On the Pitch…
While the U14 SFAI game couldn’t proceed due to a frozen pitch, the U12 game took place on the astro pitch. The Town and St Johns played out an entertaining match which finished in a draw after extra time and was decided on penalties with St. Johns coming out on top 3 – 2 in the shootout.
The match started with a quick tempo which was continued throughout as both teams went at each other to try and win the match. There was some good attacking moves from both teams but both defences held firm in the first half.
The deadlock was broken in the second half when St Johns scored with a nice passing move to give them the lead. Town responded positively to going behind and worked a very good equaliser. Patrick Healy played a pass through the St. John’s defence for Daniel Byrne to latch onto and slot home.
Even after having a player sent off, Town continued to play football. Neither team could find the crucial goal in normal and extra time and so the contest would be decided by spot kicks.
Hard luck lads and good luck to St John’s in the next round. Thoughts now turn to the Connacht Shield against Loughrea at the weekend while the U14 team are due to play their rescheduled game against St Johns of Sligo in Sligo.
Christmas Q&A…Olímpia Mihalcea
Tell us a bit about yourself…
I volunteer with Roscommon Town Youth Soccer where I coach many teams – boys and girls. I’m originally from Romania and live in Roscommon Town. I’m an optimistic person who enjoys listening to music. I love sport and helping other people.
How will you spend Christmas this year?
For me, the meaning of Christmas is family. So, I’ll spend the festive period with my family in my sisters house.
One Christmas present you’ll never forget…
A Steaua Bucharest jersey. Christmas 1991. My favourite team. I was ten.
Who’s on your ‘Nice’ list this year?
My husband, Cristian
All I want for Christmas 2022 is…
Good health for everyone.
Player Profile…
Name: Ruairi Kerr
Team: U14
Position: Goalkeeper
Three words that describe me: Sporty, Joyful, Dedicated
Skill strength: Reflex Saves
Skill weakness: Touch
Favourite team: Tottenham Hotspur
Favourite player: Harry Kane
Favourite Irish player: Shane Duffy
Best stadium: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Messi or Ronaldo or neither: Messi
PlayStation, Xbox or neither: PlayStation
Favourite Food – Enchilada
Favourite film: Sing
Favourite song: World Cup – IShowSpeed
Favourite book: Keeper Haunted by the Spirit of the Game
What makes me happy: Playing Football
Person I admire the most: My Dad
Why I play soccer: I enjoy using all of my body to help win a game
Coach Corner…
Name: Mick Egan
Role: Boys U14 Coach
Three words that describe me: Honest, Considerate, Humorous
Favourite Team: Shamrock Rovers
Favourite Player: Jack Byrne
Best stadium you have visited: St James’ Park
Best game you have seen: Liverpool’s comeback against Barcelona in the Champions League semifinal in 2019
Best player of all time: Maradona
Favourite Film: Heat, starring Al Pacino & Robert De Niro
Favourite Song: God moving over the face of the waters by Moby, very atmospheric track at the end of Heat
Favourite Food: Anything cooked by my beautiful Brazilian wife
Favourite Book: Tuesdays with Morrie
Best place in the world: Anywhere by the sea
Person you admire the most: Fr Peter McVerry, a lifetime of service
Why I got involved: I love being involved in the game, helping the players develop as footballers and as people. It’s an enjoyable element of my life.
Coaching Philosophy: Connection before coaching. When you know the personality of the player, then you can be realistic about the capacity of that player to perform in an area of the pitch at key moments in key games. Positioning, passing, patience, pace and positivity are key elements for young players and which I try to encourage as a coach.
Advice I would give to others: Don’t sweat on the small stuff. See the bigger picture.
Motto for Life: Change the things you can change. Accept the things you cannot change. Have the wisdom to know the difference.