Neary kicks winner as Tang are crowned champions

Tang claimed the Westmeath intermediate football crown for the first time since 1993 with a one-point win over Milltownpass at TEG Cusack this afternoon (Saturday). Final score: 1-7 to 0-9.

Having endured so many near misses over the years, nobody could begrudge Tang their moment of glory on a murky day in Mullingar.

Substitute Adam Neary kicked a majestic winning point from a contentious free near the right sideline, three minutes from the end of normal time.

In a tension-filled finale, Tang just about held on as Milltownpass tried desperately to find an equalising point in order to force a replay.

Tang were much the better team in the first half, with Aidan Burke’s superbly taken goal setting Michael Tumelty’s charges up for a half-time lead of 1-5 to 0-4. Tang centre-back John Rock excelled throughout, also contributing two points to the scoreboard.

Milltownpass were wasteful in the early stages and didn’t open their scoring account until the 19th minute.

But Louis Ennis’ charges improved after that shaky opening. And inspired by the excellent Finbar Coyne – who scored seven points – they drew level at 0-9 to 1-6 shortly after the second water break.

However, Milltownpass just couldn’t get their noses in front, paving the way for Neary to emerge as the Tang hero. Neary was not selected to start the game due to a groin injury but was introduced at half-time.

Tang have been forced to cope with a number of injury blows this year and they lost key forward Shane Coughlan early in the second half of today’s final.

Yet the determined men in maroon refused to let any setbacks derail them from their county title mission, and they will take their place in the senior ranks of Westmeath football next year.

Keith O’Brien’s final whistle sparked scenes of unbridled joy among the Tang players and supporters. Afterwards, Tang captain Kieran Duncan, alongside the ever-present and popular Niall Lynn, lifted the Peter Geraghty Cup.

The celebrations in Murray’s of Maghera and the Three Jolly Pigeons will surely continue for some time to come, and the Geraghty Cup is likely to go on tour in nearby Ballymahon as well.

Scorers – Tang: Aidan Burke 1-0; John Rock, Adam Neary (1 free) and Jack Keenan (2f) 0-2 each; Niall Bannon 0-1f. Milltownpass: Finbar Coyne 0-7 (3f); Brandon Kelly 0-2.

*See next week's Westmeath Independent for full report, reaction and photos.