Dalkey’s top U15 football team recently travel to take part in the Barcelona Cup. This tournament is open to all countries and has a great international flavour. The lads played against teams from France, Sweden, Finland, Norway and England.
The team lost to a French side 2-1 in their opening match, and bounced back to finish second in their group. In the semi finals they faced a very strong Sussex Schools representative team, with some of their lads having connections with Brighton and Chelsea football clubs. After taking the lead through an excellent goal from Quinn Doyle, the first goal Sussex had conceded in the tournament, the lads played out a very tight and competitive match. Sussex equalised with a penalty before adding on 2 late goals, to win 3-1. They went on to beat the French side in the final. Dalkey United had to console themselves with the 3rd place play off match versus a Norwegian side, Tollnes. Dalkey won the match with an excellent all round performance, securing 3rd spot. A very commendable achievement in the teams first venture abroad.
Coaches Stephen Cullen, back right, and Dara Moloney, back left, (as well as Dominic Rihan and Dave Kane not pictured) were very proud of the teams performances.
The lads are competing in the top DDSL Sunday U15s league and are currently placed 4th in the table. The team includes local lads, with many having been together since starting in the Dalkey Academy over 7 years ago. There is a tight bond within the team, as is the ethos at Dalkey United Football Club.
