Another glorious weekend of footballing fun in the autumn sun. Evens age groups were in action in cups and plates and plenty of great matches played and memories made.

U14 boys got the job done in the Cup semi-final winning 3-1 at home to Borrisokane. U14 girls lost out though in the 14/15 Shield playing well against BT Harps but going out of the competition. We’ll be back.

A clean sweep for the u12s guys and gals in action. 12A Boys booked a place in the Cup final getting the better of Borrisokane in the Sunday Game. Seeing full backs bagging goals galore gives this hack / writer plenty to be optimistic about as the seeds are being well sown with our youngest age groups in the arts of the beautiful game.

I happened to catch the very end of a cracker in Templemore as the 12Cs recorded an epic 4-3 win in the Shield semi-final. Having led all the way, the Derg boys resolve could have been broken as they were brought to extra time. They dug deep, stood tall and got the job done. A young man with a wonderful work ethic made magic memories, scoring 4. Sean O’Brien, kudos to you. Work hard, stay humble. It was a far from a one man show though, with every player bursting a gut. Team work definitely makes this dream work. Dream on boys, there is a final to come.

U12 girls too had a day to remember travelling to Newport and coming away with the spoils. 2-5 was the score line in this Shield semi and the pictures of these super soccer sisters say it all. Fun, friendship, fitness and first class football. Go girls!

Speaking of Soccer Sisters, Saturday evening brought a showcase game of footballing females in our club. The young pretenders – u16/17s took on the Junior ladies. The game was top quality. The young ones burst into a 2-0 lead only to be reeled back in on the closing straight with the juniors scoring 2 to tie it. A fair result in a great showcase for footballing females in our club, for all ages.

Elsewhere on Saturday the Youths were disappointed, going down 4-1 away to BT Harps. There is more in this squad. Some days we win, some days we learn.

Sunday morning saw Cup action in Clarisford. Juniors were hosting Moneygall in the quarter final of the Ricky Fogarty Cup. First 30 minutes was a stalemate, fiercely competed but neither side getting a breakthrough. Some tactical changes gave Derg the upper hand and once they found their rhythm they rested control. Jack O’Mahoney scored 2 quick fire goals before half time to give Derg breathing space. Control was key to the second half performance. Derg, with strength in depth coming off the bench, including some future stars from the youth squad, controlled the 2nd half and a stunning strike from Luke Hession was the icing on the cake for a 3-0 win.

With all the competitive action it’s easy to forget about the academy. All age groups are in full swing now, with hundreds of happy kids and a lot of hard working coaches having fun in the Saturday Morning sun. Same again next week.

For the coming week

· Position specific coaching commences Monday night, 28th Sept. Queries to Donagh O'Shaughnessy

· Bulk ordered new season kit has arrived and looks brilliant, and online shop up and running.

https://www.dssports.ie/?s=Lough+Derg+FC

· Lotto jackpot has rolled over to €1250. Unlike on the field, every week we have a guaranteed winner. If you like what we do and would like to make a meaningful difference, please support our online lotto https://www.ourgrassroots.ie/club/loughdergfc

· Referees wanted. Players / former players aged between 16 and 18 can complete the course and be available to referee small sided games. Give back to the game and earn too.

· If you haven’t already, download Clubzap. We will be moving our Covid registration and communications to this platform.

Have a great week!