London Youth Committee notes for week beginning 28th of July 201

Following on from the disappointment of the U-16’s defeat to Warwickshire during the week, the London U-18’s put in an inspired performance against Lancashire on Saturday Afternoon to capture the U-18 British Provincial Football Title. Whereas the 16’s had been slow and lethargic in possession, the 18’s (with only 3 players ineligible for next year) moved the ball at a ferocious pace which their Lancashire counterparts simply couldn’t deal with. London meant business from the off and starting the game with a massive intensity and purpose that blew the opposition away and it was that man again, Alfie ‘The Goal Machine’ McNulty who set the tone for the whole match with a couple of quick fire scores. McNulty proved to be a constant threat to the Lancashire rearguard throughout the hour, with the tactics employed by London leaving their two-man full forward line in acres of space. London proceeded to dominate the entire first half playing some sublime football at times that was a joy to watch but maybe even more impressive was the intensity that these young men brought to the field, with the speed at which they moved the ball and their ferocity in the tackle. These young men can certainly play at a higher level. With young boys such as Conor Bradshaw, Ryan McCready, Dara Shortall, Alan Callanan, Ciaran O’Donoghue and Conor McDermott learning and improving all the time, the future is very bright for London GAA. Lancashire couldn’t live with the speed of thought of this team and the London boys outplayed them in the second half, despite making six substitutions.

These young footballers truly are a joy to watch and play the game in the right way. They are hard but fair and move the ball quickly and effectively. They can open teams up with their movement and are capable of kicking some fantastic scores. The whole team were magnificent on the day with Ruairi O’Connor sound in goal, Ciarán McNamara, Ciaran Healy and Aidan Bradshaw imperious in defence, the midfield combination of Ryan O’Connell and Shane Buckley simply sublime in the first half, with Liam Gallagher and Conor McCarthy also making a telling contribution in the second half. Finally, there were quality performances in attack from Alfie McNulty, Lorcan Comer, Brendan Rice and Frazer Lennon but the Star Man was the industrious Tom Sears who turned in a quality performance. Time and time again, he turned over opposition attacks with his savage tackling while he also, has no little skill when it comes to the ball either, remaining cool, calm and collected when in possession and never putting a ball astray all day. Certainly one to watch but there are so many talented individuals in this team and coming through the underage set-up in London GAA at the moment. Final Score: London 6-11 v Lancashire 0-04

London: Ruairi O’Connor, Ciarán McNamara, Conor Bradshaw, Ryan McCready, Ciaran Healy, Aidan Bradshaw, Tom Sears, Ryan O’Connell (0-1), Shane Buckley (0-4), Ciaran O’Donoghue, Lorcan Comer (0-2), Brendan Rice, Alan Callanan, Alfie McNulty (4-2), Conor McDermott. Subs: Liam Gallagher (1-1), Frazer Lennon (1-1), Conor McCarthy, Dara Shortall, Mikey Maher, Oisin Bradley and Harry Flanagan.

Squad Members: Aidan McGarvey, Killian Butler, Conor Spinks, Jamie Collins and Dino Doyle.

 

U-16 Development Squad have been invited to take part in the Dermot Earley Blitz in the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, Co.Mayo n the 6th of September

London Youth Committee has invited Paudie Bulter from Tipperary one of the Ireland's leading GAA coaches over to Ruislip on the 12 September with more details to follow.

Provisional U8 & 11 Hurling Blitz on Sep 6th.