from the U.D.C. Summerhill was home for about ten years until the start of a housing development there and so it was back to St.Gobnait’s Park again.

It was at this point that Mallow United set about trying to secure St.Gobnait's as a home for our schoolboy section. By now the Schoolboy section was a thriving club with many league titles won and many of our players securing places on the Cork Schoolboys League teams for their inter league competitions and development squads.

Over many years of hard work by many previous committees and individuals the dream of a proper home for our Schoolboy section became a reality. Less than twelve months ago the sod was turned by the then U.D.C. Chairman James Kennedy himself a former Mallow United player. Mention must also be given to Margaret Desmond of RAPID for her help over many years dealing with different committees and always offering solid advice to get us here to day. The Dept. of Arts, Sport and Tourism also provided grant aid for the clubhouse. We thank too the various town councils who were only too happy to help with providing a home for our schoolboys. We had a number of meetings with the local residents which proved to be very constructive.

A special word of thanks to the present committee of Mallow United for the hard work that they have done in recent years to get this project to its final conclusion. With the club growing every year we can now look forward with hope that we have a home and clubhouse that can cater for the increasing numbers who want to play for our schoolboy section.

Photos from the opening can be seen here.

Origins of our Club's Schoolboy Section

The Schoolboys section of Mallow United is now preparing for the start of a new era for soccer in Mallow with the opening today of their New Dressing Rooms/Clubhouse at their ground at St.Gobnait’s Park.

When the Schoolboy section was set up in 1979 a series of underage town leagues were organised. These leagues were such a success that the Mallow United committee decided to enter one team in the Cork Schoolboys League for the 1979/80 at Under 12.

From this begining the first Schoolboy trophy arrived in 1981 when the U.14 Div.1 League title was won. Since this first trophy many more league successes have followed. In the season just finished our U.11 Premier league side retained the league title. Over the years many of our players were honoured with selection on the Cork Schoolboys League teams in the Kennedy Cup competition. Some have been on International panels and in the last couple of years many of our players have been involved in the leagues developement squads.

Currently there are eleven underage teams in the schoolboy section ranging in age from Under 7 years to Under 16 years. The people who are in charge of these teams all hold the FAI Kick Start coaching cert. As the demand on the Club to enter more teams in the various leagues increases the demand on you the parents also increases. To continue to expand the schoolboy section we are appealing for more parents to get involved and thank those who have helped out so much already down through the years.

(Stephen O’Brien 41) (John Browne 13, Anthony Bowles 37, Keane Buckley 52)

Mallow United attained a unique achievement by claiming a second consecutive successive Under 11 Premier League title by winning their final game of the season. It was an away win versus Wilton United at an immaculate Lee Rd. Park on Saturday morning last, May 15th. In a last day decider which had all the permutations fit for the English Premier League, Mallow United had to match or better Springfield Ramblers result. Ramblers would start their day just a point behind Mallow, with their final game against Cup finalists College Corinthians in the VEC grounds in Cobh. All the while Carrigaline United were watching on more in hope than expectation as they started the morning level on points with Mallow but had finished their league programme. So only a combination of unlikely results would give Carrigaline the lifeline of a playoff scenario.

From the start Mallow took the game to Wilton and, cheered on by the large away support, settled well. The first opportunity of the game came in the third minute when a cross from Keane Buckley found Anthony Bowles in the box but a combination of early nerves and the presence of the Wilton defence bearing down on him meant it was to be a missed chance. Buckley was starting to cause the Wilton defence all sorts of problems and flashed a shot just off target. Mallow made the break-through in the 13th minute when a shot from just out-side the area by Joe Lane thundered back off the cross bar. The quickest to react was fellow striker John Browne who finished expertly with a diving header. The rest of the half was a succession of chances for Mallow with Kevin Taylor, Anthony Bowles, Keane Buckley and the tireless work horse who is Ronan Barrett all impressing in mid-field. Joe Lane and John Browne’s constant movement up front had the Wilton defence working over time, however Mallow could not improve on their one-nil lead and Wilton were glad of the half time whistle.

The second half was to turn out to be one of the most exciting of the season and played at an amazing pace which was a credit to both sets of young players. Mallow again started the brightest when front man Lane found himself straight through on goal after a pin point through ball from Taylor, however it just wasn’t happening for him as he shot high and wide. Mallow were to increase their lead in the 37th minute when yet more trickery from Buckley on the left found Bowles in the box but unlike in the early moments of the game he made no mistake and coolly found the bottom corner of the Wilton net. Many in the ground would have been forgiven if they thought that this was going to be the start of the celebrations for Mallow .However Wilton had other ideas and were going to make sure that they weren’t going to be accused of handing Mallow the title.

Wilton started to press the Mallow defence who up to this point had a fairly comfortable morning and after winning three corners in succession scored a fantastic goal. With the corner swung in Mallow failed to clear their lines and the ball fell to Wilton centre half Stephen O’Brien who drilled a ball from all on 20 yards which left Mallow Keeper James Lowe Fogarty with no chance. Wilton had the majority of play at this stage put the Mallow back four of Dillon Mc Aulliffe, Jack Creedon, Trevor Mc Evoy and Daire Cronin Jenks held firm and showed just why the management team had such faith in these four . Four players who were a constant fixture in the team throughout the season, along with Keeper Lowe Fogarty who only leaked a miserly 12 goals in 18 games. His hard work proved to be the best defence record in the league by a country mile. However Wilton showed no desire for statistics or reputations and continued to press. Mallow nearly came unstuck in the 50th minute when a ball over the top found two Wilton players behind the Mallow back four. The cries of off-side from the Mallow contingent in the crowd fell on the deaf ears of the referee and but for a spectacular save from Lowe-Fogarty Mallow surely would’ve been in trouble.

Mallow United found the strength in depth they’ve relied on so many times throughout the season and again pressed on. Chances again came and went with substitute Eoghan Sheehan missing from close range. However on a day when Mallow were destined to shine, man of the match Keane Buckley picked up the ball wide on the left just inside the opposition's half and went on a trade mark run beating three players before coolly slotting past the un-rushing Wilton keeper. Mallow were to see out the rest of the game in the comfort zone, and Jamie Lynes contributed well as a substitute for Ronan Barrett.

After the final whistle there was a mixed reaction of delight and relief for the Mallow United players, management, and supporters. Team captain Trevor Mc Evoy received the Kevin Dillon U-11 Premier League Cup from Cork Schoolboy League Secretary Mr. Eddie Doyle on behalf of the team.

Manager Seanie Browne was delighted with the win and paid tribute to all 16 players in the squad for their hard work and determination to improve and compete at the highest level throughout the season. He also thanked the parents who supported the lads throughout the year and ensured they were always at training and drove to all the away matches. He also paid special tribute to Darren Browne who picked up an injury whilst playing with the junior team early on in the season, who then gave up his time to help coach the lads and became an integral part of the coaching staff.

Next up for the lads will be the Danone Cup which will be run in the coming weeks.

Squad: James Lowe Fogarty, Dillon Mc Aulliffe, Jack Creedon, Trevor Mc Evoy (c), Daire Cronin Jenks, Kevin Taylor, Anthony Bowles, Ronan Barrett, John Browne, Joe Lane, Keane Buckley, Stephen O’ Callaghan, Billy O’Malley, Eoghan Sheehan, Jamie Lynes, Joshua Byavu.

Photos here.