The U17 boys started their season in the shield with a trip to Knocktopher to play Stoneyford. From the beginning it was clear that the pitch was going to have a big effect on the game. Thomastown were slightly on top for most of the first half without creating any clear-cut chances. The best of the chances fell to Stoney from mistakes & slips in the away team's rear guard because of the poor pitch but Sean Denniffe standing in for injured keeper Aaron Darcy was solid throughout to keep Stoney at bay while Thomastown couldn't capitalize on pin point corners from Jack Hearne. The second half went much the same way until a long back pass bobbled & went straight in to give Stoneyford the lead with 15 minutes to go. Thomastown pushed hard with Aaron Hughes trying from distance & after a mazy run down the right Frankie Kavanagh crossed to Cian Courtney whose attempt came off the crossbar & Stoneyford cleared off the line after a goal mouth scramble .With Thomastown pushing all out for an equalizer Stoneyford got their second on the break in injury time. The game finished 2-0 to Stoneyford . Thomastown played well in a close contest with Jack Kiely the stand out player. Team - Sean Denniffe, Jack Hearne, Jack Kiely, Cormac Moore, Tadgh Ryan, Jamie Naddy, Aaron Hughes, Jimmy Maher(C), Adam Arthurs,Arthur's, Cian Courtney, JJ Ryan Subs - Frank Kavanagh, Conall Tobin, Finn Beck