The recent rivalry between the young players of Shamrocks and Tubberclair had its latest enthralling edition in Springfield on Sunday evening last in the minor league division 1 final. These two sets of players first faced each other three years ago in Ballynacargy in the under 15 final when Daire O’ Connor’s late wondrous goal won the day for Tubberclair and matches between the teams have always been fiercely contested. 

Sunday evening was no different in front of a large crowd with Tubberclair emerging victorious courtesy of team captain Paul Keegan’s late goal. Tubberclair began well with Daire O’ Connor’s early goal but the home side settled aided by impressive performances by Paul Keating, Donnacha Maguire, James Flynn, and Ty Masterson and a superb save by Adam Buckley. A well taken goal from Conor Heffernan levelled matters and in the 21st minute came arguably the turning point of the contest when Tubberclair corner back Daire Burke showed remarkable dexterity to twice keep out Ryan Kelly’s goal bound effort after a flowing Shamrocks’ move.

 Mullingar Shamrocks  would have felt happier going in to the second moiety on level terms with the breeze now in their favour. Fine points from Gavin Pierce, Donnacha Maguire and Ryan Kelly seemed to validate this view and Shamrocks were keeping possession well but Keelin Connell’s goal restored parity, every ball was contested with great fervour as the match entered its final stages and when Alex Sheerin curled over an impressive left footed point in the fifty ninth minute, Shamrocks seemed set for victory. 

A wise spectator was overheard saying “a two point lead is a dangerous lead,” and it proved prophetic when Paul Keegan showed awareness and a cool head to fire low past Adam Buckley for the winning score.

And it might not be the worst thing that happened

 Credit to referee Enda Kenny who brought a full set of officials and refereed a potentially difficult match in a calm but fair manner.

Mullingar Shamrocks: Adam Buckley, Ben Sheerin, Peter Finch, Ben McNamee, James Flynn, Ty Masterson, Luke Raeside, Donnacha Maguire, Paul Keating, Callum Rigney Clyne, Conor Heffernan, Ryan Kelly, Alex Sheerin, Gavin Pierce. Sub: Matthew Shaw for Peter Finch injured.