U-9As overcame Clonee Utd in a titanic struggle in the Cup away in Co Meath.  Emma Boyle's goal ensured that the match went to extra-time, and due to the new rule that games are played to a finish, the dreaded penalty shoot-out ensued.  And we all remember great performances by the likes of Bruce Grobbelar and Jerzi Dudek for Liverpool in European Cup finals (apologies to Man Utd fans who don't like to be reminded of Liverpool's 5 European Cups), well cometh the hour, cometh the man. This time it was keeper Stuey Rocca who saved 2 penalties to make sure that Celtic won through to the next round of the Cup.

LSL Sat Prem Div. Celtic's Snowey Battigan was early into the action, chipping St Pat's CY keeper, but Philip Dillon was on hand to ensure that the goal was awarded after 2 mins.  Gary Deveney was unlucky with a number of chances which meant that it was just 1-0 at half time.  Pats struck against the run of play after the resumption, and were on level terms to everyone's surprise.  But Tommy Donnelly and John Byrne, who had come on as substitute, made sure of the points when they combined for Celtic's second.  This has set them up for next week's busy schedule, including the top of the table clash against Belgrave, and the Qtr Final of the Cup against Aer Rianta.  Today's man of the match was difficult to select, but by a short head, it was Ronan McGivern for his tireless work in the middle of the park.

AUL Div2 Sat : Dara O'Connor's depleted squad went down to Watergate 3-1 in a game that in normal circumstances they would have expected to win at a stroll. Joey Finucane scored Celtic's only goal.

AUL Div2 Sun: This was a top of the table clash, with Castleknock 4 points behind their opposition, Marks Celtic, with 2 games in hand.  Billy Thompson put Eddie O'Callaghan's side in front after 5 mins with a header from Stephen O'Callaghan's free kick.  10 mins before half time, Marks were let back into the game with a dubious free kick which combined with slack defence left the scores 1-1 at the break.  Marks had it easy for their second on 65 mins. 2-1 to the visitors from Tallaght.  But a resilient Castleknock team were rewarded 10 mins from time when Adam O'Callaghan was pole-axed in the box, and he converted the penalty himself.  2-2 draw a fair result.

U-10A advanced to the semi-finals of the cup with 4-2 victory away to Hartstown.  This is a very creative team who though so young, are already thinking about their next pass as the ball comes to them.  Their strikeforce on this occasion was Karl Fitzgibbon, Cian O'Ceallaigh, Jamie Traynor, and Nathan McAloon.  This is another feature of their strength, that they can strike from almost anywhere. Man of the match was Fergus Kavanagh, though Jamie Traynor was very much in contention for the award. 

U-10A Challenge: Killeigh made the trip to Castleknock, after the Dublin club had gone to Co Offaly last year, when the Faithful County treated Celtic to a most hospitable visit.  This time they both stepped up to 11-a-side football, and what a treat we were served up.  It was a memorable game of up and down the pitch competitive football, with great skills on show from both sides.  We will all take away different memories from the game, but this reporter won't forget the decisive moment.  When we all thought that a draw was a fair result as we entered the final phase of the game, Mark Corrie fed the ball to the edge of the box.  Glen Murphy took control of the ball and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top right hand corner of the net. The Killeigh keeper who had performed magnificently throughout could only stand and admire what looked like a cruise missile lodge in the back of the net.  But it was more than this highlight that marked this game out.  The team put down a marker for the future. They demonstrated football skills way beyond their years, and with continued dedication, we can look forward to another crop of young talent coming through the ranks. It was also remarkable for the great camaraderie that existed between the teams, and it was an example of sportsmanship for other teams - hard but fair.  Well done to both teams for giving us such an enjoyable spectacle.  click for gallery 

U-10C1 clock up another victory in the league.  Darragh O'Neill and Saad Hassan were Celtic's marksmen against Broadford Rovers from South County Dublin.  While Darragh's goal gave Celtic the lead at half time, and Saad hit his team's second, it was Senan McAllorum who was given the man of the match award for a splendid performance.  click for memory

After the exertions of the Danone Cup win the previous day, it looked like it had taken its toll as Celtic's U-11 Premier side struggled with Swords Manor away in the league.  A delightful free kick from outside the box by Gavin Boyne, and strikes from Keelan McAnerin and Ryan Moore, had given Celtic an apparently comfortable 3-1 advantage at half time.  But the Manor went oh so close to pulling off the surprise of the year when they ran Celtic very close in the second period.  But Celtic held on grimly for the narrowest of wins by 3-2.  Back to back games on successive days is a big ask, even from a mighty proud bunch like Dave Fogarty's troops, who had played five games on the previous day in the Danone Cup.  Asst Manager Fran Boyne was mightily relieved to get away with the full 3 points, and was full of praise for his team who had performed heroics within a space of 26 hours.

U-11Bs worked very hard indeed to earn a share of the spoils against  a plucky Marino side. Myles Sheehan had kept the sides level at 1-1 at half-time. It was Conor Mullen who ensured a share of the points by getting the second goal to leave the sides level at 2-2 at the finish.  Man of the match was Alex Bell, but keeper Niall O'Riordan must have run him very close for the accolade with a superb exhibition in goal.  click for gallery

U-13 Premier were in top form with this 4-0 win over Balbriggan.  Carl O'Mahony was on song with a brace, while Conor Fitzpatrick and Owen Haughton completed the rout.  It had been close at the end of the first hald with the sides separated by a single goal.

U-13D made it unbeaten in 9 when they travelled to Portmarnock and came home with the 3 points.  They had led 2-0 at half time, and they doubled that score by the end, with goals from Graham Dunne and Mark McIlkenney, and a brace from Niall Luckie. 4-1 final score.

U-14 Premier were unable to make it 3 wins this season over Maynooth Town, when they went down at home 4-2 despite goals from E Cahill and B Moriarty.

U-15B bounced back from their defeat last week with an impressive 5-2 win away to Swords Celtic.  David Kelly had hit a rapid-fire hat-trick inside the first 10 mins.  But Castleknock took their foot off the pedal in the second half, and Swords hit 2 in reply.  but 15 mins from time, Mark Kellett linked up with Conor O'Hara, who slid the ball home for the fourth.  Then with 10 mins remaining, hotshot Craig Dunne popped up on the edge of the box, and rifled his shot into the back of the net. 5-2 win.

U-16As maintained their 100% record in 2007 when they won 7-1 away to Grangewoodbine. Surprise surprise, Chris Hoey hit a hat-trick, while Ger Farrelly scored one.