Victory for Sonna NS in Iggy Fulham Tournament

Damien Maher

Sonna NS took the spoils in the Iggy Fulham Memorial Tournament at Sean Doolin Memorial Park, Milltown, on Wednesday.

Unseasonal weather failed to dampen the spirits and 12 schools participated in a great morning of Gaelic games, with seven-a-side football matches and a cic fada competition in memory of the late Ned Flynn, for many years MC at the event.

In the main final, Sonna NS took on St Michael’s NS, Castletown Geoghegan. Rain and wind made it tough for both sides and it was Sonna NS who took command in the opening half, leading by 2-4 to 0-1 at half-time.

The first half goals came from Conor McDonnell and Oisín Wallace. Conor Wallace and Conor McDonnell scored fine points with the breeze behind them, and Ciaran Wallace was also on target for a strong Sonna NS outfit. Goalkeeper Oisin Boyce denied Conor McCann with a good save just before the break and that was crucial.

The second half saw Castletown Geoghegan produce a determined fightback with the elements in their favour. A long kickout led to Luke Wallace finding the net and Liam Carey added a neat point.

Brayden McKnight then got in for a third goal for the Sonna NS outfit and Ciaran Wallace rifled a powerful shot to the net after the Castletown Geoghegan goalie, Ben Gorman made a save. That emphatic finish underlined their overall strength and Ciaran also sent over a 25-metre kick off the ground in the closing stages to seal a thoroughly deserved victory.

Afterwards, Denise Fulham presented the various trophies, including the Iggy Fulham memorial Shield.

She thanked Darren Magee, Westmeath Games Manager, and his coaching staff for their support in running the event. Westmeath senior footballer Robbie Forde was part of that team, joined by Alan Mullen and Bernie Corroon.

Denise also acknowledged the support of the host club, in particularly Eddie and Carmel Somers, and noted that local stars Conor Dillon and Jack Duncan, now part of the Westmeath senior football side, are both former players in the Iggy Fulham Tournament. Parents, pupils and teachers were acknowledged.

The Delaney Cup, won by Westmeath on May 17, was a welcome visitor this year.

The Division 2 winners on the day were Moyvore NS. The Cic Fada was won by Kian Finerty, Ballymore NS, with Finn McLoughlin (Moyvore NS) and Ryan Kelly (Dalystown NS) in second and third place respectively.

The Milltown GAA Club were superb hosts on the day and there were refreshments for all present.

Scoil Odhrán Naofa Sonna: Oisín Boyce, Conor Wallace, Ronan Conway, Cormac Molloy, Ciaran Wallace, Conor McDonnell, Donal Keena, Oisín Wallace, Conor Gammell, Jason Hill, Brayden McKnight.

St Michael’s NS Castletown Geoghegan: Ben Gorman, Thomas Brennan, James Raleigh, Brian Corcoran, Cormac Masterson, Liam Carey, Leuan Clarke, Conor McCann, Luke Wallace, Bobby Maxwell, Darragh Dalton, Eve Redmond, Caoimhe Grimes, Eva Whelan, Caoimhe Dalton.

Ref: Michael Gordon (Shandonagh).

In Division 1, the following schools competed:

Milltown NS, Sonna NS, Ballymore NS, Dalystown NS, Dysart NS, Castletown Geoghegan NS.

In Division 2, the following took part:

Ballynacargy NS, St Mary’s NS, Rathowen and St Thomas NS Emper, Castketown-Finea and Finea NS, Boher NS, Moyvore NS.

Sponsors: Greene Family Farm, Rathowen, Supervalu, Edgeworthstown, Connaught Bottlers, Rawles Meat Market, Edgeworthstown, Hunts Bakery, Sligo.