While it did not yield any silverware the minor football season was successful in that we had a group of very committed players who competed at a high level throughout the year.

Playing in League Division 2 the team finished 6^th and had it not been for a couple of bad results, particularly an early league defeat to Erin’s Isle and a heavy loss to Templeogue, would have been in contention for honours. Notably we drew with eventual league winners Na Fianna.

A cup competition was run during the Summer months and while it provided football coming as it did during the holiday period it meant that the team was constantly changing as people were available/un-available. One notable victory was recorded in the cup when an under strength Clontarf beat St. Vincents in St. Annes on a scoreline of 2-7 to 1-9.

The Minor B Championship was the final competition that we took part in. The first round saw us travel to Sandyford to take on Naomh Olaf. With the wind blowing diagonally scoring was difficult for both sides. Clontarf played against the wind in the first half and were able to hold Olaf’s to a single point half time lead 0-3 to 0-2. The second half saw Clontarf exert pressure that lead to a 0-4 to 0-6 victory. The second round saw Clontarf travel to play Ballymun Kickhams. Unfortunately we left our form behind us and allowed a fast Ballymun side to dominate the game and to win 1-10 to 1-3. This effectively ended the playing year for this minor team. Ballymun went on to reach the final where they were beaten by Fingal Ravens.

Over the year from last November between challenge and competitive matches the squad played over 30 games as well as attending weekly training sessions where numbers were always good. Significant commitment was shown by all involved. We were also supported by players from the under 16 panel some of whom played regularly and by Eoghan O’Grady who helped with training and matches.

During the year Gerard Ryan was a Dublin Minor panelist for their league campaign and was unlucky to be dropped from the final Championship squad. Most of our minor panel have also played on our Club senior or junior football teams over the past year. It is great to see so many of them make the transition to adult football where we believe that they are capable of making a significant contribution.

The end of the playing year was marked by a function in the Clubhouse where player of the year and most improved player awards were presented. This year the selection was by way of a ballot between players and mentors and resulted in a tie for both awards. On the night recipients were Player of the Year: Neil Shanahan and Shane McIntyre and Most Improved Player: Cian Reidy and Kieran Murray.

Thanks is also due to all the parents who assisted with lifts to away games and took up duty as umpires etc. at games.