Castleknock Celtic 2 Torro Utd (Meath) 1
SFAI U-13 Troy Cup
Sun.November
14, 2004
This
was a fairly even affair, although Celtic probably created more clear cut chanc
es.
Torro were denied much space
by the Celtic defence, especially Barry Doyle who was particularly on top of the
Torro attack. It was Prince, Celtic's battling striker, who was on the
mark for the first. He was unlucky not to increase his tally as he fought
for every ball.
It
was a raid down the right hand side that led to the winner. James
McDermott raced into the Torro box, and the defender lunged into James, who came
down like a ton of bricks. Referee, Terry Lawless, had no hesitation in p
ointing
to the spot. Up stepped the ever-confident Micheál Gateley, who coolly
slotted home 
the
penno into the bottom right hand side.
On balance, the result was about right. Congratulations to both sides for an entertaining game despite a very raw November day in Porterstown.
Castleknock Celtic 1 Glebe North 1 (Celtic win 5-4 aet/penalties)
U-12 SFAI Norton Cup
Sun.November
14, 2004
Celtic were made to fight every inch of the way in an excellently competitive game. Manager Pat Roche was mightily relieved when the final Glebe penalty flew over his keeper's crossbar in the penalty shoot-out.
The game went to extra time after the sides finished the normal period level at 0-0. It looked like Hassan Tundi had sealed it for Celtic when he rose to head home from O'Mahony's well flighted cross. But in the final minute of extra time, Glebe snatched a very late equaliser.
Celtic went 4-2 up in the penalty shoot-out, but then suddenly, it appeared that Glebe might draw level on penalties. But with their final spot kick, they shot over, which left Celtic into the second round of the national cup.
Celtic battled hard for the victory, and none more than Thomas Shields, who again was a dynamo all around the park. Daniel O'Mahony put in an effective performance on the wing, setting up many opportunities for his striking colleagues.
But the abiding memory was the parade of handshakes after the game, which reflected a very sporting game played in good spirit, hard but fair.