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Castleknock Celtic Under 13s win Fingal Harmony Cup.
On Saturday 20th August Castleknock Celtic U13s secured their first Trophy of the season in dramatic style, beating a valiant Esker Celtic on penalties.
After a good pre-season and with many new faces joining this progressive club, Castleknock Celtic U13s were looking forward to their first ever 11 a side game. Taking place on the wonderful pitches in the AUL, Castleknock played with great style, keeping the ball on the perfect surface at all times - credit to the team and to the AUL groundsmen. First up was Baldoyle and a super game all round. The first goal came from tricky wing play by Gentian Ramadani, crossing to the oncoming Ibrahim Camara who slammed the ball home. Ten minutes later it was pay back with Ibrahim powering down the wing and finding Gentian in space in the penalty box who slotted home with great skill. Baldoyle came back strong and scored in the dying moments but 2-1 it finished.
Game 2 was against Drumcondra and again Castleknock started the brighter. Dawide "Glue Gloves" Biernat in goal set the scene and played short to his full backs, Sam Power in particular catching the eye with clever movement and passing. Dylan Coyne was bossing midfield aided by the impressive Jake Rice, Ben Nolan, Ben McDonagh, Ciaran Murtagh and Awwab Melad and it was Dylan's mazy dribble that brought the foul for the all-important penalty. Ibrahim stepped up and 1-0 it was. But Drumcondra battled hard and a long ball over the top was finished in some style to make it 1-1, the way the game ended.
And so the Cup Final saw a battle of the Celts, Castleknock versus the fancied Esker. It was a tight contest all the way through, Dauda Danson in particular holding firm in defence, helped by Jatin Ramesh, James Murgatroyd and Cianan Carey. Castleknock on top first half, Esker improving second half. With chances at a premium it was Dawide who made two fine saves and and so it was the dreaded penalty shoot-out. After 11 successful penalties it was "Glue Gloves" who took centre stage, Dawide leaping to his right to make a fine save. What a finish to the Tournament and a well-deserved victory. The last challenge was for Captain Ciaran Murtagh to lift the Harmony Cup to great cheers from his teammates and supporters and take the Fingal Harmony Cup back to Castleknock.
