THE BAGENALSTOWN U12 Community games Soccer team ended a outstanding year by scooping an All Ireland Silver Medal in the recent Community Games in Athlone. This was the first year that the soccer team even made it past the first round of the Leinster so to reach the All Ireland was an enormous achievement in itself.

The team beat Hacketstown and Burrin to win out Carlow back in April. They then met Wexford in the first round of the Leinster and had a comfortable 3-0 home victory.

The Semi-finals and Final was held in St.Pats grounds in Carlow on the same wet and very windy day but despite the weather conditions they saw off Meath in the Semi's 2-0. The lads faced a tough Dublin side in the Leinster Final but through sheer determination and a lot of hard work from them and their coaches the went on to win 3-1 in a very well deserved victory to see them Leinster Champions.

In Athlone their semi-final game was against last years Champions Derry. There was absolutely nothing between the two sides in the first half with both teams displaying some great performances but Derry broke through and went 1-0 up near half time. The second half started as the first with great play from both teams but Bagenalstown needed a goal and with 10min remaining Michael Murphy's goal was ruled off side leaving everyone in disarray believing that the chance had gone but with only 2min remaining Martin Bridgetts shot flew straight into the top of the net bringing the game to extra time.

Despite another 20min of play the sides remained level and penalties had to decide the game. Bagenalstown went 2 goals down and it didn't look good but keeper Chris Johnson pulled off 2 fantastic saves and Bagenalstown went on to win 3-2. There was enormous scenes of joy for the boys by all supporters.

The next day a somewhat tired team from the semi-final game and heat of 26 degrees saw them meet Castlebar of Mayo in the final who had beaten Limerick 7-0 in the semi final.

Again very little little was separating the sides but Mayo took the lead leaving the boys a mountain to climb. Bagenalstown were awarded a penalty after Danny Doyle was taken down in the square which Cian Doyle superbly took. looking like extra time was on the cards again with only 3min remaining Mayo broke through again and clinched a fantastic game 2-1.

Scenes of tears emerged for the heartbroken Bagenalstown boys but as they left the pitch were met with a huge applauding crowd at the gate for their great efforts. They were soon after awarded their silver medals to a roaring Carlow crowd who also celebrated the U10 football gold medal presentation. Later that evening a convoy of approx 50 cars between Football and Soccer saw them travel through the whole parish of Nurney, Newtown, Fenagh, Ballinkillen, and every estate in Bagenalstown celebrating.

Team: Chris Johnson, Stephen Crowe, Owen Johnson, Michael Murphy, Martin Bridgett, Christian Riordan, Ethan Walsh, Liam Murphy, Cian Doyle, Robbie Kane, Kieran Whelan, Danny Doyle, Jake O'Hara, James Cummins, Jamie Byrne, Daniel Heffernan.

A huge thanks must go to coaches Mick O'Neill & Dan Doyle who dedicated a huge amount of time and effort with the kids and also Mick Condon and Louise Kane for their time.

The Community Games team wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the followin for their kind generosity, The Manor House, The Manchester United Red Devils Supporters Club, Gary Coady/FAI, John Foley Solicitors, M'O Neill Haulage, John Whelan Flooring, Burnside Hydracyl, Christy Lee Engineering, Margaret Dillon/Anne Doyle Hairdressing, Bagenalstown Credit Union, T.C. Clarke, NARGC, Hi Spec Engineering, B.I.G. Committee Members, Bagenalstown Soccer Club, Jim Cummins, Fenagh Juvenile Committee who looked after all the kids that weekend to a game of bowling, and to all the parents for their involvement and committments

To John Kennedy Estoria for the lovely food on arrival home, and Liam O'Brien and The Town Council.

Congrats to the U10 Bagenalstown Parish football team on their second consecutive All Ireland win. Also well done to the pitch and putt team, Basketball team, The running team, and Katie Fitzpatrick on their achievements in the Community Games