JUNIOR SUPER CUP – ROUND 2
Fermoy 4 Park United 1
On a cold, windy evening, Fermoy Juniors travelled to Mitchelstown to play Park Utd in the next round of the cup.
The game started with end to end chances with both teams trying to get a grip of the game.
It was great to see the future of Fermoy Juniors with Piotr and Scott stepping up and playing crucial roles within the team. Piotr tried to settle some nerves going into a tackle, but coming away with a yellow card 5 minutes in.
With Park wasting some chances and Driscoll pulling off some saves, Fermoy opened the scoring with a cross from Scott Doyle to Sam Barry. He hit the keeper, but Nicky had followed in, and he put away the rebound.
This seemed to settle Fermoy, and shortly after that, Minghan took on the left back and, once he passed him, laid the ball off to Oran in the box. He rifled it home to the top corner.
On 40 minutes, Minghan took advantage of the Park defence backing off him to pinpoint a bullet into the bottom right corner.
Changes were made at half-time and it resumed end to end action, with Park trying to get back into the game, but it was Fermoy who put a lid on the game with a brave finish from Sean Mac as a looped ball from Scott Doyle was put in between Sean and the keeper rushing out.
Shortly afterwards, Park’s keeper was sent off due to handling outside the area after Sam was put, though, but nothing came from the free kick.
Nearer the end of the game, confusion between Driscoll and Richie ended up with the ball being deflected into Fermoy’s own goal
The juniors continue their impressive form, making it now one loss in 10 in all competitions since the turn of the new year.
U8
The U8 boys welcomed Rockmount to Carrig Park in their first league match. It was a fantastic afternoon of soccer with both teams putting in strong performances. Well done to the boys who showed fantastic skill throughout the matches.
U9
It was the first of the CSBL league for U9 boys at home to Watergrasshill. Great play by both sides throughout the games.
All the training is paying off as we can all see the skill levels increasing week by week. Well done, lads.
UNDER 10 GIRLS LEAGUE
At a sun-drenched Carrig Park, our brave girls took to the pitch again as the Carrigtwohill girls came to visit.
Thank you to all the wonderful mothers who took time out of their relaxing day to make this game happen. The girls were in fine form for both sides, and a very sporting game ensued.
From the Fermoy point of view, it gave the coaches and supporters great joy to see back heels and drag-backs, and lots of movement took place. These are the things we work so hard at in training, and when they come off, the fun follows.
On the day Aoife, Lily (with her first for the club) and Lauren buried the ball in the onion bag during the game.
We thank Carrigtwohill for making the trip. One of our players was so keen to welcome the visitors that they went to Carrigtwohill first, before realising it was a home game. But these things make us stronger, and Dervla performed heroics at the back when she arrived shortly after kick off. Next week, we may try the same tactic!
U11
Our U11s travelled to St Mary's. Great to get a game on grass for the boys and conditions were good. Great passages of play with the boys really putting what they are doing at training into match day. The boys are going from strength to strength and it’s great to see. Well done boys.
U11A Boys
The U11A boys played at home v Pearce Celtic . Great passing, savage goals, and most of all, some unreal teamwork. These boys give it 110% with passion and drive. Well done, you make us all super proud.
U13
DIVISION 1 EDGE WILTON IN HARD-FOUGHT WIN
Fermoy secured a well-earned 2-1 victory away to Wilton United at Pat Bowdren Park. Despite a physical battle, Fermoy stuck to their game plan and took the lead after 17 minutes when Daniel Walsh set up John O'Sullivan, who played in Sean Jones to slot home
Just two minutes later, Zeb assisted Jones, who squared for Gavin Quirke to finish, giving Fermoy a 2-0 half-time lead.
Wilton pulled one back from the penalty spot in the second half, but Fermoy’s defence, led by Tom Ryan and Finn, stood firm. Goalkeeper Alex made a crucial late save, while midfielders Oisín and Diarmuid controlled possession and disrupted Wilton’s attacks. Kai and Zach also showed great composure under pressure. Captain Zeb, facing his former club, delivered a standout performance in a determined team effort.
A resilient and well-deserved win for Fermoy! Well done, boys.
LOCAL CUP U14
Leeds 0 Fermoy 2
A break from the league this week for the lads with a short trip to premier division Leeds.
With the pitch in great condition, Fermoy were a bit tentative in the early stages .
As the half went on, the lads grew in confidence.
Some good goalkeeping by Dean and solid display by the defence and at the other end one or two chances created meant Fermoy were in a good position at halftime level at 0-0.
In the second half, Fermoy got a grip on the game and with a nice flick from Trystan to Brandon, who beat the defender and neatly finished to give Fermoy a deserved lead.
Leeds kicked up another gear and were unlucky with the crossbar saving Fermoy this time.
Shortly after that, Brandon was released on the left. He cut in and finished with a powerful strike to extend the lead.
The boys held on for a good win. A super squad performance against a fine side. And the boys can look forward to another day out in the cup. Well done, lads.
U16 LOCAL CUP
Fermoy 1 Kinsale 1 (Fermoy won on penalties)
Fermoy's U16s progressed to the next round of the Local Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Kinsale. On a beautiful morning at Carrig Park, the game started in frantic fashion, with both sides playing direct football, and struggling to get a foothold in the game.
After ten minutes, Fermoy's midfield of Rob, Tyler and Fionn began to win control of the match, playing a smart passing game, moving the ball quickly, and dominating possession. This became the key to the match. Chances were few and far between in the opening period. 0-0 at half-time.
In the second half, Dylan joined the midfield and continued the fine passing style that was evident in the first. Rob capped an excellent individual performance with a sweetly taken goal, making space for himself in the box, before arrowing a fine strike high into the net.
At the back, Corey, Adam, Oskar and Paddy showed great discipline again in their defending, limiting Kinsale to long range efforts. Kinsale's leveller came from an overhit cross from 40 yards out on the wing, sailing straight into the far corner. A body blow for Fermoy with the clock running down.
Extra time on a warm day was challenging for both sides but all the lads stuck to the task. Arran, Leon, Steven and Lewis put in great shifts, tirelessly closing down their opponents and chasing elusive opportunities.
Tyler came closest to nabbing the winner when he whipped in a free kick that rattled off the crossbar.
Penalties were needed. Tyler, Arran, Dylan and Fionn remained composed to slot home their spot kicks. In the end, it was Harry's heroics in goal that claimed the victory, with two fine saves in the shootout, sparking jubilant scenes among the players. Harry was mobbed by his teammates in the celebrations.
Thanks to Kinsale for a great game. A tough way for them to lose but they were a credit to their coaches. Thanks also to the ref for officiating. Roll on the next round!
U17 PREMIER DIVISION
St Mary's 2 Fermoy FC 2
Premier football was secured for next season as Fermoy took a well-deserved point from St Mary's. Fermoy travelled to St Mary's, knowing a point would secure Premier football next season and relegate the home team in the process.
Fermoy got a more than deserved point on the day with goals from Conor Depius and Cathal McCarthy. It is a fantastic achievement from the whole squad. This team has grown from strength to strength over the last few seasons.
Well done lads you should all be super proud of yourselves.
CSL LOCAL CUP
Fermoy U16A 0 Kilworth Celtic 2
Fermoy hosted Kilworth in the first round of the local under 16 Cup. Fermoy were looking for a positive result against our close neighbours. A recent league fixture against the same side didn’t go to plan and we wanted to show a better version of ourselves.
Fermoy with a change of formation started brightly and were the stronger side for the large part of the first half. Some strong tackles let Kilworth lads know they were in for a game and we pressed them at every opportunity which resulted in quick turnovers.
Arthur, playing in midfield, found time and space to attack the Kilworth defence and a great shot from him went wide after a fantastic piece of play.
Noah and Marcin up front worked tirelessly and harried and hassled Kilworth and forced a number of turnovers. The middle 4 of Arthur, Darragh H, Darragh C and Caio worked their socks off.
Darragh Costigan was very good on the ball and he created a number of opportunities. Some fresh legs for injured Caio and Noah saw the introduction of Tommy and Kaelin.
Tommy up front offered a lot of strength going forward and was straight into the action causing problems in the Kilworth back line. Kaelin, when on the ball, created a number of defence-splitting passes which unlocked Kilworth’s back line. A few dubious offsides came to Kilworth’s aid.
A free into the Kilworth area saw their keeper misjudge the flight of the ball and Darragh Costigan just cleared the crossbar with the resulting shot.
Just before half-time a Kilworth player created a good cross field pass and released their winger. The resulting shot was saved by David and the same player finished from close range to make it 1-0 Kilworth. This was a setback as the lads were well in the game. The half-time whistle blew and we regrouped.
The second half started with Fermoy strong in the tackle and letting Kilworth know we are not to be taken for granted and left it all on the field. Sustained pressure from Fermoy saw corner kicks won. Unfortunately we were unable to finish some of these as Kilworth defended the set plays well.
Arthur on two occasions broke clear from the Kilworth defence. In one of these occasions Arthur’s shot was cleared just as it was about to hit the back of the net. Kilworth to their credit were starting to apply pressure and with one attack some hesitation in the Fermoy back four saw Kilworth add a second goal. 2-0 Kilworth.
A further introduction of substitutes Mathew Ryan and Tadgh Lynch saw some great play on the left hand side of the field. Matthew made a number of solid tackles and clearances to keep the Fermoy team in the game. Tadgh Lynch on the left side sent in some quality crosses which unfortunately were not capitalised upon.
Darragh H moved to centre back for Conor Donnellan and Conor offered more forward play from the middle of the park. Conor linked up well with Kaelin and Arthur and created a few opportunities. Darragh H now operating at centre back played like he found his natural position on the field and enjoyed the duels in the air and slide tackles.
Brendan, Luke and James worked tirelessly throughout the 80 minutes and this game will be of great benefit in their football development.
Overall, the management team were very proud of the spirited performance from the Fermoy squad and showed they can compete with a Kilworth side made for higher divisions than division 4.
Thanks to referee Ian for officiating a great sporting occasion for both sides. Best of luck to Kilworth in the remainder of the competition.
SENIORS RESULT
Fermoy 1 Youghal 4.
CONDOLENCES
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of two cherished Fermoy club men, John Fitzgerald and Jim Turner.
John Fitzgerald, a former chairperson, was a driving force behind Fermoy Soccer Club for many years. Hailing from Kiladangan, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, John stepped into the hot seat during the 1980s, championing soccer in Fermoy at a time when other sports dominated. His dedication and passion for the game left a lasting mark on our club and our town.
We also mourn the loss of Jim Turner, our adopted Tipperary man. While working for Bank of Ireland in Fermoy, Jim became an integral part of our club, a formidable presence on the pitch throughout the 1990s. A rock in defence, he struck fear into any centre forward who dared encroach on his space and played a key role in bringing home many trophies for Fermoy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones during this difficult time. May they rest in peace.
