U13 MSL CUP FINAL

U13 Portumna faced the might of the league winners Abbeyleix in the cup final at Leah Victoria Park in Tullamore. Portumna had worked so hard and deserved their place in the final after very tough wins over Birr and Tullamore in the previous rounds. On a dreadful evening for football both teams gave an excellent performance. Portumna retained Conor Barry in centre half duties and he gave a man of the match performance as he and the rest of the defence kept Abbeyleix at bay for most of the match. Mark Kelly was given the difficult task of man marking the Abbeyleix number 10 Evan McEvoy and did a very good job. Colin Burk and Ronan O Meara worked tirelessly as did the rest of the team. Abbeyleix were able to field 6 league representative players as opposed to Portumnas two. There is no denying that Abbeyleix are the best team in the league and they retained possession a lot better that Portumna over the match. After a bright enough opening both teams probed and took some long range shots as the defences worked hard on both sides. With little or no real danger from Abbeyleix the referee blew for what we thought was for attention to an Abbeyleix player who was down in the penalty area. Portumna were totally shocked to see that in fact the referee awarded Abbeyleix a penalty for a high foot by the reliable Jack Curley. No one could fathom the decision and Portumna were to rue it as Abbeyleix converted and held out for a one nil win. There is no denying that in our opinion that this was a very harsh decision, however Portumna should be very proud that they got to a Cup Final.  

Portumna look forward to the rest and recharging the batteries and hopefully everyone will come back next season refreshed and rearing to go and perhaps challenge for the league. 

U13 MSL CUP SEMI FINAL

Portumna were drawn away against the league runners up Tullamore Town for this Semi Final encounter. Tullamore have had all the spoils against Portumna beating us 5-1 and 2-1 in the two league encounters. Portumna were determined that they would be third time lucky. 

Portumna had a couple of players carrying knocks but were able to field an extremely strong starting 11. Having assessed the opposition and some key players for Tullamore, Portumna were sent out with a slightly different formation than usual. Conor Barry (cpt) stayed in the centre half role that he did so well in against Birr in the quarter final. Sean Tuohy was dispatched on the right wing. Simon Curran on the left wing to help Eoin Foley in right back to contain Tullamores excellent right winger. Mark Kelly and Niall Concannon both held defensive midfield roles with Ronan O Meara and Colin Burke being used up front. Tullamore can boast at least 5 midland representative players along with other emerging talent squad members and they justifiably came runners up in the league. There was no doubting the quality that Tullamore possess however Portumna also have some fantastic talent and it was a cracking game of soccer with chances at either end throughout the game. Tullamore started brightly and put pressure on the Portumna back line early on. Portumna held out resolutely with Conor Barry and the excellent Niall Royston calm and assured in defence. Eoin Foley and Simon Curran worked especially well on the left wing as they kept the Tullamore flying winger Shane Martino quiet for the game.  Portumna kept their shape really well and tackled and challenged for everything. The centre midfield worked tirelessly chasing down players and harrying. Colin Burke was awesome up front chasing down all lost causes and working the Tullamore backline. Tullamore had a few good half chances but Niall Royston dealt with them really well. At half time the game was evenly balanced at 0-0. Portumna looked tired as they had worked really hard but they knew that one goal either way was going to win the match. In the second half the game ebbed and flowed. Ronan O Meara was causing the Tullamore defence some difficulties with his trickery. Sean Tuohy on the right was putting in a great shift working tirelessy. Mark Kelly was fantastic in the centre of midfield as he chased every ball and Niall Concannon showed some very creative passes to change defence to attack. The defenders put everything on the line as they repelled some sustained Tullamore attacking ast the half progressed. Portumna after a break away got a corner kick after some tereffic work by Colin Burke. Young Burke took the corner and Conor Barry came in unmarked at the back post to head in a cracking goal from a wonderful corner. The Portumna fans went wild as they could sense victory.Portumna had 15 minutes to keep Tullamore out and after some close scares especially a point blank header saved by Niall Royston from Tullamore very strong striker Johnny McEvoy, Portumna ended up victorious. This was an incredible match and we now face the league Champions Abbeyleix in the final to be held at Leah Victoria Park Tullamore at 6.30 on bank holiday Monday the 4th May. 

Up Portumna-Come ON!!!!!! 

Saturday April 17th 2009 v BIRR TOWN U13

Portumna u13's were given a home draw against local rivals Birr in the Quarter final cup game. Portumna were missing 4 regular players, Simon Curran, Mike Hoban, Eoin Foley and Cormac Houlahan. With a depleted squad of 13, Portumna set out their stall a little differently. Conor Barry excelled in a centre half role, the versatile Niall Concannon dropped into left back, the much improving James Coughlan gave a gritty performance in the left midfield role. Sean Tuohy played on the right wing, Mark Kelly gave a dogged performance in the holding centre midfield role alongside Ronan O’Meara with Max Parry and the hugely influential Colin Burke up front.  

Birr began the game very brightly and put Portumna under immediate pressure. Within 5 minutes they were a goal up after some sloppy defensive work from a Birr corner. This seemed to wake the Portumna players up and from that moment on bar a couple of nervy moments Portumna dominated the game. Ronan O Meara struck a sensational free kick to level the match before the half time whistle. The defense was very solid with Conor Barry having an excellent composed game alongside Jack Curley, Tommy Heagney and Niall Concannon who all had very good strong performances. Ronan O Meara and Colin Burke were terrorizing Birr. Portumna used the pace and strength of young Burke who at times proved unstoppable. On any other day he would have had a hat-trick. Portumna had at least 4 glorious chances to get ahead with only the keeper to beat on all four occasions. The Birr keeper to be fair had a great game and stood up well against our attacks. After hitting the post and failing to capitalize on the glorious chances Portumna nearly shot themselves in the foot when a mix up between our keeper and Conor Barry resulted in a Birr Player ghosting in to head the ball off the Portumna post. All square at full time. Extra time beckoned-10 min aside. Portumna seemed a bit heavy legged in the opening 10 minutes and Birr took advantage of some poor goal keeping when Niall Royston flapped out a long range ball into the path of an on rushing Birr attacker. Into the second half and Portumna kept trying to force an equalizer but it was proving difficult to get a clear cut chance as Birr shut up shop. With two minutes to go Portumna were awarded a free kick about 25 yards from goal. The management indicated that Colin Burke should take the impending free. A venomous thunderbolt from young Burke proved unstoppable as it nestled in the back of the goal with the Birr team looking on in disbelief. A truly magnificent strike!!!. Birr had time for one more attack and from the resultant tip off they pressed forward and as the Birr striker beared down on goal a late challenge by Conor Barry resulted in a free kick just outside the box. Everyone held their breath as the free was taken and luckly flew over the bar.  

The lottery of Penalties beckoned. Portumna up first and Colin Burke scored, along with Conor Barry and Jack Curley (a two yard step up nonchalantly exceuted)  as both Portumna and Birr traded blow for blow. Niall concannon was unlucky as he took the fourth penalty and placed it too close to the keeper. Birr stood up and they blasted their fourth over the bar. Ronan O Meara who had a great game came up the take the fifth and pulled it a little wide as it hit the post. Disaster!!! Birr had a chance to take the spoils, there ever reliable Emmet Nolan who had a great game took their fifth and it sailed over the bar to let Portumna off the hook. Sean Tuohy took the sixth and put it away nicely. Birr slotted their sixth as well. Mark Kelly who has not been available for us for many of the games stood up for Portumnas seventh and showed real class to slot it away. Birr stepped up for their seventh and Niall Royston made a great save with his legs to give Portumna the spoils and a place in the cup semi finals. In truth based on the overall performance Portumna deserved their luck in the lottery and they should be very proud of their performance throughout. 

U13 ATHENRY v PORTUMNA TOWN FRIENDLY

Portumna Town and Athenry Football Club both came into this game feeling fairly pleased with themselves after spending their respective inaugural seasons in their top divisions fairly comfortable and safe from the dreaded drop zone for some time which considering both teams were only promoted last season is a great achievement in itself. This game although not technically a return leg from the first match between the sides which ended in a 5-3 away victory in favour of Athenry it was a good example of  good sportsmanship, guile and quick expansive play by both teams.

Athenry came into the game missing key players notably their two centre halves and their No1 goalkeeper but still brought the game to an extremely skilfulPortumna team who were ably marshalled by captain Conor Barry who pulled the strings from the middle of the park all afternoon. Ably assisted by fellow midfielders James Couglan & Max Parry.

Indeed the hatrick he scored was only just reward for his endeavour throughout the game. With this in mind we must never overlook the fact that soccer is ultimately a team game and without the fortitude and powerful running of Eoin Foley and Colin Burke who also scored and the strong defensive presence of the two centre half’s Sean Tuohy and Jack Curley then the afternoon may have had a different ending.

Athenry battled gamely with the likes of Aarron Osborne & Ciaran O’Dwyer showing why they have been drafted into the Athenry U14’s squad and but for Andrew Collins in goal the deficit may have been more. Aarron Osborne took Athenry’s  goal with a neat efficient finish and kept his recent scoring spate going at a goal a game not bad for a midfielder.

The match was played in dry albeit breezy weather  and all players involved were a credit to each of their  teams. Many thanx to Cormac Barry for his first rate display as a referee despite one or two boo’s from the gallery and also to guest Athenry ref Paddy Ward who again showed a great understanding of the game despite being a referee!!!!! And also to Patric Evason who despite squeezing his ample frame into an small boys jersey gave a battling performance in the last 15 minutes gamely giving his former Kiltormer FCteam mate Conor Barry one or two kicks just to show he was there!!!! final score athenry 1-4 portumna

It was a good run out for both teams and the lads enjoyed it. The starting 
team for Portumna Town FC Niall Royston (gk) Tommy Heagney (rb), Sean Tuohy (cd) Jack Curley (cd), Niall Concannon (lb), 
Eoin Foley (lm), Conor Barry (cm), James Coughlan (cm), Max Parry (rm), Paddy Lawless (cf), Colin Burke (cf). 

Subs second half. - Mike Hoban on for James Coughlan, Simon Curran on for Max Parry, Ronan O'Meara on for Paddy Lawless. 

Eoin Foley dropped back into Left back position. Mike Hoban went into LM and
Niall Conannon into CM.

U13 KILLAVILLA V PORTUMNA TOWN

Portumna travelled away to Killavilla for our final league match of the year. Portumna hadn’t a match for a good few weeks and were keen to finish the 2009 campaign on a high. Both teams were well matched. Portumna dominated the first half with the wind and went ahead with a Simon Curran poachers goal after a great cross from Ronan O Meara. Portumna were guilty of not taking their chances and should have increased their lead by at least one more goal. Unfortunately an inexplicable error by the usually very reliable Jack Curley presented Killavilla with an equalizer. The team were deflated and finished the half all square. Portumnawent a goal behind at the restart after some poor defending by the whole team and the frustration was mounting. Ronan O Meara put through a fantastic through ball for Colin Burke who deftly chipped the keeper and gave a man of the match performance. All square with 15minutes to go. Killavilla went a further goal in front after a needless corner was given away and confusion again in the Portumna ranks. The keeper called for the ball but a Portumna player still went for the ball and deflected it into the path of a Killavilla player. 3-2 with five minutes to go and with great credit Portumna put significant pressure on and got their just rewards when simon Curran was fouled on the edge fo the box as he bore down on goal. Ronan O Meara stood up and his effort was deflected in by a killavilla player-in all of the celebrations the referee had blown for hand ball and awarded a penalty toPortumna-the goal was disallowed and the nerves were ragged as Colin Burke after resetting the ball 4 times due to the wind smashed the ball home to earn a draw. This years league campaign will go down as a missed opportunity. Portumna should be a little higher in the league and with perhaps one or two stronger additions to the squad we could be looking to put pressure on the leagues stonger teams.

Bring on the Cup

u13 PORTUMNA TOWN V ABBEYLEIX

Portumna welcomed a formidable Abbeyleix team currently with a 100% record for the season. Portumna were well up for the match as they had ran the current eastern division champions very close when they last met. Portumna had a great day. Playing against a very strong breeze Portumna settled very quickly continuing the form from the second half of last weeks match. Portumna played some good passing and attacked on the break. Colin Burke put Portumna one nil up after about 10-15minutes. Abbeyleix got back a goal shortly after as they used the strong breeze to their advantage as they hit a long shot that flew in over the keeper. Michael Hoban got Portumna’s second goal with a lovely finish from the left after great work by the midfielders. Portumna used the wind in the second half to their advantage as Colin Burke struck a fantastic free kick high over the Abbeyleix keeper. 3-1 up at that time, Portumna switched off and Abbelyleix came back with an immediately response scoring a well worked goal, but that was it for them. With the weather taking a vicious turn for the worse, Abbeyleix were hardly able to get the ball to the half way line and Portumna ran out comfortable winners. This was a very important win for Portumna as Abbeyleix have rarely lost in the last three years and it bodes well for our chances for the cup.

U13 PORTUMNA TOWN v PORTLAOISE

Portumna welcomed Portaloise for todays fixture. If ever there was game of two halves this was it. Portumna with the wind in the first half were really poor. Trying to use the wind to continually hit long balls to the front players and completely forgot about playing soccer.Portumna deservedly went in at half time 1 nil down. Bearing in mind that Portlaoise have been struggling at the bottom of the league with 4 points only gathered to date we made them look very accomplished. Colin Burke usually so reliable spurned a glorious chance with 5 minutes left in the first half but took his shot too early and missed to the right. The players were given a ferocious hair drying from the manager at half time. The team were told in no uncertain terms that they were to play soccer as it should be played using passing and movement and to forget the hoof it forward method that they had been using. What a change in the team in the second half. After a bit of confusion in the first 5 minutes with Niall Royston pulling off a great save from close range, Portumna totally dominated with some scintilating passing and flowing football seen in a long time. Conor Barry was proving especially effective with an excellent display in midfield creating 4 assists in a 5 goal rout in the second half. Colin Burke was awesome with 4 goals and Ronan O'Meara scoring one and missing another golden opportunity. Simon Curran also missed a glorious chance. Portumna ran out comfortable 5-1 winners and everyone of the Portumna players and subs gave a great performance in the second half, responding so well to the managers words. Colin Burke got man of the match (closely followed by Conor Barry).

U13 BIRR TOWN v PORTUMNA TOWN

Portumna travelled away to Birr with a depleted squad with the influential Sean Tuohy, Colin Burke and Niall Concannon missing along with James Coughlan who is ill.Portumna put on a disappointing display and its obvious that some players have lost that extra bit in their game as the run of defeats are beginning to take their toll.Portumna like any team cannot afford to be missing three first team regulars and it showed. The team lacked organization as players were put into different positions to try and somehow fill the gaps and Birr were just stronger over the duration of the game and they ran out 2-nil winners. As we have seen this is a very tough division and you have to play at 100% for the full 60 minutes with your strongest team to get any kind of chance of a result. The players who came in gave a good account of themselves but unfortunately on the day we were no match for last years winners of the western division. Portumna next meet Emo at home and we hope that we will have some of the players who were missing back for this match.

U13 PORTUMNA TOWN v ABBEYLEIX

Once again Portumna spurned a great opportunity to climb the league losing 5-4 in a very energetic and exciting match against last years Eastern Division Champions Abbeyleix.Portumna went a goal down after 10 minutes but steadily they got back into the match after a very good goal by Ronan O Meara. The match ebbed and flowed throughout. Sean Tuohy scored a great headed goal after great work by the impressive Colin Burke who put in an exquisite cross with his left that was finished off so well by the hard working Tuohy.Portumna were very unlucky when a freak goal by Abbeyleix went in as the ball got caught by the wind and drifted in to the top corner. Portumna got a bit of luck themselves when Sean Tuohy fired in a free kick from 40 yards that skipped off the ground and bamboozled the keeper who let it slip through her hands. Portumna were to rue the referee harsh decision to award an indirect free kick from 5 yards when Niall Royston shouted “leave it” when he was gathering a through ball. This is deemed a foul under the rules and Abbeyleix took advantage of this. Portumna kept their noses in front when Colin Burke finished off some great work in the second half but that was unfortunately not the end of the story, as Abbelyleix showed great determination to finish off strongly and scored 2 more goals as Portumna ran out of steam. Portumna some how have conspired to lose a lot of goals in matches in the last 10 minutes. This is not a coincidence; perhaps some of the players need to improve on some fitness levels as Portumna tend to flag towards the end of matches which is unfortunate. There is no doubt that Portumna have the skill and ability to be far higher in the league than their current position but points are needed badly. 

U13 SFAI CUP- Wicklow Rovers A V Portumna SUN 30th Nov 2008

Portumna made the long trip to Wicklow to play against a formidable Wicklow Rovers team in this last 64 clash in the National Cup. Portumna were a little unlucky to get such a hard away fixture but were keen to pit themselves against the best. Wicklow Rovers had up to 10 players in their squad who represent the county team for the Kennedy cup and it showed. Portumna were also weakened as they missed a couple of influential players Conor Barry and Marc Kelly for this clash due to illness and unavailability. Portumna could do little against the pass and moving game that Wicklow produced and went in 2-nil down at half time which was great credit to some good defending by Portumna. A further three goals went in against Portumnain the second half and a 5 nil score line was a very fair reflection on this encounter. Wicklow will be a formidable team for any one in Ireland and could be a strong contender to win the cup outright. Unfortunately this was the end of the road for Portumna’s wonderful run in the national cup but they must take great credit in making the last 64 out of over 400 teams that began back in September.  Portumnamanagement would like to sincerely thank Keith and Gary and all at Wicklow Rovers for their generous hospitality.

U13 Portumna V Tullamore Sat 22nd November 2008 

Portumna played host to Tullamore for this weeks league encounter. Portumna were keen to make it a bit tougher for the visitors compared to our last encounter where we were well beaten 5-1. 

Portumna had a stronger squad available compared to the last match and it showed. Both teams were committed from the off with Mark Kelly showing a great deal of grit in the challenge. Portumna management set the team out a little differently playing a 5-4 -1 formation with Colin Burke coming back into Midfield and Ronan O Meara as the lone striker. Niall Concannon played in a deep holding midfield role with Mark Kelly a little more forward and both Michael Hoban and Simon Curran out wide working tirelessly bombing forward and covering back when needed. Portumna got their just rewards when Colin Burke scored an unbelievable goal as he came in from the left side and from a very tight angle just outside the box he scored with a powerful cracking effort beating a very accomplished Tullamore keeper.Portumna were very unfortunate not to double the lead when the ball broke to Ronan O Meara, he controlled the ball beautifully and sold the defender a dummy, Ronan pulled the trigger and somehow another defenders last ditch attempt blocked a certain goal. Portumnawere a little shocked that they didn’t score. Young O Meara was denied again when he ran onto a beautiful pass from Niall Concannon and as he bore down on goal the goal keeper charged out and blocked the goal bound strike, Portumna were to rue these and other missed opportunities. Tullamore responded well and scored a well worked equalizer just before half time.
The second half saw Conor Barry come on for Niall Concannon and Cormac Houlihan on for Michael Hoban.It was good to have some strength in depth for a fixture like this. Both teams worked so hard and there was little or no time for players to dwell on the ball. The match lacked fluid play but was an exciting spectacle all the same. Conor Barry was denied a super worked goal. He took control from a few yards outside the box and jinked his way through a couple of challenges. Just as he was shooting a last ditch tackle from the left back denied a certain goal. Unbelievable!! Portumna were to rue this missed opportunity as Tullamore scored a well worked goal with a very good headed finish. Both teams had some other half chances but the game finished 2-1 to the visitors. There is no doubt that Tullamore were lucky to be going home with all the points but that seems to be the story of our season so far. The management were very pleased with the amount of effort shown by the team and hopefully if we show that same determination we maybe able to turn things around for the second part of the season.

Next match away to a very strong Wicklow Town in the 4th round of the SFAI Cup Sunday 29th Nov 2008. 

U13 soccer Emo V Portumna 

Portumna travelled to Emo outside portlaoise for this away fixture. Portumna have had their ups and downs in the league and they were keen to follow up last weeks win in the SFAI cup with a win in the league.

The pitch was very heavy and did not help with the passing game that Portumna usually try to do. Emo are a big strong physical side and they were very committed from the start.Portumna took their usual 10-15min to settle and were guilty of a bit of panic defending at times. Michael Hoban had to come off after five minutes due to a recurring hamstring problem which is proving difficult for him to shake off. Conor Barry was brought on in his place. EMO were the stronger team in those opening minutes but the Portumna players kept their shooting to long range shots. Once Portumna settled it was clear that they had the ability to win the game but it was always going to be tough. 0-0 at half time was a fair reflection of the game.  

The second half started brightly. Portumna began to impose themselves and some lovely play by Conor Barry resulted in a cracking shot from outside the box flying over the Emo Keeper. Portumna then kicked on with a second goal from a wonderful move finished off by Rona O’Meara with a left foot shot high into the net. Emo did not lie down and came back shortly after with a well worked goal to keep things on a knife edge. Portumna sealed the points when a Conor Barry corner was dropped by the EMO keeper and left Simon Curran the easiest of jobs to finish off into an open goal. Emo did threaten again, hitting the post with a few minutes to go. Portumna finished off the game with some well worked counter attacking football and could have scored one or possibly two more. 

All in all a hard game but Portumna deserved the points.

U13 PORTUMNA v BROADFORD ROVERS 3rd Round SFAI Cup

Portumna hosted Broadford Rovers of the SDSL in this third round clash of the SFAI National Cup completion. Unfortunately the Portumna pitch was unplayable due to the current weather conditions but thanks to Kiltormer soccer club who gave Portumna their pitch for the match. Portumna started all over the place as they seem to on most match days and found themselves 1 nil down within 5 minutes. Players were not marking free men and at one point four men were chasing one Broadford player. However after a few more minutes Portumnabegan to get to grips with the task and began to play as a team. There is no doubt that whenPortumna begin to get their passing game going they can be quite formidable. Portumnagot the equalizer with a terrific through ball from Ronan O’Meara for Colin Burke, the Broadford keeper delayed coming out to smother the ball and Colin finished it off with a simple toe poke under the advancing keeper. Simon Curran was having a terrific game and he gave a man of the match performance as he ran riot against the left side wingers and backs of Broadford. Broadford scored a second goal from sloppy lack of marking by Portumna as a free player finished off a good attacking mover and cross from the right. Portumna however evened things up just before half time with a special goal scored by Colin Burke. The midfield of Portumna Niall Concannon and Conor Barry were playing terrific stuff as the marshaled and harried the Broadford players and another terrific through ball from the midfield was grabbed onto by the young Burke who was lightening fast and took the ball down the left of the goals and let fly with a fantastic left footed shot (not his best side) which flew into the goals. 2-2 half time was reasonably fair score line. The second half started brightly enough with both teams working tirelessly. Portumna were given a free kick about 25yds out. Simon Curran had a go at the shot which was on target but the keeper spilled it. Conor Barry had a go at the re bound but the keeper got to it and yet again spilled it and Colin Burke was there to get the easiest of goals to get your hatrick. Portumna were in the ascendency at this time but then the weather turned very nasty with torrential rain hammering down. Cormac Houlihan and James Coughlan came on in the second half to replace an injured Mike Hoban and Conor Barry. Broadford were not finished and evened thing up with a well worked goal with about 10minutes left. Both teams deserved medals for playing in the conditions and it was looking like extra time was going to come into play which no one was looking forward to until Ronan O’Meara popped up with a very unlikely goal. A long effort that skidded through a muddle of players somehow ended up nestling in the bottom right corner or the Broadford goal. It wasn’t pretty but it was so welcome. 

Portumna now go into the last 64 of the competition which they can be very proud off having bet two SDSL teams and a Wicklow Premier League team on the way. Hopefully the draw will be kind to us for the next round.Just a further mention to sincerely thank Peter Campbell and Mick McGivern for the use of the Kiltormer pitchU13 Portumna V Killavilla Staurday 1st November 2008 

U13 PORTUMNA TOWN v KILLAVILLA

Portumna paid host to Killavilla as they attempted to get there league form back in order. Both teams have very similar ability but Killavilla had come off a very good draw against Tullamore and were unlucky that they did not win that game, with Tullamore getting a very late goal to even this up. Both teams looked up for the game and there was a lot of endeavour shown by both. Neither team made any significant efforts on goal in the opening half. The defences were strong and neither team having clear cut opportunities. 0-0 at half time told the story of the half. The second half began in much the same manner, with both teams very even. Portumna did not play with their usual fluidity but a lot of that was down to the fact that the fast and pacy killivalla team worked hard to stop the more infuential Portumna players having time on the ball. Portumna were very mindful of the speed that the Killavilla team possess and the defenders stepped off when they had the ball. Portumna had some good possession and were unlucky not to make the most of a good attack with the Killavilla goalkeeper making a solid save to prevent a Portumna goal from Ronan O’Meara. The keeper used the ball very well from the resultant save to launce the ball down to the Killavilla forwards. The Portumna Defence had not organized themselves and the pace of the Killavilla forwards paid massive dividends and they went a goal up-against the run of play at that time.Portumna then somehow conspired to level the match 5 min later when the lively Ronan O Meara put through a low cross which was met very tamely by the usually very reliable Colin Burke and the ball from no more than 3 meters out dribbled back to the keeper. Portumnahowever pressed for an equalizer but were unfortunate to concede a second freaky goal when a speculative shot was sent towards goal from a long way out. Our reliable keeper had it covered until it hit a divot and flicked over the bemused Niall Royston. No fault could be levelled at Niall as it has happened to the best of premiership keepers. 0-2 to Killavilla was flattering to the away team. Portumna defiantly deserved a point out of this game- but as Arsenal will tell you, you don’t all ways get what you deserve.
Onwards we go. 

Match report for u13 SFAI National Cup 2nd Round  

Ardmore V Portumna

Portumna made the long journey to play Ardmore in Bray. Ardmore play in the premier division in the Wicklow Schoolboy League. 
The wind was blowing a gale and in very trying conditions both teams put on a very good game of football.
Portumna had set the team out similar to last week against Tullamore with one change as Sean Tuohy coming back in to his usual centre half role and Conor Barry back out in midfield and Naill Royston making his first start of the season in the Goal keeping position with Mike Hoban on the side lines as an out field substitute to be called up[on when needed.
Both teams went hard at it from the off but Portumna settled the quickest and even in extreme conditions they passed the ball very well and the midfield worked very hard to break up the oppositions play. 

Portumnas first goal was all about individual skill-Ronan O Meara rode two or three challenges and jinked his way through the opposition coming in from the right side. He burst through on goal and smashed his shot high into the next for a fantastic first goal.  Ardmore tried to hit Portumna on the break but Portumna’s defense helped ably by the dependable Niall Concannon proved too hard to break down. Niall Royston had a terrific game in goal as he was solid and dependable without having to do too much. He didn’t put a foot wrong all game and was given the man of the match accolade for his performance. Portumna went in at the break with a deserved 1 goal lead. 

The second half started with the wind now at full gale force-thankfully the rain held off.Portumna again started brightly. Mike Hoban our usual keeper came on as a second half sub on the left wing for Cormac Holohan. Given that Mike had not played in an outfield position for at least 6 months he had a great half. Conor Barry put through a terrific ball to mike who had galloped down the left and having took control of the ball he let fly with a terrific chip and scored with the keeper struggling to hold onto the shot. The game was still reasonable balanced and the Portumna players all worked very hard as Ardmore pressed to get back into the game. The final third goal was again about quality. Ronan O Meara who ran his heart out was fouled in the top left corner of the pitch. Conor Barry delivered a lovely free kick into a deadly area and it was finished off with a beautiful header by Simon Curran. Final Score 3 – Nil to Portumna
All in all a terrific day made even more enjoyable by the fantastic hospitality shown by Paul Fahy and the rest of the management from Ardmore we wish them well for the rest of the season and may well have them up for a challenge next Summer.

U13 TULLAMORE v PORTUMNA TOWN

Portumna visited Tullamore for the first time this season. Tullamore are an exceptionally strong team with 11 of their players on the emerging talent programme and a selection of very good substitutes who would make most first teams in the league. Portumna were missing Sean Tuohy their influential centre half and Conor Barry dropped back into that position and ended up giving a man of the match display. Portumna set the players out slightly different to usual. Eoin Foley dropped into the left back position swapping with Cormac Houlahan. 
Portumna had their usual start with the changes made causing some difficulties as the players got used to their positions. The first 10 minutes were a bit chaotic and Portumnawere deemed to have pushed in the box and gifted Tullamore a penalty which was dispatched very well and gave our keeper Mike Hoban no chance. Portumna began to settle and were very unlucky when a great shot hit the post from a Colin Burke effort. Portumna were to rue that missed opportunity when a complete mix up in the defense gifted a second goal to Tullamore- It was going to be a tough day. Portumna were again very unlucky when another great shot this time came of the cross bar from a speculative effort from either Ronan O,Meara or Simon Curran(unsure which)- Portumna however pulled one back when a tullamore player was adjudged to have handled in the box and Colin Burke hit a rocket of a penalty to finish the half 2-1 down. Michael Hoban came off just before the half with a pulled muscle and Niall Royston stepped in and had a solid game.

Portumna were looking forward to the second half having finished the first the stronger team and were well in it- However the strength and depth of Tullamores squad soon paid dividends.Portumna began to tire and with only one out field sub Rian Hogan available who came on for an injured Simon Curran half way through the second half, we had no other players available to freshen things up. Tullamore began to dictate the play and as our midfield tired and Tullamores 6 subs came on we had little chance of fulfilling our first half promise. Tullamore ultimately had a better and stronger team and they deserved the win. Portumna’s players or management were not too despondent as we had given them a good scare but ultimately we did not have enough strength in depth to challenge such an accomplished team.  

Onwards and upwards (hopefully)

U13 PORTLAOISE v PORTUMNA TOWN

Portumna travelled to Portlaoise for their first away fixture of the season. It was a long drive and a lot of waiting about due to a delay in the matches ahead of us. The hanging around didn’t help Portumna’s preparations and they looked sluggish from the start. Portlaoise have a big set of players who can play ball but too many of our better players had an off day. The usually very reliable Colin Burke had one of those games where he got into some great positions but just couldn’t get the ball in the net. 

The game rarely flowed, with both defenses in the ascendency. Sean Tuohy gave a man of the match performance in the centre half position and Jack Curley(captain for the game) worked very hard as well. Simon Curran ran his heart out especially as he is not fully fit at the moment. He put in the two wonderful crosses for the Portumna goals-both finished off with lovely headers by the ever reliable Ronan O’Meara. There is no doubt but we could have won the game. We were one all at half time and we had the wind in the second half. The team was very optimistic that we would win out as long as we concentrated and took our chances. With 10 minutes to go we got our second goal and we looked comfortable for a win. Unfortunately with a couple of minutes to go Portlaoise put together an attack. The reliable Tommy Heagney unfortunately failed to deal with it on this occasion and Sean Tuohy as the covering player had a rush of blood and put in an awkward challenge and the referee blew for a penalty. Young Tuohy will have learned a
valuable lesson-to stay on your feet and shepherd the player from goal. 

All in all Portumna left Portlaoise disappointed which says a lot about what they believe they can achieve as a team. There will be some tougher assignments ahead but at leastPortumna know that they can compete in this division.

U13 PORTUMNA TOWN v BIRR TOWN

This was Portumna’s first league match of the season. Portumna are in a new league against the best teams in the Midlands and our first match out was with last seasons main rivals Birr. Portumna were beaten on both occasions last season and the players were really up for the fixture especially having come off a great win in the first round of the SFAI cup beating Blessington of the SDSL 4-0.

The opening 10 minutes in this match were scrappy as both teams showed some nerves and neither team given the other time to settle. Eventually Portumna began to show some fluidity. Ronan O’Meara put in a fantastic effort all day, showing some great skill and awareness. He opened the proceedings with a great goal working together with Colin Burke and Simon Curran on the wing. Young O’Meara had a hatrick this day as Portumna’s strength and organization from the backs to the front really showed. The midfield worked tirelessly as they hassled and harried the birr players and they looked somewhat shell shocked with the Portumna effort. Portumna went in at half time three one up and were in full control of the game. In the second half goals from O’Meara and the impressive Colin burke put us 5 one up and the opportunity to give the substitutes a run and all of them gave a good account of themselves most notably a very good goal scored by young Max parry after a lovely lay off by Ronan O’Meara.
Portumna ran out comfortable winners 6-1 which is an extraordinary result given Birr’s undoubted quality. They had a bad day and Portumna took advantage. I don’t believe that this result will be repeated the next time we meet but we can at least enjoy it for the moment.

PORTUMNA TOWN v ATHENRY FC Pre season friendly

Portumna Town's Under 13's played out a terrific end to end game of football at their home Marian Park against a very strong Athenry FC XI team. After what was a very early deflected goal for Portumna in the first few minutes with which the Athenry keeper Darragh Murphy, who had an exceptional game, could do very little about Portumnafound their rythm and started to dominate the game for large parts of the 1st half.

With some very slick passing and expansive play which Athenry found difficult to match. Jack Curley being particularly effective throughout the first half in defence and Conor Barry pulling the strings in midfield. At the end of the half with the score at 3-1 to Portumna(Athenry's goal coming courtesy of a very well taken and definate penalty) the manager Cormac Barry made five changes to his squad to give the rest of his subs a well deserved run. The second half saw a complete reversal of fortune

After the substitutions Athenry starting to find their stride and range in shooting and the away team scored 4 goals without reply to finish as winners of this very competitive and at times physical friendly game. A good workout for the team with the novelty of competing against an Athenry team that finished second in their respective league and went very close to a cup win in the Galway & District league. 

Portumna can now look forward to the new season with optimism as current MSL Shield Champions after being promoted as runners up in their league which was a fantastic achievement in only their first season. Portumna goalscorers- Sean Tuohy, Ronan O'Meara, Colin Burke & Athenry Goalscorers Aaron Osborne(2), Ronan Byrne, Daragh Conlon,Darragh Keane