Under-15 (Div. 3) semi-final: Delvin/St Paul’s 4-8 Mullingar Shamrocks 2-8

Mullingar Shamrocks’ division 3 team travelled to Clonmellon on Thursday evening to face Delvin/St. Paul’s in the Under-15 Division 3 semi-final. A closely contested encounter was played between two good sides with the home side emerging victorious on a 4-6 to 2-8 final scoreline. Lady Luck certainly deserted the green and whites on the evening with a number of goal line clearances denying our lads goals at crucial junctures. We fielded a side with nine players underage next year and four subs who played under 13 on Wednesday evening. This team has played six championship matches in 2021, winning four and losing two and the players have benefitted greatly from regular game time. Matthew Doyle was solid in goals with Brian Wycherly and John Shaw razor sharp in the corner back slots, two players whose commitment to training has seen huge improvement on the field of play. John Shaw took over from his cousin Matthew as captain for the second half and led by example. Hugh O’ Sullivan Sexton and Matthew Shaw were influential in defence and Shane Egan and Andrew Gavigan competed very well in the wing back positions. Ty Masterson covered a huge amount of ground from his midfield berth, supporting his defence and marauding forward in attack while Justin Haugh proved a solid midfield partner. Tommy Daly’s increased confidence resulted in him shooting three superb points from play with James Flynn a tireless worker at wing forward. Padraig Casey led the attack in his own style, winning possession, using it cleverly, converting frees and his brilliantly taken free from 15 metres took everyone by surprise as it flew into the top corner. Adam Buckley was an excellent target man at full forward with Ronan Byrne and Stephen Battle causing problems for the opposition rearguard. On another evening the two corner forwards’ efforts would have resulted in a couple of goals. The young substitutes, Ted Aherne, Zak Coyne, James Ryan and Dillon Burke showed no ill effects from their excellent endeavours 24 hours earlier and made significant contributions as Shamrocks dominated the second half. The highlight of the game was in the closing minutes when Hugh Carey superbly and adroitly back fisted a dropping ball past the Delvin/St. Paul’s keeper to score a magnificent goal. The squad on duty was: Matthew Doyle, John Shaw, Hugh O’ Sullivan Sexton, Brian Wycherly, Andrew Gavigan, Shane Egan, Matthew Shaw, (captain), Ty Masterson, Justin Haugh, Tommy Daly, Padraig Casey, James Flynn, Stephen Battle, Adam Buckley, Ronan Byrne, Ted Aherne, Dillon Burke, James Ryan, Hugh Carey and Zak Coyne.