Updated 9th January 2012 Under 12 Derby Kick Starts New Year Having not played since mid-November, this game was eagerly anticipated by all. A revamped and much improved C team was hoping to revenge the defeat inflicted in the reverse fixture earlier in the season while the B team were determined to retain the bragging rites. The B team was at full strength with the exception of Tom Crothers who is still recovering following minor surgery. The opening exchanges of this match were frenetic as each side was determined neither to concede ground nor possession. Although the B team began to win the majority of the exchanges, space was at a premium and final passes were either being intercepted or going astray. Eoin Mulreid eventually broke the deadlock for the B team with a neat shot low into the corner of the net following some skilful build-up play between Jamie Battle, Dean McCauley, Cormac Haran and Max Bannon. The B team was finding it difficult to extend the lead and the fence made up of Cormac Molloy, Paul Flynn, Dillon Matthews, Matthew Cunningham and Luke Smith had to remain vigilant to stem the threat of the C team's forwards. After 20 minutes the pressure paid off and the equaliser came with a well taken goal following excellent dribbling and interplay between the C team's midfield and forwards. Five minutes later, the B team went ahead again when Dillon Matthews unleashed a low pile driver from fully 25 metres which proved too hot to handle and just spun out of the hands of the unfortunate diving keeper and over the line. The C team remained dangerous on the counter-attack and Luke Smith, in goal for the B's had to remain alert. Max Bannon made it 3 - 1 when he lifted the ball high into the net following some good build-up play by Paul Flynn, Dean McCauley and an inch perfect cross from Cormac Haran. The half time whistle blew soon after with both teams feeling the effects of the hectic pace of the match. Within 5 minutes of the restart, the B team went further ahead when Matthew Cunningham scored following an excellent corner by Euan Lagan and well saved shots from Jamie Battle and Cormac Molloy. Euan Lagan's corners continued to be problematic for the C team's defence and once again following a corner, Matthew Cunningham made it 5 - 1 with a low shot into the corner of the net. The C team managed to pull a goal back when the B team failed to make a meaningful tackle and the stranded keeper Luke Smith was easily beaten with a well struck shot into the bottom corner. Soon after, the B's were awarded a penalty when a powerful shot from Paul Flynn was handled by a defender and Jamie Battle coolly slotted home the spot kick to make it 6 - 2 in favour of the B team. Cormac Molloy, Sean Fagan, Cormac Donoghue, Paul Flynn, Dillon Matthews formed a strong defence in front of Luke Smith while Eoin Mulreid, Jamie Battle, Euan Lagan and Matthew Cunningham were very creative in midfield. Max Bannon, Cormac Haran, Adam Shaw and Daniel Fitzsimons were creating chaos in the C team defence and further goals seemed inevitable. Matthew Cunningham soon grabbed his hat-trick when he tapped in after Daniel Fitzsimons had hit the post with a fine effort. Daniel then got in on the scoring by hammering the ball into the top of the net following some fine build up play between Max Bannon and Adam Shaw. Daniel Fitzsimons finished off the scoring by volleying into the top corner following another excellent corner from Euan Lagan. The final score was probably more reflective of the overall squad strength, experience and teamwork of the B team rather than any superiority in relation to skill or determination. Well done to both teams for their determination and commitment at the start of the New Year and we wish both teams all the best for the remainder of the 2012 season. Updated 14th November 2011 Campion Insurance support Mullingar Athletic's Coaching programme Campion Insurace have kindly continued their sponsorship of our very popular Saturday morning coaching sessions for children aged six to eight. All at Mullingar Athletic wish to thank Robbie O'Dowd, Sales Executive and the Campion Insurance Company for this very generous sponsorship deal. This picture was taken on Saturday last, November 12th and shows some of the six year olds who partake in this coaching programme every Saturday morning, together with their coaches Mark McCormack, Paul Moore and Ray Geoghegan sporting their coaching jackets sponsored by the company. On left of picture is Robbie O'Dowd, Sales Executive with Campion Insurances. Mullingar's Winning Sequence Broken Midlands Under 12 League Mullingar Athletic B 2 – Portlaoise B 4 Mullingar were facing the only team that had deprived them of full points in the league to date and were naturally expecting a very competitive game. Being deprived of match practice over the past couple of weekends clearly had an adverse affect on this Mullingar side and Portlaoise deservedly came away with all three points. Playing conditions were perfect for this time of year, although the playing surface was rather soft following persistent rain falling on Friday. This seemed to suit the Portlaoise side who were physically stronger all round. From the off, no quarter was given and although neither defence was seriously tested, both sets of players battled hard for every ball. Luke Smith, in goal for Mullingar was sweeping up intelligently behind a well disciplined defence consisting of Sean Fagan, Dillon Matthews, Paul Flynn and Matthew Cunningham. The opening goal came after 10 minutes and it was the Portlaoise side that made the breakthrough. For once, the Mullingar defence failed to clear their lines and a Portlaoise attacker broke through and steered the ball beyond the reach of Luke Smith. Mullingar came back strongly with both Tom Crothers and Euan Lagan making several breaks down the right hand flank. Though the Mullingar attack of Adam Shaw and Cormac Haran managed to get on the end of some of the crosses they failed to convert them. Max Bannon and Jamie Battle did manage to get in a couple of great shots; however they were unfortunately hit directly at the Portlaoise keeper and were well saved. Portlaoise managed to double their lead after 20 minutes when the Mullingar defence was again caught napping and the ball was dispatched into the corner of the net. Mullingar were unlucky to find themselves two nil down but just before half time, Tom Crothers managed to pull a goal back when his shot proved too hot for the Portlaoise keeper to hold. The second half continued in the same vein as the first with Mullingar playing the more constructive football but Portlaoise appearing more dangerous on the counter attack. Mullingar were again making good headway down the flanks and Cormac Haran put in two wonderful crosses along the six yard box which Adam Shaw was unlucky not to convert. Mullingar made a number of substitutions introducing Eoin Mulreid, Cormac Molloy, Daniel Fitzsimons and Cormac Donoghue, hoping to get Mullingar back on level terms. Unfortunately, after 20 minutes Portlaoise managed to score again from a breakaway, making the score now 3 - 1 in their favour. Mullingar again battled back bravely and following a superb break and cross from Euan Lagan, Eoin Mulreid swept the ball into the back of the Portlaoise net. Game on again with Mullingar pressing ahead for an equaliser and Portlaoise dangerous on the counter attack. Unfortunately, it was Portlaoise who managed to get the next goal with 5 minutes remaining when a cross from the right was nodded home out of the reach of Luke Smith. Mullingar heads still didn't drop but despite their best efforts and the encouragement of local support, they failed to find the net again and Portlaoise held on for a well deserved victory. Midland Schoolboy League U12 Division 2 Mullingar Athletic B 2 - 1 Frankford This was a competitive match between two fairly evenly matched sides which was abandoned by the referee with about 15 minutes remaining. Frankford sideline seemed to take exception to some of the refereeing decisions, especially the decision to send off one of the Frankford players following a late challenge. The challenging vociferous comments from the Frankford sideline became unacceptable to the referee who felt he had no choice but to abandon the match. This had generally been a very clean game played in difficult weather conditions by two fine sides that deserve great credit for the quality of the football displayed. Mullingar had the better of the opening exchanges but Max Bannon and Dean McCauley found the Frankford defence difficult to break down. The opening goal went to Mullingar as Euan Lagan picked out Cormac Haran with an inch perfect through ball. Cormac took the ball in his stride, ran in on the keeper and calmly passed the ball into the corner of the net. Ball retention was difficult due to the weather conditions and the competitive nature of both sides. The Mullingar defence appeared resolute and Frankford attacks were confined to long balls over the top which Luke Smith in goal, dealt with fairly comfortably. Sean Fagan, Matthew Cunningham, Dillon Matthews and Paul Flynn appeared reasonably in control and became involved in starting many of the Mullingar attacks. Tom Crothers, Dean McCauley, Euan Lagan and Jamie Battle were winning the majority of possession but Cormac Haran and Max Bannon were finding it difficult to create too many clear goal scoring opportunities. Frankford eventually managed to level the match ten minutes before half-time after Mullingar conceded a corner following another long ball over the top. Although Mullingar defended the initial corner kick, the clearance fell at the feet of the Frankford centre half just outside the box. The Mullingar defenders failed to close down the ball and Frankford's centre half's thunderbolt shot flew into the top corner of the Mullingar net well out of the reach of Luke Smith. Frankford probably had the better of the exchanges during the remainder of the half without creating any further goal scoring chances. Mullingar regained the ascendancy in the second half and following some neat inter-changes between Euan Lagan, Eoin Mulreid, Tom Crothers and Adam Shaw, holes started appearing in the Frankford defence. Mullingar started to move the ball more quickly and when the ball was eventually played wide to Tom Crothers, he saw an opportunity to take on the remaining defenders. He dribbled the ball between the last two defenders, outpaced them on the run-in and steered the ball low into the far corner of the net. Mullingar were deserving of their lead and were beginning to dictate the direction of the game. The late tackle which resulted in the sending off was from a rare Frankford attack. The referee's decision to abandon the game following altercations with the Frankford sideline team was disappointing for both set of players as they left the field saddened and confused. This brought a frustrating premature end to an entertaining game and denied Mullingar the opportunity to extend their winning streak. The Midland League Committee will have to provide a ruling on the game following receipt of the referee's match report and due consideration. Both sides eagerly await the league's decision and an opportunity to renew the friendly rivalry. Updated 17th October 2011 Midland Schoolboy League U12 Division 2 Athletic hang on to secure points! Mullingar Athletic B 4 St. Aengus 3 This was a game where the Mullingar side was put to the pin of its collar and delighted to come away with the points. Although this Mullingar side remains unbeaten, the team was forced to fight all the way and just about hung on for victory. For a change, Athletic started brightly and powered forward from the off. After 5 minutes, the St. Aengus defence was caught square by a delightful through ball by Dean McCauley, enabling Tom Crothers to outpace the defence and cooly slot the ball home out of the reach of the advancing keeper. After 10 minutes, it was that man again Tom Crothers who doubled the lead for Mullingar. This time he practically did it all on his own, breaking free of the St. Aengus defence just over the half-way line, outwitting the chasing defenders through skill, determination and pace, before again slotting home from just inside the box. Mullingar were now dictating the pace of the game and the team was achieving a lot of success once the ball was sprayed out wide. Dean McCauley, Max Bannon, Cormac Haran and Adam Shaw were successfully raiding down the wings but unfortunately they often failed to pick out colleagues with their crosses. Euan Lagan, Jamie Battle, Tom Crothers and Owen Mulreid were bossing midfield, while the defence of Sean Fagan, Paul Flynn, Dillon Matthews and Matthew Cunningham appeared rock solid. Mullingar went 3 - 0 up after 20 minutes when a delightful cross field pass from Owen Mulreid fed Paul Flynn just outside the St. Aengus box, he took one touch to control it, pushed it out in front and slotted it into the corner of the net. Mullingar didn't have long to wait for the fourth to arrive. Again it was Dean McCauley the provider as he gave a through ball for Cormac Haran to run onto and after a nice touch, his powerful shot easily beat the keeper. St. Aengus were by no means out of the game and five minutes before half-time pulled a goal back when some lack lustre defending by Mullingar allowed St. Aengus to force their way into the box and strike the ball into the corner of the net, leaving Luke Smith helpless. Luke had been a relative bye-stander up to this with the exception of a neat save from a powerful free kick that skidded just in front of him. While Athletic were clearly the better team in the first half, their failure to convert the many chances created early in the second half gave St.Aengus belief and the game became a ding-dong battle. Daniel Fitzsimons was desperately unlucky not to score after his volley was parried by the keeper and his follow up shot was scrambled clear by the St. Aengus defence. Mullingar continued to pile forward hoping to add to their lead but shots from well outside the St. Aengus box were being easily dealt with by their keeper. Athletic were finding it difficult to deal with this long clearances as St. Aengus chased down the ball. Their pressure paid dividends after twenty minutes when a deceptive shot left Luke Smith stranded in the Mullingar goal. Mullingar were now showing concern and their anxiety became obvious as they started to be caught in possession of the ball. Increased pressure was being loaded onto the Mulling defence leading to some heroic challenges and clearances from Cormac Molloy, Cormac Donoghue, Matthew Cunningham, Dillon Matthews and Paul Flynn. Luke Smith was marshalling his defence well and sweeping up any through ball over played. Although Mullingar continued to create chances, their failure to convert gave St. Aengus increased confidence. Euan Lagan, Jamie Battle, Owen Mulreid and Adam Shaw were being forced on to the back foot and with three minutes to go, St. Aengus managed to score again. This created a nervous ending for the players and supporters alike. St. Aengus smelt blood and pressed forward for an equaliser. Fortunately for Mullingar, time ran out and the referee blew for full time. Athletic had held out for a hard earned victory and can count themselves lucky to have come out on the right side of a very tight game. Updated 10th October 2011 Midland Schoolboy League U12 Division 2 Athletic rebound from slow start to secure points! Once again, Mullingar started in a sluggish fashion and found themselves one down within the opening few minutes. This was Tullamore United's first league game and they started brightly. Mullingar got themselves back into the game through an equaliser scored by Cormac Haran. He took the ball down from a cross by Dean McCauley and volleyed the ball into the top of the net over a desparing Tullamore keeper. Mullingar's defence of Sean Fagan, Paul Flynn, Dillon Matthews, Cormac Molloy and Tom Crothers tightened up and gradually snuffed out the Tullamore attack. Their precision passing allowed the midfield of Dean McCauley, Jamie Battle, Euan Lagan and Eoin Mulreid to drive at the Tullamore defence and create numerous goal scoring chances. The running and creativity of Max Bannon and Cormac Haran upfront began to punch holes in the Tullamore rearguard. After squandering a number of good goal scoring chances, Mullingar eventually took the lead when Max Bannon opened his account for the season. His neat footwork deceived the Tullamore defence and his powerful shot skidded into the bottom of the net. The second half started with Mullingar clearly on top in all sectors and it didn't take long for the lead to be extended. Euan Lagan pounced on a loose ball in the Tullamore penalty box and neatly chipped the keeper to make it 3 - 1. Cormac Haran soon added another with a delightful curling shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net, well out of the reach of the Tullamore goalie. Although Mullingar were in the ascendancy and continued to create several goal scoring chances, Tullamore looked dangerous on the counter attack. Jamie Battle managed to extend the lead further with a neat finish following a quickly taken corner and some neat inter-passing between Daniel Fitzsimons and Dean McCauley. Mullingar continued to throw men forward but were caught out when Tullamore broke quickly, evaded the tackles of Sean Fagan, Matthew Cunningham, Cormac Molloy and Dillon Matthews and chipped the ball over the advancing Luke Smith. Dean McCauley, Eoin Mulreid, Max Bannon and Matthew Cunningham began marauding down the wings with great success. Adam Shaw managed to extend Mullingar's lead when he broke free of the Tullamore defence and slid the ball under the keeper into the net. Mullingar were now rampant and several goal scoring chances were squandered through indecision and wrong choices. Max Bannon again got on the scoresheet with a cool finish following some good work between Matthew Cunningham and Jamie Battle. Paul Flynn continued to drive forward and after some good inter-changes, the ball fell to Euan Lagan who drove powerfully into the corner of the net. Although this was a comprehensive win for Mullingar, they struggled at times to stamp their authority on the game and spurned a host of goal scoring chances. Future training sessions will definitely have to place greater emphasis on shooting practice if this Mullingar side is to demonstrate its true potential. Updated 4th October 2011 Under 12s face tough challenge in Kilcormac! FRANKFORD 3 - 5 MULLINGAR ATHLETIC Mullingar gave their travelling supporters many anxious moments on a soft day in Kilcormac before finally securing victory. Mullingar started poorly and played second fiddle to well organised Frankford side. The opening score came after 15 minutes and went to the home side after some indecisive defensive play by Mullingar. Frankford doubled their lead five minutes before half-time through a thunderous free kick that just dipped under the bar out of the reach of Luke Smith. Mullingar struggled to retain possession and were continually overpowered by a more focused and determined Frankford side. Paul Flynn, Dillon Matthews, Euan Lagan, Sean Fagan and Tom Crothers tried hard but remained frustrated up to half-time. Mullingar started the second half a transformed team and quickly got themselves back into the game. Candid advice from the management team and the introduction of Jamie Battle, Cormac Molloy, Dean McCawley and Daniel Fitzsimons re-invigorated the team. Cormac Haran pulled a goal back following a corner from Jamie Battle with a clean strike that zipped into the net. The second followed quickly afterwards and again it was Cormac Haran that pounced on a loose ball in the Frankford box to shoot into the corner of the net. The team's confidence levels were now soaring and Mullingar were now winning all the 50:50 balls. The defence was much more secure and the midfield was now creating numerous chances for the forward line of Adam Shaw, Daniel Fitzsimons, Owen Mulreid and Max Bannon. Pressure eventually told and Mullingar took lead through a wonderful free kick from the edge of the box by Jamie Battle which lodged into the bottom left hand corner. Mullingar were clearly in the ascendancy but Frankford remained dangerous on the break and unfortunately our defence was breached again as Frankford leveled the match at three apiece. The was now in the balance and some excellent defending from Luke Smith, Sean Fagan, Paul Flynn, Cormac Donoghue, Dillon Matthews and Cormac Molloy kept the Frankford team at bay. Mullingar's midfield of Euan Lagan, Jamie Battle, Owen Mulreid and Matthew Cunningham once again started to gain the upper hand. Following some excellent passing between Max Bannon, Daniel Fitzsimons, Adam Shaw and Jamie Battle, the ball was placed into the path of Euan Lagan and he crashed it to the net. Mullingar secured the win with 5 minutes from time when Cormac Haran was put through on goal and although his shot was parried by the goalkeeper, like all good forwards Tom Crothers followed it in and ensured that it crossed the line. Although Mullingar suffered a scare when Frankford struck a post with a curling shot in the last couple of minutes, Luke Smith remained very alert and cleared his lines with authority. A big thank you to all the vociferous supporters who helped spur the players on to secure a well deserved victory. Updated 26th September 2011 Under 12 Midland League Local Derby MULLINGAR ATHLETIC 'B' 5 - 0 MULLINGAR ATHLETIC 'C' Forget the scoreline, this was a very competitive match right up to the final whistle. On a perfect day for football, this was a gutsy combative performance from Athletic's C team in their maiden match. Eventually the B team's greater experience and quality proved the difference and earned them a well deserved victory. The opening score after five minutes came from a penalty conceded following a hand ball and calmly converted by Jamie Battle. The second goal was scored by Dean McCawley after beating a number of defenders with some sublime footwork. Although the B team finished the first half in the ascendancy, Luke Smith had to make a number of crucial saves and Sean Fagan a number of critical interceptions to keep the C team scoreless at half time. The second half started with some stout defending by Paul Flynn, Dillon Matthews and Cormac Dongohue. The midfield of Jamie Battle. Euan Lagan, Cormac Haran and Tom Crothers eventually stamped their class on the game and some tireless running and intricate play by Max Bannon, Matthew Cunningham and Adam Shaw created several openings for the B team. The C team goalkeeper was having an excellent game and pulled off a number of tremendous saves. Eventually the controlled passing game of the B team proved crucial and further goals were scored by Adam Shaw and Cormac Haran. The C team created a number of scoring opportunities from counter-attacking moves and only for some resolute defending from Sean Fagan, Paul Flynn, Tom Crothers, Dillon Matthews and the goalie, Luke Smith, the scoreline would have been a lot closer. Owen Mulreid chipped in with a nice individual goal for the B team and a couple of late goals for Jamie Battle and Matthew Cunningham wrapped up the points. This was an excellent team performance from the B team under the drive and leadership of Euan Lagan, team captain for the day. 'Frank' keeps clean sheet against Frankford! Frankford 0 Mullingar AFC 3 Mullingar arrived into this match having had to recover from a shocking loss to Banagher United. Banagher's manager had expressed his surprise at the nature of the Mullingar capitulation to a score of 5-1 having taken the lead and commanded most of the possession. This was an opportunity for the squad to dig deep and ask hard questions of themselves. After two training sessions of hard graft - training to raise the level and standards of the team - there was anxiety surrounding the next fixture against Frankford which seemed to come too quickly. In a dark blue strip, Mullingar had a focused prematch ritual which signaled the intent of the players. Just as the ball kicked off the players could be heard continuing to make calls to tell a teammate about the time they had on the ball and whether they were under pressure. This communication helped ease the team into control of space and more importantly the ball. When Frankford did win the ball they invariably tried to play it 'over the top' of the Mullingar back 4. They unsettled Mullingar for a period before Paul Lynam and David Cosgrove made adjustments and began to exert control. Mullingar now have a season of trying to build a possession football game under their belts and a key element of this gamelan clicked into gear. Midfielders Eoin Donoghue, Alan Farrell and Jamie Rooney were always on the look out for the 'out' ball to Philip Martin and Gareth O Connor. This change was critical. These options allied to the complete confidence of playing the ball back the outstanding Frank Kavanagh in goal allowed Mullingar to utterly dominate the ball. On the right side of the attack Barry Glennon was in devastating form and continually harried the Frankford defence with great interplay with Alan Farrell, Gareth O Connor and Josh Kiernan. Up to five half chances were generated in a twenty minute purple patch. On top of this there were long range efforts of varying accuracy. While Barry was electric on the right, Jordan O Reilly was sublime while dribbling. He sucked in defenders but was careful to provide a delivery on most occasions. Mullingar’s class was there to see. Their standards had lifted to the level needed and as with any prolonged period of pressure something had to give. The origins of the first goal were a surprise however after Jamie Rooney floated in a free-kick for his teammates to attack which the goalkeeper inexplicably misjudged (0-1). Mullingar went into half time on the uppers. They needed to press on and secure the result and this attitude was hardened by the way the first goal of the game was scored. Mullingar were not satisfied to win by fluke. In the second half Frankford had their own ideas and began with a flurry of energy. This period degenerated into a series of scatty errors on behalf of both teams with the game in the balance. Frank Kavanagh was on hand to recover the situation on numerous occasions. Mullingar had been here before with the Banagher game and with that result fresh in their minds they remained calm and began to pass the ball about the park, reverting to their natural game. It wasn't until midway through the second half that Mullingar could push on build some incisive attacks. Mark Ronan came on up front and his energy helped force the game into a new phase. With Frankford now tired and Mullingar on the ball more often than not, Mark could be picked out for slide-rule passes and very nearly scored from one such pass by Alan Farrell. Gareth O Connor found space to charge into a nearly scored with a left footed drive only for the Frankford keeper to get a strong hand behind it and parry it to safety. The second came from one of the many free-kicks Mullingar were winning on the edge of the area. Captain Philip Martin got onto the end of an Alan Farrell delivery (0-2) Cathal Byrne came in on the left and immediately added a dependable outlet for midfield. Jamie Rooney and Barry Glennon swapped positions. Mullingar settled and dictated play. With Frankford shook, the third was soon to follow. After some excellent work in the build-up Mark Ronan was again put through only to be up-ended in the penalty area. Alan Farrell stepped up to cap a fine performance by slamming the ball into the roof of the net (0-3). The unexpected nature of this fixture was probably the tonic needed for a hurting Mullingar and they eased through the final phases with a huge appetite to see out the game and keep a clean sheet. Frankford’s 100% start has been shattered and the title race is wide open again but most importantly Mullingar had rediscovered the level of performance needed to win. There were many notable performances, not least Barry Glennon, but on this occasion Frank Kavanagh steals the 'Man of the Match' award, not simply for his 3 or 4 outstanding stops but more so for his presence of mind and distribution on the ball. Updated 20th September 2011 Midland Schoolboy & Schoolgirl League Under 12 Division 2 RESULT: PORTLAOISE 2 MULLINGAR ATHLETIC B 2 This was a tough opening league game for the Mullingar side that had to battle back from a 2 - 0 deficit at half-time. Athletic had the majority of possession, played the more attractive football and were unlucky not to achieve the much coveted win. In the opening half Mullingar playing against a much more physical and well drilled Portlaoise team as well as a strong breeze, were forced to rely on some terrific last ditch defending by Cormac Molloy, Euan Lagan, Paul Flynn and Dylan Matthews, ably assisted by some excellent goalkeeping by Luke Smith. Jamie Battle, Dean McCauley, Cormac Haran and Owen Mulreid bossed midfield and provided the forward line of Max Bannon and Daniel Fitzsimons with several goal scoring opportunities. Unfortunately, the Portlaoise defence proved resolute and some long distance clearances led to them scoring from a couple of counter attacks. The introduction of Tom Crothers and Matthew Cunningham before half-time had the desired effect and the half finished with Mullingar in clear command but behind on the scoreboard. In the second half, Athletic quickly regained control of the game and scored two early goals. Euan Lagan scored with a powerful shot having beaten a number of defenders and he also provided the cross which enabled Adam Shaw to score with a well placed brave header from close in. Sean Fagan and Cormac Donoghue were introduced and helped to snuff out a number of Portlaoise breakaways. Mullingar continued to pile forward and despite some fine attacking football, failed to convert the half chances that were created. This was a highly entertaining game and a wonderful advertisement for schoolboy football. Two well matched sides playing in a friendly competitive manner couldn't be separated in the end. The endeavor and total commitment from all players involved was to be commended. The positive vocal support of the many proud parents in attendance contributed enormously to the excitement and their commitment is much appreciated. Updated 5th September 2011 U-14 MLS Division 1 WEST MAFC 2        Tullamore 2 Mullingar hosted near neighbours Tullamore in their first league match of the new season. With an intense pre-season devoid of many friendlies, Mullingar went into this game untested, with a measure of apprehension. Tullamore are recognised as one of the contenders for the league and a marker had to be laid down by a Mullingar team hoping to step closer to maturity and build upon their undoubted ability to play good football. While nerves were evident, the presence of new goalkeeper Frank Kavanagh and the return of the assured David Cosgrove at centre-half meant that Mullingar could calmly build their confidence. Gareth O Connor and Philip Martin attacked alternately from their full-back positions providing brilliant options for Ciaran Conroy debuting in midfield. Mullingar were well drilled, pressed Tullamore when defending and attacked in numbers when they won the ball. Tullamore's backs were against the wall and after numerous near misses; Mullingar took the lead through wide attacker Barry Glennon after great vision from central striker Josh Kiernan to play him in. Mullingar had dominated possession and created numerous chances. Naoise McKenna was tormenting Tullamore with his mazy runs and freeing up space for the likes of Conroy to shoot. They had impressed new 'Player Opportunities Officer' and club coach Ray Geoghegan. Mullingar went into the break on a high. It was expected that Mullingar would now push on to kill the game off in the second half. However having tipped-off, Tullamore put Mullingar under severe pressure immediately. After a foul on the edge of the penalty area, a set piece in-swinging cross found its man and was poked home for 1-1. Mullingar were caught unawares. This was probably Tullamore’s first real attempt on goal and even though it was a shock to concede, Mullingar caught a grasp of the game again. Always dangerous on the counter-attack, Mullingar broke through Jordan O Reilly after good defensive work by Jordan McCullagh and Eoin Donoghue. O Reilly finished with aplomb. Both wide attackers had now scored with Josh Kiernan creating the space with intelligent runs off the ball. As the game progressed into the latter stages, both teams tired and Mullingar continued to dominate time on the ball but it was not constructive possession as the ball continued to be given away cheaply. Lorcan Mahedy was introduced with his neat passing ability in mind. However Tullamore sat back and on a break after easily winning the ball, they forced themselves in behind the Mullingar defense on the left wing. Mullingar defenders did well to regain position but three poor challenges from tired Mullingar players allowed Tullamore sneak in and find enough time for a strike into the top corner from 8 metres out. Frank Kavanagh had no chance. If the statistics were available for this game it would resemble Arsenal versus Newcastle last year where Arsenal (Mullingar) created a huge number of chances and dominated possession but could not translate this into a result and were made pay as a result. However this is Mullingar’s first game and bodes well if the team can tighten up and cut out simple errors in defense and be far more clinical when presented with a sight of goal. Man of the Match: Josh Kiernan Next Fixture: Mullingar AFC vs. Birr Town at 11.15am on Saturday in Gainstown (Promises to be a fantastic game if last year is anything to go by!) Updated 9th May 2011 Athletic’s Under 12s crowned League Champions 2011 On Saturday May 7th in front of a large crowd, Mullingar Athletic’s under 12 team was crowned worthy champions when they defeated Celbridge Town on a scoreline 6-1. This talented group of players made the big step up to the DDSL this year after winning the Major Division of the Midland League the previous year. They found themselves pitted against such illustrious teams as St. Patrick’s Athletic,St. Francis and Wayside Celtic to name but a few and at the end of a long season they emerged victorious having dropped a mere five points throughout the entire league campaign. Week in and week out these players served up a feast of wonderful attacking football free scoring football scoring over 75 goals in the process. In Dylan Behan-Matthews and Daugirdas Fedronas they possess two extremely agile and athletic goalkeepers who superbly marshalled their defence week after week. Dylan McWade Brendan Kavanagh, Ben Treanor, Tom Molloy and Ben Walsh proved consistently what solid reliable and dependable defenders they are-‘A mean defence’- and this is borne out in the fact that they only conceded 12 goals on the league all season. Central midfielders Cormac Dalton, Luke Lenehan and Finbarr Coyne were at the heart of all Athletic’s free flowing attacking play throughout the season and indeed all three were regularly on the score sheet. Wingers David Mimnagh, Ryan O’Connor-Norris and Jack Hall struck terror into the hearts of opposing defenders with their pace and trickery and all ended the season with plenty of goals to their credit. Up front Conor McCrossan, Robert Smyth and the aforementioned Jack Hall provided finishing touches to many of the flowing moves created by their team mates. All in all this has been another superb season for this team and managers Kevin Smyth and Stephen Norris can take immense pride in seeing this talented group of players play with such composure, passion and skill- they can look forward with optimism to more success in the coming season. Presentation from Managers Stephen Norris (LEFT) and Kevin Smyth (RIGHT) to their under 12 DDSL PLAYERS Awards left to right Stephen Norris, David Mimnagh (players player of the Year), Brian Kavanagh (Player of the Year), Dylan Behan-Matthews (most improved player of the year), Kevin Smyth David Mimnagh with his Players Player of the Year award Brian Kavanagh with his player of the Year award Dylan Behan-Matthews with his Most Improved Player of the Year award Updated 9th May 2011 St Peter’s Bell tolls for the Cubs! The Cubs took their season’s unbeaten record to St Peters in Athlone last Wednesday evening and were disappointed to leave it behind them to an excellent home team. Following a month of sunny evenings the heavens decided to open for this the last outing of the season for the Cubs. The game was only able to go ahead due to the availability of an all weather surface. The first fifteen was a tight affair and it was soon obvious that St Peters were made of sterner stuff than some of the Cubs previous opposition. The Cubs were not found wanting and began to press forward with Luke Nangle making his usual long mazy runs. The two Cormacs Haran and Molloy were comfortable at the back and Adam McCormack who has been supreme in goals all season dealt with everything thrown at him. Patrick Gantly was as usual a commanding presence in midfield. Despite his best efforts Max Bannon failed to get on the scoresheet and the first fifteen ended scoreless. The Cubs who played all thirteen of their squad on the night now introduced Tom Maguire and Sam McCartan and their addition swung the game in Mullingar’s favour. Indeed it was Tom Maguire who put the Cubs into the lead with a well placed strike. The Cubs joy was short-lived with St Peters quickly equalizing following an uncharacteristic mix up at the back. The Cubs recovered well from this setback, however despite the best efforts of Tom Nangle in midfield and Ryan Fay at the back the second fifteen drew to a close with the scores level at one each. For the final fifteen the Cubs introduced three more substitutes and Philip Gray who has been deadly around the goals all year was unlucky to see his header loop just over the cross bar. The St Peters forwards were looking increasingly dangerous and indeed the breakthrough came when their diminutive centre forward scored with a beautiful lob despite the best efforts of Josh Hennaghan in defence. As the Cubs pressed hard to get back on terms caution was thrown to the wind with defender Anna Jones pressing forward and shooting from distance. They were unable to break down a very well organized defensive unit and St Peters put the game beyond doubt when they added a third in the dying minutes. Given the conditions this was a fine game by both sides and the skill and sportsmanship by players and mentors was a credit to all involved. The Cubs were disappointed to fall at the penultimate hurdle but lets hope all of them will come back and play next year. On behalf of the team and their parents I would like to thank Mick Haran who gave this squad his undivided attention for the season and ensured that they all got regular game time. The Cubs squad was Adam McCormack, Josh Hennaghan, Tom Maguire, Anna Jones, Cormac Harron, Patrick Gantly, Max Bannon, Sam McCartan, Cormac Molloy, Philip Gray, Ryan Fay, Luke Nangle and Tom Crothers Saturday morning coaching Due to the Legends game on Saturday our Saturday morning coaching for our 6, 7, 8 and 9 year olds will not take place this Saturday May 14th. Good wishes We would like to send our good wishes to all our members who will be confirmed and celebrating their First Holy Communion in the coming weeks. Updated 25th April 2011 Team photo of Mullingar Athletic Under 12 Girls team - with their coaches Trevor Thompson, Charlie Clinton and John Donnelly- who travelled to Holland last weekend. Full details of trip next week. Updated 18th April 2011 Cubs secure Semi Finals of Shield AC Celtic came up short against the U10 Cubs at a sunny Gainstown on Thursday evening in a Shield quarter final. The Cubs sprang into action while Celtic were still recovering from the journey from Athlone. Captain for the game Cormac Harron struck for his first goal of a hat trick on the night after a just two minutes leaving the AC boys reeling. Philip Gray continuing to prosper close to goal added two of his own with the hardworking Sam McCartan adding a goal as well. Anna Jones and Josh Hennaghan were clearing up everything in defence leaving their opponents scoreless at the first break. The second period was a more even affair and credit to AC when they shocked Athletic with a goal of their own and would have had more only for the alertness of Cubs keeper Adam McCormack. Tom Maguire and Max Bannon had plenty of chances for the Cubs but the AC keeper pulled of a number of fine saves. The final period was more productive for the Cubs with Patrick Gantly and Luke Nangle controlling midfield with Tom Maguire proving a handful for the Celtic defence. The Cubs were able to cruise to a comfortable victory despite Celtic adding a further goal to their total. This was another excellent team performance with the whole squad contributing and they now can look forward to the semi-final. AC Celtic were worthy and sporting opponents and the referee contributed to a fine game by both sides. The Cubs squad was Adam McCormack, Josh Hennaghan, Tom Maguire, Anna Jones, Cormac Harron, Patrick Gantly, Max Bannon, Sam McCartan, Cormac Molloy, Philip Gray, Ryan Fay, Luke Nangle and Tom Crothers Updated 28th March 2011 U-12 MLS Major Mullingar AFC 0-6 Abbeyleix The season end comes quicker than you expect and at the same time feels like a lifetime has passed. This Mullingar team was not playing for silverware here but was hoping to consolidate their position mid-table. They had a short pre-season without friendlies; had not played together; were learning an unusual system of play; some had never played eleven aside and were hoping to survive in the top MLS division. They achieved a great season in the circumstances and can be satisfied that they showed their potential. This game was like a microcosm of the season. The first half was all about being out-muscled and out-paced. Three of the Abbeyleix goals coming from corners. A confused Mullingar defense caught between marking a man and attacking the crossed ball only for the opposition to get that crucial first touch on all three occasions. Players not committing and making early assertive decisions costing them for the fourth goal also. This was unlike the Mullingar that had developed through the season. The first half was a write-off. With half time came respite and a chance to remember where they have come from and what they are about. There was no point waiting for the game to come to you against a team taller, stronger and faster; it was time to have confidence in their reading of the game and their use of the ball. This message was clear to all players. The second half kicked off with Mullingar keeping possession, playing it across their back-line and working it patiently up the right wing to earn a throw-in deep in the Abbeyleix half. This assured passage of play, settled the nerves and upset Abbeyleix who had expected to have their way in the second half. Building on moments of decisive interceptions and calm distribution from the central defensive partnership of Matthew Willoughby and Paul Lynam, the midfield started to string attacks together. Alan Farrell was across the full width of the pitch with Steven Clarke and Eoin Donoghue tidying up and constantly playing in Eoghan Gallagher and Naoise McKenna on the wings. A signal of intent was issued by Eoghan Gallagher who nearly finished off an excellent move which begun with a piece of brave football under pressure from Shane Meehan. Mark Ronan can make a silk purse from a pig’s ear on his day but thankfully his tireless work was being rewarded with some cute passing to his feet, allowing him to build up play and get in behind the last defender on many occasions. But for some last ditch tackles Mark could have had a brace. The second half stats would show that Mullingar had the majority of the possession. They pinned Abbeyleix back and reduced them to counter-attacks. These were dangerous attacks but Patrick Shaw found himself comfortably jockeying these (the majority of the left wing) forays into less threatening areas. A corner was conceded in this fashion and Abbeyleix struck again. This didn't worry Mullingar. Eoghan Gallagher was played in with a beautiful chip from midfield and but for it slipping off his toe as he stretched ala Thierry Henry this would have been a tap in. The chances kept being created, Alan Farrell had a shot just outside the area, Mark Ronan tested the goalie and Naoise McKenna forced a save from a close range header. If the game was being watched on the sidelines, no-one would have guessed the scoreline or indeed which team were the league leaders and likely champions. The game finished with Mullingar’s tails up, they had finished with a good account of themselves and shown their true ability. Of course they hurt having lost but they knew that it was a step in the right direction. Thanks must go to Joseph Lynam, John Shaw and Patrick Kiernan for the enormous effort to provide the conditions for the development of the team. A team which started on the back-foot but which can now look forward to a realistically competitive run in the upcoming cup. Updated 7th March 2011 Cubs out-roar the Bears! The Mullingar U10 Cubs successfully saw off the St Josephs Bears for the second time in a fortnight at a sunny Summerhill in Athlone last Saturday. The Cubs got off to a slow start on what was a tricky pitch with failure to take a touch and a tendency to panic in possession leading to a very close first fifteen. Goalkeeper Adam McCormack was instrumental in ensuring a nil all score after the first third with the Cubs fruitless in front of goal despite the efforts of Max Bannon and Luke Nangle. The half time talk had the required effect and a new striking pair of Tom Crothers and Philip Gray began to trouble the Bears defence. It was however from midfield that Sam McCartan struck twice to beat a very reliable Bears keeper. Tom Crothers then added a third goal to leave the Cubs comfortably in front with the final third to play. The Cubs dug deep for the final fifteen with Anna Jones leading the line and Patrick Gantly breaking up a number of Bears attacks. Two more goals were added with Cormac Haran popping up with a fine finish to put his name on the scoresheet. Josh Hennaghan, Cormac Molloy and Ryan Fay continue to be rocks in defence and add to their collection of clean sheets. This was another excellent team display from the Cubs and the Bears were worthy opponents with both teams playing with a generous spirit throughout. The Cubs squad was Adam McCormack, Josh Hennaghan, Tom Crothers, Anna Jones, Cormac Haran, Patrick Gantly, Max Bannon, Sam McCartan, Cormac Molloy, Philip Gray, Ryan Fay, and Luke Nangle. 'Tikki Takka' strategy earns result! Mullingar 5 - St. Aengus 2 Last Saturday Mullingar hosted St. Aengus on the main pitch. The surface was a credit to the club and the stage was set for some quality passing football. Mullingar have been working all season on a passing game modeled somewhat ambitiously on Barcelona and Arsenal, however as everyone knows this style of football, termed 'tikki takka' on the continent, must be taught from a young age. Mullingar had arrived at the grounds an hour before kick-off and on a cold day, a lengthy warm-up was vital. Their strong start was proof enough as they raced into the lead. This was not before they carved up St. Aengus on the wings on numerous occasions using sharp passing interchanges. Mark Ronan and Jordan O Reilly were always seeking the space behind their opposing full-backs. In the goal-scoring move Stephen Clarke and Naoise McKenna backed up the play while Alan Farrell, playing up-front, applied the finishing touch. The nature of the game was less about possession than incisive counters as St. Aengus tried vainly to impose their generally larger stature on the play. Mullingar jockeyed St. Aengus attackers into safe areas and having nicked possession quickly moved the ball forward. Jamie Rooney was enjoying some attacking forays from right-back, overlapping and crossing towards the arriving midfielders. Sustained pressure brought another goal and Mullingar went into the break having had little to worry Matthew Willoughby in central defense who was making his first start of the season after a battle to regain fitness and he looked composed. The trend continued into the second half, Mullingar Athletic found themselves 4-0 up soon after the restart. The scoreline disguised the true number of chances created and the comfortable domination led to some non-tactical substitutions. Five changes were made in unison which allowed St. Aengus to get a foothold on the proceedings. They forced an error which led to an OG and soon after scored a 'cleaner' goal through a well struck shot on the outside of the area. The renaissance led John Shaw to light-heartedly refer to a Newcastle comeback! While St. Aengus' tails were up, any reversal was tapped on its head by a firmly placed Alan Farrell penalty after a foul on the impressive Naoise McKenna who was played in by Josh Kiernan. Mc Kenna and Farrell now both had two goals with Mark Ronan not far behind with one. There were no hatricks to be had though as the game petered out to a final score of 5-2. St. Aengus offered light resistance to Mullingar and it was a symptom of the league which has proven to be one of two distinct tiers with Mullingar 'best of the rest'. However if Mullingar can persevere with their possession game and kill off opponent teams by patient and ruthless use of the ball, they will over-power the bigger (in stature), more established teams in the top half of the table. Size has been a deciding factor in games against Tullamore and Port Laoise. When Mullingar played their passing game against these teams, their smaller size was not a factor and they created excellent chances. An interesting fact about Barcelona and Arsenal is that they also are among the smallest teams (average height) in their leagues. Cubs advance in Shield The U10 Mullingar Cubs progressed to the next round of the shield following a comprehensive victory against St Josephs of Athlone. The Cubs were itching for some competitive action as they headed to Summerhill in Athlone not having played in competition since November of last year due to the holiday break and inclement weather conditions. The benefit of excellent attendance at training was quickly evident as the Cubs raced into an early lead with Cormac Harron and Philip Gray on the scoresheet. Ryan Fay and Cormac Molloy were foot perfect in defence leading to the Cubs closing the first fifteen in a strong position. The Cubs had further bad news for St Josephs with the introduction of Anna Jones, Patrick Gantly and Max Bannon for the second fifteen minutes. . The evidence of Leo's coaching advice was clear as crisp passing movements and excellent midfield play from Sam McCartan led to further scores from Luke Nangle and Cormac Harron. At the back keeper Adam McCormack easily dealt with the St Josephs attack. The Cubs visibly tired during the last fifteen as the heavy conditions took their toll. The two Cormacs -Harron and Molloy- did add further scores and, with Anna Jones a rock in defence, St Josephs continued to struggle in front of goal. This was another good team performance by the Cubs and the opposition has to be complimented on a very sporting game. Thanks to the referee for a job well done and the parents who made the trip to Athlone. The Cubs squad was Adam McCormack, Anna Jones, Cormac Harron, Patrick Gantly, Max Bannon, Sam McCartan, Cormac Molloy, Philip Gray, and Ryan Fay, and Luke Nangle. Lions roar on! MULLINGAR ATHLETIC LIONS 6 HODSON BAY LIONS 1 The Lions returned to winning ways with a deserved victory on the all-weather surface on Saturday last. They bossed the first half and went in 2 nil up at the break, thanks to box to box midfielder Mark McNamee, who produced two great finishes to moves involving Jamie Battle, James Meagher and Shane McLoughlin. Changes made at the first break seemed to affect the Mullingar Lions, and Hodson Bay took control, but were kept out by a combination of stout defending from Aaron, Keelin and Oisin and a fingertip save from Luke. Once the lads regained their composure Athletic caught Hodson Bay on the hop twice in succession breaking out of defence to provide opportunities for Dano Fitzsimons and Eoghan "Dzeko" Ahearne to put Athletic 4 up at the second break. The third period was real end to end stuff, as Hodson Bay went on the offensive and they were rewarded when a snap shot from a midfielder rocketed into the top corner of the net - a great strike! This was even bettered a few minutes later when John Boyne put a great ball into the box and Eoghan showed great technique to volley into the bottom corner. Minutes later the scoring was completed when Shane rounded the keeper, and finished off a great passage of passing expertly. Well done to all the lads, and thanks for the great support at the match on Saturday and in Athlone IT the previous Saturday. Updated 20th February 2011 Mullingar AFC U 12 match report Mullingar 5 - St. Aengus 2 Last saturday Mullingar hosted St. Aengus on the main pitch. The surface was a credit to the club and the stage was set for some quality passing football. Mullingar have been working all season on a passing game modeled somewhat ambitiously on Barcelona and Arsenal, however as everyone knows this style of football, termed 'tikki takka' on the continent, must be taught from young age. Mullingar had arrived at the grounds an hour before kick-off and on a cold day, a lengthy warm-up was vital. Their strong start was proof enough as they raced into the lead. This was not before they carved up St. Aengus on the wings on numerous occasions using sharp passing interchanges. Mark Ronan and Jordan O Reilly were always seeking the space behind their opposing full-backs. In the goal-scoring move Stephen Clarke and Naoise McKennabacked up the play whileAlan Farrell, playing up-front,applied the finishing touch. The nature of the game was less about possession than incisive counters as St. Aengus tried vainly to impose their generally larger stature on the play. Mullingar jockeyed St. Aengus attackers into safe areas and having nicked posession quickly moved the ball forward. Jamie Rooney was enjoyingsome attacking forays from right-back, overlappingand crossing towards the arriving midfielders. Sustained pressure broughtanother goal and Mullingar went into the break having had little to worry Matthew Willoughby in central defensewhowas making his first start of the season after a battle to regain fitness and he looked composed. The trend continued into the second half, Mullingar Athletic found themselves 4-0 up soon after the restart. The scoreline disguised the true number of chances created and the comfortable domination led to some non-tactical substitutions.Five changes were madein unison which allowed St. Aengus to getafoothold on the proceedings. Theyforced an error which led to an OG and soon after scored a 'cleaner' goal through a well struck shot on the outside of the area. The renaissance led John Shaw to light-heartedly refer to a Newcastle comeback. While St. Aengus' tails were up, any reversal was tapped on its head by a firmly placed Alan Farrell penalty after a foul on the impressive Naoise McKenna who was played in by Josh Kiernan. Mc Kenna and Farrell now both had twogoals with Mark Ronan not far behind with one. There were no hatricks to be had though as the game petered out to a final score of 5-2. St. Aengus offered light resistance to Mullingar and it was a symptom of the league which has proven to be one of two distinct tiers with Mullingar 'best of the rest'. However if Mullingar can persevere with their possession game and kill off opponent teams by patient and ruthless use of the ball, they will over-power the bigger (in stature), more established teams in the top half of the table. Size has been the a deciding factor in games against Tullamore and Port Laoise. When Mullingar played their passing game against these teams, their smaller size was not a factor and they created excellent chances. An interesting fact about Barcelona and Arsenal is that they also are among the smallest teams (average height) in their leagues. Mullingar AFC versus Tullamore Updated Monday 6th December 2010 Dublin and District Schoolboys League – Under 13 Squad Promotion to the “A” division, following their last-game league triumph last season, has resulted in the under 13s competing at a higher standard this year. The first game, away to Leixlip, was a good indicator of things to come, with Athletic losing two-one, having led until three minutes from the end. There followed three emphatic wins against St Mochtas, Ballyfermot United and Home farm, until the old problems returned. Poor conversion of good goal opportunities, followed by loss of concentration in defence, led to two successive draws against Castleknock Celtic and Lourdes Celtic. Particularly disappointing was the concession of an equaliser in the dying minutes of both games. However, in the most recent (and very competitive) fixture away to Ballyfermot, two very composed finishes and a solid defence put the Mullingar outfit back on the winning track. With a third of the league programme completed, Athletic lie fourth, just four points behind the leaders. Interestingly, they have yet to play all three teams above them, although they beat all three last season in various competitions. CUPS In the S.F.A.I. cup, Athletic were thrown in at the deep end, drawn away to premier division leaders Shelbourne. Having put in a sterling performance, just as extra time beckoned, they were ousted by a single goal. Sacred Heart (Tallaght) provided the opposition in the league cup, and having been gifted two goals, were eventually overcome four-two by a relieved Mullingar team. The present form needs to be maintained, and improved upon, if Athletic are to improve their league position. A number of players have led the way in this respect. Attacker, Ryan Dempsey has greatly improved his work rate and has shown the most composure in front of goal. Niall Gavin’s strength and tackling has made midfield a difficult place for his opponents, while his midfield partner, Shane O’Keeffe has recently rediscovered his creativity in teeing up the attack. The new central defensive partnership of James Monaghan and Jake O’Meara has been very impressive. James marks closely and tackles decisively, while Jake’s excellent touch and reading of the play allows him to tidy up the loose ends with consummate ease. Undoubtedly, many other members of the panel will impress, as there are two thirds of the league games left to play, and hopefully a decent cup run. North Dublin Schoolboys League Under 13B Division Having won the NDSL U12C division last year Mullingar Athletics U13 team are holding their own in what is undoubtedly a tougher division this season. The squad have shown great commitment with full attendance at weekly training sessions and this hard work is paying off. Some great team performances over the opening five games leave Mullingar Athletic the only unbeaten team in the U13B league so far as well as progressing to round two of the league cup following a recent well deserved 5-2 away win against Willows FC. Team: Luke McKeon, Brian Dale, Cathal Moran, David Molloy, Colin Mc Gowan, Christy Gilbert, James Lenihan, Liam Bowes, Eric O’Connor, Aaron Murray, Carson McConnell, Alan Piggott, Eoin Stuart, Mark Walsh, Corey Charles, Ciaran Walsh. Missing from picture: Dale Johnson, Fionn Daly Updated Monday 29th November 2010 ADSL SOUTH DIVISION CONNAUGHT CELTIC 0 MULLINGAR ATHLETIC LIONS 7 The Lions held onto their 100% winning record with a convincing win over a gallant Connaught Celtic team in Willow Park on Saturday. Despite missing a couple of players due to illness, the Lions didn’t lose focus and set about their opponents from whistle. It didn’t take long for the first opportunity to be created, and it was duly finished smartly by Shane McLoughlin following great work by James Meagher and Barry Ouchbakou. With the Lions dominating midfield, numerous chances to go further ahead were created, but not taken. At half time the score was 1-0 to the Lions. The second half wasn’t long on when John Boyne won a great tackle and put substitute Mark McNamee away. He carried the ball to the edge of the box and drove it low into the corner of the net. Not to be outdone, fellow substitute Dano Fitzsimons got on the end of another move and put the Lions up 3-0. With the home team rocked on their heels, Shane finished another to the net to make it 4-0 with eight minutes left. The home team went on the offensive to try and get on the scoreboard, but got punished on three occasions by lethal striker Dano, who scored another three goals to take his tally to four. The last strike was one that was admired by both sets of supporters. Great credit to goalkeeper Luke, and defenders Aran, Keelin, and Oisin, that even though they had a quiet day they kept their focus and contributed in another great team effort. Thanks to all the parents that travelled on such a cold day, and carried some of the team in their cars. Updated Wednesday 24th November 2010 Under 12s reverse the tables! Mullingar Athletic 4 Birr Town 1 Mullingar U12 secured three valuable points in their Midland League campaign last Saturday at Gainstown when they defeated Birr Town by 4 goals to 1. Playing on the perfect surface of the main pitch, the home team started brightly and never let their opponents settle. The back four with Jordan McCullagh and Paul Lynam at the centre were rock solid and allowed the midfield to press forward. This produced a quick result when Alan Farrell scored from close range after a goalmouth scramble. The Mullingar team then started to hit their stride and a period of sustained possession and slick passing saw Mark Ronan released on the right. His pinpoint cross was met first time by Josh Kiernan to score as good a goal as will be seen on this pitch all season. Mullingar continued to increase the tempo and after Birr failed to clear a corner, Eoin Fallon struck a beauty from the edge of the box and the goalie had no chance as it flew into the top corner. Philip Martin then rounded off an excellent first half by converting a fourth goal shortly before half time. In the second half Birr fought back and Mullingar had to dig deep to keep them at bay. An injury to Captain Paul Lynam meant a positional switch for Eoin Fallon who moved into defence and Naoise McKenna came into midfield. The Mullingar goalkeeper, Gareth O’Connor, denied Birr on a couple of occasions as Mullingar struggled to find their rhythm. In a game that was played continuously at a high pace, it was inevitable that concentration would drop at some point and Birr deservedly pulled one back. However the introduction of fresh legs from the bench meant that the home team finished strongly to close out the game. As Birr had already beaten Mullingar earlier in the league, this result showed the big improvement this squad has made under Coach Ed Byrne. This win was a great team effort in which a strong midfield laid the base for their best performance of the season to date. Training continues on Tuesday as usual at 5.30pm. Updated Monday 15th November 2010 Unbeaten run continues for under 15s! Portlaoise 1 Mullingar Athletic 2 Mullingar Athletic had to field a very under strength side away to a very strong Portlaoise B team on Saturday last. Despite missing five key players they made off with all three points after an exciting game. Athletic had all the early play and after wasting a few great chances they went ahead through Brendan O’Donnell who broke through the Portlaoise defence to slot the ball home after a powerful run from midfield by Luke Gallagher had played the ball in. Portlaoise upped their game after that and made one or two substitutions which made a noticeable difference in their attack. Late in the half Athletic won a free kick about forty yards out. The free was taken by captain Darragh Daly, and he drove a powerful shot through the Portlaoise wall which their keeper failed to hold and the ball found the back of the net. Portlaoise had chances of their own, and were aided by a very vocal following, this did not intimidate the Athletic boys but it took the defensive trio of Daly, Sean Cullen and Jamie Walsh to produce another great solid display to ensure a victory. Even though the home side was awarded a penalty after Darragh Daly was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box, Athletic keeper Ben McCabe brought off an incredible save to keep Athletic two ahead. The pressure from Portlaoise finally paid off ten minutes from time when they bundled the ball in after Athletic failed to clear a corner. It was a hard fought battle for the last few minutes but Athletic held on to continue their unbeaten run. 100% Record for Cubs The Cubs made it three from three in an entertaining clash at Gainstown last Saturday. With four of the squad missing this could have been a difficult test for the Mullingar outfit, however they were not found wanting. Athletic got off to flying start with Sam McCartan a driving force at midfield. Max Bannon leading the line contributed a couple of goals and Athletic led by three at the first break. Ballinahowen came strongly into the game in the second fifteen however good defensive work by keeper Adam McCormack and the wing backs Cormac Molloy and Cormac Haron meant Athletic carried the three goal lead into the last third of the game. The soft underfoot conditions were now taking their toll on the Cubs - nevertheless keeper Josh Hennaghan and centre back Ryan Fay held the line at the back and with Philip Gray getting on the score sheet again, victory was ensured. This was another good team performance by the Cubs and the opposition has to be complimented on a very sporting game. Thanks to the referee for a job well done and the parents who braved a miserable afternoon. The Cubs squad is Josh Hennaghan, Anna Jones, Cormac Haron, Sam McCartan, Patrick Gantly, Max Bannon, Tom Crothers, Cormac Molloy, Philip Gray, and Ryan Fay, Adam McCormack and Luke Nangle. Updated Monday 8th November 2010 Under 15s continue with positive performance Portumna 0 Mullingar Athletic 2 Athletic travelled to Portumna on Saturday and, having beaten the Galway team in Gainstown, a tough test was expected. The Athletic lads went at it from the start and piled on the pressure against the westerners. Eoghan O’ Malley, Jamie Bolger and Brendan O’ Donnell made up a three man attack and after a good ball down the left from Jamie Walsh to Jamie Bolger the latter took the ball to the end line and cut inside his marker to set up Brendan O’ Donnell for a goal that was the result of a fine passage of football. Portumna didn’t let Mullingar have it all their own way though and Darragh Daly, Gary Morgan and Sean Cullen put in a solid first half to deny their hosts a goal. Ten minutes before half time Athletic won a corner which was floated in by Jamie Walsh but was headed clear and brilliantly met by Sean Cullen who had his back to goal, his over- head kick finding the corner of the net a goal he won’t forget. Athletic then lost O’Donnell and Bolger at half time both suffering with knocks, but Niall McGowan and Gearoid Sheridan who came in to replace them, worked hard for the team as Portumna really came at them in the second half . Athletic took everything that was thrown at them and fought to the end. In midfield Luke Gallagher and Josh Heery along with Owen Clarke played a vital role in winning the game as they kept possession of the ball and stopped Portumna from getting the goal back they needed. Eoghan O’ Malley took a bad knock midway through the second half and had to be replaced, but his contribution in the first half was very good and his presence in the attack was unsettling for the Portumna defenders. Overall a very good performance by Athletic as they continue to learn how to dig out a result. Team Ben McCabe, Sean Cullen, Darragh Daly, Gary Morgan, Jamie Walsh, Luke Gallagher, Josh Heery, Owen Clarke, Jamie Bolger, Eoghan O’ Malley, Brendan O’ Donnell, Gearoid Sheridan, Niall McGowan, Conor Gavigan Updated Monday 1st November 2010 First game on All Weather secures honours for home team! MULLINGAR ATHLETIC LIONS 3 ST. JOSEPH’S LIONS 2 The Lions continued their great start to the season when they overcame a strong St. Joseph’s side at Gainstown. The two teams had the honour of playing the first competitive game on the new all-weather pitch, and the game proved to be a great advertisement for schoolboy football. The away team hit the ground running, and after a period of sustained pressure, took the lead with a well taken goal. The Athletic lads didn’t drop their heads and set about getting the equaliser. Driven on by captain Keelin Byrne at the back, and Mark McNamee and John Boyne in the middle of the field, Athletic were denied by a combination of good goalkeeping and resolute defending. A mazy run by Barry Ouchenkou just before the break, created a chance for the hard working Danno Fitzsimons, but he was crowded out by a line of white shirts. Athletic started the second period on top, with the changes made by the coaches not disrupting the momentum of the home team. The new front pairing of Eoghan Ahearne and Shane McLoughlin created problems for the St. Joseph’s defenders with their pace and movement. Midway through the half the equaliser came when Eoghan finished off a great move involving Shane, and the industrious Jamie Battle. Instead of driving on from this, Athletic seemed content to sit back, and would have been behind again only for a great save from Luke Smith. The third period began with both teams all set for a battle to claim the points on offer. Again changes were made as the pace of the game was taking its toll on the players. Five minutes after the restart St. Joseph’s were in front again, when their centre forward smashed a great shot into the top corner of the net. Athletic continued to pass the ball around and they were rewarded minutes later when James Meagher broke up a St. Joseph’s attack, and sent Eoghan heading for goal. He squared the ball for his strike partner Shane to shoot to the net. This seemed to rock the away team on their heels, and they were rattled again minutes later when Eoghan finished off another great move to put Athletic 3-2 up. The last 5 minutes were frenetic as Joseph’s went all out to rescue a point, but they were denied by excellent defending from the tigerish duo of Aran Flanagan and Oisin Hogan. It was backs to the wall stuff, with a number of corners having to be defended, but excellent headed clearances from Keelin, John, and Mark relieved the pressure. The final whistle was a welcoming sound, and team and management were delighted to have kept their 100% record intact. Thanks to all the parents that attended, and to Aidan and the club officers for giving us the opportunity to play this historic game the game on the new pitch. Team: Daniel Fitzsimons, John Boyne, Jamie Battle, James Meagher, Aran Flanagan, Oisin Hogan, Luke Smith, Barry Ouchenkou, Keelin Byrne, Mark McNamee, Eoghan Ahearne, Shane McLoughlin. Managers: Stephen Smith, Pat McNamee. Under 10 Cubs secure away win The Cubs were away to Temple Villa last Saturday in their second match of the season and first away outing. Despite it being a fine morning many matches were off due to the very wet ground conditions so the small convoy left Mullingar with some doubt still hanging over the fixture. Indeed the Mullingar contingent including a large group of parents were left wondering until past the appointed kick off time as to whether the match would take place. The game did eventually get under way and the Cubs took up where they had left off in their first game playing a fast paced passing game despite the conditions which were wet in places. The first fifteen saw Athletic score four without reply against a younger more inexperienced Villa crew. Josh Hennaghan was safe in goals all day and the centre back partnership of Anna Jones captain for the day and Ryan Fay gave nothing away. Athletic continued to pile on the pressure in the second half with Philip Gray and Patrick Gantly completing hat tricks as they benefitted from excellent work from Sam McCartan, Tom Crothers and Max Bannon in midfield. The final fifteen was closer affair as Athletic tired in the heavy conditions and Temple Villa got off the mark when Athletic had a Nani moment which hopefully they will remember where three defenders stood looking at their colleague upended in a large muddy pool while the opposition played the ref and put the ball in the Athletic net. Cormac Haran and Cormac Molloy were now on pitch and their fresh legs enabled Athletic to close out the game without any further concessions. This was another good win for the Cubs but tougher challenges lie ahead. Thanks to Temple Villa who played their hearts out to the end and to the Mullingar Athletic parents for attending in such numbers. The Cubs squad includes Josh Hennaghan, Anna Jones, Cormac Haran, Sam McCartan, Patrick Gantly, Max Bannon, Tom Crothers, Cormac Molloy, Philip Gray, and Ryan Fay, Adam McCormack and Luke Nangle. Under 15s face stiff opposition in Birr Mullingar Athletic 1 Birr Town 1 This was a hard fought bruising encounter for Athletic who faced a very strong physical Birr side. Athletic started well and played some good football. Midway through the first half they won a corner after some great work by Jamie Walsh and Gearoid Sheridan - Walsh floated in a great corner kick and it was met with a powerful header by centre half Darragh Daly who sent the ball to the back of the net. Athletic had the impetus at this stage and looked like they were going to push on like in their previous three games. They were unlucky not to be two up just before half time but wasted the chance and went in one nil up. Injuries played a part as the game went on and Athletic lost the influential Gary Morgan from the defence with a hamstring injury early in the second half. Birr then had one of their only chances of the game and scored a fortunate goal after a blocked shot fell to a waiting player. This was a robust encounter - in particular in the midfield area - and great credit is due to Luke Gallagher as he bossed the midfield along with Josh Heery and Brendan O’ Donnell. Athletic had the ball in the Birr net twice before the game ended and both goals looked to be onside but the referee ruled against. The Athletic players can be proud of how they conducted themselves showing great maturity in a very competitive game. Team: Ben McCabe, Gary Morgan, Darragh Daly, Eoghan O'Malley, Gearoid Sheridan, Jamie Bolger, Jamie Walsh, Eoin Clarke, Brendan O'Donnell. Josh Heery, Niall McGowan, Jack Quinn, Luke Gallagher day 25th October 2010 Under 12s on upward learning curve! Birr Town 2 Mullingar AFC 1 Mullingar AFC came to the Birr grounds having to pick themselves up from consecutive crushing defeats, however they realised that if they could marry the defensive doggedness they showed against Tullamore and the cutting attacks they produced against Portlaoise, they would be in the running for a favourable result in any game. And so it was that they looked upon this fixture positively. In a league where most other teams have been playing together for years; since under 8's in the case of Portlaoise; Mullingar would need time and patience to gel. A key part of Mullingar’s game is passing and control of the ball under pressure. This quality was not evident in the first five minutes of the Birr game. Birr threw men forward and nearly capitalised but for some lucky defending from Mullingar. Phillip Martin needed to apply huge pressure to an incoming attacker at the back post to prevent a cross from being converted. However once they settled down, Mullingar started to click into gear. Dominating possession, Jamie Rooney and Phillip Martin began to lend attacking threat from their full-back positions. Stephen Clarke was finding the feet of Lorcan Mahedy and Eoin Fallon in midfield and they made great use of the ball by releasing Mark Ronan and Alan Farrell. The pressure was now relentlessly on Birr. Alan Farrell picked up the ball close to the centre of the field and cut in from the left leaving five Birr players in his trail. Unfortunately having beaten all-comers he did a Eusebio and kicked it powerfully into the goalkeeper’s mid-rift. A big let-off for Birr. Right through the rest of the first half Birr was under increasing pressure. Eoin Fallon, Lorcan Mahedy, Naoise McKenna, Mark Ronan, Jamie Rooney and Alan Farrell all had shots from just outside the penalty area. Each shot was close to their mark, but not quite close enough. Strangely Jamie Rooney needed to be replaced by a sickly Gareth O Connor when he had a boot malfunction. His sole came right off in a tackle. This provided some light entertainment and took some heat off the home team; however Birr went into the break looking like the away team. The second half began as the first left off. This time Naoise McKenna was starting to break forward on the left. As the second half wore on though, there were some tired legs evident and the Mullingar passing game began to break down. Cathal Byrne and Eoin Donoghue were brought in to freshen things up. Within a few minutes of their introduction they combined on the left wing. Byrne released Donoghue after faking to go down the line only to squeeze a diagonal through ball across the centre of the penalty area. This fine pass left Donoghue with the keeper to beat and defenders closing in on his shoulder. He had Mark Ronan open on the right but he chose a cheeky lob from all of 18 metres out. It nestled just under the crossbar for Mullingar to take the lead. Mullingar were ecstatic as this goal was a long time coming. The previous results now looked an aberration such was the quality of the performance thus-far. As with all teams that have just scored the natural tendency is to sit back and this is what Mullingar did. Over the course of the next ten minutes Mullingar had to take their turn at defending. The platform provided by the defensive trio of Jordan McCullagh, Paul Lynam and Barry Glennon in goals was proving very strong. Much of the pressure was brought upon them with poorly chosen clearances and weak passing from midfield. The invitation to attack was happily taken up by Birr. As this purple period for Birr wore on the inevitable seemed seconds away. It was not to come in open play though due to the dogged defending of Mullingar. A direct free-kick on the edge of the penalty area for a handball was the source - straight into the top corner. Shane Meehan was brought on to shore things up as Gareth O Connor faded due to his head cold. A series of lightly given free-kicks were won by Birr as this phase of the game wore on and again the telling delivery came from a dead-ball which the Mullingar defense failed to clear. The ball was let bounce on the six yard line and was scrambled into the net by Birr. A surprise 2-1 lead was now theirs. Birr couldn't believe their luck and sat right back into their own half to retain their lead. Mullingar pressed on with Joseph Newman coming on to relieve Jordan McCullagh of his defensive duties and command more of the ball further up-field. Alan Farrell came close with a free-kick skinning the outside of the post and McCullagh tried a cheeky near-post effort that skipped wide with the keeper stranded. Just when the match seemed beyond Mullingar, a break was on. Cathal Byrne received a through-ball from a clever midfield pass and raced into the penalty area. Just as he shaped to shoot he was up-ended but not before he toe-poked a square ball across the six-yard box. Everyone looked to the referee - he raised both arms to signal advantage! Mark Ronan burst onto the loose pass and slammed his shot against the base of the post where it rebounded away from the Mullingar attackers and was kicked dead by Birr. That was that - the last chance went a begging and Mullingar players slumped in defeat at the final whistle. The Mullingar boys walked off the pitch to a rousing applause from both sets of supporters and the gracious Birr Town manager spoke of how his team "...got out of jail!!" Should Mullingar continue on this upward learning curve and maintain the courage to play football in this fashion, they can only expect positive things later in the season. Under 15s continue winning streak! Mullingar Athletic 5 Portlaoise 1 This was a great performance by Athletic who went into the game without some of their stronger players. As a result of these absences some positional changes had to be made to compensate but the team settled fairly quickly and they went at it from the start against a Portlaoise side that got the better of us last season. The first half was even enough with Athletic doing most of the attacking - this brought its rewards after 30 minutes when Brendan O’ Donnell was fouled in the box and Sean Cullen put the resulting penalty away with ease. This helped to settle Athletic even more and they really should have ended the half further in front but wasted some very good chances. The second half was dominated by Athletic and even though Portlaoise missed two penalties the Mullingar side went on to score another 4 goals with Jamie Walsh, Sean Cullen, Gearoid Sheridan and Conor Gavigan all getting on the score sheet. The team is getting stronger with every game - very well done to the lads ! Team Ben McCabe, Shane Donoghue, Darragh Daly, Jamie Bolger, Eoin Clarke, Jamie Walsh, Luke Gallagher, Sean Cullen, Gary Morgan, Conor Gavigan, Simon McEvilly, Niall McGowan, Gearoid Sheridan, Brendan O’ Donnell Under 10 Cubs begin with a victory The Cubs were the last of the Athletic U10 team into league action last Saturday against Brawny from Athlone. As this was their first competitive fixture there was much excitement in the air. The Cubs had a dream first fifteen minutes in the warm but breezy conditions. The many hours spent on the training pitch were evident in some fine passing and resulted in four well taken goals. The Cubs were brought down to earth in the second fifteen as a brave Brawny outfit fought back and scored two fine goals. Mullingar were shaken back into life for the final fifteen and again displayed some excellent teamwork to close out the game. The coach was delighted with this fine first outing but undoubtedly stiffer challenges lie ahead. The squad, including Luke Nangle who was disappointed to miss the game due to a broken wrist, was Adam McCormack, Anna Jones, Cormac Haran, Sam McCartan, Patrick Gantly, Max Bannon, Tom Crothers, Cormac Molloy, Philip Gray, Josh Henneghan and Ryan Fay. Under 12s continue winning ways! Mullingar Athletic 2 Killeigh 0 Mullingar followed up last weeks win over Portumna with a gritty determined performance against Killeigh, and while not playing to the same level as last week they ground out a result on a difficult surface in windy conditions. The first goal came midway through the first half and was scored by Jamie Walsh, another long range effort from the left and he caught the keeper out brilliantly. Killeigh fought hard to get an equaliser and almost caught the Athletic defence out just before half time but they were thwarted by a great block from midfielder Josh Heery who took the full force of the shot in the face. The second half was all Mullingar and they attacked Killeigh relentlessly, and were unlucky not to be up another two goals but it was not until the last minute of the game when they had the ball in the Killeigh net again when Brendan O’ Donnell scored a great goal after battling hard to win possession. This was not an easy win by any means and the lads deserve great credit for their efforts. Team: Ben McCabe, Shane O’ Donohoe, Darragh Daly (captain), Eoghan O’ Malley, Jamie Bolger, Luke Gallagher, Gearoid Sheridan, Gary Morgan, Josh Heery, Sean Cullen, Niall McGowan, Conor Gavigan, Simon McEvilly, Jamie Walsh, Brendan O’ Donnell Good Win for Under 15s Saturday, 2nd October 2010 Mullingar Athletic 3 Portumna Town 1 This was our first win of the season and our second league game, the winning goals coming from Jamie Bolger, Jamie Walsh and Sean Cullen. All three goals were long range efforts and were well taken. The whole team played very well with Ben McCabe very solid in the goals and well protected by Eoin Malley, Darragh Daly and Shane Donoghue – our very solid back three. The five players in midfield kept the pressure on the Portumna defence with Luke Gallagher and Eoin Clarke breaking up any Portumna attacks, Josh Heery had an outstanding game in the middle and can take great confidence from his performance. Niall McGowan posed a constant threat up front and was unlucky on a number of occasions not to get his name on the score sheet. The players who came on at half time -Conor Gavigan Gearoid Sheridan and Brendan O’ Donnell- all worked hard and kept the ball in the Portumna half. We hope we can carry this form forward now to our next game.Well done to the squad from their management team of Stephen Bolger and Luke Cullen. Under 12s Defeated in Tullamore Saturday, 2nd October 2010 Tullamore Town 4 Mullingar Athletic AFC 0 On the back of their 4-1 victory against St. Aengus, Mullingar arrived in Tullamore in expectation. This approach reaped a world-wind reaction versus a strong, athletic and disciplined Tullamore side. Mullingar tried to force the issue individually and separately against their bigger opponents and when Tullamore brought their physicality into play along with some astute use of the ball, Mullingar were left bereft of ideas. It wasn't long before Tullamore had Mullingar pinned back into their own half. Mullingar were left scrapping for break-away balls on the left wing where Josh Kiernan's hard running was paying the odd dividend. To Mullingar’s credit their defending was dogged but once they did win the ball their use of the ball was loose and aimless, finding Tullamore players who piled on more pressure. Eventually the pressure was to tell with an inevitable defensive error. 1-0. Mullingar were playing against the wind but this played a small part as Tullamore kept the ball firmly on the ground and played to each others feet, constantly bringing the ball into dangerous positions. A Mullingar team which had done the exact same thing against St. Aengus was now on the receiving end. The second half kicked off with ten minutes of intense pressure by Mullingar. It seemed that Mullingar had realised that they should play to their own strengths and not get caught up in brawling football against their more imposing opponents. Mullingar played some crisp football for that period but seemed to run out of steam. The first half of relentless defending was now taking its toll and the passing once again became erratic and loose. Tullamore needed no further invitation and they began to take a grip of the game once again. The Mullingar defense, tired and loosing focus conceded weakly, twice in quick sucession. 3-0. The game now lost and Mullingar heads down, Phillip Martin, Lorcan Mahedy, Shane Meehan and Michael Dowling were brought on. The game was invested with a renewed energy and to the substitutes credit there were genuine efforts to play passing football. The bigger Tullamore defenders found it difficult as Mullingar by-passed the physical confrontation. In roads were made with Mahedy and Martin looking sharp on the break and Meehan finding feet with balls out of defense. It was too little too late however and the whistle put an end to any resurgence but not before Tullamore caught Mullingar on the break with their fourth goal. Mullingar were taught an important lesson by an admirable Tullamore team. Tullamore showed that there is always someone bigger than you and that control of the ball is control of the game. If Mullingar can return to their passing game this fixture may have a very different result in the return leg. Training is on at 17.45 on Tuesday as always. Under 12s pre-season training pays dividends! Saturday 25th September 2010 ST. AENGUS (MOUNTRATH) 1 MULLINGAR ATHLETIC 4 Mullingar made the long journey to Mountrath last Saturday (25th September) to play their first competitive fixture in the Midlands U12 Major League. Faced with a physically impressive St. Aengus side, the opening quarter proved to be evenly contested. Mullingar were defensively solid and as the midfield slowly began to gain more possession of the ball, several scoring chances were created. Mark Ronan always looked dangerous with his pace and the first goal came when he beat the offside trap and then shot past the St. Aengus goal keeper with a fine individual effort. The Mullingar midfield with the tenacious Alan Farrell playing a prominent role increased the pressure and Patrick Shaw worked his way free on the left. His cross beat the St. Aengus defence to find Cathal Byrne who scored from close range. Shortly before half time Josh Kiernan put Mark Ronan through again and another classy finish saw Mullingar 3-0 up at the break. Mullingar took the opportunity to make a number of changes at half time and it was very encouraging to see the team continue to play some very attractive and intelligent football. St. Aengus fought hard to get back into the game but found the centre-back combination of Paul Lynam and Jordan McCullagh very hard to break down. As they pressed forward they were vulnerable to the quick counter-attack and a clever pass from Patrick Shaw released Philip Martin into space. He showed great nerve to round the goalkeeper and coolly slotted home to seal the match. To their credit St. Aengus never gave up and their centre forward scored a fine consolation goal shortly before full time. Mullingar were deserved winners and the result reflected the effort which has been put in at training by this squad. Mullingar Team Squad: G. O’Connor (captain), P. Martin, P. Lynam, J. McCullagh, P. Shaw, S. Clarke, C. Byrne, A. Farrell, E. Donoghue, J. Kiernan, M. Ronan, M. Dowling, J. O’Reilly, K. Monaghan, B. Glennon, L. Mahedy

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League Winners

8th June 2010

Under 12 NDSL team managed by Paul Murray and Brendan Molloy won League honours following a play off with Glebe North.

Team: Sean Coffey, Christopher Gilbert, David Molloy, Brian Dale, Andrew Flood, Luke McKenna, Eric O'Connor, Eoin Ruane, Eoin Stuart, Ciaran Walsh, Cory Charles, Aaron Murray, Alan Piggott, Mark Walsh, Cathal Moran, Liam Bowes

Team members in action:

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Saturday 1st May 2010

Cubs contest Shield Final with aplomb!

St. Joseph's

2

Mullingar Athletic

1

Mullingar Cubs returned to the ground where they saw an early league defeat, their first match under coaches Edward Byrne and Patrick Kiernan. With no pre-season the Cubs built from that match towards this final, the Premier Shield vs St. Josephs'.

These teams had met previously sharing seven goals. A game where the Cubs had shown their strength by coming back to within one goal after a late burst. St. Josephs had left that game knowing that they were saved by the bell. This game was set to be an exciting proposition.

The Cubs lined out as they had done in the semi-final. They had beaten St. Joseph Beavers emphatically by 4 goals to nil. This commanding performance warranted faith in the same line-up. The Cubs kicked off the game where they had left off in the semi-final and through Naoise McKenna they enjoyed the most possession and threatened repeatedly in the first few minutes. Josh Kiernan came close with Cathal Byrne providing immense support play on the right of the aforementioned attacking trio.

However it took a quick break on the counter to allow the Cubs to score through McKenna. Gareth O'Connor provided the interception and having fed Shane Meehan, Naoise was put through for a neat finish. The Cubs were comfortable with this position and felt they had the measure of St. Josephs. Even within this period of dominance St. Josephs had troubled the Cubs down either flank and but for dogged tackling by Jamie Rooney and Stephen Clarke there may have been more to worry about. The Cubs continued to counter effectively and it was on one of these raids that Naoise McKenna was tripped in the penalty area. Josh Kiernan was brave enough to step up and unfortunately he dragged his shot past the base of the post with the keeper beaten.

The second period began with changes to both full-back positions. Shingi Chidavaezi and Keelan Monaghan slotted in to familiar roles to add stability on either wing. Jason Thomas came in up front to provide some muscle. St. Josephs' No. 4, their sweeper was starting to exert his influence. He advanced into midfield on occasion to threaten with some passes over the top of the Cubs defense. Thankfully Gareth O'Connor and Charlie Fletcher were in constant communication and cleaned up these passes which overran on the hard surface. This was a feature of this period of play and the Cubs still threatened whenever they managed to build up attacking patterns of quick passing. The game seemed to be in the balance as St. Josephs were starting to find their feet.

In the final period the Cubs needed to shore things up and Jamie, Josh and Gerry O'Connor were brought in. The Cubs were confident having had the better of the chances. As is always the case when a team expects to hang on to a 1-0 lead, they are inviting trouble. The opening minutes of this period were a shock to the Cubs system. Immediately St. Josephs snapped into tackles, attacked with venom and came close to scoring. The Cubs defense were finding it hard to deal with St. Josephs never mind the unusual gale wind that struck up at the same time. It seemed like an omen. The Cubs tried to grapple back dominance but this time they tried to dribble through St. Josephs defense individually to no avail.

St. Josephs took advantage of the easy possession and found space behind the Cubs defense. St. Josephs No. 4, their captain, skipped through two challenges and shot arrow-like into the top corner. This was a fabulous goal and was hard not to appreciate even for the Cubs. The nature of the goal seemed to condemn the Cubs and they played from the tip off like men awaiting execution. St. Josephs needed no invitation and struck again from a similar position cutting in from the right of the Cubs defense. 1-2 !!

The final had turned on its head. The Cubs were now losing for the first time having led for most of the game. St. Josephs coaches and supporters were cheering vociferously now in anticipation of a possible win. The Cubs showed huge courage and looked for the equalizer and it was testament to how close they came in two attacks that the St. Josephs supporters were deathly quiet as the Cubs blasted their shots at goal. The Cubs attacked one final time and McKennas shot was blocked down by what looked like an arm but the hand was not raised and as a 'ball to hand' in would not be given as a penalty. The game was called to a close by the referee who had a brilliant game, allowing two footballing teams to get stuck into each other. St. Josephs had pipped the Cubs to the post, but the Cubs could look towards the progress they had made since they had last visited this ground.

Special mention must go to the unused Dillon Tone who was necessarily held in reserve for the possible onset of extra time in this tight game. The Cubs Man of the match was goalie Charlie Fletcher.

Team: Patrick Kiernan, Shane Meehan, Naoise McKenna, Jamie Rooney, Charlie Fletcher, Gareth O Connor, Jason Thomas, Edward Byrne, Keelan Monaghan, Cathal Byrne, Gerry O Connor, Josh Kiernan, Stephen Clarke, Dillon Tone, Shingi Chidavaezi and David Cosgrove.

Cubs Team Photo

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Saturday 24th April 2010

Under 12 DDSL TEAM who defeated league toppers St. Patrick's Athletic 3 -2 at the weekend

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Saturday 27th March 2010

Mullingar Athletic	0	Newbridge Town	1
		(J. Byrne)

It was heartbreak for Mullingar Athletic in the last sixteen of the SFAI Cup in Gainstown on Sunday when, despite dominating the match for almost its entire duration, they lost to a break away goal to Newbridge Town, scored by James Byrne in the first minute of extra time.

Despite a brisk start by the visitors it was Athletic who got into their rhythm more quickly with team captain Cormac Dalton and Conor McCrossan establishing a foothold in the middle of the field. The first threat came from Athletic in the fifth minute with a-cross by centre half Ben Treanor which was headed a cross goal by Dylan McWade to Finbarr Coyne whose excellent effort beat the goalkeeper but was cleared off the line by Reece Murphy Lunard for Newbridge. From the resulting corner Conor McCrossan had a headed effort at goal which was once again cleared by the hardworking Newbridge defence. In the tenth minute the next Mullingar move involving Finbarr Coyne, Dylan McWade and the excellent Ryan O’Connor Norris ended with McCrossan having a first time effort saved by the Newbridge keeper David Craddock.

Having survived these early threats on their goal Newbridge came more into the game mainly through the excellence of Kevin Byrne and Gavin Maher in mid-field. In the fifteenth minute Maher put a ball over the top to Cian Costigan with excellent defensive work by Athletic’s Ben Treanor adverting the danger. A few minutes later Ken Byrne made a break from mid-field before being fouled. This resulted in a free kick from Cian Costigan which was comfortably saved by Dylan Behan Matthews in the Athletic goal. Newbridge’s Gavin Maher then got on the end of a cross from Ryan Byrne but an excellent challenge from Brian Kavanagh at the centre of the Athletic defence adverted the danger.

After this brief flurry by Newbridge, Athletic were to dominate the remainder of the half. In the eighteenth minute Athletic’s Luke Lenihan broke down the left hand side and linked up with Robert Stuart who beat a number of defenders before eventually being stopped by the Newbridge defence. The clearance under pressure was picked up by Cormac Dalton whose goal bound shot was blocked by Newbridge’s David Shelby. Three minutes later a cross shot from Dalton was narrowly wide of the Newbridge goal. Mullingar looked to have taken the lead in the twenty second minute when Finbarr Coyne linked up with Luke Lenihan who laid the ball off to Ryan O’Connor Norris attacking from the right back position. His looping shot looked to have caught the top corner of the net but just curled narrowly wide at the last minute. Newbridge then had a brief flurry of attacks when a diagonal ball from Thomas Tobin set up James Byrne but excellent defending from Athletic’s Thomas Molloy adverted the danger. Athletic finished the half stronger when Ben Treanor joined the attack to test David Craddock in the Newbridge goal who was once again equal to the task.

Athletic started the second half with Dave Mimnagh on for Robert Stuart on the left wing. Mimnagh proved to be equally elusive as the player he replaced and was involved in the early second half action picking up a pass from Luke Lenihan and making a great forty yard run before being fouled just outside the penalty area. The resulting free kick from Coyne drew another excellent save from Craddock. In the thirty fifth minute McWade and Mimnagh linked again but the final pass was slightly over hit allowing Craddock to come off his line to collect the ball ahead of McWade. There followed a series of Mullingar attacks which yielded four corners in the space of five minutes but the Newbridge defence, with Josh Francis outstanding, held firm. A rare Newbridge attack in the forty fourth minute resulted in Cormac O’Mahony getting onto a through ball from Thomas Tobin but Athletic’s Brian Kavanagh got in a vital tackle. He immediately turned defence to attack by finding Finbarr Coyne who sprung the Newbridge offside trap and found himself one on one with the Newbridge goalkeeper but once again Craddock was equal to the task making an excellent save.

Athletic introduced Ben Walsh for the tiring McWade in the forty eight minute and it was once again an effective substitution with Walsh immediately linking with Cormac Dalton whose shot was narrowly wide of target. As the match entered its final stages Athletic were completely on top with Dalton and in particular Ryan O’Connor Norris driving the team forward. McCrossan produced great foot work with eight minutes to go when he beat a number of defenders on the edge of the Newbridge penalty area but his resulting shot was partially blocked by Josh Francis allowing Craddock to make another save.

The Athletic pressure looked to have finally paid off in the fifty first minute. An excellent run and cross shot by Finbarr Coyne was only parried by Craddock and looked to have crossed the line. The keeper reacted well however to scoop the ball forward with his defender Cormac O’Mahony completing the clearance. The well placed referee Ray Matthews correctly adjudged that the ball had not crossed the line and Newbridge survived. As the game entered the final phase O’Connor Norris made a great run from right back with his cross finding Dave Mimnagh whose header was once again saved by Craddock with the referee shortly thereafter signalling the end of normal time.

The two critical incidents in the match were to occur at the start and end of extra time. Straight from the kick off Newbridge’s Kevin Byrne played a long ball forward. For once there was some hesitancy in the Athletic defence which allowed James Byrne to latch on to the through ball and slot it into the right hand corner of the Athletic goal giving Behan Matthews no chance. Thereafter for the remaining twenty minutes of extra time Athletic attacked the Newbridge goal constantly but were thwarted time and time again by excellent goalkeeping by Craddock and last ditch defending by practically all of the Newbridge players. Athletic substitute Jack Hall, who was introduced at halftime of extra time for Luke Lenihan, was prominent throughout the second half of extra time. He was eventually involved in the move with resulted in a Cormac Dalton cross being handled by a Newbridge defender in the last minute of extra time giving Athletic a penalty opportunity for a late equaliser. Ben Walsh’s well hit penalty was saved by the right boot of Craddock who, despite moving in the opposite direction, somehow or other managed to get the ball above the crossbar at the expense of a corner. Athletic were not quite finished yet with O’Connor Norris making a great run through Newbridge’s defence before getting off a shot which was once again saved by Craddock. It was appropriate that the last incident in the match involved the two outstanding players of either side.

So ended a fantastic match amid bitter disappointment for Athletic and joyous scenes for their Newbridge counterparts. Newbridge were most gracious in their victory acknowledging that the better team on the day had lost. The young Athletic players lost nothing in defeat except a football match and this team will no doubt be in contention for many honours in the years to come.

Mullingar Athletic AFC: Dylan Behan Matthews, Ryan O’Connor Norris, Thomas Molloy, Brian Kavanagh, Ben Treanor, Cormac Dalton, Finbarr Coyne, Luke Lenihan, Dylan McWade, Conor McCrossan, Robert Stuart.

Subs: David Mimnagh for Stuart, Ben Walsh for McWade, Jack Hall for Lenihan, Robert Smyth, Joseph Kinihan.

Newbridge Town FC: David Craddock, Reece Murphy Lunard, David Shelby, Kevin Byrne, Josh Francis, Gavin Maher, Ryan Byrne, Cormac O’Mahoney, Cian Costigan, Thomas Tobin, James Byrne. Subs: Gary Byrne, Conor Byrne, David Healy.

Mullingar Team & Squad, Under 11 SFAI CUP

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Victory snatched from Cubs !

Result - Mullingar Cubs 4   Hodson Bay Rhinos 4

This game was widely anticipated with the Cubs coming off a heavy defeat against the league leaders Connaught Celtic. The Cubs had enjoyed a run of form leading up to that game and it was test of character to see how they might respond against the team placed second in the league, Hodson Bay Rhinos.

The Cubs were missing stalwarts such as David Cosgrove (injury), Charlie Fletcher (injury) and Jason Thomas (leave) however they had ready made replacements-a testament to the overall improvement in the squad.

Jamie Rooney was drafted into defense alongside Keelan Monaghan which was a departure in formation as the Cubs set out with two orthodox wingers in Naoise McKenna & Josh Kiernan. Stephen Clarke was holding the midfield on his own and Cathal Byrne was leading the line. This was a new set-up for the team and it gave immediate rewards as the Cubs scored on their first attack, probably the quickest goal this season. Naoise McKenna finishing with aplomb.

The Rhinos responded in short shrift and hit the bar in the pressure preceding their goal. The game settled down after this hectic first period and the Cubs started to gain a stranglehold on the game. The Rhinos did however continue to give trouble down the right flank of the Cubs team and the steady Cathal Byrne made the switch out right to allow Josh Kiernan’s directness trouble the Rhinos.

This balance allowed the Cubs push on for their second and they led coming into the second third. At this stage the Cubs were feeling the heat on a surprising warm afternoon. Cathal Byrne had run himself into the ground on the right hand side so Shane Meehan was introduced to offer a fresh set of legs and a dangerous deep delivery ala David Beckham.

The Rhinos were keen to respond and with the Cubs eager to get their third at a corner kick after immense pressure they were caught out after a purposeful clearance found their team counter-attacking. Even with a noble effort to clear off the line the Rhinos got their equaliser.

The Cubs needed to pick themselves up from the sucker punch and they drove on again for a winner. They created a huge number of chances with Shane Meehan, Jamie Rooney, Stephen Clarke and Josh Kiernan going close. The game looked to be fizzling out until it descended into a testy affair where throw ins and midfield tackles were becoming the norm. Both teams were looking to gain the upper hand. Gareth O Connor in goals deserves special mention for his excellent saves during this period, keeping the score tight.

The Cubs eventually made the breaks though and their sharper passing lead to another goal from Naoise McKenna finishing with a slight deflection. This lead was short lived as the Rhinos capitalised on some uneasy defending a broke against the run of play for a sure finish.

At 3-3 into the final fifteen minutes, Shingi was introduced to add steel where Keelan was waning after an immense performance. The game was still in the balance and credit must go to both teams as they were both willing to run themselves into the ground to get that decisive goal. Gerry O Connor was introduced to allow the team revert to its normal formation and this balance allowed the team pace themselves a little more into the final moments. The familiarity of the players with this set-up meant that the team could find their own teammates more easily when under pressure. Naoise McKenna broke again with Josh Kiernan and the space behind the Rhinos was exploited for what seemed like the winner.

Cathal Byrne was re-introduced to cover the midfield where Stephen Clarke was tiring and carrying a knock and Dillon Tone was introduced to add a new buzz up front. The Cubs just needed to hang on. A Rhino produced a scuffed shot from fifteen metres out which the defense should have dealt with however there was no call to the goalie to collect or to the defenders to clear and as it dribbled through, the unsighted keeper could do nothing as it agonisingly crept over the line. 4-4.

The referee concluded the match at the tip-off to the delight of the Rhinos who had snatched a draw. The Cubs were dejected but should reflect on a positive performance set in the context of their defeat in their previous game. The Cubs are beginning to realise that they need to communicate to each other to glue together their otherwise excellent individual performances. Man of the match must go to Stephen Clarke.

The return match against Hodson Bay Rhinos is arranged for next Sunday 14th at 12.00 at Hodson Bay. Training will be arranged by text for later in the week.

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Under 11s advance to last sixteen!

SFAI Under 11 Cup

Mullingar Athletic	7
Villa (Waterford City)	1

Mullingar Athletic’s advanced to the last sixteen of the SFAI Cup on Saturday last with an emphatic win over visitors, Villa from Waterford city.

The game was played in ideal conditions and the home team was quicker out of the blocks- within three minutes they found themselves a goal up courtesy of a strong run and cool finish by the impressive Luke Lenihan. Ten minutes later Athletic added a second when wonderful interplay between Dylan McWade and Finbar Coyne resulted in the latter finishing from an acute angle. Athletic was firmly in control and beginning to play attractive football. However in the 20th minute Villa was awarded a free 25metres from goal- the resultant kick resulted in the ball sailing into the top corner of the net giving the home keeper no chance to retrieve. Undaunted Athletic continued to take the game to Villa and just before half time they went 3-1 up after Finbar Coyne got on the end of a defence splitting pass from Cormac Dalton, coolly dispatching the ball to the back of the net.

After the interval Athletic continued to press forward in search of more goals and the impressive Finbar Coyne completed his hat trick and indeed added no. 4 within ten minutes of the restart.

Robert Stuart replaced Tom Molloy at left back and David Mimnagh replaced Conor McCrossan on the left of mid field and both players caused the visitors a lot of problems with their pace and skill down the left flank.

Ryan O’Connor, the talented right back, capped a superb personal performance when he fired home from just inside the box to make the score 6 -1. At this stage Athletic brought on a number of subs with one Joseph Kinahan finishing off another superb move to make it a comfortable 7 – 1 to the home side. In the dying minutes, from a sweeping move down the right, Cormac Dalton whipped in a dangerous cross which was powerfully met by the onrushing Robert Smyth only to see his thundering header cannon off the crossbar.

The final whistle sounded soon afterwards and was greeted by great scenes of jubilation by the team and supporters alike. This was a wonderful team performance. Goalkeeper Dylan Behan marshaled his defence superbly. The back four of Tom Mollloy, Ben Traynor, Brian Kavanagh and Ryan O’Connor comfortably dealt with everything that Villa could throw at them. Cormac Dalton and Luke Lenihan dominated midfield breaking up numerous attacks and also finding time chance after chance for the strikers. Midfielder Conor McCrossan worked tirelessly on the left and set up Finbar Coyne magnificently for the latter’s second goal of the match.

Up front Jack Hall and Dylan McWade were a constant thorn in Villa’s defence, never giving the visitors a chance to settle on the ball. Both boys linked very well with their team mates in midfield.

But of all the excellent players on view on Saturday there was without doubt one player who stood head and shoulders above the rest and that was Finbar Coyne. Apart from his four goal haul his work rate and vision were a joy to behold- a very talented player thoroughly deserving the accolade of ‘Man of the Match’.

Many thanks to all the parents who catered for the visitors and who supported the team on the day. We await anxiously now for news of our opposition for the next round. Well done to all concerned !

Photo shows the successful under 11 team with their Manager and Coaches prior to their game on Saturday.

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NOTICE

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Saturday, November 28th

UNDER 11 PREMIER 7-A-SIDE LEAGUE

Under 11 squad back to winning ways!

Result - Ballinahowen 1, Mullingar Cubs 2

Venue - Ferbane

Coming off the back of a fantastic recovery to draw 3 -3 against AC Celtic in drenched and windy Athlone, Mullingar Cubs were in no mood to concede an advantage to Ballinahowen. David Cosgrove captained the side in central defence in the absence of Keelan Monaghan and he was pivotal to a strong team performance. Stephen Clarke flanked David and showed a great aptitude for attacking wing-back play causing problems in attack when joining Jamie Rooney and Cathal Byrne to support Josh Kiernan. The Cubs had the better of the first 15 minutes which ended 0-0. Shingi and Gareth O Conner defended solidly to keep things tight.

In the second 15 minute third, Shane Meehan was introduced after a forced absence so that Stephen Clarke could join Naoise McKenna in midfield. Cathal Byrne moved into attack and his presence was felt by Ballinahowen with his strong front running. He was rewarded with a goal after bravely steering in a through ball from Naoise McKenna. Stephen Clarke was proving a platform for the Cubs' attacks. Jason Thomas filled in where Shingi left off. The Cubs went into the break 1 goal up but still not hitting the heights of previous performances.

The last third was crucial. The Cubs set out with second goal in mind so that they could shut out Ballinahowen. A few excellent opportunities were created and Josh Kiernan was unlucky not to finish two strong breaks. Unfortunately old errors came back to haunt the Cubs and in their enthusiasm to score they tended to neglect the basics. Ballinahowen stole in to score in a rare attack when the ball was let fall in front of keeper Gareth O Connor. Ballinahowen tapped home when the Cubs didn't clear.

This didn't upset the Cubs. They reverted to working hard to support each-other and let the ball do the work with some intricate passing. Gerry O Connor pressed his wing and made sure that Jamie and Naoise could build play with confidence. After incessant pressure Jamie Rooney fed Naoise McKenna who rounded the keeper to slot home. Dylan Tone came on to lend fresh legs to the forward areas and the Cubs proceeded to grab hold of the game and the win.

Special mention must go to Charlie Fletcher who sat this game out but who played a decisive part of recent games and is sure to feature again.

Training on at 5.30pm every Monday in Gainstown.

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Saturday, October 31

Cushla Park victory for Athletic Cubs!

Mullingar Athletic Cubs 4 St. Josephs 1

On a wet, but clear day in Cushla Park, both teams began tentatively. Mullingar were finding their feet slowly when St. Josephs scored with a cross cum shot into the far corner which Gareth O Connor wasn't expecting and couldn't reach. Mullingar needed this goal to remind them that they needed to get into the game quickly. The tide turned slowly with a few delicate runs by Cathal Byrne and Stephen Clarke from midfield. With the defense working well as a unit with David Cosgrove making the calls, the attackers could advance in comfort. With the first third coming to a close Jamie Rooney won the ball, beat two men, interchanged passes with Shane Meehan who put him through and scored a fine goal.

The second third was decisive and Mullingar looked to stamp their authority on the game. Naoise McKenna grafted alongside Jamie Rooney and found space in front of them to feed Josh Kiernan. The game was played in St. Josephs half with the corner count piling up. This pressure saw a handball from a St. Josephs player in his box and up stepped Naoise McKenna for the penalty. He went for the bottom left but pulled it wide with the keeper beaten. The Cubs kept their calm and with a nice build-up Josh Kiernan slotted away his first. The Cubs were on top with the last third yet to be played.

Gareth O Connor stepped out of goal for Charlie Fletcher to return to his favored position. Gerry O Connor was drafted on alongside his brother and Keelan Monaghan in defense. It was going to be important to hold it together as St. Josephs upped their game. With St. Josephs seeking the equalizer Mullingar Cubs broke to score their third through Noise McKenna. The pressure mounted again onto the Cubs but with Keelan Monaghan and Gerry O Connor keeping their discipline and putting in the tackles that mattered, the break was always on. And so it proved when with ten minutes to go another counter-attack saw Josh Kiernan score. It was then a matter of playing clever as the Cubs tired. They all played a part in the win and they'll all undoubtedly train hard on Monday evening at 5.30pm.

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Five goal thriller by the sea!

U/11 SFAI Cup

Greystones 2 Mullingar Athletic 3

On Saturday last Mullingar Athletic's under 11s made the long journey to Wicklow to take on Greystones in the first round of the SFAI Cup. This turned out to be a cracking cup tie between two evenly matched teams. Greystones started brighter and after ten minutes they found themselves a goal up after an unfortunate own goal by an Athletic defender. However Athletic fought back and, after wonderful interplay between the very impressive Ryan O'Connor and Finbar Coyne, the latter finished through off a flowing move by calming slotting the ball home from an acute angle. Athletic were now on top and pressed for a second goal but a break through attack from the Greystones number nine resulted in the lead for the home side.

At half time an injury to Ben Walsh meant that Athletic had to reshuffle their team with Ben Traynor coming on at right half back and Tom Mollloy moving up front. This proved to be an inspired move as within two minutes of the restart Ryan O'Connor, having beaten two defenders, sent in a wonderful cross that was duly dispatched to the net by Tom Mollloy. The same player was on hand ten minutes later to make it three two to the visitors.

Athletic were now firmly in control and played some wonderful flowing football. The defence superbly marshaled by Cormac Dalton dealt with everything that Greystones could throw at them. Finbar Coyne and Conor McCrossan were dominating proceedings in midfield and Luke Lenehan was in inspiring form up front. However the man of the match was Brian Kavanagh who was quite simply superb in the heart of the defence.

Overall this was a very impressive team performance so well done to all concerned.

Managers Finbar Stuart and Kevin Smyth, together with all at Mullingar Athletic , wishes to express its sympathy to Dylan Behan Matthews on the death of his great grandmother.

Team: Dylan McWade, Robert Stuart, Brian Kavanagh, Cormac Dalton, Tom Molloy( Capt), Ryan O'Connor Norris, Finbar Coyne, Conor McCrossan, David Mimnagh, Ben Walsh, Luke Lenehan

Subs: Ben Traynor for Ben Walsh, Robert Smyth, Joseph Kinehan, Jack Hall

Mullingar Athletic's under 11 squad which defeated Greystones in the first round of the SFAI Cup

Team members with Coach, Finber Stuart.

Athboy Super Sevens

Once again, Mullingar Athletic were delighted to be invited to participate in the superbly organised annual "Athboy Super Sevens" tournament. Two squads travelled, a group of under nines playing for the very first time in any competition, and Athletic's cup winning under elevens.

Under Nines

Despite their lack of experience, the under 9s cruised through the group stage on Saturday with three wins out of three (the vast experience of coach Dominic McLoughlin might have helped!). First up were hosts Athboy Celtic who were shown no thanks for their hospitality. Mullingar won 4-1 with goals from Dara McLoughlin(2), Cormac Coyne, and Tristan Finnane. Ardee Celtic were similarly dispatched with a 3-0 scoreline. This time Dara McLoughlin was joined on the scoresheet by Emmet Behan, and Cillian Patel. And in the final group game Kentstown were beaten 2-0, with Max Rowan opening his account adding to a Cormac Coyne goal.

The going got a bit tougher in Sunday's semi final. Navan Town were undone by Cillian Patel's classy curler to the top corner and Max Rowan got the clincher late on.

In an exciting final, Max Rowan edged Mullingar in front of Summerhill before Cormac Coyne's rocket doubled the lead. Some more chances were missed before Summerhill pulled one back leading to a nail biting finish. The score remained 2-1 to the final whistle and Athletic won the cup.

Besides those already mentioned, Athletic's number 9, Adam Kennedy impressed, looking very dependable in defence.

Under Elevens

Athletic's under 11's raced out of the blocks in their first group game on Saturday. Ardee Celtic were shellshocked by a Ryan Dempsey hat-trick before half time, and in the second period Tom Gavin, Shane O'Keeffe and Ronan O'Toole completed the rout.

Enfield Celtic provided much sterner opposition, their goalie being quite impressive, and it took a powerful volley from Tom Gavin to open the scoring. The lead was doubled when Shane O'Keeffe, flicked the ball by his marker and fired a thunderbolt to the top corner. Not to be outdone, Ronan O'Toole blasted a second half free kick from near the half way line into the far corner of the goals.

Hosts, Athboy Celtic provided the opposition for the last group game, and wished they hadn't. Ronan O'Toole and Shane O'Keeffe got on the scoresheet before Tom Gavin added a bullet header, giving Athletic a 3-0 half time lead. With a thunderstorm threatening, Ryan Dempsey notched up a fourth immediately after the break before Jake O'Meara opened his account. If lightening doesn't strike twice in the same place, Ryan Dempsey does, and added another before rain stopped play.

Semi Final: Ballymahom 0-2 Mullingar Athletic

Sunday's semi final against Ballymahon was a much tighter affair. Still, Athletic got off to a great start when a Shane O'Keeffe lob put Ryan Dempsey through and he calmly rolled the ball past the advancing keeper. One nil is a narrow lead, and the game was never safe until late in the second half when Jake O'Meara's shot was deflected past the excellent Ballymahon keeper.

Final: Rock Celtic 0-1 Mullingar Athletic

Rock Celtic from Dundalk, holders of the trophy, were the opposition finalists. In a tense and exciting game the first critical moment came half way through the first period when keeper, Colin McGowan, raced off his line to bravely block what seemed a certain opener. Down the other end, Tom Gavin and Shane O'Keeffe fired just wide before a Ryan Dempsey free kick through the wall surprised the goalie and gave Athletic a deserved lead.

With Shane O'Keefe blunting the threat of Rock Celtic's playmaker in centre midfield, Athletic never looked like relinquishing their lead. In the second half, Andrew Kilmartin hit the post with a great header from a corner, whilst another header was almost poked in by Luke Tormey. It finished 1-0 to Mullingar.

Whilst scoring eighteen goals in five games is remarkable (half the squad scored), keeping five "clean sheets" is even more so, and special mention must go to keeper Colin McGowan and defender Niall Gavin who both had an outstanding tournament.

Squad: Colin McGowan, James Monaghan, Tom Gavin, Niall Gavin, Shane O'Keeffe, Ronan O'Toole, Luke Tormey, Ryan Dempsey, Jake O'Meara, Andrew Kilmartin.

Team Photo

Congratulations again to Athboy Celtic on hosting another well organised and very enjoyable Super-Sevens tournament. Played in good spirit, it will linger in the memories of all players and parents.

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SUPER SMITH HAT-TRICK ADDS THE CREAM

DDSL U-15 Major

Mullingar Athletic 4

Tolka Rovers 2

Having demolished Shamrock Rovers 7-0 last week to clinch the league title (their fourth trophy this year), Athletic this week hosted another team competing for second place in the table. Tolka Rovers shot out of the starting gate and could have scored in the first minute. A long, wind assisted pass from midfield cleared the home defence and found the centre forward running in, but his weak effort was easily caught by Gary Caffrey in the Mullingar goals. The visitors continued to pressurise but were caught by a classic counter attack. Conor O'Keeffe crossed to the edge of the six yard box where Connor Smith controlled with his chest, swivelled to his right and volleyed in with his left foot from a tight angle. Within minutes the lead was doubled. Thomas Doyle burst past two tackles, looked up, and crossed low for the same player to sidefoot to the far corner. And Connor Smith completed his hat trick when he raced on to a defence splitting pass and finished with aplomb.

Tolka Rovers were shell-shocked because their standard of play did not merit a three goal defecit. Gary Caffrey saved three powerful shots, Darragh Keena and Aaron McLoughlin had to work very hard to contain a strong visiting midfield, whilst central defenders Kevin Boucher and Brendan Flynn also had to be at their best. Kane Lawrence covered the length of the pitch on the left, defending one minute and finding a shooting position the next. Right full back, Shane Dempsey, found himself facing a very fast left winger but coped well with that threat, and combined well with Keith Hope in setting up counter attacks.

The visitors clawed themselves back into the game before half time when their attacker raced clear and fired in at the far post. They maintained the momentum in the second period and reduced the deficit further after sixty minutes when their unmarked right winger controlled a cross and dispatched a rocket to the roof of the net. Either side of this Athletic had their chances also. Kevin Boucher's powerful free kick was caught at the post, whilst Aaron McLoughlin and Darragh Keena fired half chances just over, and Conor O'Keeffe was tackled just before he pulled the trigger. The introduction of Dean McNicholas reinforced the Mullingar defence and James McGovern's fresh legs created opportunities on the right of midfield. With Tolka Rovers pushing forward in search of the equaliser, more space appeared in their defence. With ten minutes to go Thomas Doyle's big presence unnerved the visitors, causing a mix up between defender and goalie, and he rolled the ball into an empty net. This ended the game as a contest.

Team: Gary Caffrey, Shane Dempsey, Conor O'Keeffe, Brendan Flynn, Kevin Boucher, Darragh Keena, Keith Hope, Aaron McLoughlin, Connor Smith, Thomas Doyle, Kane Lawrence, Dean McNicholas, James McGovern

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Treble for U-15s

DDSL Paddy Fenlon Cup Final

Ballyoulster 1

Mullingar Athletic 5

(Doyle,Smith2,Boucher,Caffrey)

Athletic's under 15s captured their third trophy of the season with an emphatic win over Celbridge side, Ballyoulster, in the Paddy Fenlon Cup. Title challengers until beaten narrowly by Mullingar on St Patrick's day, Ballyoulster provided sterner opposition than the scoreline suggests.

In an early skirmish, keeper Gary Caffrey punched away a dangerous cross, but thereafter, comfortably handled anything that came his way. Midfielders, Aaron McLoughlin and Darragh Keena, grabbed control from early on, whilst the defensive line of Brendan Flynn, Conor O'Keeffe, Kevin Boucher, and Dean McNicholas was rock solid for most of the game, the last mentioned having his best game of the season.

At the other end, Connor Smith wriggled through the defence but shot wide. Thomas Doyle broke through similarly and saw his chip come back off the bar. Keith Hope raced onto a defence splitting pass only to see his toe poke past the keeper also strike the woodwork, and Aaron McLoughlin, reacting more quickly than the Celbridge keeper to a bouncing ball, struck the post from a tight angle. When Connor Smith did hit the net he was ruled offside, but, as half time approached, Athletic got reward for their dominance. Thomas Doyle pounced on a defensive slip and, from the edge of the box, curled a shot into the bottom right hand corner. Within a minute the lead was doubled when a Thomas Doyle dummy allowed Connor Smith to go clear and fire into the bottom left corner.

As might be expected, Ballyoulster raised their game from the start of the second period, but found the Mullingar outfit in equally combative mood. The result looked safe when Conor O'Keeffe curled a cross in behind the outrushing Ballyoulster defence for the alert Connor Smith to race in and coolly lob in.

To their credit, the opposition never gave up and took advantage of a little complacency in defence to snatch a goal. Mullingar looked nervous for a short while and had the hard working Kane Lawrence to thank for a clearance after a goalmouth scramble. However normal service was resumed soon afterwards, and when Kevin Boucher headed a Conor O'Keeffe corner in half way through the second period, the game was safe. The fresh legs of Shane Dempsey and James McGovern helped maintain the momentum and the latter crossed low for Gary Caffrey to fire in the fifth. The same player burst through soon afterwards and forced the goalie into a fine save, and, as Ballyoulster lost heart, Dami Opeseyitan poked in a cross only to be harshly ruled offside.

Luke Peppard and, keeper, John Sheridan had hoped to contribute but unfortunately failed late fitness tests. With five games left in the league Athletic need just one point to clinch yet another trophy!

Squad: Gary Caffrey, Brendan Flynn, Conor O'Keeffe, Dean McNicholas, Kevin Boucher, Darragh Keena, Aaron McLoughlin, Keith Hope, Kane Lawrence, Thomas Doyle, Connor Smith, Shane Dempsey, JamesMcGovern, Dami Opeseyitan, John Sheridan, Luke Peppard

Mullingar Athletic U-15s with the Paddy Fenlon Cup

Late fitness tests ruled out Athletic players Luke Peppard and keeper John Sheridan

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May 2009

U14 Midland League Shield Final

On Saturday last Mullingar Athletic U 14's travelled to Birr to take on Cloncollig in the Midland League Shield final. For the first 10 minutes of the game both teams looked evenly matched with Mullingar's back four of Mark Fitzpatrick, James Pearce, Cormac Corroon and Paul Branagan dealing comfortably with anything that came their way. In midfield Ricky Scally who was having a terrific game made a strong challenge but unfortunately received a bad injury and had to be replaced by David Heffernan.

As the game progressed Mullingar were playing good football and a good passing move found David Heffernan who dribbled pass 3 players and kept his cool to put Mullingar 1 up. Cloncollig put pressure on the Mullingar goals for the next 10 minutes with a corner kick cleared of the line by Mark Fitzpatrick. When Mullingar got the ball out wide to Rory Daly and Azad Ali Mohammad they caused cloncollig lost of problems. Up front Colin Darcy worked hard for the team keeping Cloncollig defence on the back foot. Mullingar went in at half time one nil up and all to play for.

Two changes were made at half time Mauro de Luce in defence and Gary Flanagan up front. Mullingar settled quickly in the second half with Dale Monaghan and Stewart Doyle commanding midfield and creating numerous chances. Gary Flanagan ceased on one of these with an excellent first touch rounding the defender and slotting home to give Mullingar some breathing space. Cloncollig pushed forward and only for the strong defending from James Pearce and Cormac Corroon and top class saves from Sean Corcoran cloncollig would have been back in the game. With cloncollig pushing forward Mullingar were getting their chance with Stewart Doyle Philip McBride and David Heffernan going close. With 10 min remaining Mullingar brought on Adam Duffy who controlled midfield till the end and saw Mullingar lift the cup. The management would like to congratulate the team for the fine effort over the season and the parents who assisted trough out the season.

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April 2009

UNDEFEATED ATHLETIC A WIN UNDER 13 MIDLAND PREMIER LEAGUE

It started on a cold windy swept day on the 27th Sept with a 5-2 win away to Portlaoise and concluded in bright summer sunshine with a 0-0 draw against Athletic B on Monday 20th April.

Having gone through the league campaign undefeated Athletic A took to the field in front of an expectant home crowd but despite dominating the game for long periods and spurning a series of golden opportunities that elusive goal did not come.

Full credit to the hardworking defence of Athletic B who held firm despite some slick passing movements from the Athletic A.

In an entertaining game full of goalmouth incidents honours deservedly remained even on the night.

Reflecting back on the league campaign Athletic scored 52 goals, a scoring average of over 4 a game reflective of the brand of attacking football played throughout the campaign. Four clean sheets recorded during the season with the impressive Anthony Brady marshalling a defence of Walsh, O Malley, Daly (Team Captain), Quinn, Boyce and Mc Gonagle. The midfield of Gallagher, Sheridan, McGowan and Byrne providing plenty of ammunition to the free scoring forward line of Heery, Donohue, Morgan and Mac Evilly.

An interesting fact is that 10 different players featured on the score sheet throughout the season reflecting the quality of the squad and their ability to score from different positions`.

Amazingly despite the high scoring average only two hat tricks were recorded with Josh Heery and Niall Mc Gowan taking home the match ball.

A well-disciplined squad, who fought hard in every game, certainly deserved their outstanding league success with representatives of the league presenting the trophy to team captain Darragh Daly immediately after the game with the formal presentation of medals to the squad to take place at a later date.

Team: Josh Heery, Daniel Boyce, Joseph Walsh, Eoghan O'Malley, Luke Gallagher, Jack Quinn, Stephen McGonagle, Luke Byrne, Niall McGowan, Shane Donohue, Darragh Daly, Gary Morgan, Geroid Sheridan, Simon MacEvilly.

Team Photo

Brendan McElligott Treasurer of the Midland League, presents the League cup to Mullingar captain.

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2009

ANOTHER CUP FINAL FOR U-15s

Malahide United 2 - 3 Mullingar Athletic (after extra time)

(Smith, Doyle, McGovern)

Mullingar Athletic's U-15s reached their third consecutive League Cup final with a hard earned win in an exciting and entertaining fixture at Gannon Park. Whilst expecting a difficult game, the visitors had to dig deep to overcome a skilful and determined opposition.

Starting well, unlike their previous visit to Malahide, when they had to recover from a three goal deficit, Athletic got their noses in front after only eight minutes. A free kick from the right from Conor O'Keeffe found the head of Dean McNicholas. His nod on was chased down by Connor Smith, who, quick witted as he is quick footed, touched the ball past the advancing keeper. It should have been two soon afterwards when Kevin Boucher found space on the right of the box and squared perfectly for Thomas Doyle. Unfortunately his volley was too close to the keeper. The contest to control midfield was especially intriguing where Darragh Keena and Aaron McLaughlin were at their best, limiting the home teams possession despite being outnumbered. Left winger, Keith Hope linked well with overlapping full back Kane Lawrence, but, despite carving the home defence open, couldn't bag the second goal.

Malahide were always dangerous on the break, and Dean McNicholas tackled brilliantly to deny a clear shot on goal. Just as Mullingar thought of reaching half time with the single goal advantage, the home team equalised. A measured cross from the left wing evaded the Athletic defence and the inrushing right-winger volleyed home from eight yards.

The second half was almost a repeat of the first. Again the visitors got the advantage when a Kevin Boucher free kick was spilled by the keeper and Thomas Doyle was in sharply to prod home. And again the home team equalised when a cross from the left following a break from a Mullingar corner was hammered in. Thereafter, the combination of Brendan Flynn and Kevin Boucher in central defence prevented any breech and goalie, Gary Caffrey, capably handled the long range efforts.

At the other end, the visitors were in range but not on target. The best chance fell to Thomas Doyle when he beat the offside trap but fired wide. Darragh Keena's long range effort went over and Aaron McLaughlin tested the keeper with a powerful drive. Tired legs were replaced and the introduction of Shane Dempsey and James McGovern seemed to add new impetus to Athletic's efforts. The latter's tireless running on the right wing upset the home defence and paid off in spectacular fashion. As extra time wore on and penalties seemed inevitable, a superb cross from Connor Smith found James McGovern at the far post. His calm goalbound header was deflected past the home keeper in the dieing seconds to send the visitors into rapture.

Squad: Gary Caffrey, Conor O'Keeffe, Kane Lawrence, Brendan Flynn, Dean McNicholas, Darragh Keena, Kevin Boucher, Aaron Mclaughlin, Connor Smith, Thomas Doyle, Keith Hope, Shane Dempsey, James McGovern, Conor Slevin, Luke Peppard, Dami Opeseyitan.

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U-11 Midland league

Mullingar Athletic 1

Killavilla 2

Having beaten the visitors in Roscrea, the home team set about doing the same again from the start. Early pressure caused several mistakes in the Killavilla defence, but the Athletic front line wasn't sharp enough to punish. A powerful Ronan O'Toole free kick was headed wide and a speculative cross shot from Shane O'Keeffe was comfortably held by the goalie while Jake O'Meara could have done better when his header clipped the crossbar.

When the visitors broke up field they were usually well contained, but half way through the first period, complacent defending allowed their attacker through for a classy finish in the far corner.

Athletic maintained the lion's share of possession after the break, but fell foul of the visitors' speedy counterattack. Luke Tormey tackled well to clear one break, but at the next, two rash miskicks let the same attacker through, where he finished well.

This seemed to strengthen Mullingar's resolve. Shots rained in on the visiting keeper and he handled all well until Andrew Kilmartin wriggled through. His shot was parried onto the bar and tapped in by Ryan Dempsey. The same player fired straight at the keeper when he met a tempting Shane O'Keeffe cross.

A well deserved equaliser looked certain when Andrew Kilmartin rocketed a free kick just under the bar. However Killavilla's man-of-the-match keeper parried it and caught it on the second attempt.

Athletic's football was a pleasure to behold and they were in control for more than three quarters of the match, but Killavilla, to their credit, did what the home team didn't…defended well and took their chances.

Athletic: Luke Tormey, Colin McGowan, James Monaghan, Glen Gaffney, Oisin Quinn, Liam Bowes, AndrewKilmartin, Niall Gavin, Jake O'Meara, Shane O'Keeffe, Ryan Dempsey, Tom Gavin, Ronan O'Toole

Reminder to Parents re -Development Squads

Under 10 Development Squad 2pm to 3pm on Saturday February 21st.

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Under 11s continue winning ways!

Abbeyleix 1

Mullingar Athletic 5

N.Gavin, R.Dempsey(2), A.Kilmartin, R.O'Toole

Despite a lapse of three weeks since their last game, no cobwebs were in evidence in Abbeyleix. Athletic had the best possible start when, after two minutes, Niall Gavin pounced on a loose ball just outside the box, and fired an unstoppable twenty yard shot to the roof of the net. The home side regained their composure quickly, and capitalised on complacency in the Mullingar defence to equalise after 13 minutes.

Thereafter the visitors had the lion's share of possession. Ryan Dempsey went through on goals twice, only to find the home keeper in superb form. However his persistence paid off when his next effort rolled in under the Abbeyleix goalie. Tom Gavin and Jake O'Meara both had shots blocked as Athletic sought to turn supremacy into goals.

Early in the second period, when the home keeper raced out of his box, he was disposessed by Andrew Kilmartin, who crossed for Ryan Dempsey to tap in. The former was unfortunate to see his deflection of a Ronan O'Toole rocket go wide, but made amends soon afterwards, poking in after a goalmouth scramble.

Building on a very sturdy defensive base of Luke Tormey, Liam Bowes, Oisin Quinn and James Monaghan, Mullingar were rampant for the last fifteen minutes. Midfield maestro, Shane O'Keeffe, provider of several defence splitting passes, fired wide from the edge of the box. Left winger, Ronan O'Toole crossed for Andrew Kilmartin to head just wide, Ryan Dempsey hit the post and his cross from the rebound was met by Ronan O'Toole whose header also hit the post. The latter finished off the scoring late in the game when he rounded the keeper and tapped in.

Along with the score, which could have been higher, a notable aspect of the performance was the determination of the defence, spurred on by ever improving goalie, Colin McGowan, to minimise scoring opportunities for the opposition, even when the game was well won.

Squad: Colin McGowan,Glen Gaffney,Oisin Quinn,Luke Tormey,Liam Bowes,Tom Gavin,Niall Gavin,Shane O'Keeffe,Tye Adamson,Ronan O'Toole,Ryan Dempsey,Jake O'Meara,James Monaghan,Andrew Kilmartin

Reminder to Parents re -Development Squads

Please note that coaching for the under 10 development squads will not take place this weekend, Saturday February 14th.

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Under 10 Mullingar Athletic Wolves prior to their game against Temple Villa on Saturday last

Under 10 Mullingar Athletic Wolves

U-11 reverse the books!

Mullingar Athletic 4-0 Portlaoise Town

(J.O'Meara, L.Tormey, N.Gavin, R.Dempsey)

Athletic's U-11s bounced back from last weeks reverse with a determined display which overwhelmed visitors Portlaoise Town.  The visitors started well, but found the home defence in a no nonsense mood.  The highlight for them was a volley following a corner kick, which well-positioned full back James Monaghan cleared off the line.

From there on, Mullingar did most of the attacking.  Quick passing on the left wing by Jake O'Meara and Ronan O'Toole found Tom Gavin in the box.  He evaded two defenders but his firm low shot was saved.  The favour was returned almost immediately when Shane O'Keeffe found Jake O'Meara, who jinked past two tackles and fired to the bottom corner to give the home side the lead.  Desperate to make the superiority count when playing with a strong wind, Athletic piled on the pressure.  Ronan O'Toole was put through on the right but declined to shoot with his weaker foot.  Soon afterwards, a corner from the same player was met with an overhead volley by Luke Tormey, which eluded the startled keeper to double the lead.  An Andrew Kilmartin free kick from twenty yards was glanced onto the crossbar by Shane O'Keeffe as the visitors clung on.

If Portlaoise planned a second half onslaught, it never materialised.  Mullingar's keeper, Colin McGowan called the shots from behind the well-organised defence where Luke Tormey was at his imperious best.  Right winger, Glen Gaffney neutralised the threat of Portlaoise's speedy left winger and found time to assist the home attack.  The visitors broke through once but a fine tackle by Andrew Kilmartin saved the day.  Despite the ball being won the ref awarded a free from the edge of the box, which was bravely blocked by Dale Gallagher in the Mullingar wall.  The result was put beyond doubt soon afterwards when Niall Gavin spotted the Portlaoise goalie off his line and fired in from the edge of the square.  Ronan O'Toole broke through on the left twice.  His shot from a tight angle was saved as was the rebound shot, and his cross just eluded Tye Adamson.  Just before the final whistle, Andrew Kilmartin charged up to the left of the box and his low cross was dispatched with aplomb by Ryan Dempsey.

If they can maintain this level of commitment in every area of the pitch, this team can continue their push towards the top of the table.

Squad: Colin McGowan, James Monaghan, Andrew Kilmartin, Dale Gallagher, Luke Tormey, Niall Gavin, Glen Gaffney, Shane O'Keeffe, Ronan O'Toole, Tom Gavin, Jake O'Meara, Ryan Dempsey, Tye Adamson

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No Christmas Hangover for Under 13s

Mullingar Athletic 3      Killeigh 1

At a bitterly cold Gainstown on December 30th, Athletic A under 13s saw off the determined challenge of a spirited Killeigh team running out eventual winners by 3 goals to one.  In truth the score line was flattering to the Killeigh lads with Athletic squandering a hatful of chances and some last gasp defending by the Killeigh defence keeping the winning margin down.

Playing an attractive 4-3-3 formation Athletic were dominant from the off with the Killigh keeper in action producing a super save from Josh Heery after only five minutes.  This was followed by good saves from Luke Byrne, Shane Donohue and the large crowd of home supporters were beginning to wonder was this going to be one of those days when despite dominating Athletic were going to find it hard to score.

After 15 mins Mullingar were forced into an early change with Niall Mc Gowan coming off injured to be replaced by Daniel Boyce who had an industrious outing playing in an unfamiliar role on the right side of the 3 man midfield.

Prompted from midfield by Mr reliable Gearoid Sheridan and Gary Morgan using his trickery to good effect the breakthrough for Athletic eventually came with Josh Heery finishing off a remarkable move started at the back by Jack Quinn.

Shortly after the goal a 20 yard free kick from skipper Darragh Daly brought the best out of the Killeigh keeper.

A number of further chances went a begging before halftime and the Athletic keeper Anthony Brady produce a couple of first class saves as the home team pushed forward in search of further goals leaving him exposed at the back.

Athletic were straight away into the attack in the second half and again a combination of good defending and some great saves from the Killeigh keeper kept it at one nil. Athletic were continuing to press forward in search of the second and were dependant on O' Malley and McGonagle making a couple of interceptions to thwart the Killeigh forwards.  Sticking to the game plan and playing attacking football the second eventually arrived with Quinn coolly slotting home after a thunderous shot from Morgan was parried out by the Killeigh keeper.  Just reward for some all round entertaining football.

The third arrived 6 minutes from time with Geraoid Sheridan heading home from close range.

Killeigh got a conciliation score in the dying minutes as the Athletic defence for once let their guard down.

Athletic Team: Brady, Mc Gonagle, O Malley, Daly, Quinn, Mc Gowan, (Boyce 15 Mins) Sheridan, Morgan, Heery, Donohue, Byrne.

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Under 14 Girls impress in home tie

Mullingar Athletic 2 Bealnamulla 0

(H. Scally, B. Heslin)

After a somewhat hesitant start to the season, with three defeats and only one victory to date, the Under 14 girls finally got their league campaign back on track with a tremendous victory over the title favourites Bealnamulla at Gainstown on Saturday.

As with the reverse in the fixture in Athlone some months ago, it was the Mullingar side that started the brighter, but on this occasion they managed to convert one of their early chances which meant it was the visitors who were chasing the game from the outset. The breakthrough arrived in the 12th minute when a Jennifer Hunt clearance was helped on by Lauren Tynan into the path of Holly Scally whose excellent first time strike from 18 yards gave the Bealnamulla goalkeeper no chance. Unlike their previous matches the Mullingar side did not concede any soft goals and this was mainly due to a solid display by a new goalkeeper Niamh Gilmartin who handled well on the rare occasions that a solid back four was penetrated by the Shannonsiders.

Encouraged by the early goal Athletic pressed forward and Bridget Heslin and Holly Scally were denied by good saves by the opposition keeper. Bealnamulla did respond towards the end of the half with a short period of pressure but the back four, excellently marshalled by team captain Emma Woodhouse, held firm.

The second half produced a confident and dominant display from Athletic who continued to press forward and create chances. Leanne Duncan stepped forward from defence and had three great efforts on goal in quick succession with the third one being turned away by the Bealnamulla keeper for a corner in the 49th minute. Bridget Heslin took the corner which was cleared by the Bealnamulla defence. The clearance however fell into the path of Heslin, who without hesitation drove a cross shot into the top corner of the net to give Athletic a decisive lead.

To their credit Bealnamulla responded but just could not break through the Athletic midfield of Muirne Robinson and Nicky Feery who were working tirelessly. Athletic were not finished attacking however and in the 63rd minute Claire Coyne released Feery who made a brilliant run down the left wing to set up Michelle Buckley whose side footed effort from close range was saved by the Bealnamulla keeper. At the death the tireless Robinson made a run from midfield, beating a number of players, with her cross shot just going wide of the far post.

This was an excellent performance by Athletic with substitutes Grainne Ward and Catriona Gilboy also making a valuable contribution to the victory.

Team:- Niamh Gilmartin, Jennifer Hunt, Emma Woodhouse, Leanne Duncan, Claire Coyne, Lauren Tynan, Muirne Robinson, Michelle Buckley, Nicole Feery, Holly Scally, Bridget Heslin.

Subs: Grainne Ward for Tynan, Catriona Gilboy for Scally, Aoife McAnaney, Fiona Austin.

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Mullingar Athletic under 10 Tigers pictured with their Manager John Burke, prior to their victory over Temple Villa on Saturday last, November 29th

Team: David Cosgrove, Ronan Burke, Matthew Willoughby, Darragh Tone, Mark Ronan, Troy Maher, Joseph Newman,Brian Kavanagh, Charlie Fletcher, Jason Thomas, Cathal Byrne, Sam Gilmartin

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Under 11, Midlands League

Victory for Under Elevens

Killavilla United 0 Mullingar Athletic 5

(R.Dempsey 2,O'Keeffe, Adamson 2)

After their disappointing home defeat last week Athletic's u-11s faced the daunting task of the long trip to league leaders Killavilla United.  The response to the recent result could not have been more positive as the Mullingar outfit romped to a well deserved 5-0 win.

Playing with the slope in the first period, the visitors attacked from the start.  Midfielder, Niall Gavin had a powerful shot touched around the post, and another shot skimmed the bar.  Neat passing play put Ryan Dempsey through where he was thwarted by a last ditch tackle, and a low Andrew Kilmartin corner was volleyed onto the post by Shane O'Keeffe.  Just as it seemed there would be no reward for the pressure, Ronan O'Toole passed perfectly across the square finding Ryan Dempsey unmarked.  He swivelled and fired low and hard, catching the home keeper off guard.

Within minutes, Athletic doubled their lead.  Jake O'Meara found Shane O'Keeffe whose shot rebounded off the bar, and Ronan O'Toole was quickest to the rebound, crossing unselfishly for Ryan Dempsey to tap in.

As expected, Athletic started the second half on the back foot as Killavilla fought to get back into the game.  The visitors defense of James Monaghan, Travis Dempsey, Liam Bowes, Luke Tormey and goalie Colin McGowan coped admirably with all that was thrown at them.  Having defended four corners in a row, Athletic broke upfield.  Tom Gavin teed up for Shane O'Keefe and he fired in high.  Soon afterwards, Andrew Kilmartin robbed the home midfielder and passed to Tye Adamson on the right.  He fired powerfully across the despairing home goalie to make it 4-0.  Just to prove it was no fluke, the same player did the same again, after neat one-touch passing from Andrew Kilmartin and Tom Gavin.

Towards the end Ryan Dempsey put Ronan O'Toole through only for the whistle to go for offside.  The favour was returned, but Ryan Dempsey's header was caught by the goalie.

Team: Colin McGowan, James Monaghan, Travis Dempsey, Liam Bowes, Luke Tormey, Niall Gavin, Jake O'Meara, Andrew Kilmartin, Ryan Dempsey, Shane O'Keeffe, Ronan O'Toole, Tye Adamson, Tom Gavin

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Under 10 Lions stage remarkable comeback!

St. Francis Eagles 3 Mullingar Athletic Lions 5

Mullingar Athletic's under ten Lions opened their league campaign with an away trip to Iona Park to take on local side St. Francis Eagles. Having won the toss, the Lions opted to play with the advantage of a strong breeze in the opening period. However the very impressive home side soon surged into a two nil lead, playing wonderful attacking football.

At the end of the first period the Lion's managers, Kevin Smyth and Finbarr Stuart decided to make a number of positional switches and sent their charges out for the second period. The Lions finally found their feet and began to play to their strengths. With Paul Lynam and Ciaran Corcoran now dominant in defence and Cormac Dalton and the impressive Luke Lenihan totally controlling the midfield, Mullingar Athletic finally got a goal back courtesy of a wonderful cross from David Mimnagh and a cool finish by Robert Stuart. Indeed the same player was on hand three minutes later to finish off a marvelous flowing movement to leave the score tied at two all at the end of the second period.

The Lions continued where they left off and early in the third period raced into a 5-2 lead, courtesy of goals from Dylan McQuaid and two from hugely impressive David Mimnagh- the second of which was a cheeky back heel into the net.

St. Francis were then awarded a penalty which, luckily for Mullingar, was not converted. However the pressure from St. Francis continued and they were rewarded with a third goal five minutes from full time. The game continued at a frantic pace with chances coming at both ends before the referee blew the final whistle much to the delight of the away supporters.

This was a cracking game played by two excellent sides. Every player in the squad played their best in what was a marvelous win for the Lions but special mention must go to Dylan Behan-Matthews in goals, Paul Lynam and Ciaran Corcoran in defence, Cormac Dalton in midfield, Robert Stuart for his cool, clinical finishing and David Mimnagh in attack for the way he took the game to the opposition and for his two goals. However there is no doubt that the man of the match award for this match must go to Luke Lenihan who popped up all over the pitch, helping his defence, passing at midfield and helping out at attack - a marvelous individual performance!

Well done to everyone on the panel.

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September 2008

Under 10s please note!

We invite all children who participated at the 10 o'clock coaching session (ie children born in 1998 only) on Saturday morning last season to attend Gainstown at 7pm on Friday September 12th.  Team coaches will meet you and your child (regardless of weather conditions) to advise of team arrangements for the forthcoming season.  Weather permitting your child can partake in a training session.  It is important to attend this session as we need to organize teams as soon as possible.  If further details are needed please contact Leo Devlin on 086-8611301.

Schoolboys Referees Needed

With 20 underage Mullingar Athletic clubs fielding each weekend it is essential that there is a sufficient supply of referees available to officiate at matches in Gainstown. Without referees there can be no football for these young players. To that end the Club is seeking names of persons, male or female, who would be interested in schoolboy refereeing. It is proposed to organise a course for new referees who would qualify participants to referee schoolboys and schoolgirls football. Participants would initially undertake refereeing at small sided game (i.e. 7 or 9 a-side) with progression to full eleven-a-side schoolboys and schoolgirls. Please contact Aidan Farrell at 044 9372944 as soon as possible if you are interested in participating.

Saturday morning Coaching

Our very popular Saturday morning coaching for 6-9 year olds ie children born in 1999, 2000 , 2001 and 2002 will recommence shortly.   Full details of registration available shortly.

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August 2008

Schoolboys Referees Needed

With 20 underage Mullingar Athletic clubs fielding each weekend it is essential that there is a sufficient supply of referees available to officiate at matches in Gainstown. Without referees there can be no football for these young players. To that end the Club is seeking names of persons, male or female, who would be interested in schoolboy refereeing. It is proposed to organise a course for new referees which would qualify participants to referee schoolboys and schoolgirls football. Participants would initially undertake refereeing at small sided game (ie 7 or 9 a-side) with progression to full eleven-a-side schoolboys and schoolgirls. Please contact Aidan Farrell at 044 9372944 as soon as possible if you are interested in participating.

Under 14 NDSL League

The Club invites players born in 1994 to trials for our under 14 team playing in the North Dublin Schoolboys League (NDSL) for the coming season. This does not apply to players who played at Under 13 level in the Midland or Athlone leagues last year, for whom separate pre-season training will be arranged at a future date.

Venue: Gainstown

Date: Thursday August 21st

Time: 7pm

For further details please contact Paul Brannigan on (085) 7249169.

Under 13 Squads

Training for last seasons Under 12 team managed by Paul Clarke and Trevor Thompson and the Under 12 team managed by Liam McGonnigle will commence in Gainstown on Wednesday 6 August at 6.30pm in Gainstown. New players welcome. For further details please contact Trevor Thompson on (085) 7107178.

Under 12, 11 and 10 Development Squads

In an exciting plan for the coming season all players in the above age groups will be invited to participate in development squads for each age group under the direction of Head of Coaching Leo Devlin..

The arrangements for the various squads are as follows:

Under 12 (ie for children born in 1996) Thursday 14 August at 7pm

Under 11 (ie for children born in 1997) Monday 18 August at 7pm

Under 10 (ie for children born in 1998) Friday 15 August at 7pm

All squad sessions will take place in Gainstown. Details of the ongoing programme of squad sessions will be announced to squad members and appear in future Club notes in the local media. Arrangements for the setting up of the teams for each age group for the coming season will be also announced at these sessions and in the Club notes in the local media.

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Under 15 League

Mullingar Athletic AFC invite players born in 1993 to trials for our under 15 Premier team, playing in the DDSL Major Division 08-09 season.

Venue: Gainstown

Date: Friday July 25th

Time: 7pm

For further details contact Leo Devlin, Head of Coaching on 086-8611301

Donall O'Keeffe on 087-2610033 or Dominick McLaughlin on 086-4083280.

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May 2008

Review of Midland League Season for Athletic B

Athletic B travelled to Mountmellick on Saturday to play Portumna in the under 12 shield final the culmination of the under 12s first experience at 11 a side.

Despite a disappointing opening day to the league campaign with an away defeat to Portlaoise, gradually the team knitted together under the leadership of captain Darragh Daly and completed the season in a very credible fourth place in what was a very demanding league. Outstanding as a midfield general Gearoid Sheridan was ably supported by Shane Donoghue throughout the season.

New signing goalkeeper Anthony Brady earned his corn by producing a number of first class saves at vital times throughout the season supported by Jack Quinn at left back whose positional sense was faultless throughout.

Andrew Purcell and Luke Byrne formed an effective partnership up front until injury forced Purcell to miss the last few games of the season. Josh Heery was back to his effective best playing either on the right wing or up front. Kieran Feeney dominated the left side of midfield for most of the season.

Shield semi final hero Joseph Walsh had his best season to date in Athletics colours and Mr Versatile Toly Hahayar played in virtually every position at some stage during the season.

Eoghan O Malley has now found his best position as a commanding centre half while Stephen McGonagle and Daniel Boyce were never found wanting across the back four.

While the Shield final ended in disappointment with a defeat on the day, the entire squad can be proud of their achievements this year and look forward confidently to the new season.

The team: Stephen McGonigle, Joseph Walsh, Daniel Boyce, Gearoid Sheridan, Anthony Brady, Jack Quinn, Shane Donoghue, Eoin O’Malley, Luke Byrne, Daragh Daly (C) , Toly Hahajaha, Ciaran Feeney, Josh Heary with their Manager Liam McGonigle..

DOUBLE DOUBLE for u-14s

For the second year in succession, Mullingar Athletic's under 14 premier team have completed the "double" of League and League cup.

Following the capture of the league cup last week, Athletic needed just one point from their last two league games to clinch the title also. This turned out to be easier than expected when Dublin side, Phoenix, failed to fulfill a midweek fixture, and Mullingar were duly awarded all three points. With nothing at stake for Athletic in the final league game, Raheny avenged their cup final defeat with a comprehensive win over a depleted Mullingar squad, thus guaranteeing themselves promotion also.

Whilst last Saturday's game was a disappointment, winning the league was no more than Athletic deserved after an arduous season interrupted for three months by bad weather. Having trained consistently during this lay-off, Athletic charged into a ten-wins-in-a-row run, catapulting them to the top of the table, where they stayed. Well done to all concerned.

Team: Mark Radford, Connor Smith, Thomas Doyle, Dean McNicholas, John Sheridan, Adam Daly, David Lynch, Gary Caffrey, Brendan Flynn, Dara McLoughlin, Darragh Keena, Conor Slevin, Aaron McLoughlin, Conor O'Keeffe, Keith Hope, Noel Gavin, Shane O'Keeffe. Coaches: Dominic McLoughlin and Donal O'Keeffe.

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DDSL Under 14 Brendan Harmon Cup Final

Mullingar Athletic 0

Raheny 0

(Athletic win 5-4 on penalties)

Mullingar Athletic claimed their first ever Dublin & District Schoolboys League silverware when their under 14s won the Harmon cup by the narrowest of margins at the AUL grounds on Saturday.

Raheny settled into the game more quickly and after three minutes a powerful shot from the edge of the area was touched onto the bar by Mullingar custodian John Sheridan. Athletic were shocked into action and a Darragh Keena left footer was likewise touched onto the post. An accidental handball in the Raheny box went unpunished and, as the play swung to the other end, John Sheridan did well to save a header after Mullingar conceded a corner.

Midway through the half, a mistimed tackle on Raheny's electric attacker, Daniel Mahon, gave the referee no option but to award a penalty. The same player took the kick and again the Mullingar `keeper rose to the occasion, parrying the shot to safety. Athletic rode their luck for a torrid ten minutes as John Sheridan made save after save.

However, as halftime approached, Mullingar replied in kind. Centre forward, Thomas Doyle, put Darragh Keena through on the right and his low cross was fired into the bottom corner by Connor Smith just as the whistle was blown for offside.

As soon as the second period began, a deep Keith Hope cross from the left found Thomas Doyle in the box but his header was held by the keeper. John Sheridan smothered a strong shot which was bound for the bottom corner and soon afterwards received a kick to the head saving bravely at the feet of Raheny's hard working midfielder Paddy O'Higgins. Gary Caffrey almost made an instant impact as he raced onto a through ball from Aaron McLoughlin. However he opted to pass when a shot looked on and the opportunity passed. Athletic survived a clearance off the line after a corner, and a goalmouth scramble to force the game into extra time.

Corners and free kicks abounded in extra time with Athletic generally having the upper hand. David Lynch and Aaron McLoughlin dominated midfield, while Connor Smith, relocated to right and later left wing gave his markers a torrid time. Mullingar's defence of Conor O'Keeffe, Brendan Flynn, Dean McNichlaus and Conor Slevin got tighter and more determined as the game continued. Still, Raheny hit the angle of post and crossbar with a header from a corner before Gary Caffrey did the same for Athletic. Thomas Doyle had a shot cleared off the line with the goalie beaten just before the whistle blew for full time.

A combination of brave hearts and cool heads won the tie for Mullingar. Conor O'Keeffe and Connor Smith sent the keeper the wrong way, while Darragh Keena was very unlucky to see his shot rebound after striking both posts. Adam Daly's powerful shot crept under the keeper, while Dean McNichlaus and Conor Slevin both cheekily fired down the middle knowing the keeper would dive. All of this would have been to no avail had not man-of-the-match John Sheridan saved his second penalty of the day, and when Raheny fired their sixth penalty wide Athletic had the glory.

Team: John Sheridan, Conor O'Keeffe, Conor Slevin, Brendan Flynn, Dean McNichlaus, Aaron McLoughlin, Keith Hope, David Lynch, Connor Smith, Thomas Doyle, Darragh Keena, Adam Daly, Noel Gavin, Mark Radford, Gary Caffrey.

Under 14 captain raises the Brendan Harmon Cup

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Athletic Girls shine in Inter-League Tournament

Julie McLaughlin, Megan Brick, Sarah Keegan and Sinead Morrissey from Athletic's under 16 squad represented the club on a representative Midland League team tournament which took place last weekend. The girls played their part in securing victory in the tournament defeating teams from the North and South Dublin leagues, Salt Hill Devon and the Wexford representative team. Well done to the girls .

Under Ten Texoil Cup

Team: Troy Maher, Travis Dempsey, Ronan Burke, ColinMcGowan, Luke Tormey, Niall Gavin, Shane O'Keeffe, Rory Fagan, Conor McCrossan, Glen Gaffney, James Monaghan, Jake O'Meara, Oisin Quinn

Ballinasloe 1

Mullingar Athletic 0

(after extra time)

The under 10 Tigers had their dream of cup glory shattered at the last moment when Ballinasloe scored in the last minute of extra time. Despite a long period without a competitive fixture, Athletic took the game to Ballinasloe from the start. A low Niall Gavin cross was volleyed just over by Rory Fagan and Glen Gaffney broke down the right, only to shoot wide. Defender, Ronan Burke was lost to injury early on, but his replacement, Troy Maher, had an excellent game.

However it was Ballinasloe who came nearest to scoring when their speedy attackers broke through the Mullingar defence. Goalie, Luke Tormey, came to the rescue with two excellent saves, and Travis Dempsey and Shane O'Keeffe had to get in strong tackles to stem the flow.

The fresh legs of Jake O'Meara and James Monaghan seemed to tilt the balance back in Mullingar's favour in the second half. However, despite plenty of possession and some good passing moves, they failed to test the opposition keeper. Two free kicks from the edge of the box were driven into the wall, and two corners were easily cleared by the capable Ballinasloe defence. Oisin Quinn's introduction on the right almost produced dividends when a Shane O'Keeffe pass found him in space, but he shot wide. Ballinasloe had their chances also but wayward shooting left the two teams scoreless at the end of normal time.

Extra time saw no clear cut opportunities until a minute from the end. Just when the dreaded penalty shootout loomed, a pass from midfield evaded the Mullingar defence, and the opposition attacker fired an unstoppable shot to the roof of the net.

Mullingar hearts were broken, but all the players can take pride in their performance, and will remember the experience of playing in Athlone Town's fine stadium.

Squad: Luke Tormey, Travis Dempsey, Ronan Burke, Troy Maher, Glen Gaffney, Niall Gavin, Shane O'Keeffe, Rory Fagan, Jake O'Meara, Oisin Quinn, James Monaghan, Colin McGowan, Conor McCrossan.

Under 14 Dublin District Soccer League

Mullingar Athletic 6

Mountview Boys 0

Athletic's under 14 premier team have one hand on the league trophy after this fine win at Gainstown on Saturday. The home side showed their intent from the start and after just five minutes a Conor O'Keeffe shot from the edge of the box was touched onto the bar. Shortly afterwards, Connor Smith opened the scoring with a powerful strike across the visiting keeper and into the far corner. He was on hand again to tap in the simplest of opportunities after Thomas Doyle had nodded the ball over the keeper. In between he turned provider, crossing for Conor O'Keeffe whose shot was again touched onto the woodwork. He repeated this move just before half time setting up Thomas Doyle who drilled his shot under the goalie. Mountview had their moments also, but with one exception, the watertight defence of Keith Hope, Brendan Flynn, Dean McNicholas and Conor Slevin gave home 'keeper, John Sheridan, very little to do.

It was a different story at the other end, however, as the visitors custodian saved his team from a more embarrassing defeat. Not even his heroics could stop Thomas Doyle curling a shot from outside the box into the top corner at the beginning of the second half. Brendan Flynn's switch to the front line paid dividends almost immediately as he raced onto a long pass from defence and lobbed the goalie.The scoring was completed when Conor O'Keeffe jinked past two defenders and slotted the ball into the corner of the net.

With two games left, Athletic cannot be caught on points and have a much superior goal difference.

Team: David Lynch, Darragh Keena, Connor Smith, Adam Daly, Gary Caffrey, John Sheridan, Dean McNicholas, Thomas Doyle, Brendan Flynn, Keith Hope, Conor Slevin, Conor O'Keeffe, Mark Radford, Aaron McLoughlin

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Week Ending 20th April 2008

DDSL U14 CAMPAIGN GAINS MOMENTUM

Athletic's under 14s weather-ravaged campaign roared back into life in April with six wins in three weeks, the latest a bruising encounter with much fancied Shamrock Rovers. Having beaten the same opposition recently at home in both the league and cup semi-final, the trip to Tymon Park would have been daunting enough travelling with a full squad. However, injuries, suspensions, and family bereavements deprived Athletic of five first team regulars, forcing them to travel with just 11 players.

Despite this Mullingar took the game to Rovers from the start and were rewarded when a Conor O'Keeffe free kick was met at the far post by a trademark Thomas Doyle header. A Connor Smith volley was touched onto the post, as was an Adam Daly shot , while at the other end, John Sheridan held a high cross well despite being pushed into the post. Rovers threatened regularly but the visiting defence of Eimhin O'Donnell, Brendan Flynn Conor O'Keeffe and Conor Slevin coped confidently and stylishly with everything thrown at them.The latter was one of four players treated for injuries following robust challenges in the first half alone, but this only added to his determination not to yield.

Early in the second period Connor Smith cut in from left midfield, exchanged passes with Thomas Doyle and finished with aplomb, to give Athletic a two goal cushion.This didn't last long though as a Rovers corner was headed in unchallenged. Thereafter, the game could have gone either way. Gary Caffrey, hamstrung from early in the first half, almost reached a Darragh Keena cross, and the latter forced a good save from the home keeper when he forced his way through alone. John Sheridan saved brilliantly twice at the bottom corner at the expense of a corner each time and these were defended more resolutely. Still, the Rovers scorer headed one just over and one wide. With time running out the home team piled on the pressure. An extended goalmouth scramble saw Conor Slevin clearing off the line, and John Sheridan claw away from the top corner as the home support had already started cheering the equaliser.

Overall, Athletic's perfect mix of quality passing football and sheer determination to succeed was enough to shade the tie. This run of results puts them on top of the table on goal difference but with three games in hand on Shamrock Rovers. However, old rivals, Raheny, loom on the horizon in both the league cup final and the last remaining away league fixture, which could also be a title decider.

Team: John Sheridan, Eimhin O'Donnell, Brendan Flynn, Conor O'Keeffe, Conor Slevin, Thomas Doyle, Keith Hope, Adam Daly, Darragh Keena, Gary Caffrey, Connor Smith.

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Week Ending 23rd March 2008

Under 11 Squad takes League title

In a stylish performance in Gainstown last Saturday the Under 11 squad in the Midlands League clinched the league title when they overcame Portlaoise Town on a 4 nil scoreline.  Coached by Barry Smith and Noel Dempsey this squad stepped up to 11-a-side football very quickly and have played consistently well throughout the season to justifiably claim the title.

On a lovely morning for football the team set about their task from the kick off, never allowing the opposition an opportunity to take the initiative in the match.  The team showed great team spirit as they worked for each other throughout, with no player seeking individual glory but always seeking to pass the ball to a teammate whenever possible.  Athletic had a number of chances in the opening half before Ryan Dempsey opened the scoreline with a fine strike.

With the scoreline at just one goal at halftime the team was aware that they needed to take their opportunitites in the second to ensure that Portlaoise could not steal back into the game.  So they did with goals from Mark Geoghegan and a further goal from Ryan Dempsey.  Substitute Frankie Nwokeiwu finished a fine cross from right winger Benny Groome who had a great game, and was unlucky not to score himself as he watched three shots hit either the upright or crossbar.

Good delivery of ball was crucial to this success with the Mullingar midfield players working well to win and pass the ball forward.  While the defence was not under huge pressure they coped very well with all threats.  Keeper Conor Bracken played well as a sweeper behind the four defensive players and also dealing capably with the small number of shots on his goals.  This was a great team performance in which it would be unfair to single out any players for special mention.  If the squad continue to play as well for the remainder of the season they should also lift the Under Midlands League Cup.  Well done to coaches Barry and Noel and all of the squad members.

Team: Conor Bracken, Eoghan Smyth, Paraic McComb, Conor Hynes, Liam O'Reilly, Gavin Glennon, Mark Geoghegan, Jordan warde, Ryan Dempsey, Owen Loran, Benny Groome, Franklin Nwokeiwu and Mark Nangle.

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Mullingar Athletic Girls Shine in International Challenge

Four of Mullingar Athletic's under sixteen squad played on a Midland Representative side against an Irish International squad in Athlone last weekend.  All four girls - Julie McLaughlin, Aoife Brady, Megan Brick and Ciara Blundell played in what was a very entertaining encounter with the game ending on a scoreline of 2 - 2 .  Well done to the girls on their fine performances.

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Pumas Under 12 2nd March 2008

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Weekending 17th February 2008

Under 14 Girls kept busy

The under 14 girls had a very busy week during the recent school break with two league matches played and also a friendly match against a Longford league team. They emerged victorious in all games to keep their league title challenge intact.

Killavilla 3

Mullingar Athletic 6   (B.Heslin 4, S.Morrissey 2)

Athletic made the long trip to Roscrea to take on local team Killavilla on Saturday the 9th. They eventually emerged victorious after a tough struggle. Having led 3 - 1 midway through the second half, Killavilla pulled back to level the score at 3 each before further scores from Bridget Heslin and Sinead Morrissey ensured victory for Athletic.

Best for Athletic on the day were Shona Gavin who had a very solid game in goals and was well protected by her back four led by Emer Treacey. Nicky Feery had an outstanding game in midfield with scoring honours going to Bridget Heslin who scored 4 and Sinead Morrissey who scored the other 2 goals. Special mention must also be made of the under 12 players who stepped up at short notice to fill in for unavailable regulars and played very well, namely Aoife Dempsey, Emer Donohue and Clare Coyne.

Team:

Shona Gavin, Clare Coyne, Emer Treacey, Natasha Donnelly, Shannon McGuiness, Aoife Dempsey, Sinead Morrissey, Emma Woodhouse, Nicky Feery, Bridget Heslin, Emer Donohue.

Mullingar Athletic  2     (M. Robinson 2)

Longford League  1

The girls took on the Longford League representative team in Gainstown on Thursday and emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins after a very competitive match.

Playing against the wind in the first half Athletic defended very well with the back four of Lauren Tynan, Carol Stephens, Natasha Donnelly and Emily Walkin working very hard to keep the Longford attack at bay. Shona Gavin in goals made a couple of good saves when required. It was the home side however who took the lead following an excellent move in the 15th minute. Sinead Morrissey and Tara Fagan combined to set up Muirhne Robinson who outpaced the centre half to score an excellent goal.

Athletic dominated possession in the second half and increased their lead in the 40th minute when Fiona Robinson and Natasha Donnelly set up Muirhne Robinson who once again beat the Longford goalkeeper. Athletic really should have scored several more goals with Shannon McGuinness impressive up front and very unlucky not to open her account for the club. The game reached its conclusion when Longford scored an excellent consolation goal which their efforts deserved.

Team:

Shona Gavin, Lauren Tynan, Carol Stephens, Natasha Donnelly, Emily Walkin, Fhiona Robinson, Sinead Morrissey, Tara Fagan, Nicky Feery, Muirhne Robinson, Shannon McGuinness.

Mullingar Athletic 8   (K.Hegarty 3, S.Morrissey 3, E.Woodhouse, F.Robinson)

Banagher 0

Athletic had a facile victory over Banagher in Gainstown on Saturday. An early goal from a corner by Emma Woodhouse settled Athletic down. Banagher did put together a few useful attacks which were repelled by a solid Athletic defence in Lauren Tynan, Emer Treacey, Emily Walkin and the outstanding Carol Stephens. Further goals by Sinead Morrissey, Karen Hegarty and Fhiona Robinson ensured victory before the half time break.

Athletic pressed home their advantage in the second half with Morrissey and Hegarty completing their hat tricks to keep a 100% record in the league.

Team:

Shona Gavin, Lauren Tynan, Carol Stephens, Emer Treacey, Emily Walkin, Fhiona Robinson, Tara Fagan, Sinead Morrissey, Emma Woodhouse, Muirhne Robinson, Karen Hegarty.

Subs: Nicola Murphy for Tynan, Ciara O'Dowd for Walkin, Bridget Heslin for M.Robinson.

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September 2007

NDSL U-14 Academy team which won the Czech Budweis Cup 2007 held in the Czech Republic during the last week of July.

Four players from Mullingar Athletics' U-14 Premier team- Steven Gilmore, Mark Connaughton, John Heslin and Jake Byrne recently travelled to the Czech Republic with the NDSL Academy squad to compete in a prestigious international soccer tournament. Teams from 12 countries took part including England, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. The Irish team had a fantastic tournament winning all their games scoring 19 goals and only conceding one! Congratulations to the four Mullingar boys who played a major part in their team's success.

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August 2007

Managers needed

Managers are needed for next season's under ten squads - if your child attended the 10am coaching session last season and you are interested in managing/assisting a team please contact Donal O'Keeffe at 087- 2610033. Also a manager is needed for the NDSL under 14 Premier squad - if interested please contact Liam McGovern at 087- 6471502.

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June 2007—weekend 23rd/24th

Athboy Super Sevens

Two Mullingar Athletic teams travelled to Athboy last weekend to take part in this annual tournament for Under 10s and Under 11s. The Under 11 squad, coached by Trevor Thompson and Paul Brannigan, played very well, beating Torro Utd, Navan Utd, Athboy and Enfield to reach the final against Navan Town. The final began as a very close affair with Athletic taking the lead after 7 minutes. Navan pressed forward in search of the equaliser and forced Athletic to concede a penalty kick. However, Athletic goalkeeper for this game, Ben Thompson, pulled off a top drawer save to deny Navan their equaliser. Had they scored, the final result might have been very different.  However, Athletic held firm and ran out comfortable winners on a 4 nil scoreline. The Under 10 squad also had a very successsful tournament, winning through to the final but losing on the narrowest of scorelines. (Full report in next weeks papers).

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June 2007

MAFC Under 14 League Champions

Under 14 Premier Side Secure League Title

Congratulations to the Under 14 North Dublin League side who secured the premier league title following an emphatic 7 - 2 victory over Boyne Rovers in their last match in the league campaign last Sunday 10th June 2007.  This team, coached by Gerry Austin and Aidan Kirwan have played consistently well throughout the season.

Under 15 B Division side in League Play off

Next Sunday 17th June 2007, the Mullingar Athletic Under 15 B Division side face Rush Athletic in a play off for the runners up slot in the league table. They are wished every success.

Under 13 Side Secure Second Place in League Table

Congratulations to the Under 13 North Dublin League side who have secured second place in the A Division in that League.  This team, coached by Trevor Thompson and Paul Brannigan, continue to build on the successes of previous seasons.

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Megan Brick Called up for Irish Under 16 Girls International Trial

Congratulations to Megan Brick, Gainstown, Mullingar who is a member of the Mullingar Athletic Under 15 girls squad and who has been called up for a trial Saturday 2 June 2007 with the Under 16 Republic of Ireland international squad. Megan is wished every success.

John Heslin Awarded Full International Cap in the Celtic Tri-Nations Tournament

Congratulations to John Heslin, member of the Mullingar Athletic Under 14 Premier Division squad, who won a full competitive international cap when he started for the Republic of Ireland Under 15 International A squad against Northern Ireland in the Celtic Tri-Nation tournament played in Dublin last weekend. Although there was no score by either side in the match all of the reports indicate that John was very impressive throughout. John was also due to start against Wales in the remaining game of the tournament.

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Tough Break for Mullingar Under 16 Boys in Cup Final

Mullingar Athletic Under 16 boys lost out on Saturday last by the only goal of the match in the final of the Ken McKay League Cup Final.

The match was keenly fought between the Mullingar boys and Ashbourne United. Ashbourne were a strong physical side who asserted their presence. Mullingar Played the better quality football and were very unlucky not to have come out on top when they played great football, particularly in the first 20 minutes of the second half.

Ashbourne were the stronger in the first half. Often lobbing high balls into Athletics penalty box. However Daragh Daly in goal dealt well with the aerial threat.

Barry Beglan at centre half gave a solid performance. Tony Dunne and Danny McConnell worked tirelessly in midfield. Tony was unlucky not to get through on occasions when his final run into the penalty area was thwarted by Ashbourne defenders. Just before half time Stephen Ronan had a shot blocked when he was poised to unleash a score. Mullingar Athletic lost their influential fullback and Captain Kevin Nea when he was recklessly fouled.

The side were nil all at half time.

The second half saw the game open up. At this stage Mullingar were playing great football, and put Ashbourne under considerable pressure. Adrian Gilmore almost got on the end of a great cross, but ended up in the net himself.

Just as it appeared the Mullingar boys were dominating Ashbourne gained a corner. Although cleared by Mullingar defenders, the ball fell fortuitously to an Ashbourne player outside the penalty area, who drilled his shot through a number of players into the net.

The Mullingar boys responded with determination and passion in the final 15 minutes as is their character. Adam Corroon had a good opportunity near the end but his shot was well saved. Barry Beglan came close with a diving header just wide.

Unfortunately time ran out for the Athletic side. Ashbourne defended well and in numbers.

The final whistle brought scenes of dejection for the Mullingar boys. However, they can be proud of the manner in which they fought bravely and honestly throughout the game. Each player gave his all. It was a game that could easily have been Athletics.

This ends the season for the Under 16 squad. They have had a good year in their league. They qualified for the last 16 in the S.F.A.I. National Cup and did themselves and the Club proud.

TEAM:  Darragh Daly, Adam Corroon, Barry Beglan, Sean Lynch, Kevin Nea, Danny McConnell, Tony Dunne, Eddie Beere, Adrian Gilmore, Kevin Smith, Stephen Ronan

Subs:  Niall Hardiman for Kevin Nea, James Daly for Eddie Beere, Kevin Healion

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May 2007

Under 15 Girls Team: Sarah Gerraghty, Cloda Gill, Shauna Butterly, Rachel Gallagher, Sarah Keegan, Deniece Egan, Ciara Blundell, Amy Donoghue, Aoife Brady, Leanne Hendley, Karen Butterly, Michelle Murtagh, Caitlin Mangan, Megan Brick, Julie McLaughlin and Karen Hegarty.

Under 13 Boys with their coaches Donal O’Keefe and Dominic McLaughlin Team: David Lynch, Sean Daly, John Sheridan, Adam Daly, Dean McNicholas, Thomas Doyle, Conor Smith, Brendan Flynn, Emmanuel Ojuko, Ciaran Fagan, Conor Slevin, Aaron McLaughlin, Conor O’Keefe, David Whelan and Dara McLaughlin

Presentation of Joe Kirby Cup by NDSL Honorary Chairman Liam Farrell to Mullingar Athletic Under 13 Captain

FAI Summer Soccer Camp 9th to 13th July

The FAI will hold their popular childrens Summer Soccer Camp in Gainstown from July 9th to 13th. Application forms available from 6pm each weekday in the Clubhouse in Gainstown,. Completed forms and payment must be returned directly to the FAI as the Club cannot accept bookings. Alternatively bookings can be made by clicking on the FAI link on our home page. For bookings made before 1st June 2007, the FAI will provide each child with a free personalised jersey. Cost of the camp is 89Euros. Places will be allocated by the FAI on a first come first served basis.

Under 13 Premier Squad capture the Joe Kirby Cup

Mullingar Athletic 4 Ratoath 1

(Conor O'Keefe, Adam Daly, David Whelan and Conor Smith)

The Mullingar Athletic Under 13 North Dublin League Premier squad achieved the double when they followed their league championship with the Joe Kirby Cup last Sunday. Playing with considerable style and confidence throughout Athletic were well deserving of the victory. This was a great team performance in which the squad's mixture of passion and skill meant that from early on in the match there was only going to be one winner. Despite the scoreline, though, this was not a one sided match with Ratoath gamely persevering to the final whistle.

Played in the grounds of Lusk Utd, Ratoath started the brighter and launched a number of attacks into the Athletic half. However the Athletic back four of Dean McNicholas, Brendan Flynn, Conor O'Keefe and Conor Slevin were more than a match for the opposition, and this steadfast defence continued throughout the match. In Athletic's second attack, a half chance fell to Conor Smith who had the tightest of angles from which to shoot to see his shot tail over the crossbar. Athletic opened their scoring in the 12th minute with an excellently taken corner kick from Conor O'Keefe which deceived everybody, including the Ratoath Keeper, to enter the net directly. Ratoath responded immediately but their chance was wasted when the eventual shot sailed over the Athletic Keeper Seanie Daly's crossbar.

Athletic increased their lead 3 minutes later when Conor Smith did extremely well to take down the ball with his back to goal, skilfully turn and finish with an unstoppable shot to the net despite the best efforts of a Ratoath defender. Ratoath again attempted to get back into the game and began a great move with a ball over the Athletic midfield to release their right winger. He put in a great cross but his fellow centreforward volleyed over the crossbar. There was no further score in the first half despite good efforts by Conor Smith, David Lynch, Adam Daly and Dean McNicolas from a free kick. Ratoath were very thankful to their Keeper who played brilliantly during this stage of the game. Athletic maintained the pressure on their opponents, with the forward pairing of Thomas Doyle and Conor Smith working hard alongside the midfield partnership of Aaron McLaughlin, David Whelan, David Lynch and Adam Daly to break down Ratoath attacks before they posed problems closer to goal.

With just a two goal advantage at half time Athletic knew that they could not afford to let Ratoath back into the game. The Ratoath Keeper again saved the blushes of his teammates when he pulled off a string of top drawer saves from Adam Daly and Conor Smith. Athletic then began to show their skill and confidence with fluid, calm passing with midfielders not afraid to lay the ball back to their fullbacks who then were perfectly placed to begin the next Athletic attacks. Good passing interplay saw a number of promising Athletic attacks end with some marginal off side decisions to deny the forwards. The match effectively ended as a contest when David Whelan, who was excellent throughout, scored from 20 yards. Conor Smith deservedly got his name on the scoresheet for a second time when he headed to goal from a superbly weighted cross by Thomas Doyle. Ratoath then scored a consolation late goal when their Captain cleverly chipped over the head of the advancing Keeper Seanie Daly. Overall this was a great team performance by Athletic.

The final whistle was greeted with delight by the squad members and sizeable number of parents and family members who had travelled to support them. Team Captain Dean McNicholas gratefully accepted the cup from NDSL Honorary Chairman Liam Farrell and made a very appropriate speech in which he congratulated the opposition and thanked the team coaches Donal O'Keefe and Dominic McLaughlin and parents for their help and support.

Squad: Seanie Daly, David Whelan, Brendan Flynn, Conor Slevin, Dean McNicholas, Adam Daly, David Lynch, Conor O'Keeffe, Emmanuel Ojuko, Connor Smith, Thomas Doyle, John Sheridan, Aaron McLoughlin.

Heartbreak for Under 15 Girls in Cup Final

Mullingar Athletic 0 Bealnamulla 0 (aet Bealnamulla win on penalties)

In Birr last Saturday the Mullingar Athletic Under 15 girls faced close rivals and league champions Bealnamulla, in the final of the Midland Schoolboys and Schoolgirls Cup competition. This was a very close game with both sides having periods of dominance. From early on it was apparent that this fixture was going to be decided by whoever scored the first goal with both sets of defenders and Keepers playing so well. However, neither side managed to break the deadlock in ordinary time so the game went to extra time. Again, there was no score and the fixture had to be decided by means of the dreaded penalty shootout, with Bealnamulla emerging victors.

Bealnamulla played with the benefit of a strong breeze in the opening half, which caused some initial difficulties for Athletic. However, the defence of Julie McLaughlin, Sarah Keegan, Leanne Hendley, Aoife Brady and Keeper Deniece Egan dealt very capably with the early Bealnamulla attacks. Athletic began to pick up their own tempo and made a number of promising attacks. In the 10th minute Megan Brick played a great through ball, which split the opposition defence, but the ball ran out over the end line before Karen Hegarty could gather it. Bealnamulla were particularly strong from set pieces, one of which eventually led to the forced substitution of Keeper Egan who picked up an injury when she bravely advanced to punch a ball clear from an onrushing opponent. Her replacement in goals, Sarah Keegan, played equally well between the sticks.

Athletic had a number of half chances coming up to the break. Ciara Blundell was unlucky when her deceptive chip from the right sideline sailed over the head of the stretching opposition Keeper and just over the bar. On the stroke of halftime, Shauna Butterly, returning from injury, was unlucky with a shot from 20 metres.

The Athletic bench of Dominic Mclaughlin, Lilly Brick and Rita Blundell, made a number of positional changes and substitutions early in the second half in an effort to break the deadlock. Shauna Butterly was again unlucky not to score when her strong run forward with the ball brought her to the edge of the 6 yard box. The game ebbed and flowed with both sides creating chances but no breakthrough. Extra time began with some momentary concern for the Athletic supporters when Bealnamulla were awarded a freekick in a dangerous position. However, Substitute Keeper Sarah Keegan pulled off a great save to deny them. Athletic played some great passing football during extra time when they used their wide players very well to get in behind the Bealnamulla defence. In one fine move, Megan Brick interplayed well with Ciara Blundell to free Substitute forward Tara Fagan whose shot forced a fine save from the Bealnamulla netminder. In the next attack Athletic forced their way into the opposition area to see their claim for a penalty for a hand ball waved away by the referee.

With no change in the scoreline the fixture went to penalties. Supporters and team officials agreed that this is a complete lottery and either side could win. Unfortunately it was not to be Athletic's day, with Bealnamulla eventually claiming victory. This Athletic squad need not be downhearted for too long as they matched the league champions throughout the game for passion, skill and hardwork.

Squad: Deniece Egan, Sarah Gerraghty, Julie Mclaughlin, Cloda Gill, Shauna Butterly, Karen Butterly, Rachel Gallagher, Sarah Keegan, Ciara Blundell, Megan Brick, Amy Donoghue, Karen Treacy, Tara Fagan, Aoife Brady, Leanne Hendley, Michelle Murtagh, Caitlin Mangan and Karen Hegarty.

Under 11 Girls Shield Final

On a windy blustery evening last Friday the girls of Mullingar U-11 Cheetahs team lined out against the Banagher U-11 girls in the Midland League Girls U-11 Shield Final in Killeigh. Mullingar played with the wind in the first half and created several opportunities. Fiona Austin hit the post following a wonderful passing movement involving Laura Hegarty and Clare Coyne. Fiona and Aoife McAlaney were also involved in putting the ball inches wide a few minutes late. Mullingar were putting on a lot of pressure but were caught out in mid-field when Banagher had players to spare and scored a good goal against the run of play with five minutes of the first half to play.

In the second half Mullingar were forced to take the game to the opposition, accepting the possibility of counter attacks from the Banagher side playing with the strong wind. Orla McLaughlin pulled off some fine saves and the Mullingar backs of Lara Hunt, Aoife Dempsey and Karen Lynch did huge work in keeping the difference to one goal. As the minutes counted down Mullingar put on more pressure but a quick long clearance by the Banagher goalie opened space and Banagher again took the opportunity. In the dying minutes Banagher added on a third goal.

This is the end of the season for the Cheetahs. The squad, managed by John Hunt and coached by martin McAnnaney, enjoyed the games in the league and championship. They made a lot of friends and enjoyed the companionship of each other. We're looking forward to a new season after the Summer and hopefully we'll go all the way next time and win the final.

Squad: Clare Coyne, Eadaon Conway, Eimear Donoghue, Karen Lynch, Grainne Ward, Katie Gavin, Aoife Dempsey, Fiona Austin, Bridgid Heslin, Orla McLoughlin, Lara Hunt, Aoife McAlaney & Laura Hegarty.

Under 16 Premier Squad in Ken McKay Cup Final

Best wishes to Tom Ryder's Under 16 Premier Division charges who face Ashbourne in the Final of the Under 16 Ken McKay Cup in the Boyne Rovers grounds, Parkview, Drogheda at 11.30am next Saturday morning.

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May 2007

Six members of the Under 13 premier squad
selected to participate on the League representative squad
in the Kennedy Cup tournament in Limerick in May 2007

Under 13 Premier League

Swords Rovers 1   Mullingar Athletic 3

The U-13s impressive form continued with their fourteenth straight league win. The home side were put under pressure from the start and found themselves a goal down after just four minutes. Mullingar midfielder David Lynch met a headed clearance at the edge of the box and fired a powerful shot to the back of the net. Swords attacks were spearheahed by their impressive righr winger and Athletic left back, Conor Slevin, had to be in top form to contain him. Despite having the lions share of possession, the visitors fail to score again in the first half.

This was remedied early in the second period when a Conor O'Keeffe corner was headed in by Thomas Doyle. Swords dogged resistance continued however, and they were given a lifeline in unusual circumstances. A Mullingar clearance hit the referee and Swords broke through on the right. The cross was uncharacteristically spilled and tapped in by the lucky centre forward. Making light of this setback, Athletic surged forward and forced a free on the left. Floated over by Dean McNicholas, it was headed across the box to where David Whelan had lost his marker. Despite the goalies good positioning, he fired an unstoppable volley in off the foot of the post. More chances were created, mostly by Athletic, but there were no more goals. However, the visitors were happy with a 3-1 win over a team who, until recently, were in contention for the title.

This happiness turned to delight later in the day when it was found that Athletic's points total could not be bettered and they were declared league champions.

Squad: Seanie Daly, David Whelan, Brendan Flynn, Conor Slevin, Dean McNicholas, Adam Daly, David Lynch, Conor O'Keeffe, Emmanuel Ojuko, Connor Smith, Thomas Doyle, John Sheridan, Aaron McLoughlin.

North Dublin Schoolboys Under 13 League - Athletic win Premier Title

Congratulations to the Mullingar Athletic Under 13 Premier side who clinched the league title last Sunday with six games yet unplayed. Coached by Dominic Mclaughlin and Donal O'Keefe this squad have been very consistent throughout the season, unbeaten in all 14 games played to date. Six members of the squad have been selected to join the NDSL Kennedy Cup squad which has been in training for the past number of months culminating in a trip to Germany at the end of the month and the prestigious Under 13 Kennedy Cup tournament in Limerick in June. This league success is well deserved and the team now look forward with confidence to their Joe Kirby Cup final against close rivals Ratoath next Sunday. Best wishes to all concerned.

4 Mullingar Athletic Underage Teams in Final Action next Weekend

Best wishes to 4 Mullingar Athletic underage teams who are involved in cup and shield finals next weekend. First out of the blocks will be the Under 11 Cheetahs girls squad, trained by John Hunt and Martin McAnnaney, who face Banagher in the Midland League Under 11 shield final.in Killeigh on Friday evening (time to be confirmed). The Under 15 Girls, coached by Dominic McLaughlin, Rita Blundell and Lilly Brick, then face old rivals Bealnamulla in the Cup final in Birr on Saturday, kick off 11.15am..

On Sunday the Under 13 Boys Premier Division squad face Ratoath in the North Dublin Schoolboys Cup final in Lusk United grounds, kick off 2pm. Closer to home the Under 11 Wolves squad, trained by Paul Clarke and Trevor Thompson, face League champions Ballinalsoe in the Cup final in Iona Park, Athlone at 4.30pm. Best wishes to all players and coaches involved. Parents and Club supporters are urged to support these teams in their quest for glory.

John Heslin Selected for Celtic Tri-Nations Tournament

Congratulations to John Heslin, member of the Mullingar Athletic Under 14 Premier squad, who has been selected for the Republic of Ireland Under 15 International squad to take part in the Celtic Tri-Nation tournament. Also taking part are Wales and Northern Ireland and the tournament will take place in Dublin over the weekend of 25 to 27 May. John is wished every success in this tournament.

North Dublin Schoolboys Under 15 League - Athletic win Premier Title

Congratulations to the Mullingar Athletic Under 15 Premier side who clinched the league title last Sunday week with two games yet unplayed. Coached by Willie Geraghty and Richie Fagan this squad have been very consistent throughout the season, winning 9 games to date and drawing 2. The team effectively set themselves up for league success when they comprehensively beat closest rivals, Balbriggan, on a 4 nil scoreline in Gainstown. This success is well deserved for a team which has been going from strength to strength each season, having won the Pat McCarton Cup last season and a superb SFAI Cup run.

Athletic Cubs Win Under 10 Athlone and District Schoolboys League Title

In a thrilling match last Sunday afternoon Mullingar Athletic Under Ten Cubs faced Saint Joseph's in the Division Two League decider in the newly opened Athlone Town Stadium. This was a game of two halves in which St Josephs had the better of the play in the opening half but Athletic were excellent in the second. Both teams coped well with the wet and slippery conditions after the mornings rain. Athletic were a little nervous to start and allowed St Josephs to dictate the pace of the game. Although under pressure in this opening half the Athletic Keeper Conor Duncan and central defenders Johnathan Donnelly and Kieran Frayne did very well to keep the opposition at bay. Just before half time Keeper Conor Duncan advanced bravely on a St Jospehs forward who had broken through the Athletic defence and was unlucky not stop the ball enter the net after it had skidded across the wet surface.

Although a goal down at half time Athletic did not panic and played to their strengths in the second half. Led by roving forward Robbie Kenny Athletic began to put some good passing moves together as they got back into the game. They drew level after 15 minutes when Sean Flanagan pounced on the ball some 20 yards from goal to send an unstoppable shot to the top corner. This was no more than the team deserved. Both teams pressed forward in search of the winning score, with a number of excellently timed blocks by the Athletic midfield and defence to deny the opposition. In the last minute of normal time, when both teams were expecting the tie to go to extra time, Michael Brown pulled off a marvellous volley to score from 15 yards. There was still one minute of normal time left and the sizeable crowd of Mullingar fans held their breath as St Josephs pushed forward in search of an equaliser. It was not to be their day, though, and Athletic held out to lift the trophy presented by longtime servant of schoolboys football, Breffni Rowan.

This was no more than the team deserved. Excellently prepared and turned out by Coaches Willie Bowes and Martin Hatchett, assisted by John Donnelly, they were great ambassadors for Mullingar Athletic on this finals day. A word of thanks to all of the parents and relatives who travelled to give the team great support. Finally, well done to the league officials for an excellently organised day.

Squad:  Conor Duncan, Ryan Phillips, Gavin Hanevy, Michael Smith, Robert Kenny, Jonathan Donnelly, Sean Flanagan, Liam Bowes, Michael Sheridan, Michael Brown and Jordan Cully.

Our Under 12 team played St Francis in the Division One decider last Sunday. After twice coming back from a goal down to force the game to extra time the team were unlucky to eventually lose out. Full report in next weeks paper.

MIDLAND SCHOOLGIRLS LEAGUE - U 13 GIRLS

Bealnamulla 2	Mullingar Athletic 3
(J.Byrne 2)	(B. Heslin, C. O'Dowd,   K. Hegarty)

It took great resolve and no little skill for Athletic to record victory over the home side in Athlone last Monday night thereby keeping their league title chances alive. A draw or a win would have sufficed to hand the title to the Shannonsiders but a youthful Athletic team had other ideas and have now put themselves in a postion to take the league title if they win their remaining game. The result was all the more remarkable as Athletic had to field without a number of key players and Bealnamulla had beaten them by a substantial margin in the reverse fixture three weeks ago.

The game started at a frantic pace with both sides attacking at every opportunity. Sinead Morrissey had the first effort for Mullingar in the second minute but shot wide. Bealnamulla then attacked but Maeve Flynn had a shot saved by Clare Bardon in the Athletic goal at the expense of a corner which was well defended by Athletic. It was however the home side who made the breakthrough in the eight minute when a through ball from Ciara Dunning was picked up by Jennifer Byrne who outpaced the Athletic defence before being taken down in the penalty area by Clare Bardon at the expense of a penalty kick. Byrne herself made no mistake from the resultant penalty kick. Athletics' response to this set back was positive with Ciara O'Dowd and Karen Hegarty combining on the right hand side in the 10th minute with the latter sending over a cross which was met by Emma Woodhouse. Woodhouse beat the first defender but her shot was well saved by Emma Freeburn in the Bealnamulla goal. However two minutes later Athletic equalised. Elizabeth Carr won the ball in midfield and found Sinead Morrissey who moved it on to Karen Hegarty. Her cross reached Ciara O'Dowd in the penalty area. Her initial effort hit the cross bar but fell to Bridget Heslin who calmly lobbed the ball over the advancing Freeburn for an excellent equaliser.

In the second quarter Athletic had their best spell of the match with Carr and Morrissey dominating the centre midfield area. The home defence had no answer to the work rate and skill of Ciara O'Dowd and it took a good save by Freeburn and a clearance by Aine McCall to keep her off the scoresheet. However she was to give Athletic the lead in the 18th minute. Once again good interplay between Woodhouse, Morrissey and Hegarty set up O'Dowd on the right hand side of the penalty area and she hit an unstoppable shot into the top right hand corner of the net. The homeside launched most of their attacks down the flanks through Danielle McConnell and Vicky McEnery could not get past the excellent Mullingar full backs Emily Walkin and Tara Fagan, with the latter in particular giving a flawless display in defence.

The second half started with Athletic launching on the attack but excellent defensive work from the Bealnamulla defence particularly Kimberly Finlass and Ciara Dunning prevented the visitors adding further to their score. At the midway point of the half however Bealnamulla began to get the upper hand. Vicky McEnery and Aisling Reynolds both had good chances with the latter hitting the cross bar in the 44th minute. Goalkeeper Claire Bardon then made two excellent saves, one with her feet, to keep the home side at bay. During this period centre halfs Jennifer Hunt and Emer Treacy made several tackles and clearances to keep their line intact. Eventually however the breakthrough was achieved by Bealnamulla with nine minutes to go when a good move down the right involving Danielle McConnell and Vicky McEnery released Jennifer Byrne who fired a shot past Bardon in the Mullingar goal giving the keeper no chance. This provided Bealnamulla with a vital equaliser and would have been sufficient to give them the league title.

As the match entered its final stages Athletic had to dig deep in search of a goal to give them a life line. With Ciara O'Dowd now in midfield and Karen Hegarty at centre forward they somehow stemmed the Bealnamulla tide. As Bealnamulla attacked down the left in the 56th minute Walkin and Treacy combined to win the ball. They played it to Elizabeth Carr who made thirty yards before finding O'Dowd who in turn released Karen Hegarty 40 yards from goal in the outside right position. Hegarty's pace and skill outwitted the Bealnamulla defence and her run took her into the opposition penalty area. The build up and run had been good, but the finish was perfect with Hegarty firing an cross shot into the top right hand corner of Freeburn's goal to restore Athletics' lead.

It was left to the Athletic defence of Walkin, Fagan, Treacy and Hunt to somehow keep out a rampant Bealnamulla in the final minutes of the match with Bardon once again making a tremendous reflex save to ensure that Athletic emerged with the narrowest of victories.

Teams:-

Bealnamulla

Emma Freeburn, Kimberly Finlass, Sarah O'Brien, Aine McCaul, Ciara Dunning, Gillian Egan, Jennifer Byrne, Maeve Flynn, Ashling Lennon, Vicky McEnery, Danielle McConnell.

Subs: Gillian Wall, Emma Brennan, Ruth Duffy.

Mullingar Athletic

Claire Bardon, Emily Walkin, Jennifer Hunt, Eimear Treacy, Tara Fagan, Karen Hegarty, Sinead Morrissey (Captain), Elizabeth Carr, Emma Woodhouse, Ciara O'Dowd, Bridget Heslin

Subs: Nicola Murphy, Lauren Tynan, Shauna Gavin, Laura Kelly

Under 13 Premier Division North Dublin Schoolboys League

Raheny United 0 Mullingar Athletic 1

Athletic's under 13's collected a crucial three points from their only realistic title rivals, Raheny United, at St Annes Park on Sunday. Starting like they meant business, the visitors piled the pressure on the very capable home defence, but took some time to make the breakthrough. Connor Smith had a shot saved at the foot of the post before David Whelan pounced on a headed clearance and sent an unstoppable volley across the goalie and into the top corner. Raheny responded with determination but Athletic keeper Seanie Daly calmly collected each time. Injured David Lynch was replaced by gutsy Ciaran Fagan, and he played his part containing the Raheny left wing challenge. As the end of the first period approached Connor Smith found Thomas Doyle on the corner of the square but his trademark lob over the advancing keeper rolled agonisingly wide.

Raheny laid seige to the visitors goal from the start of the second half and it took a trojan effort from the Mullingar defence to keep them at bay. Full backs Brendan Flynn and Conor Slevin closed down the flanks, and when Raheny attacked through the centre where they were stronger, they found no generosity at the heart of the Mullingar defence. A free kick from midfield was headed just wide, and a snapshot cleared the bar. Seanie Daly turned a powerful low shot around the post and Dean McNicholas headed a corner strongly clear with Raheny's big midfielder about to strike. David Lynch, bravely returning to the fray after a heavy fall in the first half, tackled strongly and used head and feet to clear the lines in a no-nonsense fashion. From one corner, Raheny forced the ball into the net, but were adjudged by the ref to have handled the ball.

After this escape Athletic began to reassert themselves. Determined tackling in midfield from Aaron McLoughlin and Conor O'Keeffe gradually turned the tide and, as the home team pushed forward in search of the equaliser, gaps opened up in their defence. Right winger Adam Daly, working hard all day, forced his way through on two ocassions but was foiled by excellent last ditch tackles, and Thomas Doyle fired a left foot shot from a tight angle just wide.

The home side almost had the last word when their classy central defender struck a powerful shot from outside the box. It was destined for the roof of the net, and the home crowd had even started to cheer, when Seanie Daly nonchalantly touched it over the bar.

This was a game where every member of the squad needed to perform at their best...and they did.

Squad: Seanie Daly, Brendan Flynn, David Lynch, Dean McNicholas, Conor Slevin, David Whelan, Aaron McLoughlin, Conor O'Keeffe, Adam Daly, Connor Smith, Thomas Doyle, Ciaran Fagan.

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Mullingar Under 12 (ADSL Team) who reached the under 12 Division 1 final last week with a fine 2-1 away win over an unbeaten Templevilla Utd with coaches Willie Smith and Gerry Garvey

Under 11 Wolves with their Coaches Trevor Thompson and Paul Clarke Team: Patrick Poynton, Luke Gallagher, Jake Cahill, Shane Fitimons, Luke Loughlin, Thomas Lynn, Owen Clarke, Darren Keena, Jamie Walsh, Ben Thompson, Luke Tynan.

Under 9 Cubs with their Coach Team: Sam Gilmartin, Simon Ivory, Joseph Newman, Darren Hynes, Tiernan Drane,Conor McCrossan, Dylan McQuaid, Patrick Shaw, Leon Hynes, Cathal Byrne, Aidan Keena, Cian McGahern Coaches: Martin McGahern and Paul McCrossan

Under 10 Cubs (Division 2) Mentors at rear, from left, Martin Hatchett, Assistant Manager, Willie Bowes, Manager and John (dozzer) Donnelly, Coach Team: Conor Duncan, Michael Smith, Robert Kenny, Ciaran Frayne, Michael Sheridan, Sean Flanagan, Gavin Hanevy, Jonathan Donnelly, Jordan Cully, Liam Bowes, Michael Browne. May 2007

U16 League Cup Semi-Final

St Kevins 1        Penalty

Mullingar Athletic 1           Stephen Ronan

    Mullingar won 6- 5 on penalties

Mullingar Athletic Under 16 Boys have qualified for the final of the N.D.S.L. League Cup final.

This was a closely fought match with both teams often cancelling each other out with fine defensive marking. In the perfect setting of St. Kevins Boys headquarters in Santry on Sunday last 29th April, supporters from both sides enjoyed this intense duel between two sporting sides.

Mullingar were on balance the better side. Defensively Mulllingar back four of James Daly, Barry Beglan, Sean Lynch and Kevin Nea were tigers in tackles. On the wings Adrian Gilmore and Eddie Beere created great opportunities. Tony Dunne in midfield never stopped working and created the pass for Stephen Ronan to equalize after St. Kevin's scored from the penalty spot. Ken Smith proved incredible in linking attack in Midfield.

Outstanding for Mullingar in midfield was Danny McConnell. He has returned to his best form and played tenaciously and with courage.

Penalties is a cruel way to decide a game. All the first 5 penalties were converted. The sixth taken by Sean Lynch was converted. St. Kevin's had their shot saved by Darragh Daly which led to joyous celebrations by Athletic Boys, Managers and Parents.

Under 13 NDSL Joe Kirby Cup Semi Final

St Columbans 5 Mullingar Athletic 6 (aet)

Athletic's U-13 s staggered through to the cup final following a roller-coaster of a game which gave fabulous entertainment to all spectators and threatened cardiac arrest to the coaches.

Following an early wake-up call when keeper, Seanie Daly, had to dive to his left to save a powerful low drive, the visitors charged forward and blitzed the home goals. Aaron McLoughlin grabbed possession in midfield, passed to Thomas Doyle on the edge of the box, and he unselfishly set up Connor Smith for a well worked opener. Within two minutes, a great David Whelan break from defence allowed Connor Smith to return the favour and Thomas Doyle lobbed the advancing keeper. Half way through the first period the result seemed guaranteed when another Connor Smith goal, again a lob over the home keeper, made it 3-0 to the visitors.

That was when the wheels started to fall off the wagon, influenced to a degree by somewhat erratic refereeing. Facing a free kick from the half way line, the Mullingar defence seemed rooted to the spot when a Columbans forward stole in to glance a header in. Worse was to come within a minute. Caught dribbling the ball out of defence instead of clearing, Athletic lost possession in a dangerous area and paid the price when the ball was rifled into the top corner.

Ten minutes into the second half, thing looked rosy for the visitors again when Danid Whelan raced on to a Thomas Doyle pass and volleyed Rooney-like into the roof of the net. Defensive frailties were exposed again however when a long throw was allowed to bounce in the box and was prodded in. St Columbans had their tails up and grabbed the equaliser when yet another free kick from midfield was glanced past the Athletic goalie. Indeed the home team almost snatched a winner in the last seconds. Their midfielder had a free header from a corner saved ar point blank range by Seanie Daly.

Athletic rediscovered their passing qualities in extra time and in the second period got the reward for their dominance when a Connor Smith pass allowed Thomas Doyle to beat the offside and calmly roll the ball in. This was followed soon after by a sixth goal when Connor Smith swivelled and fired in left footed after good work on the left from Ross Langley. St Columbans never-say-die attitude led to the final bizarre "goal". From the kick off a long wind assisted punt almost caught Mullingar keeper, Seanie Daly, off his line. Backpeddling, he parried the shot just under the bar and dropped it outside the line. From his excellent position on the half way line the referee adjudged the ball to have crossed the goal line. Not even the home support could believe he awarded the score.

Despite this, Athletic held out to claim victory in a game the will linger long in the memory. With quite a few players performing well below par, Athletic could consider themselves lucky that the sterling efforts of David Whelan, Thomas Doyle,Connor Smith and the turbo-charged Aaron McLoughlin were enough. The cup final and the league run-in will demand 100% performance from all.

Squad:  Seanie Daly, David Whelan, Brendan Flynn, Dean McNicholas, David Lynch, Adam Daly, Aaron McLoughlin, Conor O'Keeffe,Connor Smith, Thomas Doyle, John Sheridan, Ciaran Fagan, Ross Langly

Mullingar Athletic teams in Athlone and District League Finals

All roads lead to Athlone Town Stadium on Sunday next when Athletic will be represented in at least two ADSL finals.  The under ten Cubs managed by Willie Bowes and Martin Hatchett face Saint Joseph's in the Division Two decider at 2p.m. Our under twelve team take to the field at three o'clock when they will be pitted against Saint Francis in the Division One decider.  This team is managed and coached by Willie Smyth, Sean Galligan, Mick Feeney and Jerry Garvey.  Paul Clarke's and Trevor Thompson's under eleven Wolves play their cup semi final on Wednesday 2nd May and hopefully will get to represent the club on finals' day.  All teams are wished every success and we encourage all team managers and coaches to travel and support the teams on Sunday next.

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North Dublin Schoolboys League Kennedy Cup Squad

Congratulations to six members of the Under 13 premier squad who have been selected to participate on the League representative squad in the Kennedy Cup tournament in Limerick next month.  They are:

Aaron McLaughlin      Conor O'Keeffe       Conor Smith       Sean Daly          Dean McNicholas          David Whelan

The Kennedy Cup tournament involves representative teams comprising the top players from schoolboys leagues in Ireland and is widely regarded as one of the best such competitions in Europe.

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Weekend 31st March/1st April 2007

Under 10 Semi finalists Mullingar Athletic Cubs

who beat St Francis Kestrels by a goal to nil

on Saturday to qualify for the final

Team: Conor Duncan, Michael Smith, Robert Kenny, Ciaran Frayne, Michael Sheridan, Sean Flanagan, Gavin Hanevy, Jonathan Donnelly, Jordan Cully, Liam Bowes, Michael Browne. Manager: Willie Bowes, Assistant Manager: Martin Hatchett and Coach: John Donnelly.

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See photos of
Total Eclipse of the Moon
Saturday 3rd March 2007

Dublin and District Schoolboys League Under 18 Major Division

Mullingar Athletic 3

Ballyouster United 2

(S. Archibold, C. Reilly,

A. Cashman)

Athletic kept their league title hopes alive when recording victory over the title favourites at Gainstown on Sunday.

Athletic made a storming start to the match pinning Ballyouster back into their own half and were rewarded with the lead in the third minute of the match. Conor Beglan broke down the right and after excellent play between Alan Cashman, Luke Thompson and Simon Quinn the ball arrived with Shane Archibold who outpaced the defence to fire past the Ballyouster keeper. Things improved for Athletic five minutes later when an excellent Daragh Kiernan corner was helped back across the penalty area by Cashman to Conan Reilly who fired home from close range. Athletic continued to attack and incredibly increased their lead in the 16th minute. Aidan Calvey and Luke Thompson linked up down the right, and when the latter's cross was only partially cleared Alan Cashman coolly slotted a left foot shot from the edge of the penalty area into the bottom corner of the Ballyouster goal to establish what was to prove to be the winning margin for the home side.

Some sense of normality returned in the second quarter with Athletic however continuing to dominate possession. With the visitors regaining some composure in defence these efforts were repelled albeit that the keeper had to make good saves from Cashman and Archibold to prevent Athletic from increasing the lead. Ballyouster gave themselves a life line in the 28th minute when a cross from the right wing was headed home by their centre forward with the Mullingar defence appealing for offside. Athletics' response was pretty instant with Cashman being taken down on the edge of the Ballyouster area in the next attack. Daragh Kiernan's low free kick beat the keeper but unfortunately also his left hand post by the narrowest of margins. It was however the Celbridge side who finished the first half scoring when Athletic failed to properly defend a needlessly conceded free kick and Ballyouster's centre half rose highest to send the looping header into the top corner of Jason Daly's net, giving the keeper no chance.

Playing with the assistance of a slight breeze in the second half it was the home side who totally dominated proceedings. In the 48th minute Paul Radford had an excellent first time volley saved by the Ballyouster keeper and three minutes later Conan Reilly's goal bound effort was pushed out at the expense of a corner. In the 59th minute Shane Archibold had a chance to put Athletic out of sight but his excellent first time effort was met with an equally brilliant save by the Ballyouster keeper who managed to get his fingertips to the ball and put it over the bar at the expense of a corner.

Ballyouster were confined to the occasional break away attack but almost equalised from one such effort in the 78th minute. With Athletic on the attack they carelessly lost possession on the edge of the visitor's penalty area. A quick break resulted in the ball eventually arriving with the Ballyouster centre forward in the penalty area. However Jason Daly, who had kept his concentration throughout, advanced well and narrowed the angle before making an excellent save to ensure the three points for the Mullingar side.

This was a tremendous performance by all players but the restructured back four of Calvey, Beglan, McEntee and Reilly performed brilliantly against the highly rated Ballyouster attack with Reilly in particular having an outstanding match at left back thereby minimising the threat posed by the highly rated Ballyouster right winger. The midfield unit were solid with a greatly increased work rate being evident in that area and Luke Thompson giving a very polished performance in an unfamiliar position. Strikers Quinn and Archibold were creative throughout, the latter in particular proving a constant thorn in the side of the visitors defence.

Team:  Jason Daly, Aidan Calvey, Conor Beglan (Captain), Conor McEntee, Conan Reilly, Luke Thompson, Paul Radford, Alan Cashman, Daragh Kiernan, Simon Quinn, Shane Archibold.

Subs:   Joey O'Connor for Calvey;  Gareth Flower for Kiernan.

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Confirmation/First Holy Communion Dates (2007)

Team managers who will be seeking free match days as a result of the impact of Confirmation/First Holy Communion/School Entrance Exams are asked to contact Mary Farrell (in respect of the Athlone Schoolboys League) or Aidan Farrell (in respect of the Midland or North Dublin Schoolboys Leagues) as soon as possible.

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Sunday 25th February 2007

Under 16 SFAI National Cup - last 16

Well done to Mullingar Athletic Under 16 squad for their achievement in reaching the last 16 stage of the SFAI National Cup competition.  Although disappointed with the result against Bohemians FC last Sunday the team was very pleased with the level of support that came out to Gainstown to wish them well.  Thanks to all the parents, family members and Club members for their great support on the day.

Squad:  Darren Daly, Danny McConnell, Niall Hardiman, Barry Beglan, Sean Lynch, Adam Corroon, Tony Dunne, Kevin Nea, Adrian Gilmore, Eddie Beere, Stephen Ronan.  Subs. Christy Coyne and Kevin Healion (missing from photo).

See more photos

See some action from Mullingar Athletic v Bohemians, SFAI match - 25th February 2007

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Under 16 SFAI National Cup - last 16

Best wishes to the Mullingar Athletic Under 16 squad who host Bohemians FC in the last 16 stage of the SFAI National Cup competition at 12 noon next Sunday in Gainstown.  The team deservedly beat another well known and long established Dublin side, St Kevins Boys, in the previous round when they emerged victorious on a two nil scoreline after extra time.  This team, under coach Tom Ryder, play with great passion and team spirit and are certainly well capable of reaching the final stages of this prestigious national competition.  Club members, parents and supporters are encouraged to come along to Gainstown next Sunday morning to cheer on the team - kick off 12 noon.

NDSL Under 13 Kennedy Cup Squad

Congratulations to Conor O'Keefe, Aaron McLaughlin and Conor Smyth who are part of the North Dublin Schoolboys League's Under 13 Kennedy Cup squad which is in Spain throughout this week for a preparatory tournament.

MIDLAND LEAGUE - U 13 GIRLS

Mullingar Athletic 5

Killeigh United 0

(K. Hegarty, C. O'Dowd 2,

N. Donnelly, E. Woodhouse)

The U13 Girls consolidated their position at the top of the league table with a comprehensive win over Killeigh at Gainstown on Saturday.  The home side were slow to get into their stride and it was Killeigh who had the first chance but goalkeeper Emma Duncan made a good save from the visitor's centre forward.  Thereafter Athletic put a few attacks together and took the lead in the 8th minute. Karen Hegarty latched on to a pass from Jennifer Hunt and went off on a blistering run down the right wing before firing an unstoppable shot into the far corner of the Killeigh goals.  Killeigh responded with a number of spirited attacks but could not get through the strong Mullingar defence of Nicola Murphy, Carol Stephens, Tara Fagan and Jennifer Hunt all of whom played extremely well on the day. After weathering the Killeigh pressure Athletic responded with a couple of excellent attacks of their own.  Tara Fagan released Lauren Tynan whose excellent left wing run almost produced a goal but Killeigh cleared at the expense of a corner.  Athletic did however extended their lead with two quick goals before half time.  Natasha Donnelly and Sinead Morrissey both had efforts blocked by an excellent Killeigh keeper before Ciara O'Dowd finished from close range in the 24th minute.  Two minutes later Donnelly recorded a deserved goal herself when she shot past the Killeigh keeper after an excellent run from centre field.

The home side kept up the pressure in the second half and put the match beyond Killeigh's reach in the 36th minute. Emily Walkin and Eimear Treacy combined down the left before setting up Emma Woodhouse who chipped the ball over the Killeigh goalkeeper to seal the tie.  Thereafter Athletic attacked non stop for the remainder of the half but a combination of excellent goal keeping and solid defending kept them at bay.  Sinead Morrisey almost scored in the 46th minute when she latched on to a Shona Gavin pass but her shot hit the frame of the goal and came back into play.  Two minutes later Laura Kelly won the ball and passed it to Donnolly whose goal bound effort was saved by the Killeigh keeper.  Five minutes later Morrissey set up Ciara O'Dowd whose volley from the edge of the box gave the Killeigh goalkeeper no chance to provide a fitting end to an emphatic Mullingar victory.

Squad:

Emma Duncan, Nicola Murphy, Jennifer Hunt, Carol Stephens, Tara Fagan, Karen Hegarty, Natasha Donnelly, Sinead Morrissey, Lauren Tynan, Emma Woodhouse, Ciara O'Dowd, Laura Kelly, Emily Walkin, Eimear Treacy, Shona Gavin.

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Sunday 4th February 2007:

Under 16 S.F.A.I National Cup

"Mullingar Athletic U16's through to last 16 of National Cup."

St. Kevin's Boys Dublin 0      Mullingar Athletic 2

Mullingar Athletic Under 16 boys had a magnificent win on Sunday at the A.U.L. Headquarters in Dublin when they beat St. Kevin's Boys (DDSL) in the SFAI Cup. The Mullingar boys are now in the last 16 of the Schoolboys competition.

Mullingar started the game well in the first attacking move of the game, with a good attack down the left of midfield involving Adrian Gilmore and Stephen Ronan. It was give and take for the first 16 minutes with Athletic boys sometimes struggling with the pace and tempo of the game. St. Kevin's Boys had the greater possession during the first half and moved the ball well. However, Mullingar stayed disciplined. Danny McConnell, playing at right back returned to his old form with solid tackling and distribution. Sean Lynch was equally tenacious at centre half. For a period in the first half St. Kevin's dominated midfield with Athletic struggling to compete.

In the second half the Mullingar boys in midfield performed better. They showed greater determination and composure. Kevin Nea, Tony Dunne and Adam Corroon centred the midfield and competed for every ball. Both Eddie Beere and Adrian Gilmore on the wings caused problems to St. Kevin's with good attacking movement. They also worked hard at helping defend.

Just as Athletic began to dominate, St. Kevin's in a dangerous attack were awarded a penalty when Niall Hardiman handled in the penalty area. A goal loomed. However, the well taken penalty was brilliantly saved by Daragh Daly who dived full length to his left to save. This inspired Athletic, who now attacked with confidence and determination. Stephen Ronan, playing alone up front, began to receive good ball and was unlucky not to score near the end.

Full time arrived with the sides scoreless.

The first period of extra time will long be remembered by Athletic boys. Stephen Ronan had a fine shot saved. The resulting corner was met by a diving header from Barry Beglan which came off the defender on the line hitting the back of the net. This was a great moment for Barry who had played excellently throughout the game at centre half.

Four minutes later Tony Dunne, who working tirelessly throughout, won a ball from a St. Kevin's defender. There followed a purposeful passing movement involving Tony, Niall Hardiman and Adrian Gilmore which unlocked the St. Kevin's defence with Kevin Nea scoring Athletic's second goal from 10 yards.

Athletic were now playing with confidence and purpose, finishing the game with composure and dicipline for the remaining period of extra time. Christy Coyne replaced Adrian Gilmore who had given everything during the game in the final minutes of the match.

This was a well deserved victory for Mullingar Athletic U16 boys. They rose to the pace and skill of the game. More importantly they gave a gutsy display, never stopped working and supporting each other.

Team: Daragh Daly, Danny McConnell, Niall Hardiman, Sean Lynch, Barry Beglan, Adam Corroon, Tony Dunne, Kevin Nea, Adrian Gilmore, Eddie Beere, Stephen Ronan

Subs: Christy Coyne, James Daly, Darragh Cummins, Kevin Healion.

North Dublin League Under 13 Premier Division

Mullingar Athletic 3   St Kevins 0

Athletic's under 13 premier team maintained their 100% record in the league with a hard fought win over third placed St Kevin's. Mullingar started the game in nervous mood and gave their opponents an early oppertunity to score when their free kick cleared the defence but was fired wide. St Kevin's had two more shots on goal before the home team began to assert their authority.

A fine pass from Connor Smith put David Whelan through on goal only for his control to let him down. Thomas Doyle and Aaron McLoughlin had long distance efforts saved by the keeper and Connor Smith jinked through only to be tackled at the last.

The home team began the second half in completely different mood, and opened the scoring in the second attack. A clearance from defence was headed on by Thomas Doyle and Connor Smith held off a strong challenge to fire low across the goalie and in off the far post. The visitors pushed forward searching for the equaliser but found goalie Seanie Daly unbeatable. He punched out one cross under pressure, saved when the visiting number nine was clean through and blocked another goalbound shot with his foot, having dived the other way. There was a scare when the opposition benches screamed for a handball, but the ref waved play on.

The lead was doubled when Connor Smith raced through on the left and lifted the shot over the goalie with Thomas Doyle and David Whelan queueing up for a pass. Minutes later a Thomas Doyle cross overshot the square but was retrieved by Conor O'Keeffe. He dribbled along the goalline and pulled his pass back to the penalty spot where the same pair were ready to pounce. Thomas Doyle put the result beyond doubt.

The final score didn't flatter the home team but it did hide the huge contribution the visitors made to the game. Indeed, if it wasn't for the performance of the home goalie Seanie Daly, and the entire defence, the result could have been quite different. Deserving special mention here were Dean McNicholas and Brendan Flynn who epitomised the teams determination to keep a "clean sheet".

Squad:  Seanie Daly, Brendan Flynn, David Lynch, Dean McNicholas, Aaron McLoughlin, Adam Daly, Conor O'Keeffe, Connor Smith, David Whelan, Thomas Doyle, John Sheridan, Ciaran Fagan.

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W/E 16th/17th November 2006

Under 13 SFAI National Cup

Mullingar Athletic  0

Raheny  0

(Raheny won 6-5 on penalties)

Athletic's under 13 Premier Team suffered it's first defeat of the season last Sunday week and exited the SFAI cup via the most heartbreaking fashion -the dreaded "penalty shoot-out".

Both teams braved the wet blustery conditions, and produced a thrilling and entertaining game of football. Defences reigned supreme on the day with the visiting attack restricted to one breakthrough on goal and no shots on target for the entire game. Mullingar fared a little better, but couldn't convert superiority into goals.

In the first period, Adam Daly charged through on the right only for his square ball to evade all team-mates. Conor O'Keeffe fired one long range free kick just over, and another straight through the wall to the goalie. When Raheny's keeper dropped an Adam Daly corner, Thomas Doyle's volley was blocked by a defender.

Despite the wind favouring the visitors in the second period, Athletic continued to control the game with the back four of Brendan Flynn , Dean McNicholas, and especially David Lynch and Conor Slevin very effectively repelling all attacks. Raheny had done their homework, however, and Mullingar's leading goalscorer, Connor Smith, was doubly marked. The nearest Athletic came to scoring was when David Whelan put Conor O'Keeffe through, and his shot to the top corner was touched around the post by the visiting keeper. Misfortune struck when Mullingar's dynamic midfielder, Aaron McLoughlin, went off injured early in the half, but the fresh legs of Daniel Plant added new impetus. Still, no defence was breached and the game continued through extra time to stalemate and the lottery of penalties.

Mullingar custodian, Seanie Daly, saved the first and got a hand to two more penalties. In the worsening weather conditions, it took nine penalties each to divide the teams and in the end fortune did not favour the brave young men from Mullingar.

Squad:  Seanie Daly, John Sheridan, Brendan Flynn, Dean McNicholas, David Lynch, Conor Slevin, Adam Daly, David Whelan, Aaron McLoughlin, Conor O'Keeffe, Connor Smith, Thomas Doyle, Daniel Plant.

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W/E 25th/26th November 2006

Under 16 SFAI Cup

Mullingar Athletic    2                                 Marino   1

Mullingar Athletic U16 boys scored another notable victory against Marino Boys in the SFAI Cup at Gainstown on Sunday last the 26th November.  In a very evenly fought match both sides created a number of chances in an entertaining game.

Adrian Gilmore scored a fine goal from a cross by Kevin Nea.  Superb goalkeeping by Darragh Daly often kept Mullingar in the game.  25 minutes into the second half Marino equalized after a lot of pressure.  Extra time arrived.  Mullingar got off to a blistering start with 3 goal opportunities - Stephen Ronan hit the crossbar, after being put through by a fine pass from Tony Dunne.

In the second half of extra time Mullingar Athletic scored with a magnificent shot by Christy Coyne.

Action from the U16 SFAI Cup at Gainstown on Sunday.

TEAM:  Daragh Daly, Christy Coyne, Niall Hardiman, Barry Beglan, Sean Lynch, Tony Dunne, Adam Corroon, Kevin Nea, Adrian Hardiman, Stephan Ronan, James Daly, Subs: Owen Peppard, Darragh Cummins, Thomas McDaniel, Gary Murphy, Kevin Healion.

New Kit Presentations and Presentation Night See the Photos

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W/E 18th/19th November 2006

Under 13 Joe Kirby Cup

Mullingar Athletic 7

Darndale 0

Athletic's U-13 premier team came out convincing winners against Darndale in the Joe Kirby (NDSL) cup. It wasn't all plain sailing, however, as the visitors belied their lower division status and raised their game to match the home team for much of the first period.

Having threatened a couple of times, Mullingar edged in front after fifteen minutes when John Sheridan broke through on the left and cooly slotted home. Darndale pushed for the equaliser but came up against a determined home defence with Daniel Plant and Brendan Flynn in top form. Three more half chances were spurned before Connor Smith evaded three defenders on the left of the square and rolled the ball over for Conor Slevin to fire in.

Early in the second half, Paddy Shanley's timely clearance prevented Darndale geting back into the match before Athletic proved their superiority. Half time substitutes Dean McNicholas and Conor O'Keeffe combined well when the former's long diagonal pass split the defence and sent the latter through. He rounded the goalie and tapped in.Then Conor O'Keeffe turned provider setting up Adam Daly whose shot was well saved, and laying off well for Dean McNicholas to find the net only for the "goal" to be disallowed. Minutes later Dean Micholas raced through on the left and crossed low for Adam Daly to put his name on the scoresheet. He in turn became the provider as his trademark cross from the right looked to be evading everyone only for Conor O'Keeffe to send a looping fifteen yard header to the top corner. The same player collected his hat-trick when he was put through on the right of the box and fired by the advancing keeper. The scoring was completed when David Lynch's powerful shot hit the far post and Adam Daly volleyed in the rebound.

Squad: Seanie Daly, Daniel Plant, Thomas Doyle, Brendan Flynn, Conor Slevin, Aaron McLoughlin, Adam Daly, David Lynch, Connor Smith, Paddy Shanley, John Sheridan, Dean McNicholas, Conor O'Keeffe

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W/E 11/12th November 2006

Under 11 Girls Eagles Take to the Field

Mullingar       Athletic Eagles 0       Birr Town 1

Congratulations to the Club's second Under 11 Girls squad who played their first fixture last Saturday in Gainstown. This squad was set up as the current Cheetahs squad was not able to cater for the numbers of girls at that age group interested in playing soccer with the Club.

Coached by Michael Nolan and Tommy Carr these girls have spent the past few Saturdays training in preparation for their first competitive match yesterday. Playing at home to Birr Town on a very windy morning the girls played against the wind in the first half and battled throughout in search of an opening score. Despite some strong attacking play and good teamwork the girls could not break down a strong Birr defence. Birr scored the only goal of the match although Athletic played very well and deserved to get at least a draw. The girls really enjoyed their opening match and are looking forward to the rest of the season.

Squad: Niamh Mullin, Rachel Corroon, Elizabeth Carr, Sinead Nolan, Niamh Duncan, Leanne Duncan, Clara Thornton, Nicola Nicolav, Amy Staunton and Niamh Staunton.

Under 13 SFAI National Cup

Mullingar       Athletic 4       Kilbarrack A 0

Athletic's under 13s qualified for the next round of the SFAI cup with a tougher than expected win over "A" division opponents Kilbarrack. Playing with a stiff breeze in the first half, Mullingar piled on the pressure from the start. A John Sheridan cross from the left fooled the visiting goalie and Thomas Doyle just failed to connect. Minutes later John Sheridan again found space on the left but this time fired across the keeper and just inside the far post. Another cross from the left was headed just wide and right winger Adam Daly hit a powerful shot against the post.

Kilbarrack played themselves back back into the game with some skillful quick passing but came up against a very determined Athletic rearguard with Dean McNicholas and Brendan Flynn in sparkling form. Still, the home keeper, Seanie Daly had to be very alert to race out and smother the ball at the corner of the square.

Left back, Conor Slevin jinked past several tackles but opted to pass instead of shooting, while Connor Smith saw a shot roll just wide of the post. The same player pulled the ball back cleverly from the byline for Thomas Doyle to tap home only for the goal to be disallowed.

Ironically, playing against the wind in the second half suited Athletic's game better. Connor Smith broke through on the left and teed up Thomas Doyle perfectly to double the score. Minutes later, he supplied Conor O'Keeffe who fired into the roof of the net from 20 yards. The visitors had an oppertunity to reduce the arrears but their free from the corner of the box flew over the bar and the scoring was completed when Aaron McLoughlin pounced on a loose ball.

Squad:  Seanie Daly, Daniel Plant, Conor Slevin, Brendan Flynn, Dean McNicholas, Aaron McLoughlin, Adam Daly, Conor O'Keeffe, Connor Smith, Thomas Doyle, John Sheridan, Paddy Shanley, David Lynch

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W/E 4/5th November 2006

North Dublin Schoolboys League Under 13 Premier Division

Mullingar    Athletic 3     Clontarf 1

Athletic's under 13's good form continued with a solid victory over last season's champions, Clontarf. The home side's back four Daniel Plant, Brendan Flynn, Dean McNicholas and Conor Slevin coped well with the visitor's attack leaving custodian John Sheridan with little to do, though he handled well when called upon. Mullingar's greater share of possession kept the pressure on a very competent Clontarf defence and it took fifteen minutes to force the breakthrough. Left winger, Seanie Daly, flicked the ball past his marker and was upended as he ran through. The resultant free kick by Conor O'Keeffe found Thomas Doyle in the six yard box and he headed down and in, giving the goalie no chance. Adam Daly charged up the right wing several times, giving his marker a torrid time, but his crosses didn't find the right connection.

This changed five minutes into the second half, when his powerful corner kick was met by a flying header from Thomas Doyle to double the scoreline. It's not easy to improve on that kind of delivery, but Adam Daly did when, five minutes later, he fired his corner kick directly to the net. Sceptics might call this a fluke but this was the second time in three weeks !

Clontarf responded like champions and never gave in, scoring what turned out to be a consolation goal soon afterwards. When the ball broke free from a scramble in the square, their attacker prodded it into the bottom corner. Athletic didn't allow the tide to turn however and Aaron McLoughlin, back to his best after injury, led by example in midfield, his determined tackling interrupting Clontarf's flow. Ciaran Fagan slotted in seamlessly in defence, his introduction allowing several pairs of tired legs brief rests in rotation. A through ball from Conor O'Keeffe found the tireless Connor Smith whose shot was forced wide for another corner while Thomas Doyle had a couple of half-chances to complete his hat-trick.

Team: John Sheridan, Daniel Plant, Seanie Daly, Brendan Flynn, Dean McNicholas, Adam Daly, Aaron McLoughlin, Conor O'Keeffe, Conor Slevin, Connor Smith, Thomas Doyle, Ciaran Fagan.

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	Click to enlarge	Under 12B 2005/2006 Season
	Click to enlarge	Congratulations to our Under 13 Premier Schoolboys who have just won the North Dublin Premier League for the season 2005/2006. This is a magnificent achievement for the boys and their Management team.
	Click to enlarge	Under 14 Premier 2005/2006 Season
	Click to enlarge	Under 15 Premier 2005/2006 Season

Mullingar Athletic AFC