Cobh youth triumph over local Gardai in annual Garda Youth Diversion soccer match

The Annual Garda Youth Diversion soccer match between Feabhas GYDP (Garda Youth Diversion Project), affectionately known locally as ‘the parish,’ and the Cobh Gardai took place last recently at Springfield Ramblers AstroTurf Pitch at the Cobh Community College grounds in Carrignafoy. Now in its second year, the nine a side game got off to an intense start with both sides giving it their all from the first whistle. After their defeat to the Garda team last year, the boys from Feabhas GYDP were determined to come out victorious this year.

The youth team played fiercely competitively from the offset and didn’t let up the strength of their game for the entire first half, with a lead of 5-1 at half time. Scores by Alex Costello, Brad Stapelton, Kane O’ Keefe, Dean O’ Leary (c) and Petr Ziga for the youth team; with Pat Fielding scoring for the Garda team. The intensity of play by the youth team eased off somewhat in the second half when the players began to tire. But the Garda team came back strongly with another two goals from Pat Fielding and two extra goals from Eric McCarthy (c).However, the young team were not to be beaten as they scored six further goals throughout the second half, one from substitute Darren McKevitt, while Brad Stapelton and Kane O’ Keefe got another three and two goals respectively. The final score was 11-5 to the young Feabhas GYDP team. Man of the Match was presented to Petr Ziga.

The youth team were jubilant in their victory but the Garda team vowed to come back even stronger next year to reclaim the cup. One thing is for certain, this cup will always be highly contested as neither side want to lose out to the other. We’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all the Gardai who participated on the day for being such good sports, as well as all those who came out to show their support on the sidelines. We’d especially like to thank Garda Eric McCarthy, who organised the perpetual cup and a trophy for Man of the Match, both sponsored by Sorrento’s; your kind and generous support is greatly appreciated.