Good wins for Inny U11s in Longford League

Inny V UCL

Inny U11s (REDs) played UCL Harps FC (away in Gowna, County Cavan) in the Longford and District Schoolboy/Schoolgirl League on Saturday December 14. It was an excellent and confident 4-2 win for Inny against a talented UCL Harps side.

Great passing and control of the ball from the Inny players. Inny were 1-0 up in the first half through a long-range power shot by Cullion’s Sean Reynolds and were unlucky not to be more up through the efforts of forward, Coray Galligan of Macetown.

In the second half, Inny went 2-0 up after a super individual effort by Cullion’s Donagh Bourke. However, within a minute of the restart, UCL got one back, and within another few minutes, it was 2-2, two great goals for UCL by the talented Reilly brothers, UCL’s main attacking threat.

Inny didn’t lose composure, and thanks to a super header off the line by Jack Shelrick of Collinstown plus some good saves by the ever versatile and acrobatic Inny goalkeeper, Daniel Brady of Cullion, they stayed in the match,

It took a super individual goal from Inny centre back, Whitehall’s Killian Hardman to separate the sides. Killian powered through from defence, slotted the ball in the bottom corner to make it 3-2. After more pressure from the home side, Killian then got his second goal, again using his strength to power home after an excellent through pass from midland by Donagh Bourke.

Individual Inny performances

Man of the match went to Killian Hardman for his super defending and his two goals. Killian had a “Trent Alexander type performance”, according to coach Eamonn Brady. Special mention to Rourke Fitzpatrick of Collinstown, who covered defence superbly when the likes of Killian went forward. Donagh Bourke and Finea’s Sean Gaffey controlled midfield making tackles and passes that gave Inny the edge.

UCL, one of the best teams in Longford league, drew 4-4 with Inny’s same team twice last season. UCL stands for Ulster, Connaught, Leinster (based in Gowna), so they have the pick of players from south Cavan (Ulster), south Leitrim (Connaught) and north Longford (Leinster). They currently field three U11 teams in the Longford District League and hope soon to have a fourth due to the growing popularly of soccer in their catchment area, much of which is due to their success despite being situated in such a GAA stronghold.

Inny U11 friendly

Inny held an ‘internal’ friendly game for U11s at Castlepollard GAA Astro on Wednesday December 18, the Red Team vs the Yellow team. They were evenly matched and there were many goals, saves and most importantly great camaraderie on the night.

Final U11 game of 2024 (Inny vs Gaels Maroon)

An impressive 5-1 was the score for Inny U11 (Reds) against Gaels Maroon (Drumlish) in the Longford and District Schoolboy/ Schoolgirl League on Saturday December 21 at home (Cullion Astro). Inny went 1-0 up in the first half with a well taken goal by Fiachra Scally (Mullingar), set up with a superb pass by Sean Reynolds. Early in the second half, Gaels equalised. But Inny didn’t put their heads down, and there were goals by Kai Brazil (Castlepollard), Fiachra Scally, (set up by Kai), Fiachra (for his hat-trick, set up by Cody Sheridan of Castlepollard), and Killian Hardman putting the cherry on the cake with a great individual effort running solo from defence. All 10 Inny players put in a great display with lots of passing, playing out with the back, and attacks which could have ended with more goals. MOTM to Sean Gaffney for a skillful midfield performance. It was a great way to end 2024 on a high for Inny U11s.

Two teams

Inny U11s growth in player numbers this season has been “phenomenal” said coach Eamonn Brady. “After starting the season in September with one team, our playing numbers have more than doubled as other sports finished and new recruits arrived, meaning we now have two U11 teams, Red and Yellow). Adding our Yellow team in October, coached by Castlepollard’s Colm Byrne, means more games time and opportunity for all our players.”

Background

Inny Football Club are based in Streete. Their underage teams compete in primarily in the Longford District League. Inny Rovers are the only Westmeath team in the league with which includes teams from Longford, Leitrim, Cavan, and Roscommon. Inny FC were founded in 2009 and provide opportunity for players of all ages and abilities to enjoy soccer. With a catchment area from Finea down to Mullingar and all surrounding areas. In recent months and years, Inny FC girls and boys teams have had great success both locally and nationally.

The success of Inny FC was highlighted by the then U12 boys winning a prestigious national title, the Cook Cup, in July 2023, beating Shamrock Rovers of Dublin in the final. That was preceded by the same team winning the Longford District League, in which they won 50 out of 59 games in two seasons. Many of the other Inny teams are performing well in their leagues. That same team coached by Gary Doyle (now U14) are through to fifth round of the SFAI Cup following their win over Galway giants Knocknacarra on Sunday November 14.

Welcome

Inny FC always welcome new players, U11 coach Eamonn said: “If your sons or daughters are looking to for an opportunity to play with a club that is highly regarded and successful, and retaining the small rural community, friendly ethos, get in touch. Inny FC have an equal opportunity philosophy, so if your kid are interesting in joining or even trying soccer for the first time (no pressure to commit) message Inny FC on social media, email innyfc2023@gmail.com or asking locally.

Inny FC cater from U6s to seniors, girls and boys; they run academies, have indoor with outdoor facilities and plans for a new astroturf at Streete (more announced soon) and more to improve all areas of the club from bottom up, all in line with FAI guidelines.

Inny FC is a volunteer-led club, and without volunteers, the north Westmeath community and the parents who take their players to training and matches week in, week out, the club would not be what it is today.