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

St Vincent's 0-18, Delvin 1-9

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.

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.

See this week's printed edition for report and photos