Incredible Inny FC U14s make history

Inny FC 1 - 0 Freebooters AFC

In an incredible story, Inny Football Club have captured the All-Ireland U14 Boys Cup title with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Freebooters of Kilkenny, at Evergreen FC Club, Kilkenny on Sunday.

Victory is a truly outstanding achievement and, if anything, surpasses their success in the Connacht Cup the previous weekend. A stunning goal from Patrick Wallace and a defiant penalty save from ‘keeper Colm O’Rourke were the big headline moments from a final of real quality, played in glorious sunshine, and it was the passionate travelling supporters who were celebrating when the final whistle sounded.

They had to overcome Dublin side Home Farm en route to Sunday’s final and, while it seemed that fatigue could be a factor as the second half progressed – given their hectic schedule this season – Inny FC always found enough to consolidate their narrow lead. They can thank heroic goalkeeper Colm O’Rourke for ensuring they kept a clean sheet, while a moment of brilliance from Patrick Wallace ultimately decided the issue.

For a small club in the corner of Westmeath, with a limited playing membership and scant resources, it is truly a phenomenal achievement, and they relied largely on the goodwill of neighbouring clubs like Mullingar Town for their facilities during the course of this history-making bid.

Coaches Garry Doyle and Tommy Keena produced a wonderful team, one which played with skill and determination, always willing to make that extra push which eventually took them to victory against a formidable Kilkenny club with a much bigger base. All season it has been that David versus Goliath theme, but on every occasion, Inny FC came out the right side and it’s credit to their resolve to have done so.

Colm O’Rourke was named the official Player of the Match afterwards, but it was a victory for collective resolve and indefatigable team spirit. There were scenes of sheer ecstasy when the U14 Boys Cup was presented, and Inny FC players rejoiced together in a moment that will live long in their memories.

Inny took the lead with a super strike from Patrick Wallace after 19 minutes.

Wallace latched on to the ball over 30 metres out and unleashed a brilliant strike that found the top corner of the net, giving the diving Freebooters ‘keeper no chance.

It was a pretty even first half but Inny, in fairness, had a slight edge, with Wallace and Bertolo prominent in midfield, while Oisín Keena, Orme and Doyle had their moments in defence. ‘Keeper Colm O’Rourke looked comfortable and the main threat came from the Freebooters centre-forward Ciaran Treacy, who was never afraid to have a go at the opposition. His final shot just lacked the necessary venom on a few occasions, but the warning signs were there.

Inny attacked early doors but a cross from Wallace was cut out after two minutes and the Westmeath side had to clear their lines moments later when Freebooters had a throw deep in the opposition half. Freebooters had a decent opportunity on six minutes but the Inny defence stood firm to block Peter Quinn’s effort.

A minute later, Inny had an opportunity of their own but Wallace was denied after a strong run took him to the byline. A corner by Ben Loughlin was cleared by the Freebooters defence soon after. Bertolo had a great chance in the tenth minute when his left-footed effort was smothered by Michael Beagan in the Freebooters goal.

The Kilkenny side were lucky to survive at this stage as Dara Foley turned the ball over his own crossbar while Bertolo saw a shot flash over the top following a long throw by Conor Fox – a tactic that was a feature of the first half. Freebooters were dangerous, though, and their powerful centre-forward Cian Treacy had a chance after fine control in the 18th minute, but Inny survived: it was a moment carved out of relentless play and persistence on the part of the Kilkenny boys.

Monster kick-outs from ‘keeper Michael Beagan were a feature of the Freebooters play and it meant Inny FC had to be very focused and resilient at the back. However, the game turned on a moment of magic when Wallace unleashed that brilliant shot to the top corner, leaving Beagan scrambling and while the Freebooters’ ‘keeper was quite adept, he failed to keep the ball out.

The water break gave both sides a chance to reset and intensity levels increased thereafter, but the score remained unchanged: Oisín Keena was excellent in defence when needed and Treacy’s final shot near the end of the half lacked the necessary power.

The second half began with Wallace forcing a corner. Inny had a series of corners then and Lawlor’s final one was only scrambled clear.

Freebooters were growing in confidence and had all the momentum in the third quarter – their chance-creation well ahead. However, the Inny defence remained strong, brave and resolute.

Harry Trehy had a chance after a corner in the 12th minute but he was narrowly wide of the target.

A serious spell of pressure from the Kilkenny side ensued and the crossbar came to Inny FC’s rescue in the 19th minute – Treacy’s effort turned on the metalwork by James Nea in what was a key moment.

Having soaked up that pressure, the water break was a welcome one for the Inny FC side, who saw Keena’s shot from distance tail wide in the 21st minute. O’Rourke was to emerge as a key figure in the Inny FC goal and his handling was excellent at times. Donie Cahill and Treacy were both denied by the Inny number 1.

However, the big opportunity arrived in the 28th minute of the half when Peter Quinn was fouled by Liam Doyle, resulting in a penalty. Donie Cahill had the chance, but O’Rourke saved his initial shot before the Freebooters’ number 4 fired over on the rebound.

It was dramatic and seminal in equal proportions. Later, from a long delivery, Quinn’s header was easily dealt with by O’Rourke, who produced another good reaction save.

That was the story of the half – when Freebooters threatened to get the equaliser, Inny FC were there to stymie their every effort. There was both relief and joy when the final whistle sounded and it must have been music to the ears of the many travelling supporters, who raced on to the pitch to greet their young heroes.

Scorers - Inny FC: Patrick Wallace.

Inny FC: Colm O’Rourke, Liam Doyle, Jack Hegarty, Darragh Orme, James Nea, Oisín Keena, Antonio Bertolo, Patrick Wallace, Adam Bracken, Senan Brody, Oisín O’Farrell, Harry Brennan, Robert Whelan, Cian Lawlor, Conor Fox, Ben Loughlin, Zack Timoumi, Keelan Harvey.

Freebooters AFC: Michael Beagan, Dan Comerford, Dara Foley, Donie Cahill, Jamie Fahey, Aidan Malone, Peter Quinn, Harry Trehy, Ciaran Treacy, Jamie Kavanagh, Danny Greene, Odhran Cantwell, Noah Flynn, Jack Ryan, Daniel O’Connell, Sam Kerwick, Sam Antonesa, Enoch Mich.