Under-16 Football Championship: Mullingar Shamrocks 6-12 Kilbeggan Shamrocks 2-9

Round two of the under-16 championship saw our lads pitted against Kilbeggan Shamrocks in Springfield on Monday evening last. After an exciting hour of football our boys came out on top by 15 points. The game started at a frantic pace with most notably, runs from Tomass Turks, twice soloing the length of the field but unlucky on both occasions not to result in scores. Tomass & midfield partner Daithi Martin dominated the midfield from the start and got good ball inside to Oliver McNamara to open the scoring. Kilbeggan bounced back however & it took a good goal from quick thinking Adam Boyle to settle Shamrocks down. It was then Ciaran Gowran began making marauding runs from half back and linking well with Shane Ormsby which resulted in McNamara getting his first of his five goals of the night leaving Shamrocks leading 2-8 to 0-6 at the break. Mullingar started the second half where they left off & a great move starting from a goal line save by Mikey McDonagh found Matthew Clinton whose long pass picked out Mikey Horan on the wing; Mikey played the perfect ball to Shane Ormsby who setup McNamara for the coolest of finishes; this was a great flowing move that epitomised the team on the night. Shamrocks were now moving the ball well with Aaron Russell having his best game in a Shamrocks jersey. Further points from Martin, Turks and McNamara sealed the game for Shamrocks although a late goal from Kilbeggan caused a little panic to Ciarán Kiernan and Cian McGrath who were solid throughout at the back. Management used the whole bench to good effect bringing in fresh legs when needed. This was a solid performance by the team, and it was good to see them rise to the challenge when needed. While there were many good performances, William O' Reilly and Tomass Turks deserve special mention as both had very good hour’s football, putting in vital tackles and interceptions; with Tomass scoring two points. Also, a special mention and thanks to Paul Christie and senior player Dean Moore who assisted Vincent Timoney on the line.

Mullingar Shamrocks: Mikey McDonagh, Ciarán Kiernan, Cian McGrath, Matthew Clinton, William O'Reilly, Ciaran Gowran (Ben Egan), Tomass Turks (0-2), Daithi Martin (0-2), Aaron Russell, Adam Boyle(1- 1), Mikey Horan (Matthew Meehan), Oliver McNamara (5-5), Shane Ormsby (0-2) [Aaron Smyth].