Loman’s the masters in Mullingar derby

The Division 1 Féile Peil na nÓg football final on Sunday evening at TEG Cusack Park, last pitted great rivals and neighbours St. Loman's and Mullingar Shamrocks together for what proved to be an enjoyable game that was won by a stronger, more clinical and cohesive St. Loman's side.

Indeed but for a late rally and some awful wides by the blues, they could have won the game by a wider margin. Mullingar Shamrocks stayed with them right to the end and never let up, although there was no denying that the better team won the day here. Indeed Shamrocks were thankful to their goalie Oisín Gavin and a resolute defence as up front they were a little toothless, but both teams are to be commended on an entertaining affair in front of a very large attendance at HQ.

EXCELLENT

St Loman's, Mullingar owned the opening exchanges, but were guilty of some poor wides when on top and the first score did not materialise until the ninth minute when Sean Byrne kicked a beauty, while the second only arrived on 16 minutes when Ross Tully flicked to the net, after a high ball in from Conor Casey was not dealt with. It was no more than they deserved, but Shamrocks were guilty of not creating enough chances despite having a lot of the ball. Casey scored himself with an excellent solo effort, while Killian Walsh fisted to the net only to be blown back for a square ball, and at the half-time break, it was 1-2 to no score to the blues.

HEALTHY

After the break Shamrocks certainly upped their game, but could not trouble the score keeper and Byrne extended the Loman's lead with a pointed free. The impressive Ted Aherne opened Shamrocks account after 24 minutes with a super individual score.

However, Niall Brady negated that from a placed ball immediately.

Hugo Corroon became Shamrocks go-to man as he kicked two excellent points, but in their eagerness to gain parity Shamrocks were caught at the back time and again.

Loman's could only manage a late Casey score, however, but it was enough as they had built up a healthy advantage and in truth never looked like relinquishing it. They held on to the victory that sees them represent Westmeath at the National finals later in the year.

Joint Captains Sean Byrne and Niall Brady accepted the cup from Westmeath Coiste na nÓg chairman Barry Kelly, to the delight of the large St. Loman's contingent present.

Scorers - St. Loman’s: Ross Tully 1-0, Sean Byrne (1 free) and Conor Casey 0-2 each, Niall Brady 0-1 (free). Mullingar Shamrocks: Hugo Corroon 0-2, Ted Aherne 0-1.

St. Loman's Mullingar: Seamus O’Brien, Aodan Saunders, Enda Moran, Adam McCormack, Ross Tully, Lukas Nugent, Sean Byrne, Conor Casey, Cormac Murphy, Keelan Reilly, Niall Brady, Conor Maleady, Cillian Walsh, Shane Windsor and Tommy McNamee subs: Patrick Carolan, Daragh Vickary, Sean Maleady, MJ Long, Oisín Kiernan, Daragh Riordan, Ben Smith

Mullingar Shamrocks: Oisín Gavin, Harry Tilson, Zak Coyne, Liam Heffernan, Rian Sheerin, Rory McCaul, Conor Walsh, Sean Hickey, James Davitt, Hugo Corroon, Ted Aherne, James Ryan, Gareth Sweeney, Zac Masterson, Declan Newman, subs used: Paddy Colleary, Ryan McNamee, Padraig Regan

Referee: Shane Maher (Ballynacargy).