Thrilling stalemate as Multyfarnham and Maryland share the spoils
Multyfarnham 0-10, Maryland 0-10
An intriguing encounter in the Intermediate Football Championship ended in a hard-fought draw as Multyfarnham and Maryland battled to a 0-10 to 0-10 stalemate at the Castledaly GAA grounds on Friday evening.
The game was a display of grit, determination, and no small amount of skill, with both teams giving everything in a match that kept the spectators on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
This result sees Multyfarnham extend their unbeaten run in the championship, a testament to their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. It also shows how invaluable Ronan Wallace is their cause.
For Maryland, however, the draw was a bitter pill to swallow, as it dashed their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages. Dean Bracken’s team needed a victory to keep their championship dreams alive, but with only three points from their first four games, they now face another year in the lower section of the intermediate grade.
While Multyfarnham led by 0-6 to 0-5 at the break, Maryland will be left to rue a golden opportunity that slipped through their fingers in the dying moments of this contest. In the 54th minute, with the sides deadlocked at 0-9 each, Joe Harte had a chance to be the hero for Maryland. He caught the ball on the edge of the square, but to the disbelief of the Maryland supporters, his shot flew wide of the far post. It was a moment that could have defined the match, but instead, it left the door open for Multyfarnham to fight back.
Earlier, Kieran Martin also came agonisingly close to scoring a decisive goal for Maryland in the 40th minute. His powerful drive looked destined for the back of the net, but Multy goalkeeper Henry Reilly produced a brilliant save, tipping the ball over the bar for a point. These crucial moments highlighted the fine margins that often separate victory from defeat in championship football.
Multyfarnham’s Ronan Wallace was undoubtedly the standout performer of the evening. The Westmeath player was in sublime form, contributing eight of his team’s ten points.
His ability to drive at the Maryland defence and win crucial frees was instrumental in keeping Multyfarnham in the game. Wallace’s composure from placed balls, converting six frees and adding two points from play, was a key factor in ensuring his side came away with a share of the spoils.
The first half was a closely contested affair, with Multyfarnham holding a narrow 0-6 to 0-5 lead at the break. The match began with Wallace converting a '45 to give Multy the early lead. Kieran Martin responded for Maryland, levelling the scores with a well-taken 44-metre free. The sides continued to exchange points, with Wallace and Harte both on target, leaving the game finely poised at 0-2 each after 15 minutes.
Multyfarnham then edged ahead, courtesy of two superbly struck frees from Wallace, who showed his class with long-range efforts from 43 and 48 metres. Maryland, however, were not to be outdone, as Martin tapped over another free and nearly found the net, only for Niall McDermott to clear his effort off the line. The final moments of the half saw both teams add two more points each, ensuring a tense second half awaited.
The second half began with Wallace once again making an immediate impact, scoring a point straight from the throw-in. Maryland, however, responded in kind, enjoying their best spell of the game by scoring four unanswered points. Keith Malynn, Joe Harte, and Kieran Martin all contributed, with Martin’s second point being expertly tipped over the crossbar by Reilly.
Just as it seemed Maryland might pull away, Wallace stepped up again for Multyfarnham, adding two more points, one from play, to bring the sides level at 0-9 each as the clock ticked into the final stages. In a tense and physical finish, Joe Harte missed a glorious chance to win it for Maryland before Kieran Martin nudged them ahead with a 30-metre free. However, Multy’s Anthony McGivney was fouled late on, providing Wallace with the opportunity to slot over the equaliser, ensuring the match ended in a captivating draw.
Scorers - Multyfarnham: Ronan Wallace 0-8 (0-5 frees, 0-1 '45'), Anthony McGivney 0-1, Ian McGovern 0-1. Maryland: Kieran Martin 0-5 (0-3 frees), Joe Harte 0-2, Keith Malynn 0-2 (1 free), Callum McCormack 0-1 (free).
Multyfarnham: Henry Reilly; Jude Auld, Feichin Óg Brennan, Aran Whelan; Niall McDermott, Ronan Wallace, Adam Bate; Ronan Greene, James Greene; Gareth Mullaniff, Anthony McGivney, CJ Tighe; Ian McGovern, Mark Reynolds, Colm Hogan. Subs: Emmet Feerick for Ian McGovern (53), Frank Tighe for Colm Hogan (60).
Maryland: Eoin Moran; Kenny Kincaid, Christy Grimes, Kallum Nugent; Cian Rigney, Liam Moran, Ronan Aspell; Conor Lowry, Keith Malynn; William Reynolds, Kieran Martin, Callum McCormack; Joe Harte, Darren Malynn, Christy Hermbusche. Subs: Anthony Reynolds for Conor Lowry (42), Enda Kincaid for Kallum Nugent (53).
Referee: Michael Galvin (Tang).