MJS Building and Development Minor Football Final Replay: Mullingar Shamrocks 1-10 Tubberclair 1-3.

Our Minor footballers extracted the maximum value form their sensational comeback in the drawn final and completed the job on Saturday, with a superb 1-10 to 1-3 victory against our great rivals in this grade, Tubberclair.

Two years ago in Ballynacarrigy, Daire O’Connor’s last minute goal won the Under-15 county, last year Tubberclair finished a point ahead in the classic Minor semi-final superbly refereed by Pat Fox (we pulled back a six point lead on that occasion) and then we defeated Tubberclare in this year’s League final but as they say its only the League. Tubberclare will probably remind us that they were convincing winners in the League stage of this year’s championship.  It’s a great rivalry the product of a huge investment of time and energy in coaching two panels of dedicated players. And with Westmeath opting for Under-18 as the Minor grade next season, the rivalry continues with all 30 players underage, and of course several more clubs hiding in the long grass for an opportunity to bring down the 2023 finalists. 

After a cautious first half Shamrocks held the minimum lead (0-5 to 1-1) at the interval. Ryan Kelly kicked Shamrocks into a 0-3 to 0-0 lead in the opening 15 minutes. The first point was created by a superb interception and run by Ben Sheerin, one of the stars of the day. Ben carried downfield, parted to Ryan who kicked the opening point. Ryan added two more points from frees before Ben McNamee added his usual long-range classic point-per-game from his wing back position in the twentieth minute. Tubberclair finally unlocked the Shamrocks defence in the twenty-seventh minute with a move that began deep in their own defence following a turnover.

Daire O’Connor supported by Paul Keegan moved the ball forward and a little shimmy from Sean Whittaker split the defence and created the space for Taylor Slevin to blast the ball past Adam Buckley. The Shamrocks response was immediate and a move that saw Callum Rigney Clyne and Ryan Kelly combine ended with a Gavin Pierce point. This was neutralized by a Daire O’ Connor pointed free that cut the deficit to the minimum. It looked a precarious lead as Shamrocks played with the benefit of a strong breeze blowing into the apartment end. 

Tubberclair threatened from the throw-in when Kealen Connell won possession but his inspiring run ended scoreless. The next five minutes proved crucial as Shamrocks added three points to extend the lead to a more secure four points. Ryan Kelly fielded a Gavin Pierce delivery and pointed in the second minute; a minute later Conor Heffernan pointed a free and this was followed by a point from joint captain, Callum Rigney Clyne. The half-time lead was no longer precarious. Daire O’Connor pointed a free and mid-way through the half Seán Whittaker registered Tubberclair’s first point from play (0-8 to 1-3). Tubberclair looked to be back in the game but this proved to be their final score of the day as their forwards were unable to escape the clutches of a resolute Shamrocks defence. Midway through the half, Ryan Kelly scored the crucial goal. Ryan opted to take a free in the old style and kicked from the ground. It wasn’t Ryan’s best strike but on this occasion the ball eluded the Tubberclare defenders and ended in the net for the crucial goal. Donnacha Maguire followed up and put the ball in the net for the second time in case there were any doubts (1-8 to 1-3). 

Adam Buckley was seen to good effect between the posts especially when he confidently fielded a skyscraper of a shot that dropped under the crossbar, the kind of missile that no goalkeeper likes to see approaching. The catch was Neil Morgan-like in its execution (Cluxton would probably have punched the ball clear). The mistakes goalkeepers make are never forgotten but the great saves sometimes get lost in the mists of time. Adam Buckley’s contribution to bringing this minor title to Springfield was substantial. The focus on the drawn game was on the never-say-die comeback but without Adam’s sensational save in the first minute, there would have been no resurrection. A timely advance by Buckley foiled Seán Whittaker that was accompanied by penalty claims that were ignored by referee, Shane Maher who confirmed the validity of his decision after consulting with his umpires. The referee also ignored a second penalty claim. 

Ryan Kelly added another pointed free to the Shamrocks total and in the 34th minute Conor Heffernan also pointed a free. It was the final score of 130 extraordinary minutes of football. Our Under-age Committee Chairman and Chairman of the County Under-age Committee, Barry Kelly had the satisfaction of presenting the trophy to our joint, and giant in the football sense captains, Callum Rigney Clyne and Ryan Kelly. 

This was a superb team victory. Adam Buckley’s contribution has already been mentioned. The fullback line was superb. Ben Sheerin with his numerous interceptions and winning tackles was a strong contender for man of the match as was Adam Glynn in the other corner. Adam continued his duels with Daire O’Connor and was not found wanting at any stage. Between the corner backs, Ty Masterson was in total control and his reading of the game was of the highest order. The halfback line was equally impressive with Peter Finch having one of his finest games in the Shamrocks jersey. James Flynn and Ben McNamee were in total control with Ben another man of the match candidate. At midfield, Ameen Hacini covered acres of ground to great effect in his role; the return of Criostóir  Ormsby from a near season long injury was timely and important. Donnacha Maguire’s work rate and general play all season made Donnacha a candidate for the most improved player on the team.

Up front, all seven forwards played their part and this included tackling and tracking back which are essential parts of the skill set of a forward in the modern game. Conor Heffernan, Callum Rigney Clyne, Gavin Pierce kicked vital scores over the course of the two games, the work rate of Alex Sheerin and Paul Keating was an essential part of the mix. However, it was the excellence of Ryan Kelly that made it all possible.  Apart from scoring 2-11 of the 2-19 scored over the two games, Ryan was the playmaker in chief in the attack (take a look at the video of Ryan’s contribution to Conor Heffernan’s brilliant strike for the crucial first goal in the drawn game). Ryan was simply the best.

It must be remembered that the final replay ended a long season’s campaign and all the panelists contributed in many ways to this victory. And, after all the positive praise of this report (and after 15 years we are entitled to a bit of extravagance), we will sign off with Ned’s wise words in the post-match dressing room. This win will be devalued considerably if several of the winning players do nnot go on to wear the Mullingar Shamrocks jersey with distinction in adult football. This victory, hopefully,  was one small step for Mullingar Shamrocks on a journey to a senior title sometime in the future.

Finally, our team management of Tom Ormsby (Lead Mentor), Derek Sheridan, Paul Christie and consultant Ned Moore worked from early in the year with this dedicated panel of players. Their commitment to the group was simply outstanding and must never be forgotten.  

Mullingar Shamrocks: Adam Buckley; Adam Glynn, Ty Masterson Ben Sheerin; James Flynn (Luke Raeside), Peter Finch (Ronan Byrne), Ben McNamee (0-1); Ameen Hacini, Criostóir Ormsby; Paul Keating (Alex Sheerin), Ryan Kelly (1-5) Conor Heffernan  (0-2, Padraig Casey) Callum Rigney Clyne (0-1); Donnacha Maguire, Gavin Pierce (0-1) [Elmugtaba Mohammed].

Other Panelists: Matas Puida, Tom Daly, Charlie Foy, Andrew Gavigan, Hugh O’Sullivan Sexton, John Shaw, Matthew Shaw, Jack Toal.   

 

Under-13 Football Final: Mullingar Shamrocks 0-6 St Loman’s 0-8

Two evenly matched teams played an absorbing County Under-13 final on Sunday afternoon on an immaculate billiard-table like Ballynacarrigy pitch.

Scores were hard to come by with both defences on top. Mullingar Shamrocks’ player Colm Clinton had the pleasure of being double marked for the duration of the game – a tribute to Colm’s abilty while at the other end Shamrocks’ MJ Burke excelled in the role of sweeper. Gaelic football even at Under-13 level is now a tactical occasion but extensive hand-passing and lateral movements have yet to reach the Under-13 level. 

St Loman’s enjoyed a good early spell but this wasn’t reflected on the scoreboard. Michael Brennan from a converted 45 opened their scoring account after seven minutes  but the Shamrocks response was almost immediate and a great run by Scott Farrelly ended with a foul. Colm Clinton pointed the subsequent free. Shamrocks dominated the middle third of this half but they too struggled to convert this dominance to scores on the board.  Instead, it was St Loman’s who found the range and kicked four successive points, which ultimately made the difference. Luke Fitzsimons kicked a good free off his left boot that was dipping under the crossbar before it was helped over by an alert Tom McCaul. Jack Corroon displayed his soccer skills and first timed a point with his left boot and Cathal Kilmurray added two points from frees to give St Loman’s a four point lead.  Oliver Keane reduced the deficit with a great long-range point but this was neutralized by a similar effort from Michael Brennan to secure a 0-6 to 0-2 lead for St Loman’s at the interval. 

Shamrocks dominated the second half thanks to some great defending with Conor Glynn leading the way but were unable to break down the St Loman’s defence. Scott Farrelly kicked a great point followed by a Theo Kelly point from a difficult angle in the twelfth minute. Unfortunately, Shamrocks were not to score again for twenty minutes. A brilliant Tom McCaul save prevented a St Loman’s goal.   St Loman’s registered their first score of the half in the twenty-third minute when Michael Brennan scored with a fine effort from long range. Three minutes later, Cathal Kilmurray skipped through the Shamrocks defence and pointed to restore St Loman’s four-point advantage (0-8 to 0-4).

Shamrocks piled on the attacks at this stage and with the game drifting into injury time Colm Clinton pointed a free. Shamrocks next attack ended with the award of a close range free and Colm’s blast for the equalizing goal was just over, clipping the top of the crossbar on its way.  

Both teams are to be complimented on their play on the day; indeed both sets of mentors also deserve recognition. This was the most local of derbies but there wasn’t a cross word exchanged between the parties at any stage during the day. We thank our management team led by lead mentor Anthony Clinton, Micheál Burke, Oisín Masterson, Emerson Farrelly and Tom Keane for their countless hours of work with the boys.. Last year when the teams met at Under-12 level, the match was embarrassingly one sided, the improvement in twelve months has been magnificent. It didn’t happen by accident; the hard work of the players was the essential ingredient to closing the gap that was there 12 months ago.  

Pat Collins is the man behind the scenes making certain that all the logistical ingredients are in place. We would also like to thank the boys’ parents for their contribution at many levels bringing the boys to training, driving to matches, lending their support in countless other ways. Thanks for all the help and support. 

Mullingar Shamrocks: Tom McCaul; Seán Dooly, Carl Kane, MJ Burke; Manus Kelly, Shay Leavy, Conor Glynn; Oliver Keane (0-1), Scott Farrelly (0-1); Theo Kelly (0-1), Marias Buividavicius, Fionn Ledwith; Darragh Daly; Colm Clinton (0-3), Eoin Reddan. Other Panellists: John Cleary, Evan Nohilly, James Timoney, Cian Traynor, Conor Matthews, Mayus Virketis, Killian Hand, Sam Phillips, Darragh McCabe, Conan Kelly, Rory Thornton, Pau Dooley,  Eddie Leavy, Kian Newcombe, Cian McNamee, Dylan Hanly, Harry McLouhglin.

 

LGF Under-14 Division 5 Final: Mullingar Shamrocks 3-4 Tyrrellspass 1-4 

Our Under-14 girls set the early standard on Saturday morning for our double county final day with a great win over a strong Tyrrellspass team. 

The Tyrrellspass girls dominated the early stages and their captain Kate Coyne scored the opening two points. Great defending and tackling by the Mullingar defenders helped by some poor shooting confined the lead to a couple of points before Florence Geelon pointed for Shamrocks. Florence was injured soon after and was replaced by Abi Healy. Inspired by great play from Aya Hacini and  Alexa Gavigan in particular who covered acres of ground and Elle O’Donnell and Rachel Cassidy, Mullingar Shamrocks gradually began to great a grip on the game. Aya, Ellie and Alexa combined with Lucy Pierce who provided the final pass to Caoimhe Farrell who finished to the net.

A brilliant pass from Aya created a second goal scoring opportunity for Caoimhe but on this occasion Tyrrellspass goalkeeper Lucy McGivney saved well. Katie Rigney goal attempt for Tyrrellspass hit the post and Emily Ford, who made several great saves, saved the rebound. Inspired by the let-off Shamrocks moved the ball quickly downfield and the move finished with Caoimhe Farrell sending a rocket of a shot to the net to give Mullingar Shamrocks a half-time lead of 2-1 to 0-2. 

Shamrocks scored their third goal early in the second half when Aya Hacini and Alex Gavigan interpassed and carried the ball the full length of the field, a move that ended with Robyn Byrne shooting to the net for a great team goal. It looked like a match winning lead but a lot of good defending was needed to secure the title.  Katie Rigney pointed for Tyrrellspass; their next attack ended with the award of a penalty.

Grace Murphy’s shot was expertly saved by Emily Ford who cleared to Elle O’Donnell. Elle set off on another run which was ended by a foul. Caoimhe Farrell slotted the free to extend the Shamrocks lead (3-2 to 0-2); Caoimhe added another pointed free shortly afterwards Emma Coyne smashed a shot off the crossbar, Emily Ford saved in style on two occasions. Emily saved again from Kate Coyne and this time the clearance ended with a point from Alexa Gavigan, Shamrocks last score of the morning. Tyrrellspass refused to admit defeat and Kate Coyne added 1-1 to their total before referee Mick Gordon called an end to the day’s play.

 This was a great team victory based on great defending with the full back line of Amy, Saoirse and Maeve Shaw in particular doing great work supported by Aida, Abi Matthews and Grainne Heap. The contribution of Emily Ford, Aya Hacini, Alexa Gavigan and Elle O’Donnell has been outlined already. Caoimhe Farrell was the scorer in chief with her second goal in particular a special one. Caoimhe got great support from team captain Rachel Cassidy, Robyn Byrne, Layla Dowd was great from the start, Florence, Lucy and Abi Healy.

The team management put countless hours into the preparation of this team and deserve great credit for their committed work with the girls. The work of Seamus Kiernan, Aimee Ford, Keith Matthews and Karen Magee made it all possible.    

Mullingar Shamrocks: Emily Ford; Amy Devaney, Saoirse Clinton, Maeve Shaw; Aida Glover (Abi Matthews) Aya Hacini, Grainne Heap; Elle O’Donnell, Alexa Gavigan (0-1); Robyn Byrne (1-0) [Aoibh McCann], Rachel Cassidy, Caoimhe Farrell (2-2); Layla Dowd (Anna Clarke), Florence Geelon (0-1) [Abi Healy], Lucy Pierce (Sara Cosgrave). Panellists: Tess Foy, Sarah Cosgrave,  Ece Ozedemir, Liepa Reminaite, Alsesha Turley Gabija Mazelkaite, Masa Pesic. 

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