Macroom FC: The Year in Review
IT has been another busy year for all at Macroom FC and there have been many highlights to choose from.
But it was a strange start to the year as terrible weather during January and February wiped out the vast majority of fixtures. In fact, a number of teams within the club did not play for four months if you include the previous November and December.
Three sets of jerseys were presented in February to the two adult teams and the Youths. This sponsorship was a great boost and the club would like to thank McCarthy’s Newsagents Main Street, Murphy’s Costcutter Masseytown, and Murray’s Bar for their generosity and continued support.
April brought celebrations for the Youths team when they were crowned league champions.
In May, the Annual Race Night took place at Murray’s and received great support from the local public. This fundraiser is hugely important for Macroom FC and the club is very grateful to those who purchased horses, sponsored races and advertisements, and attended on the night. Further highlights during the month included a schoolgirls trip to Dublin where visits to the Aviva Stadium and National Museum of History were made.
The U12 boys also travelled to England and played local club ‘Malton Lions’ in a friendly. They also visited Old Trafford, Anfield and attended the Everton v Arsenal Premier league game at Goodison Park.
The month of June saw further success, this time at schoolboy level. In this section, the U12 team won the league and the U14 side were promoted to the Premier league. The two adult teams completed their league programmes, with both finishing in fourth place. The end of season awards nights were held at Murray’s Bar and The Auld Triangle.
The FAI Summer Soccer Schools Camp returned to Murrayfield in early July. Seven FAI qualified coaches and over 100 boys and girls enjoyed the five day camp.
The August Bank holiday weekend saw the annual seven-a-side competition, sponsored by Murray’s Bar, take place at the Town Park. Team James were victorious in the cup after beating Decky’s Dream Team in the final.
The shield was won by Dinneen’s Bar with Clondrohid Astro taking the runners up spot.
Macroom FC schoolgirls were back training and playing games during September. Increasing interest in this section of the club has seen two teams (U14 and U12) entered into competition. U7, U8, U9 and U10 also resume.
October saw further fundraising activities in the form of a sponsored bag pack at Dunnes Stores. Further sponsorship followed this month as the U13 Premier side were presented with a set of jerseys from Donagh Callanan of Callanan Surveyors.
The semi final of the President’s Cup saw Macroom B travel to take on Bweeng Celtic in mid November. In a closely contested encounter the sides finished level (1-1) after extra time. Macroom advanced by virtue of a 5-3 scoreline in the penalty shoot out. The final against Temple Utd is set to take place in the Spring of 2017 at Turner’s Cross.
The weekly lotto continues to be the main source of income for the club. Throughout 2016 local restaurants, bars and retail outlets facilitate the selling of tickets. Macroom FC would like to thank all sellers and encourage the local public to support our ticket selling outlets as well as club sponsors whose ongoing support is invaluable.
Finally, Happy Christmas and New Year to all and here’s to a sporting and successful 2017.