Another action packed weekend of football.

The Lough Derg FC juniors were in Munster Junior Cup action on Sunday, facing a potentially tricky trip to Shinrone who would relish a visit from a premier division side. Derg emerged with the win but were made work very hard for it.

Derg had a dream start when Jason Comley found the net after only 4 minutes. Oisin Conacur saved a penalty to protect that lead but Shinrone did find a breakthrough to square it at 1-1 at half time. Derg started brightly in the 2nd half but had nothing to show for it. Shinrone wrestled the momentum and made it count benefiting form a Derg own goal. With an upset in the cards the Derg young guns from the u19 squad came to the rescue off the bench. Dan Furey made an immediate impact scoring a contender for goal of the season to level it. With 15 minutes to go Cian Oakley scored to put Derg 3-2. Cian McAuley provided energy and game management for the last 10 to see out the same and give the Derg lads safe passage to the second round. Next week is FAI Cup week and Derg will welcome Rosegreen to Clarisford for a Super Sunday.

Lots of schoolboy and schoolgirl football over the weekend.

In Friday night football the u15B boys went down to Holycross 3-1. On Saturday u13b girls went down fighting. Coaches are proud of this squads growth and big performances came on the day from Aideen O’Gorman, Pola Dober and Lucy Bourke.

U15 girls came out the wrong side of a 5-2 score line v Holycross. A slow first half cost them but they can take heart from a fine 2nd half showing.

Better fortune for the u18 girls with the combined Birdhill/ Lough Derg team earning a 5-0 win against a gallant Borrisokane in an excellent game. The girls led 1-0 at half time through Alannah McCole. In the second half an Ellen O'Donnell double pushed the DergBirds clear with further goals coming from Ava O'Malley and Fiona Delaney. Plenty of positives from this amalgamation intended to keep girls in the game. On a sunny Saturday morning on Birdhills magnificent new pitch it certainly looked like the girls are having fun. There is a couple of vacancies on this squad, especially for a goal keeper! Born in 2005 or later.. this could be for you.

The u13B boys made the trip to Villa Park and came up against a very impressive young Killavilla side. It was a tough morning for the Derg lads but Luca McKeogh put Derg on the scoresheet with an excellent free kick from 25 yards.

Derg showed improvement in the second half and they never lacked for effort.

Stand out on the day for Derg was Ryan Noonan who marshalled his defence well and stepped out confidently with the ball whenever possible.

Things to do this week

· Membership for all squads is now due - Lough Derg FC | Other (clubzap.com)

· We are now on winter training schedule. See previous post or check in with your coach.

· Feeling lucky – subscribe to our club lotto. Every week we have a winner. The jackpot is now €2675. It could be you… Play here Lough Derg FC - Home - Our Grassroots

· FAI registration squad sheets need to be submitted. Check with your squad coach when they are being signed.

Thanks all for your continued support. Teamwork makes the dream work!