Orme and Keaveney lead a winning Multy charge

MJS Building Development U13 Division 4 football final

Multyfarnham 3-7, St Loman’s, Mullingar 2-4

Multyfarnham scored 2-5 from play to claim victory in the Westmeath U13 Division 4 final, at Moynihan Park, Ballynacargy on Saturday, overcoming a resurgent St Loman’s, Mullingar in the process.

The old phrase a good start is half the work could easily be applied as Multyfarnham established control by notching 2-3 without reply in the opening 21 minutes and they led by eight points at the interval. A spirited St Loman’s side scored 2-3 in the second half and outscored the victors, but the gap was too big to bridge and a superior Multyfarnham side took the spoils.

Afterwards, Westmeath GAA Coaching Officer, Ronan Farrell presented the trophy to a delighted Caelan Keaveny, a very worthy recipient on the day.

St Loman’s contributed greatly to the final with what was their second choice team at this grade and they catered admirably for a huge panel, with 28 players seeing action on the day, but it was the 16 boys from Multyfarnham who took the honours.

Heavy rain the previous day threatened this fixture and the sod was heavy in Moynihan Park, but the Ballynacargy club had all in order for another good occasion.

Caelan Keaveney took a pass from Daragh Orme and fisted over the opening point for Multyfarnham after 20 seconds and that set the tone nicely as Orme added a free to double his side’s lead. After the Mullingar boys missed chances, Multyfarnham scored the opening goal through Daragh Orme, after some goal mouth drama: firstly James Whyte’s shot hit the crossbar before Eddie Kane had a shot saved and then at their third attempt Orme’s strike along the ground found the net.

Orme then notched his side’s second goal with a low drive as the St Loman’s defence had barely time to catch a breath. Despite fine work by Declan Bourke in the St Loman’s defence, Multyfarnham added to their lead as Caelan Keaveny joined the end of a move involving Max Leavy and Daragh Orme to notch his side’s third point.

Kalvin Flynn (free) got St Loman’s opening point on 25 minutes, but they missed a goal chance when Devon Reilly’s shot was forced on to the side netting. At half-time they were eight points adrift (0-1 to 2-3).

St Loman’s almost made the perfect start to the second half but David Connell was denied a goal, after Sam Geoghegan, Daniel Kiernan and Liam Forde carved an opening. Multyfarnham then went nine points clear again when Sam Thornton shot over, but an unanswered 1-2 gave a spirited St Loman’s side renewed hope.

David Connell got the first point of this spell, while Sam Geoghegan converted a free; a four-man move saw Mark Mulvee, Cillian Galvin, Sam Geoghegan and David Connell combine but the latter’s shot came off the upright. In the ensuing exchange Devon Reilly finished to the net.

Crucially, Multyfarnham responded with two points from Daragh Orme (free) and Sam Thornton to lead by 2-6 to 1-3 at the end of the third quarter. A neat free from a tricky angle by Sean Reilly helped St Loman’s reduce the leeway, but they could make no further headway. Multyfarnham wrapped up victory with an unanswered 1-1 – the goal from Riley Coyle in added time after Daragh Orme had notched a free.

St Loman’s did get the final score of this entertaining match as Cillian Galvin played a high ball inside and Charlie Brennan flicked the ball to the net. It offered only consolation, though as Multyfarnham celebrated victory.

Scorers – Multyfarnham: D Orme 2-2 (0-2f), R Coyle 1-0, C Keaveney 0-3, S Thornton 0-2.

St Loman’s: D Reilley and C Brennan 1-0 each, K Flynn (f), D Connell, S Geoghegan (f) and S Reilly (f) 0-1 each.

Multyfarnham: Evan Whyte; Dara Hogan, Harry Shortt, Alan Walsh; Max Leavy, Jack Hegarty, Robert Whelan; Caelan Keaveney, Jack Murphy; Sam Thornton, Daragh Orme, Adam Bracken; James Whyte, Eddie Kane, Riley Coyle. Sub used: Gregory Mitchell.

St Loman’s, Mullingar: Ryan Finnegan; Keelan Harvey, Declan Bourke, Emmett Carolan; Padraig Craig, Nathan McDermott, Sean Reilly; Cillian Galvin, Adam Mulligan’; Daniel Kiernan, Sam Geoghegan, Devon Reilly; Mark Mulvee, David Connell, Liam Forde. Subs used: Kalvin Flynn, Jack Cassidy, Charlie Brennan, Aaron Clavin, Finn Jacobs, Hugh McDermott, Josh Markey, Iarlaith Sweeney, Oisin McDonnell, Jack Sheehy, Ray Daly, Dara Moran, Nauelas Poska.

Ref: Mick Gordon (Shandonagh).

Examiner’s Eye on the game

Man of The Match

Caelan Keaveney (Multyfarnham): The midfielder had a fine game throughout and his three points added greatly to the successful Multyfarnham effort.

Score of the match

A four-man move saw Mark Mulvee, Cillian Galvin, Sam Geoghegan and David Connell combine well for St Loman’s, Mullingar in the 40th minute, but the latter’s shot came off the upright. Devon Reilly finished to the net in the follow-up to bring this final to life.