Under 16 Championship Final:

St Loman’s Mullingar 6-07 Killucan 3-09

St Loman’s Under 16’s were crowned county champions after one of the most remarkable games of football you’re likely to see. The Blues visited Kevin Molloy Park looking to avenge last year’s narrow defeat to the same opponent. On a day where conditions were perfect for football it proved to be an exhibition of attacking football from both sides.

Sean Leech opened the scoring for Killucan with a well-taken point before Danny McCartan equalized from a free. Leech added his second before it was quickly cancelled out by midfielder Nedas Bielicas. Danny McCartan put Loman’s in front with a wonderful point, highlighting an excellent half for him in which he pulled the strings in the Loman’s full forward line. However, the Saints lead didn’t last long when Jamie Mulkearns goal gave Killucan a two-point advantage. A superb point from Tyreke Creevy reduced the gap to a single point. Following this, we saw some examples of off the shoulder running and quick hands from the Blues which culminated in a goal brilliantly dispatched by Josh Folan. The Blues quickly conceded however when Sam Clarke got Killucan’s second goal followed by a point from a free just before the whistle. Loman’s went in two points behind with everything to play for in the Second half.

Killucan once again were out of the blocks quicker, Sam Clarke got his second goal and Killucan’s third to give them a healthy five point lead. The next twenty minutes were breath-taking with non-stop scoring and brilliant attacking play from the Blues. First Ciaran Nooney kept the ball alive and teed up midfielder David Aughey who hammered a powerful shot into the roof of the net to bring the Blues within touching distance. The Saints were now on the front foot and needed to maximise their scoring during this purple patch. Step forward, Ethan Browne whose incredible individual goal was one of the best you’re likely to see at any grade of football. The wing-back picked up the ball from the half-way line and took off on a lung-bursting run, beating one, two, three, four Killucan players and had the composure to find the bottom corner to score a truly outstanding solo goal. Sean Leech hit back with a free to bring the sides level.

The scores continued to flow and a huge moment came in the final quarter when Ciaran Smyth forced a turnover went on a solo-run, then showed his passing ability finding Ciaran Nooney over the top of the Killucan full back line. The latter was on the stretch and managed to lift the ball over the Killucan goalkeeper and fortunately it dropped underneath the crossbar to restore the lead for the Saints. Nooney then kicked into life and showed his clinical nature. First his point off his right boot put four between the teams. Nooney wasn’t finished there though, Tadhg Kenny went on a blistering run, and found Danny McCartan who in-turn found that man Nooney who expertly finished to give Loman’s breathing space. Leech’s free reduced the deficit to six points.

Killucan never went away and three quick-fire points left the Blues under the cosh with five minutes to play. The final goal of the game sealed victory for the Saints in the closing minutes. Nedas Bielicas’ goal perhaps was indicative of this team’s attitude in front of goal. With the entirety of Loman’s supporters screaming at him to put it over the bar, the Midfielder turned and hammered a right-footed strike into the far corner to all but end the Killucan comeback. A pointed free was a mere consolation for Killucan and turned out to be their final score. The Saints blistering attack produced the final two points, first from the poacher Ciaran Nooney and then Danny McCartan got his third and the final point of the match after he split the posts. St Loman’s ran out seven point winners in a wonderfully open encounter.

The headlines will go to the Forwards with Ciaran Nooney grabbing 2-02 from play, Danny McCartan also was a threat throughout, Tadhg Kenny’s super-human fitness and hard running was instrumental for the Blues. Although if it weren’t for two separate goal-line clearances from Ciaran Smyth and Jack Geoghegan the outcome may have been different, not to mention Daire Keane’s brilliant point blank save in the first half. Ethan Browne, David Aughey and Ciaran Smyth all performed fantastically throughout. All in all, every St Loman’s player performed well on the day, where every supporter in the ground was massively impressed the quality shown in the game.

Every single player on this panel has done their club proud this year and no doubt many will be introduced to the senior team in the coming years. Well done to the management team of David Geoghegan, Joe Matthews, Enda Lambden, Robbie Kenny, Derek Devine and Nigel Hogan. They’ve devoted their time and effort to this team, which has reaped rewards on the pitch. Congratulations to everybody involved on a memorable day for the club.

Team; Daire Keane, Mark O’Gara, Evan Johnson, Ciaran Smyth, Jack Geoghegan ©, Eoin Hogan, Ethan Browne (1.00), David Aughey (1.00), Nedas Bielicas (1.01), Cian Daly, Josh Folan (1.00), Tadgh Kenny, Danny McCartan (0.03), Tyreke Creevy (0.01), Ciaran Nooney (2.02). Subs Used; Thomas Meehan, Killian Browne.

Fairgreen Ladies Senior Championship:

St Loman's Mullingar 1-12 Garrycastle 2-14

St Loman's Senior Ladies were narrowly defeated by Garrycastle in AIT last Thursday. Despite the loss, the Blues performed admirably on the night showing a wonderful fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude. On another night the Saints could have easily come away with a win. All in all it was a successful year for the Ladies who are a very young team with a lot of up and coming players, unfortunately they fell just short against a very experienced Garrycastle side. Earlier in the season, things didn't look so optimistic for the Blues, at one stage relegation even looked a possibility. However, Stephen Gallagher and his team worked hard on the training ground , reaping the rewards with fantastic wins over Tyrrellspass and the Downs. Huge credit must go the Management team as well as the players. Ted Cronin and Amy Newman's undying work behind the scenes were instrumental during the year, also Donal Kilmurray helped the team out at various points during the year. Last but certainly not least, Stephen Gallagher deserves many plaudits. He made a real connection with the team and brought great enthusiasm to the role, he is a huge reason why this set of players managed to turn their season around. Hard luck ladies, but this team is only going to get better and will be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years.

Shay Murtagh Senior Championship:

All roads lead to TEG Cusack Park next Sunday for our Senior Men’s semi-final clash with the Downs at 5pm. Let’s get a big Loman’s support out and best of luck lads!

Club Lotto:

Draw Date: Thursday September 12th

This Week’s Jackpot: €10100

No Jackpot Winner

€50 Consolation Prize winners each are as follows:

1. Gary Devine

2. Billy/Pippa Lambden

3. Harry Hendy

4. Derek Devine

Next draw: Thursday September 20th

Next Week’s Jackpot: €10,200.

Remember it could be you!

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