Midleton U17 manager Colm Fitzgerald thrilled with his squad's effort all season

The Midleton U17 premier league side have just finished an impressive season by winning the league title, lifting the U17 Gussie Walsh Cup and they also reached the final of the FAI U17 National Cup.

In a very competitive Premier League they only tasted defeat once, however, they were pushed all the way by a very resilient Leeside United side, while Carrigaline United, Lakewood Athletic and Douglas Hall were all prominent all year. 

They also won the U17 Gussie Walsh Cup when they beat Leeside on penalties at Turner's Cross after both sides couldn’t be separated after full time and extra time where their goalkeeper Colm Noonan put in a man of the match performance.

They reached the FAI U17 National Cup final, however, they came up against a very good Belvedere FC side and lost by three goals to one at Turner's Cross in April.

Their manager Colm Fitzgerald is very proud of his player's achievements this season and was full of praise for all his entire squad.

“It has after been a fantastic season for all involved with this wonderful side and we are very proud of our achievements this year,” Colm said.

“The squad of 18 players have been brilliant throughout and indeed the U16 players who stepped up when needed. 

"Training every week with big numbers has been the foundation for our success this season.

“The ability to score goals has also been key to getting us to where we are, as every outfield player has scored for our team this season.

“We said to the boys at the start of the season that the league was the priority and anything else would be a bonus. 

"To reach the final of the FAI U17 National Cup final, win the U17 Gussie Walsh Cup and now lifting the U17 Premier League title has topped off an amazing season.

“We weren’t the only team to win the league last week as our U17A team also won the U17A league title and also or senior team retained the Munster Senior League which shows how strong the club is and how far we are progressing at the moment.

“We knew coming into the season we’d face very strong teams in Leeside United, Lakewood Athletic, Carrigaline United, Douglas Hall and the rest of the teams were very competitive, so it is credit to all the clubs that played in the league to be at such a high standard.

“We’ve been playing catch up in the last few weeks with league games due to the cup runs and it has been a challenge playing three games in eight days some weeks, but that’s where the squad has been excellent.

“Players have had to come in and played out of position, but they’ve done it every time when asked. 

"We’ve only lost once is the league, which again shows the consistency and resilience the lads have shown all season,” Fitzgerald said.