The Road to the Airtricity Under 19 Southern Division Title 2014

How ironic that the journey undertaken by the Mervue United U19 team to clinch the Airtricity U19 Southern Division Title should start on a glorious sunny day in August 2013 in Ferrycarrig Park, the home of Wexford Youths, and end in triumph for the Galway side in late January 2014, on the last day of the season, at the same venue.

A new look Mervue United team took to the field in their first competitive game in the Airtricity U19 Southern Division away to Wexford Youths last August. Signs were ominous when, on the stroke of half time they lost influential captain Richard Fahy to a serious injury and minutes after the interval conceded to the home side. However a sublime free kick by Aaron Mc Donagh followed by an 88th minute spectacular volley by Michael James saw the visitors steal all three points and return to Galway buoyed with confidence for the challenges that lay ahead. In the remaining three games in the first series against Bohemians, Limerick FC and Longford Town, Mervue garnered a further seven points leaving them sitting in pole position heading into the second series of game.

The second series proved to be extremely difficult to negotiate with all of the teams in the group taking points off each other. The highlight of this series was a thrilling 4-4 draw away to Dublin kingpins Bohemians in Dalymount Park in late October. Trailing three nil after 20 minutes and reduced to ten men, Mervue United’s season appeared to be evaporating before their very eyes. Despite their predicament they didn’t panic and managed to claw themselves back into the game to lead 4-3 with minutes remaining only to succumb to an injury time equaliser. Three points lost or a point gained? How crucial that point would turn out to be. Seven points captured in series two and still top of the Southern Division table.

Mervue entered the final series of games with their sights set on the ultimate prize. Early December saw them comfortably beat Wexford Youths in Ferrycarrig Park only to surrender their top of the table position a week later to chasing  rivals Limerick FC. Bohemians who had enjoyed an extended unbeaten run since late September had now joined Mervue and Limerick in the race for the title. Mervue’s first game of the New Year was a home tie with Bohemians, a game that would ultimately decide the fate of either team.  In an absorbing contest played in dreadful conditions Mervue’s top goalscorer Padraic Cunningham rifled  home the only  goal of the game  to send his side back to the top of the table once again. One week later Mervue completed their League program with a game against Longford Town in City Calling Stadium, Longford. Mervue recorded their highest win of the twelve game series romping to a comprehensive 7-1 victory with the talented Ryan Manning scoring four of his sides tally leaving Mervue two points clear of their nearest rivals Limerick FC who had a game in hand.

A week later and all the attention focused on Ferrycarrig Park where Wexford Youths entertained favourites Limerick FC in the final series with the visitors knowing that only a win would be good enough to clinch the title.  Wexford scored early in the game and led 1-0 at the interval. Limerick equalised just after the break and went 2-1 ahead with fifteen minutes remaining. As the clock ticked towards the 90th minute Wexford Youths pounced for the equaliser. Moments later the full time whistle sounded and the Airtricity U19 Southern Division trophy was on its way to Galway.

Great credit must go to an extremely dedicated and talented group of players whose resilience, determination and skill were the hallmarks of a fantastic League campaign.

For manager Justin Neary and his backroom team of Colin Nolan, Ollie Neary and Gerry Murphy it was a case of mission accomplished and a satisfying outcome to an enthralling roller coaster season. Ryan Manning was released to play for the newly formed Galway F.C. and talented winger Aaron McDonagh is expected to follow suit in the July transfer window.

Mervue U19’s are currently engaged in a final series of play-off games which has afforded them an opportunity to blood new talent for next season. They can now look forward to playing in one of the expanded Northern or Southern Divisions that are proposed for the 2014/2015 season.

Mervue United U19’s will be presented with the Airtricity Southern Division U-19 Cup following their last home game on Thursday 20th March at Fahy’s Field against Limerick F.C.  Kick-off 7.30 p.m. 

Chairman of the Airtricity League Eamonn Naughton, Airtricity U-19 League Co-ordinator Pat Duffy and a representative of Airtricity will be in attendance to make the presentation.  All support would be welcome on the night.  

MERVUE UTD. U-19 AIRTRICITY SOUTHERN DIVISION WINNING SQUAD  2013/14

James Healy   Goalkeeper        Aaron Friel  Midfielder            Ryan Manning  Striker

Peter Healy    Goalkeeper        Richard Fahy  Midfielder         Padraic Cunningham Striker

Eric Neary      Defender           Stephen Killeen Midfielder      Andrew Connolly Striker        

Paul Healy       Defender          Luke Tully   Midfielder              Dillon Murphy  Striker

Robert Carroll  Defender         Moise Assogba Midfielder     

Cian De Lamport  Defender    Michael James Midfielder

Gary  Bailey      Defender        Aaron Mc Donagh  Midfielder                      

Maccon  Byrne   Defender      John Miguel Solier Midfielder                       

Matty Flynn    Defender           Dean  Tierney  Midfielder