Saturday was one of the most important days in the ten year history of Ranelagh Gaels when they club’s first ever underage team played their debut game.

Ranelagh’s Under-8s played Shankill in a challenge match last weekend and there are plans for more games in the coming weeks.

This is a major departure for the Gaels, who have only fielded teams in adult competitions, both men’s and ladies, over the past decade.

Ranelagh Gaels Youth Academy was only established before Christmas and fun Gaelic Games training continues every Saturday afternoon at midday in Herbert Park for children four years and older.

Playing a game barely six months later is a considerable achievement.

The 20 players, looking smart decked out in their new jerseys sponsored by Ladybug – a local crèche, had a ball in their first game and are already looking forward to their next assignment.

For full details on Ranelagh Gaels Academy click here – new children and parents are always welcome.

The children that represented Ranelagh Gaels Under-8s were: Paddy McGrath; Liam Flaherty; Ena O Foghlu; Richard Sheehan;Jack Darmody; Andrew McGoey; Riain Coogan; Joshua Morgan Smith; Julien Kelly; Andries Louwrens; Maxim Zaikin; Aoife Clark; Heather Coyle; Tara Clark; Joanie McGrath; Josh Kenny;  Daniel Hassett; Sean Murphy;  Daniel McKenna;  James O’Doherty.