Moate Community Games soccer squads reach finals

A magnificent effort by both the u15 and u13 indoor soccer squads saw them both reach their respective county finals culminating in sweet victory for the 13s and heartbreaking defeat for the 15s. The 15s had battled bravely to the final with wins over Mountt Temple/Baylin, Tubberclaire and Ballymore and met Mount Temple/Baylin in the final. Despite leading three times in the final, the huge effort getting there eventually took its toll and they went down to neighbours 5-3. Every member of the squad contributed to a great team effort and with 3 of the 7 under age again next year, their day will come. Best of luck to Mountt Temple/Baylin in Leinster and beyond. Squad: L Duffy, D Fitzpatrick, J Corbally, C Allen, S Bracken, B Sayeh, R Cunningham. No such hard luck stories for the 13s however, who put in one magnificent performance after another to become County Champions and now go on to represent Westmeath. After a comfortable win over Delvin, they had to battle heroically to overcome, firstly, Retreat in extra time and then Ballymahon Road by a single goal in the semi-final. Any concerns that there may be nothing left in the tank for the final were dispelled by a breathtaking performance with victory over Mount Temple/Baylin by an 8-2 scoreline which was hard on the opposition. The fact that so many players on both sides play together for Temple Villa seemed to spur the Moate lads on and give them that extra edge. It is a great reflection on the state of football in general in this little corner of the county that both soccer finals were contested by the same clubs with honours even at the end. Well done lads and best of luck in Leinster. Many thanks to the coaches Jimmy, Niall and Richie. Squad: D Ennis, G Murray, A Ryan, C McGuinness, D Stone, A O'Neill, B Berry, S Coyne.