Junior Football Championship: Mullingar Shamrocks 1-15 Shandonagh 2-17

Mullingar Shamrocks chances of qualifying for the final stages of the junior championship suffered a setback as a result of this high scoring 2-17 to 1-15 defeat to Shandonagh in Springfield. Shandonagh provided an early statement of intent when Alan Hughes skipped unhindered through the Shamrocks defence to goal. Wind assisted Shamrocks responded with points from Ross Corroon, Kenneth O’Reilly and Alan Cashman to level matters. Both sides exchanged points for the remainder of the half with Conor Moore, Alan Cashman and Ross Corroon (0-3) scoring for Shamrocks. The contribution of Ross included two fine 45s. The second came on the stroke of half-time to level matters (1-5 to 0-8) after the Shandonagh goalkeeper had saved well from Conor Moore.

Jordan Ward put Shamrocks ahead on resumption but almost immediately Mickey Boyle, the most influential player on the field, levelled matters.   The next five minutes were Shamrocks finest and began with a Conor Moore pointed free. Conor then scored an absolute beauty of a goal when he finished a great move that began with a Conor Twomey knock-down to James Grogan who quickly moved the ball to Kenneth O’Reilly who delivered the final pass to Conor Moore. The finish was exquisite, a passable imitation of Joe Brolly, the footballer, without blowing any kisses. James Grogan added a point to establish an 0-5 lead for Shamrocks (1-11 to 1-6). Unfortunately, Shamrocks were unable to maintain the momentum (the loss through injury of Conor Twomey was important) and were outscored by 1-11 to 0-4 for the remainder of the match. Shandonagh with five minors and inspired by Mickey Boyle scored six points to regain their lead before Conor Moore pointed a free to level matters (1-12 to 1-12). Luke Lenihan raced through from mid-field to point and only a great save from Dj prevented a second Alan Hughes goal. Mickey Boyle added a point and a goal from Cormac Coyne practically sealed Shamrocks fate especially when an excellent save from the Shandonagh goalkeeper Conor Smyth prevented Conor Moore from scoring his second goal. Shamrocks had to be content with points from Conor Moore, Kenneth O’Reilly and Ross Corroon as Mickey Boyle tagged on points to secure the championship points for Shandonagh, a result which almost certainly means that a play-off will now be needed to decide the qualifier from this division.  

Mullingar Shamrocks: Dj Fedronas; Robert Ryan, Paul Christie, Cormac Murphy; James Grogan (0-1), Keith Moore (Neil Hannigan), Alan Cashman (0-2); Franklin Nwokeiwu (Jordan Ward 0-1) and Conor Twomey (Conor McEntee); Paul Hickey Michael Ayiebiowu), Ross Corroon (0-5), Mickey McKnight (Mark Irwin). Kenneth O’Reilly (0-2), Conor Bracken (Robbie Ryland), Conor Moore (1-4).