Pat Walsh Memorial Tournament

Shamrocks’ Under-10s competed in their final tournament of the year on Sunday morning when they participated in the Pat Walsh Memorial competition hosted by The Downs. The tournament saw all 8 invited teams play a very high standard of football on a day which brought all four seasons weather-wise. The Shamrocks’ coaches Greg Gavin, Colm Walsh, Adrian Regan, Oisin Masterson and Paul Aherne deserve great credit for their efforts. Shamrocks first outing was against a talented Edenderry side with the Offaly men emerging victors after a titanic battle. A superbly drilled Ballyboden St Enda’s team were next up and despite the best efforts of the green and whites, the south Dublin lads took the spoils. Indeed, the Ballyboden side were undefeated throughout the day as they won the Pat Walsh trophy. Shamrocks faced Killucan in their final group game and produced a very spirited display to win after scoring 14 points. This ensured a Shield final versus Meath giants Navan O' Mahonys and the Shamrocks’ boys were superb against a side that had previously edged encounters in other tournaments. A nip and tuck affair had coaches, parents and neutrals enthralled before Zach Masterson showed alertness and coolness to divert a shot past the Navan goalkeeper for the winning score. Oisin Murphy’s full time whistle sparked great celebrations for the Shamrocks boys whose efforts all day and all year certainly deserved some silverwear. Goalkeeper Gareth Sweeney was very solid throughout and his kickouts were Cluxton like in the final. Defenders Rian Sheerin, the fearless Óisin Gavin and the tigerish Conor Walsh tackled ferociously and were to the fore in the final with Rian’s spectacular catch in the closing stages proving crucial. James Ryan, despite incurring a heavy knock in the group stages, Dillon Burke and the fearless Luke Kelly dominated midfield with James and Dillon contributing on the scoreboard while Luke showed scant regard for his own personal safety as he threw himself into countless tackles. Seán Hickey missed the final through injury but his efforts in all three group games ensured our place in the final. In attack, team captain Ted Aherne showed no ill effects from his birthday celebrations as he surged forward repeatedly to notch vital points while the pacy Ruairi Kilmartin and the stylish Paddy Colleary produced their best displays of the year, both kicking a series of crucial points in every match. Colm Clinton was a late addition to the squad after a number of injury withdrawals and he made a major impact in the final when his dangerous cross-shot was finished expertly by the aforementioned Zach Masterson for the winning score. After the game Ted Aherne proudly accepted the Pat Walsh Shield from The Downs chairman, Davy Monaghan. This was a superbly organised tournament and Mullingar Shamrocks would like to thank The Downs club for their hospitality. All players and mentors were treated to a feast in the clubhouse afterwards.