Shamrocks Under-10's the pick of Westmeath as they reach Ber Murtagh Tournament Final
Our Mullingar Shamrocks Under 10's proved themselves to be the best Westmeath team at the Ber Murtagh Tournament in Killucan on Sunday, 29 September, reaching the final where they were narrowly defeated by Meath team, Ballivor.
Under the stewardship of Garret Doyle and a backroom team on the day of Ronan Leavy, Ultan Smith and Ronan Casey, the Under 10's played four cracking morning matches, with performances indicating a bright future for the club.
Eight teams took part in the well-run tournament - hosts Killucan, Mullingar Shamrocks, St Pauls (Clonmellon), Munter Connaught (Cavan), Shandonagh, The Downs, Tyrrellspass and Ballivor (Meath). Teams were limited to 11-a-side, and fast games were the order of the day with only two plays allowed.
In a tight opening match, Shamrocks beat St Pauls of Clonmellon, running out winners by a point courtesy of some great forward play by James Casey and Tom Frayne. Casey scored every point in the game, and the frontmen were aided by Dylan Cooney and Christoper Myers, both very strong up front on the day. They were backed up by a strong midfield of Dylan Conlon and Aaron Smith. A tough defence marshalled by an attacking Luke Sheerin and the tough duo of Evan Palmer and Rogan Moore, together with a classy Josh Burke and brave goalie Matthew Leavy ensured few Conmellon balls went near the net. Adding great support were Conor Peyton up front, with Adam Timoney and Ruairi Regan helping out in defence. Shamrocks ran out 4-3 winners.
The second game against the hosts was a tough, tense and tight encounter with only a few points but plenty of terrific football. But ultimately it ended a narrow one point defeat for Shamrocks, 3 to 2. Some great performances by the squad of 14 made the defeat a little hard to take, but the boys bounced back in the next match, against a tough Cavan side Munter Connaught.
The third game was action from the word go, and at one stage the Cavan side edged forwards, aided by a strong bench ensuring plenty of fresh legs in blue. However, the green of Shamrocks dug deep and every man gave their all, particularly Aaron Smith who scored plenty of points from distance. Outfield for this game Matthew Leavy was excellent, with Evan Palmer solid in goals. A tenacious display at corner back by Rogan Moore kept the Cavan side at bay and great work spread throughout the park. Staring into a drawn game, Shamrocks pulled ahead with points from James Casey, Dylan Conlon and a beaut of a point by Conor Peyton the difference at the end as Shamrocks won 6 to 3.
A tense wait ensued as Shamrocks learned of their fate. There was one overall final, but also a few runners up finals. The Downs had also won two and lost one, but free-scoring Shamrocks went into the final on points difference and as the best team in their group. There was huge delight for the players and many proud parents who stood pitch-side throughout, giving all teams and the refs the utmost of respect. Shamrocks were to face the only team in the tournament who had won all their groups games: a teak-tough Ballivor.
From the first toot of the whistle it was obvious this was going to be a way different match to the ones that preceded it. The Meath team were bigger in stature and squad size, and had a huge bench to draw off. With subs unlimited their boisterous coaches could change formations at will.
At one stage Ballivor edged 6 points clear. However, this Shamrocks selection was not going to be hurt that easily and a resilient display saw them knock a few tremendous consolation points over the bar (a few from distances our Seniors would be proud of). Tom Frayne, up against a serious defence, scored one of the points of the tournament as part of this sterline comeback.
After the break, Shamrocks were up against it straight away, with Ballivor really going for it but Shamrocks fought back with great strength, with Luke Sheerin outstanding in defence driving the team forward. With co-defenders, a two man midfield and a four man attack answering the call, Shamrocks were soon within a whisper of Ballivor. Shamrocks were really motoring towards the end, with superb, hard-working displays by all 14 members of the squad and a couple of lovely team points, including a peach from Dylan Cooney getting them close. It's fair to say that had there been stoppage time, the boys would have brought the Ber Murtagh Cup home to Springfield. A narrow defeat, by just two points (9 to 7) after a really impressive fight back, means the cup was headed to the bogs of Ballivor instead of the East End of Mullingar.
There were a few tears at the end, but this is a great side and they can be proud of what they have achieved this year. The Under 10 side was drawn mainly from our Under 11's (players born in 2012) with four of our under 9's stepping up to the mark, and in some style it has to be said. They were all a credit to the club, and also by virtue of being Westmeath's best team of the tournament - the county.
The Ber Murtagh Tournament was a credit to Killucan and a fitting tribute to the late, great GAA man. It was really well-run and organised, with top notch facilities and catering making it an enjoyable day out for teams from across the north midlands. Next week, our 2011 players take part in the Pat Walsh Memorial Tournament in The Downs. Another feast of football awaits.
Mullingar Shamrocks: Evan Palmer, James Casey, Aaron Smith, Josh Burke, Dylan Conlan, Dylan Cooney, Christopher Myers, Conor Peyton, Luke Sheerin, Matthew Leavy, Adam Timoney, Tom Frayne, Rogan Moore, Ruairi O'Regan.
