Bhí siad ar fheabhas

Bua iontach. Gaelscoil an Mhuilinn produced a terrific display to win the Division 3 hurling title at the Cumann na Mbunscol finals in TEG Cusack Park on Tuesday.

Taghmon NS started in a manner which suggested they could dominate as Max Long made an early impression, but it was the outstanding Harry Ó Gáibhín who emerged as the pivotal figure, contributing quality scores as the Mullingar side took the honours.

At half-time, it was 1-7 to 0-4 in the eventual winners’ favour. It began with a fine point from Max Long that gave Taghmon NS an early advantage, but the game quickly turned and Ó Gáibhín converted a ‘35’ before Nathan Mac Cionaoith found the net. The goal came in the fourth minute after an initial shot by Senan Ó Corcráin was repelled by Greg Mitchell.

From there, Gaelscoil an Mhuilinn pressed on and Ó Gáibhín set up Eddie Ó Cathasaigh for a point to put four between the teams, 1-2 to 0-1. Max Long replied with a converted free for Taghmon NS and they were by no means out of contention at this stage. After a quality score from Ó Corcráin, Long hit over a free to keep things interesting, but Ó Gáibhín kept the scoreboard ticking over for the Mullingar side. His five first half points certainly put Gaelscoil an Mhuilinn in a great position at the break.

Taghmon NS briefly cut the leeway after five minutes of the second half when Max Long slotted over a free, but Gaelscoil an Mhuilinn responded with five points in succession. That scoring burst gave them a commanding 10-point lead in this final and there was only ever going to be one outcome.

Ó Gáibhín was the main orchestrator during this six-minute period of dominance. He hit over a ‘35’ to get things started and then quickly added to their lead when he claimed possession from the puckout and pointed again. It was quick and it was telling.

Another free by the Gaelscoil an Mhuilinn star had it 1-10 to 0-5. Taghmon NS needed a goal to turn this game around, but it didn’t look likely. Instead Ó Corcráin foud his range and shot over a brace of scores from play. It was 1-12 to 0-5 with nine minutes remaining.

Long converted a ‘35’ for Taghmon NS, who showed great character. However, a free by Ó Gáibhín ensured Gaelscoil an Mhuilinn kept a tight rein on proceedings.

Taghmon NS did get their goal, but it came too late to have any significant impact. With two minutes remaining, Long lobbed a free into the danger area and Con De Clár got the final touch in a goalmouth scramble. A free from Long followed, cutting the deficit to six points.

Gaelscoil an Mhuilinn looked unfazed. They were strong enough to withstand this mini revival and a point from Ó Corcráin eased any concerns.

Afterwards, Harry Ó Gáibhín collected the trophy from Derek Butler, Westmeath Cumann na mBunscol chairman and he also picked up the award for Player of The Match to complete a memorable day.

Scorers - Gaelscoil an Mhuilinn: H Ó Gáibhín 0-9 (4f; 3 ‘35s’), S Ó Corcráin 0-4, N Mac Cionaoith 1-0, E Ó Cathasaigh 0-1. Taghmon NS: M Long 0-6 (4f; 1 ‘35’), C De Clár 1-0, R O’Mara 0-1.

Gaelscoil an Mhuilinn: Nathan Ó Sceallaigh, Ethan Mac an Fhailí, Conor Ó Conaill, Harry Ó Gáibhín, Jack Man an tSaoir, Senan Ó Corcráin, Eddie Ó Cathasaigh, Nathan Mac Cionaoith, Aida Ó Briain, Micheál Ó Súilleabháin, Oisín Ó Brádaigh, Jason Ó Riagáin, Patrick Mac Coitir, Donnacha Ó Feargháil, Conor Ó Maoileoin, Scott Ó Dúill, Rogan Ó Móra.

Taghmon NS: Greg Mitchell, Jamie Flanagan, Niall McDonnell, Eoghan O’Mara, Robbie O’Mara, Max Long, Calum Orme, Con De Clár, Ben McDonnell, Ruadhán Murphy, TOm O’Brien, Clodagh Orme, Luke Nevin.

Ref: Jimmy Greville (Castlepollard).