Youthful Shamrocks prove too strong for Bunbrosna in Junior 1 opener

A talented young Mullingar Shamrocks side caused Bunbrosna problems all over the pitch as they eased to a 12-point victory in the opening round of this year’s Clarkes Bar Junior 1 Championship, played in Multyfarnham last Monday week.

Among Shamrocks’ standout young performers were Gavin Pierce, Andrew Shaw and Matthew Shaw, who combined for 10 points and repeatedly cut through the Bunbrosna defence with ease.

Bunbrosna, fresh from a disappointing league campaign that saw them finish second from bottom in Division 7, battled throughout but struggled for scores outside Darragh Lyons’ three-point return, with two coming from placed balls.

Shamrocks created chances at will during the opening half but were wasteful, kicking seven wides and allowing Bunbrosna to stay in contention. Luke Kiernan’s goal ensured the sides were level at 0-6 to 1-3 at the break.

Shamrocks were far more clinical after the restart, reeling off a string of points before Trevor Keena’s close-range goal, after being picked out by Brian Farrell, effectively settled the contest with 15 minutes remaining.

Bunbrosna managed only two further points as Shamrocks comfortably closed out the contest, with Gavin Pierce adding a late goal to seal an impressive opening-round victory.

Played in dry, cool conditions with little wind, Shamrocks struck first with a close-range free from Ross Corroon after four minutes, following wides from Trevor Keena and John O’Reilly.

After a third Shamrocks wide, Matthew Shaw received the ball down the left, surged forward and sent over an impressive score off his left boot from just inside the arc.

Bunbrosna’s reply through Kenneth Conroy dropped short before Matthew Shaw repeated himself, kicking over another fine score down the left to put Shamrocks three points clear.

Bunbrosna wing-back Matthew Hope played in Darragh Lyons to open their account after 12 minutes. Lyons missed one free from a difficult angle before converting another from a similar position three minutes later.

O’Reilly fired another effort wide before Trevor Keena fisted over from close range following good team play. Shamrocks won the resulting kick-out and Andrew Shaw added another point.

Barry O’Mara replied for Bunbrosna before they drew level after 25 minutes. Aidan Finnan cleverly lifted the ball over Liam English for Luke Kiernan to finish to the net.

Another Ross Corroon free left the sides level at 0-6 to 1-3 at half-time.

Bunbrosna edged ahead early in the second half through Kenneth Conroy before Gavin Pierce levelled and Nathan Smith split the posts from outside the arc after cutting inside and creating space.

Shamrocks were rewarded for a patient build-up when Andrew Shaw pointed from distance with 20 minutes remaining. Both sides exchanged misses before Conor Heffernan won a free which Gavin Pierce converted.

Brian Farrell had a sight of goal himself but opted for the extra pass to Trevor Keena, who finished to the net from close range to put Shamrocks seven points clear.

Heffernan and Andrew Shaw added a point apiece as Shamrocks began to cruise, with further scores from Pierce and corner-back Ben MacNamee.

Lyons converted his second free for Bunbrosna to reduce the deficit before Pierce blasted a close-range free to the net after no defender dropped back to protect the goal line.

A consolation point from substitute Caolan Fulham completed the scoring as the full-time whistle confirmed a deserved 2-15 to 1-6 victory for Mullingar Shamrocks.

Shamrocks look capable of challenging in the Junior Championship with a young, fearless attack, although they will need to improve their shooting accuracy if they are to go all the way.

Meanwhile, Bunbrosna look set for a difficult season, judging by their recent league and championship form.

Scorers - Mullingar Shamrocks: G Pierce 1-2 (0-1f), T Keena 1-1, A Shaw 0-3, R Corroon 0-2 (0-2f), C Heffernan 0-2, M Shaw 0-2, N Smith 0-2 (tp), B MacNamee 0-1

Bunbrosna: D Lyons 0-3 (0-2f), L Kiernan 1-0, B O’Mara 0-1, K Conroy 0-1, C Fulham 0-1

Mullingar Shamrocks: Liam English; Peter Finch, Davy Coyne, Ben MacNamee; Conn O’Hanlon, Pierce Corroon, Matthew Shaw; Nathan Smith, John O’Reilly; Brian Farrell, Trevor Keena, Andrew Shaw; Gavin Pierce, Ross Corroon, Conor Heffernan.

Bunbrosna: Alan Manning; Gavin Lyons, Simon Moorhead, Ronan Scally; Matthew Hope, David Newman, Enda Newman; Sean Kiernan, Gordon Medforth; Luke Kiernan, Daragh Lyons, Kenneth Conroy; Cian Tighe, Aidan Finnan, Barry O’Mara. Subs: Caolan Fulham, Andrew Whitney.

Referee: Cayman Flynn (St Mary’s Rochfortbridge)