Radisson Blu Under-16 Football Championship: Mullingar Shamrocks 2-5 St Loman's 0-12

Mullingar Shamrocks interest in the Under-16 championship ended tonight (Monday) in Lakepoint Park when the boys were most unlucky to lose out to St Loman's in what was the team's outstanding performance of the year. This team and individual players have been the most improved in the club this season (remember the first game of the season against Caulry?) and great credit is due to the management of Joe Kenny, Pearse Corroon and John Ganly for their work with the boys.

Shamrocks dominated the first half and led at half-time by 2-3 to 0-3 with Niall Ouchbakou and Oliver McNamara (0-2) scoring the points. The attacking runs of Niall in this half were outstanding. The goals were finished by Oliver McNamara and Brian Farrell  and resulted from great passages of combination play. St Loman's responded well after the interval and Bonvei and David Aughey inspired the comeback that gradually narrowed the deficit. Emmett Walsh pointed for Shamrocks and St Loman's goalkeeper Rory Matthews saved brilliantly from Oliver McNamara in what was the crucial moment of the match. Danny McCartan pointed two frees to level the match (2-4 to 0-10) but a great Keith Whaley point after some impressive approach play by Rian Adamson restored Shamrocks' advantage. Another great scoring opportunity was squandered before David Aughey equalised as the game entered lost time. Extra-time loomed when Killian Browne availed of one last scoring opportunity and pointed St Loman's ahead for the first time of the evening. The restart brought the final whistle and a great Shamrocks team performance ended in disappointment.

The performance of the defence as a unit deserves special mention. Sean Óg Hynes had a relatively quiet night in the shot stopping department but his restarts were top class. The full back line was rock solid with Matthew Siode unbeatable and Daniel Chukwuemekg equally impressive. The half back line was anchored by Mark Flynn with his two wing men Thomas Turus and Niall Ouchbakou attacking and defending with flair.

 Mullingar Shamrocks: Sean Óg Hynes; Ciarán Luby (Rian Adamson), Matthew Siode, Daniel Chukwuemekg; Niall Ouchbakou (0-1), Mark Flynn, Thomas Turus; Emmett Walsh (0-1) and Rory O’Sullivan Sexton; William Adzangoa, Andrew Shaw, Lee Ryan (Keith Whaley 0-1); Daithí Martin Brian Farrell (1-0), Oliver McNamara (1-2).