Mullaniff and O'Mara guide St Vincent's to fine victory

MJS Building and Dev Westmeath Minor Hurling Div 2 Final

St Vincent's 0-18

Delvin 1-9

Damien Maher

A stirring second-half display from St Vincent’s secured victory in a keenly contested Westmeath Minor Hurling Division 2 final at Clonkill on Saturday, where they overcame a spirited Delvin side.

Just a point separated the teams at the interval, with Delvin leading by 1-5 to 0-7, but St Vincent’s (a combination of Crookedwood and Ringtown) looked like a team with greater potential. They had first-half possession which too often led to nought, but they certainly put that right after the break and were ahead at the end of the third quarter.

Then came four unanswered points from Cathal Flanagan (two), Zac Bates and Josh Mullaniff to push them five clear. It wasn’t a massive lead, and there was still work to do in the closing minutes, but St Vincent’s conceded just two points (one from a free) as they deservedly claimed the spoils.

Delvin’s first-half display suggested they would be a tough nut to crack, and a goal from Dara Clune from close range (after Marcus Delany’s delivery) gave them a three-point cushion. Dara Clune, Billy Murray and Conor Clune all shot points to keep them ahead at the end of the opening half. Billy was one of three Murray brothers on a Delvin side that made the most of slim pickings.

There were promising signs from a St Vincent’s perspective: Cian O’Mara looked a strong player at midfield, aided by Cathal Flanagan, while Mullaniff and James Ryan carried threats in attack. Eventually, they made their superior possession count.

Delvin led by 1-5 to 0-5 after 24 minutes following some neat scores by Dara Clune, Billy Murray (free) and Conor Clune. However, two fine points by Cian O’Mara steadied St Vincent’s. Earlier, in the 15th minute, Josh Mullaniff’s fine score was the perfect response to the Delvin goal, a score that could have derailed a team of lesser character.

Mullaniff’s fine strike gave St Vincent’s the opening point of the second half, and their striking from long range was impressive; Zac Bates and wing-back Rhys Brady followed suit. Corner-forward James Ryan notched a point, and the only Delvin response came from a Conor Smith minor two minutes earlier. This period set the tone.

Cathal Flanagan cut a determined figure in midfield, and his terrific long-range free was the start of another great spell. He followed with a converted ‘65’ before Bates and Mullaniff found the target. Delany hit back for Delvin, but Ryan replied for St Vincent’s, and sub Ray Daly struck over a sublime point from an acute angle near the sideline. Mullaniff wrapped it up with his side’s final point of the afternoon, and Billy Murray’s late free offered only consolation for Delvin.

Afterwards, Barry Kelly, Westmeath Coiste na nÓg Secretary, presented the cup to Austin O’Grady and Cian O’Mara, joint captains of the successful St Vincent’s side.

Scorers – St Vincent’s: J Mullaniff 0-5, J Ryan 0-4, C O’Mara, Z Bates and C Flanagan (1 free; 1 ‘65’) 0-1 each, C Kennedy, R Brady and R Daly 0-1 each.

Delvin: D Clune 1-2, Conor Smith 0-3, B Murray 0-2 (frees), C Clune and M Delany 0-1 each.

St Vincent’s: Austin O’Grady; Tony Brennan, Shane O’Mara, Jack Moran; Rhys Brady, Eoghan Goldrick, Dara Kiernan; Cathal Flanagan, Cian O’Mara; Cian Kennedy, Josh Mullaniff, Ciaran Casserly; Zac Bates, Donnacha Flood, James Ryan. Subs: Ray Daly for Kennedy (inj., 16), Kennedy for Goldrick (HT), Ben Thornton for Kennedy (40).

Delvin: Caylyb Douglas; Tommy Murray, Conor Cassidy, Cathal Darby; Dillon Ryan, Cian Smith, Jack Murray; Marcus Delany, Sean Vaughan; Billy Murray, Sean Coyne, Jack Berry; Dara Clune, Conor Smith, Conor Clune. Subs: Michael Fitzgerald for Coyne (40), Evan Moore for Clune (60).

Referee: James McGrath (Turin).

Examiner’s Eye on the Game

Man of the Match

Josh Mullaniff (St Vincent’s). The centre-forward contributed five points, his strike at the start of the second half providing the perfect start to a productive period. Cian O’Mara was among others to impress for the winning side.