Ken Gannon Weekely Update

• Jun 18,2008

Umbro Kennedy U.13 Cup: The 2008 Kennedy Cup for Mayo was a pretty good campaign for Mayo, reaching the Bowl Final, before bravely going down to Wexford on penalties. Mayo only lost one game in regulation time, and that was to the eventual tournament winners and perennial favourites, the DDSL. The football played by Mayo, as usual, won many admirers and there were some noted performers on the pitch too. The boys over the week were a credit to themselves, their clubs, the county and to their families. Please read the match reports on each game.

 

Mayo 3-1 Wicklow
 

Mayo opened their Kennedy Cup campaign with a fine 3-1 win over Wicklow this evening. The match started at a frantic pace wih Wicklow closing down very quickly, forcing Mayo to play at a higher tempo. Mayo looked threatening with the searing pace of Ballinrobe Towns Aidan OSullivan, who was a thorn on Wicklows side all night. Wicklow had some intelligent attackers, who may have been small, but they kept Swinfords Michael Prendergast and Westports Padraig Keane on top of their game. Ciaran McFadden, who had Mayos best opportunities, finally broke the deadlock before half time with a good finish following good approach play just before the break.

 

The second half saw Wicklow nicking an equaliser following a mix up in communication, but Mayo showed lots of resolve to get back into the game and they were rewarded when Westport Uniteds Ciaran McFadden made it 2-1, finishing off an Aidan OSullivan move. Mayo began to play a more expansive game, which stretched Wicklow even more and completd the scoring with a free kick by Castlebar Celtics Noe Baba. It was a fine Mayo performance and they relish the task of playing Inishowen tomorrow noon, and a win there will set up an interesting, mouth-watering clash with the DDSL.

 

Mayo: Conor OMalley, Fergal Forde, Michael Prendergast, Padraig Keane, James ODonnell, Noe Baba, Cian Burke, James Stretton (Capt), Aidan OSullivan, Ciaran McFadden, Conor Byrne. Sub: Andrew Peters-Conor Byrne.

 

Mayo 2-0 Inishowen
 

Mayo are now relishing their game against DDSL this evening after their 2-0 win over Inishowen this morning in Limerick, but Mayo did not get it all their ways. In a first half that saw little in the way of clear cut opportunities, Mayo gave away a number of frees around the penalty area and goalkeeper, Westports Conor OMalley, had to clear one effort off the line with one Inishowen effort.

 

The second half saw little creativity on a bobbly, hard pitch with Ballinas Cian Burke anchoring the midfield, but it all changed midways into the second half when Kiltimagh/Knock Uniteds Conor Byrne crossed from the left, Claremorris Andrew Peters flicked on for Ballinrobes Aidan OSullivan to finish at the back post. It was relief for Mayo that found it hard to break down Inishowen. Minutes later, Andrew Peters made it 2-0 and the game looked safe. Mayo nearly made it 3-0 when Kilmurrays Gerard Haran flicked the ball past the defender but dragged his vemonous shot wide. Mayo knows that victory tonight will put them top and into the Cup proper tomorrow. Mayo cannot finish lower than second, so a draw or a loss will but them into the Kennedy Bowl, but it is all to play for.

 

Mayo: Conor OMalley, Fergal Forde, Michael Prendergast, Padraig Keane, James ODonnell, Cian Burke (Capt), James Stretton, Noe Baba, Aidan OSullivan, Ciaran McFadden, Conor Byrne.

 

Subs: Andrew Peters-Ciaran McFadden, Gerard Haran-Conor Byrne, Jake Gannon-James Stretton, Eoghan Lavin-James ODonnell, Steven Conroy-Michael Prendergast, Lionel Jordan-Fergal Forde.

 

Mayo 0-4 DDSL
 

Mayo took on Tournament favourites DDSL this evening in Limerick where victory would have guaranteed them top spot in Group Six. DDSL started brightly, raiding down the left and were ahead on three minutes with a quick break through the middle. Mayo recovered from that early setback and got really competitive with Cian Burke like a terrier in midfield, Aidan OSullivan causing problems and Andrew Peters looking lively. However, it was Conor Byrne that came closest for Mayo, when his inswinging free narrowly cleared the angle of the crossbar. Down the other end, there was some good defending and good goalkeeping on show to keep Mayo well in touch.

 

The DDSL laid siege in the second half and there was a double clearance off the line by Noe Baba and Westports James ODonnell but Mayo held out well into the second half before DDSL doubled their advantage with a cross cum shot. Mayo began to make some changes but the DDSL capitalised again to make it 3-0. Mayo did come very close when Gerard Harans clever flick and turn set up Aidan OSullivan, who was unlucky with his effort that just went wide. DDSL soon wrapped up the scoring, but in fairness, Mayo never let their heads drop and they worked very hard throughout the game, and it is unlikely that the DDSL would have a stiffer test than that would be posed on them than what a gallant Mayo side gave this evening.

 

Mayo will take on Kilkenny in the Kennedy Bowl quarter final at 1:00 tomorrow, with the winners taking on North Dublin or Drogheda on Thursday. It will be a tough game but Mayo would certainly have the capacity and the tenacity to progress into the semi final.

 

Mayo: Conor OMalley, Fergal Forde, Noe Baba (Capt), Padraig Keane, James ODonnell, Aidan OSullivan, Cian Burke, James Stretton, Conor Byrne, Ciaran McFadden, Andrew Peters. Subs: Marcus Moylette-Conor OMalley, Gerard Haran-Ciaran McFadden, Colm Nevin-Conor Byrne, Jake Gannon-James Stretton, Michael Prendergast-Noe Baba, Lionel Jordan-Fergal Forde

 

Mayo 1-1 Kilkenny (Mayo won 5-4 on pens)

 

Mayo advanced to the semi final of the bowl with Drogheda as their opponents in this keenly contested game in drizzly conditions in Limerick today. Kilkenny made the better start and took the lead early on following an attack from midfield. Kilkenny piled on the pressure, but could not find their ways past the defence and Westports Conor OMalley was in impressive form in goal. Mayo did threaten with the runs of Aidan OSullivan and the delivery of Cian Burkes corner kicks, which caused havoc in the penalty area. Mayo did have a penalty claim turned down when Andrew Peters got upended in the box, while down the other end, Cian Burke made some timely interceptions. Mayo finally equalised just before half time when they were awarded a free kick at the edge of the box. Conor Byrne whacked an inswinger into the far top corner and what a perfect time it was to score.

 

Mayo began the brighter of the two sides in the second half with Aidan OSullivan winning corners. From a corner by Conor Byrne, Fergal Forde just headed one effort over the top. Mayos best chance of the half came when Aidan OSullivan, on the right, played across to Andrew Peters, who added the pass onto Colm Nevin, and his effort was brilliantly blocked by the keeper in a last ditch effort. Kilkenny made changes to personnel and formation, and Mayo were firmly on the backfoot and the hearts were in many mouths as the Westerners desperately defended for their lives, but held out for penalties.

 

In penalties, fortune favours the brave, a John Motson quote from FIFA 98, and it turned out to be the case for Mayo. Castlebar Celtics Colm Nevin put level at 1-1 before Conor OMalley dived to his right to beat out Kilkennys next penalty. James Stretton, James ODonnell and Cian Burke all netted and it was Ciaran McFadden who scored the winning penalty, sending the Mayo faithful into ecstasy. Mayo will be playing Drogheda at 12:00 tomorrow on Pitch 3, and victory will mean a final appearance on Friday morning at 11:00. Defeat means a playoff game for Mayo tomorrow evening at 7:00, but the boys will be aiming for a final place on Friday morning, and they certainly have the character and resillience to beat Drogheda, but they will take absolutely nothing for granted.

 

Mayo: Conor OMalley (Capt), Lionel Jordan, Cian Burke, Padraig Keane, James ODonnell, Noe Baba, James Stretton, Conor Byrne, Aidan OSullivan, Andrew Peters, Colm Nevin. Subs: Fergal Forde-Lionel Jordan, Ciaran McFadden-Noe Baba.

 

Mayo 3-0 Drogheda
 

It just keeps getting better for Mayo here in Limerick, in cooler conditions here this morning as the Westerners advanced to the Kennedy Bowl Final with an emphatic 3-0 win over Drogheda. Mayo started off brilliantly, dominating the play and were rewarded with their early lead when Conor Byrne and Castlebar Celtics Colm Nevin combined really well to cross for Andrew Peters to head home. Mayo then played with lots of confidence and passed the ball well, though their defending from set pieces needed to be a little tighter. Mayo nearly doubled their advantage when a Fergal Forde cross was met by Andrew Peters forehead, and the keeper did well to get on it a second time. Mayo did double their lead when Cian Burkes laser accurate pass over the top was volleyed into the net by the pacy Aidan OSullivan. Mayo kept up the tempo for the remainder of the half and deservedly went in at the break 2-0 up.

 

Drogheda started the brighter in the second half and it took a last ditch tackle from Noe Baba to keep Drogheda out. Castlebar Celtics Marcus Moylette looked commanding in goal and the defence looked pretty much in charge. After Mayo weathered the expected Drogheda onslaught, Cian Burke tested the keeper with a long range effort and Mayo settled in again. The killer goal finally arrived when Noe Baba rose well and met Fergal Fordes corner perfectly with his head, cue some exotic goal celebrations with real African exuberance. There was delight at the final whistle and Mayo now meet Wexford in the Bowl Final on Pitch Three in University of Limerick at 11:00 tomorrow morning. Mayo will be highly focused and will possess steely determination to win the game tomorrow. It will be the game of their lives and they have the mental strength to produce a performance to bring the Bowl back to Castlebar.

 
Mayo: Marcus Moylette, Fergal Forde, Steven Conroy, Noe Baba, James ODonnell (Capt), James Stretton, Cian Burke, Conor Byrne, Andrew Peters, Aidan OSullivan, Colm Nevin. Subs: Jake Gannon-Andrew Peters, Gerard Haran-Aidan OSullivan, Lionel Jordan-Fergal Forde, Eoghan Lavin-Colm Nevin, Diarmuid OConnor-James Stretton.

Mayo 1-1 Wexford (Wexford won 4-2 on pens)

Mayo were a mere five minutes away from winning their Kennedy Bowl in a tense, cagey final that saw the defenders coming out on top for both sides. The first half saw both defences cancelling out the attacks. Mayo did take the lead with an audacious 35 metre free kick from Conor Byrne. Wexford piled on the pressure, mainly from set-pieces and Colm Nevin had to clear off the line from a corner.

The second half saw Mayo tiring, but showing lots of resillience, Mayo had efforts from Cian Burke and Gerard Haran, but Wexford always looked dangerous. The Slaneysiders piled on serious late pressure and won a free kick on the right. The ball was whipped in, which Conor OMalley saved, but could do nothing with the rebound on the back post.

The game went into extra time and it was a case of tired limbs and tired minds. Mayo held out well, though Wexford did have a great chance to win it at the end.

Back to the lottery of penalties, and as usual, fortune favours the brave. Mayo were first up with Colm Nevin netting and Wexford equalised. Gerard Haran had his effort saved by the Wexford custodian before the south-east outfit took the lead. James ODonnell restored parity and that was followed by a Conor OMalley save. Cian Burke then had the misfortune of having his effort saved before Wexford made no mistake.

Overall it was a great week for Mayo as they did better than expected and the football they played drew plenty of acclaim from the technical advisors observing the games. The future for Mayo football is promising after the efforts from everybody. The Man of the Match award went to Mayos Noe Baba.

Mayo: Conor OMalley, Fergal Forde (Capt), Noe Baba, Padraig Keane, James ODonnell, Cian Burke, James Stretton, Conor Byrne, Aidan OSullivan, Andrew Peters, Colm Nevn. Subs: Gerard Haran-Aidan OSullivan, Jake Gannon-Andrew Peters, Ciaran McFadden-James Stretton.

Mayo Squad: Conor OMalley (Westport United), Fergal Forde (Killala), James ODonnell (Westport United), Michael Prendergast (Swinford), Noe Baba (Castlebar Celtic), James Stretton (Claremorris), Cian Burke (Ballina Town), Ciaran McFadden (Westport United), Andrew Peters (Claremorris), Aidan OSullivan (Ballinrobe Town), Conor Byrne (Kiltimagh/Knock United), Colm Nevin (Castlebar Celtic), Lionel Jordan (Kilimagh/Knock United), Diarmuid OConnor (Ballyheane), Padraig Keane (Westport United), Jake Gannon (Castlebar Celtic), Eoghan Lavin (Kiltimagh/Knock United), Stephen Conroy (Ballinrobe Town), Gerard Haran (Kilmurray), Marcus Moylette (Castlebar Celtic)

Manager: Paul Byrne. Coaches: Michael Canavan (Kilmurray), Mark Peters (Claremorris), Kenneth Gannon (Westport United)

EGM and Delegates Meeting: Has been called for Tuesday 17th June. The housekeeping on the rule book will come up for discussion on the night. All trophies must be returned to Michael Fox, Trophies Co-Ordinator, on or before the night.

U.10 Futsal Tournament: Qualifying Rounds to be held in De La Salle Hall, St Geralds College, Castlebar on Sunday 6th July from 12pm. Games will either be Round Robin or Knockout depending on the number of teams entering.

The final 4 teams remaining will then be asked to return to Rice College, Westport on Thursday 24th July to play Semi Finals and Final from 7 – 9pm . This is the FAI AGM Week so we hope to have special guests calling in.

Participants will receive Futsal T –Shirts and medals will be given to eventual winners.

Teams have to be a maximum of 10 players( 5 players plus 5 subs).

Only 1 team per club permitted

Registration fee of €20 per club required.

Basic rules are attached.

To enter please contact Paul Byrne or Dave Breen before Sunday 22nd June. Further details will be given when entering.

Dave Breen(0879906429)

Paul Byrne(0868579678)

Mayo Futsal pilot league – Summary of basic rules:

It’s important to remember that the normal rules of football apply with a few exceptions as follows:

Teams

Teams start with 5 players on the pitch including goalkeeper.
 Up to 7 subs are allowed.
 
Duration

20 mins each half or 15 mins for younger children.
 
Substitutions

Teams are allowed unlimited substitutions during the course of the game.
The substitutions can only take place at the substitution ZONES.
The referee does not have to be notified, however, the substitute can only join the play when his team mate has fully left the pitch through the subs zone.
 
Goalposts and keeper’s area

Goalposts are 3 metres by 2 metres in size (not necessary if not available). Goalkeeper’s area is a 6 metre arc around goal area.
 
Ball out of play

When it goes out over the sidelines, the ball is kicked back in (ball must be positioned ON THE LINE). Opponents must be 5 metres from the ball.
Players have 4 seconds to do this or the kick in will go to the other team.
When the ball goes out wide over the end lines, the Goalkeeper throws the ball back into play.
Normal corner kick rules apply.
 
Fouls

No sliding tackles – except goalkeeper in his arc area.
No shoulder charges
All free kicks indirect except when awarded for above type fouls.

Opponents must be 5 metres from the ball.

Accumulated fouls

If a team commits more than 5 fouls during the course of the game, every subsequent free kick awarded will be from the 10 metre line and opponents are not allowed to block it or form a wall (in effect, a penalty from 10 metres).
 
Red Cards

If a player from a team is sent off, the team may send on a sub after two minutes has elapsed from the sending off OR after the opposing team has scored a goal if it’s within the 2 minutes period in question.
Red carded player automatically misses next game.

Up Coming Leagues for Mayo Schoolboys/Girls: There will be a number of leagues commencing this month as follows: The under 16 boys will play on Mondays, the under 16 girls will play on Tuesdays, the under 13 league will be played on Saturday mornings.

The under 11 League is a fun league no results are recorded, it is played box to box with small sided goals and nine players per team, each game will last 20 minutes per half and the home team will provide the official.

Kickstart 1 Coach Education Course in Bangor Hibs FC: The Football Association of Ireland are holding a Kick Start 1 Coach Education Course in Bangor Hibs Football Club on Friday evening 4th July 7-10pm and Saturday 5th July 10-4pm

Participants must attend all modules of the course in order to qualify for certification. This course is designed to, assist beginner coaches, parents, teachers introduce young children (6-9) to fundamental warm up activities, basic activities and fun games in a safe, structured and stimulating environment. Course fee is €45. This course is limited to 24 participants so book early to avoid disappointment.

Kick Start 1 coaches will receive an FAI Kick Start 1 certificate of attendance as part of the National Coaching Development Programme.

For further course details and registration call Paul Byrne on 0868579678

Youth Cert Course: FAI Youth Cert Level 1 Course

Part 1                                       Sept 12th, 13th &14th

Part 2                                       Sept 19th, 20th and 21st

Assessment                              Oct 18th

Aim:
The course is designed to assist coaches in the development and consolidation of the player’s (aged 13-18 years) basic soccer skills with and emphasis on individual and positional specific skills, tactical and physical development as well as performance.

Objectives:

To provide coaches with the ability to:

Identify stages in the development of young players at the Train to Train and the Train to Compete phase
Plan, organise and implement linked coaching sessions
Assist players consolidate and refine basic soccer skills
Introduce tactical and positional skills as well as performance
Introduce soccer specific conditioning and strength training
Optimise fitness and soccer preparation for performance
Plan, implement and review sessions in a fun, safe and friendly environment

Entry Requirements:

Course candidates will be Coaches with a Kick Start 2 Certificate, the FAI Introductory certificate or the FAI Level 1 certificate achieved between 1995 and 2004. It is recommended that a 3-month period should take place following completion of Kick Start 2 before attending the Youth Cert.

Youth Certificate is part a Level 1 Coaching programme within the FAI’s Coach Education Scheme.

Duration/Format:

45 contact hours
There are practical aspects of the course, therefore please bring appropriate attire.

Assessment: Assessment is task based and continuous evaluation:

A Log Book
Final Evaluation
Full attendance is compulsory to gain certification.

Certification:

Youth Certificate coaches will receive the FAI Level One Youth Licence as part of the National Coaching Development Programme.

Course Fee and Development Manual (Fundamental Phase)

€300

Anyone interested should contact Johnnie Morris Burke on 087-2079161  
Filling In of Match Cards: All match cards must be printed in BLOCK CAPITAL letters with the full name and surname of players. An improperly filled match card renders a club liable to a €25 fine. Clubs are reminded that both teams must TEXT in their results to 087-0548106 immediately after their games.

LMC Meeting: Will take place in the Welcome Inn Hotel, Castlebar on Tuesday 24th June and 1st July 2008 at 9:00. There will be no LMC meetings prior to these dates. All committee members are asked to attend.

PRO News: Any club with items worth mentioning can send their information to Kenneth Gannon by email at mayofootballhead@eircom.net