Updated 30th May 2011Historic day for club!Willow Park 2 Mullingar Athletic 3Mullingar Athletic has had many a good day in its history but last Sunday must rank as one of the best and never to be forgotten occasions. As mentioned last week our senior team qualified for the O’Neill’s John Farrell Combined Counties Cup Final – a major competition in the soccer world diary. The venue was Mountmellick and the opposition was the formidable Willow Park from Athlone-recent league winners and Paddy Cotter Cup winners who were well intent on winning the treble to close their very successful season. Athletic arrived without a full strength side due to numerous injuries and indeed a number of the players who fielded did so bravely with strapped knees and ankle supports to assist them endure the ninety minutes. The Mullingar supporters could never have predicted the half time score - Johnny Gavin netted his first of the match and in the 38th minute an own goal sent the Mullingar side into an unbelievable two goal advantage. Then in injury time of the first half Johnny Gavin completed his brace with a smashing header to give Athletic a comfortable cushion going into the dressing room. Athletic defended the lead with gusto and maintained the lead of three goals until the eightieth minute. Then Willow pounced with intent when Benny Magennis shot home followed by Colin Fortune’s 89th minute long distance successful strike. With hearts racing and palpable tension the dying minutes slowly ticked by with Athletic having to almost live in the goalmouth area to keep Willow at bay. Then to the delight of all Athletic players and supporters Dermot Tone blew the final whistle and what followed was a very emotional celebration for Gerry ‘Hanger’ Hynes, Noel Dunne and all connected in any way with the team and club. Unfortunately a long time Mullingar Athletic player and valued mentor of the team Noel ‘Laddy’Croash was abroad but needless to say kept in almost constant touch via mobile phone throughout – Noel was there very much in spirit if not in body! Stephen Markey and Mark Syron were presented with the Counties Cup by CCFL Chairman James Kelly. More delight was to be had when Mickey Loran was presented with his Man of the Match award. Celebrations continued well into the night- a well and truly deserving end to the season. On behalf of the club I wish to extend our thanks to Mountmellick club for their wonderful hospitality on the day. I would also like to thank Paul Donovan, Gerry Buckley and Colin Watters for their reporting and photography of the match. Officials from the CCFL are also to be thanked for their organization of the final and for their genuine good will towards the club. It must also be noted that a number of Willow Park supporters and officials extended their congratulations to Athletic on the great achievement and it is most welcoming to experience this level of sportsmanship at this level. Updated 14th May 2011CCFL Womens Senior Cup win in Leah Victoria Park, Tullamore
Updated 20th April 2011Niamh Farrell strike clinches first ever cup for Mullingar Athletic ladiesCCFL Womens Senior Cup finalMullingar Athletic . . . . . .1 Killavilla . . . . . . . . .0By Paul ODonovanNiamh Farrell was the Mullingar Athletic hero as her 29 th minute strike was enough to clinch the first ever silverware for the Mullingar Athletic ladies, last Sunday afternoon, when they captured the CCFL Womens Senior Cup after defeating Killavilla in Leah Victoria Park, Tullamore.This was a gutsy, brave, battling performance by the young Mullingar Athletic ladies and their joy was unconfined at the final whistle as many years of hard work and endeavour, which had previously ended up in runners-up awards, finally saw them bring home the winners cup to Mullingar. Even better was the fact that Farrells winning goal was worthy of winning any cup final. Having latched onto a poor kick out by the Killlavilla keeper, midfielder Leona Archibold quickly released Farrell, who spun sharply on the edge of the box, firing an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net, giving the keeper no chance. After a very lively opening it certainly didnt look as though this would be the only goal of the game, but as it transpired it was, and despite the best efforts of the Roscrea team, the Gainstown side emerged victorious. EARLY CHANCES On a fine, sunny afternoon, in perfect conditions, both sides had their chances in the opening 25 minutes. With just four minutes elapsed Megan Bricks pass found Ciara Blundell, whose strong shot forced Killavilla keeper Patricia Mathis to turn the ball away for a corner. From the resulting short corner, Blundell again went very close, this time curling her effort narrowly wide of the far post. Two minutes later confusion in the Mullingar defence allowed Killavillas Louise OBrien to get her shot in, but fortunately for the Mullingar ladies Carol Stephens cleared the danger. LUCKY ESCAPE While Mullingar, with the wind behind them, pressed forward, it was Killavilla who almost scored on the break after eight minutes. A long ball out of defence was chased by striker Louise OBrien and her deft lob over Hazel Bracken from 22 metres seemed destined for the net until it struck the near post and bounced across the goal line, before the danger was cleared, to the relief of the Athletic supporters. The Mullingar girls responded and attacked again with vigour and Ciara Blundell with a volley, Niamh Farrell with a curling shot, and Carol Glennon with a first time effort, all went close. On 24 minutes a powerful shot by Niamh Farrell almost crept through the hands of Villa keeper Patricia Mathis, however, Mathis quickly gathered the ball before it crossed the goal line. WONDERFUL GOAL This was a stern warning from Farrell and just five minutes later she struck for the only goal of the game when she turned sharply to fire to the net from 20 metres for a wonderful goal. When the celebrations calmed down Athletic were able to control the game to a greater extent. As the half came to a close Megan Brick again had a shot on target this time forcing the Killavilla keeper to save at her near post. Surprisingly the second half was devoid of clear-cut chances and played at a slower pace. An injury to Athletic centre half Carol Stephens was a major blow to the Mullingar side, but fortunately when Stephens went off, Fiona Keating was an able deputy in the pivotal position. DEFENSIVE STRENGTH Athletic had to rely on their defensive qualities in the second half but they were not found wanting as Lorna and Megan Brick, Leona Archibald, Emma Glennon, Laura Thompson and the aforementioned Carol Stephens, all had outstanding games. The Roscrea side thought they had grabbed a vital equaliser with ten minutes left, but when Mary Reams ran onto a loose ball inside the penalty box she was deemed to be offside before she scored, although this was certainly a close call. In the final minutes it was expected that Athletic would be hanging on, but to the contrary, they held the ball up expertly with Karen Hegartys lightning pace and Ciara Blundells close control vital to the cause. Finally, the long awaited final whistle arrived and it was time for the Athletic girls to celebrate their overdue cup glory, and how they celebrated. Managers Dominic McLaughlin and his assistant Paddy Montgomery were presented with specially designed t-shirts, while washing powder was the order of the day for all those hard working mothers who had washed the gear over the years. Captain Lorna Brick gratefully accepted the cup as the Mullingar Athletic girls enjoyed their deserved day in the sun. Lets hope it is the first of many for this talented team. Mullingar Athletic: Hazel Bracken, Emma Glennon, Lorna Brick, Carol Stephens, Laura Thompson, Karen Hegarty, Megan Brick, Leona Archibald, Ciara Blundell, Carol Glennon, Niamh Farrell. Subs used: Fiona Keating for Carol Glennon (32 minutes), Fonna Robinson for Carol Stephens (injured, 60 minutes). Other squad members: Sinead Blundell, Sinead Morrissey, Jackie Glennon, Sarah Glennon and Siobhan Jessop. Killavilla: Patricia Mathis, Clodagh Shanahan, Niamh Treacy, Nicola Shanahan, Mary Reams, Karina Cummins, Kate Aherne, Rachael McLaughlin, Aoife Moloney, Grainne Egan, Louise OBrien. Subs: Stephanie Hernades for Rachael McLaughlin (75 minutes), Siobhan Gillespie for Niamh Treacy (84 minutes). Referee: John McCrossan. Footnote: This cup victory was not just a credit to all the players on the team but it was also a great success for those who have worked so hard in the development of ladies football in Mullingar Athletic over a long number of years, in particular Dominic McLaughlin (team manager), all the players parents and their families, and also Mary and Aidan Farrell who have been hard working committee members for many years in the club. Updated 28th March 2011Mullingar Athletic Ladies v KillavillaSunday 3rd April - 3pmThe Athletic Ladies will be taking on Killavilla next Sunday 3rd of April in Leah Victoria Park, Tullamore in what will be their last and most important game of the season, the Cup Final. The Ladies will be hoping to bring home their first piece of silverware at Senior level. This will be the 3rd meeting of the season for the 2 teams with one win a piece, so it should make for an entertaining final. Kick off is 3.00 pm and all support would be welcome. Manager - Dominic McLoughlan Updated 7th March 2011Mullingar Athletic LadiesCup Semi FinalEdenderry 1 - 7 Mullingar AthleticAthletic were away to Edenderry in the semi final of the cup after playing them at home last week in the league. Athletic were always on top in this cup tie and the whole squad contributed in what has been the ladies best performance of the season. Scoring opened early on when Sinead Morrissey sent in a cross for Megan Brick to tap the ball in. Mullingar got their second shortly after when Niamh Farrell was going through on goals and was brought down just outside the box, she took the resulting free and sent it into the top corner. Niamh Farrell got her second in the closing stages of the first half when she volleyed the ball from the edge of the box for a fine goal. Half time score Mullingar Athletic 3, Edenderry 0. Athletic came out eager to add to their tally and finish the game off and they had a number of chances before Megan Brick got her second of the day from a free just outside the box. Edenderry got their only goal of the game when an Athletic player was deemed to have fouled in the area and they were awarded a penalty. They had two more chances in the half from free's with both shots just going over the crossbar. Leona Archibald shot to get Mullingars 5th after good build up play from Lorna Brick and Fiona Keating. Brick got her hat-trick when she tapped the ball in from close range. Mullingar finished their scoring when Sarah Glennon put through a pass to Siobhan Jessop who took a cracking shot from long range just before the full time whistle. This now puts Mullingar into the cup final against Killavilla with date yet to be decided. Team and Scorers: Hazel Bracken, Jackie Glennon, Emma Glennon, Lorna Brick, Carol Stephens, Megan Brick (3), Leona Archibald (1), Fiona Keating, Sinead Morrissey, Carol Glennon, Niamh Farrell (2), Fionna Robinson, Siobhan Jessop (1), Sarah Glennon & Laura Thompson Updated 25th February 2011Mullingar Athletic LadiesTullamore 4 - 3 Mullingar AthleticMullingar suffered a major blow to their league title chances when they were defeated by Tullamore. Weather conditions were poor with a strong wind and heavy rain making it difficult for both teams. The game started at a great pace and it was clear to see it was vital for both teams to get the win. Some great football was on show from both sides and either could have taken the lead but it was Tullamore who got the first goal with their No 6 shooting with her left foot from long range hitting the roof of the net. Mullingar hit back almost immediatly when Ciara Blundell spotted the Tullamore keeper off her line she shot from just inside the half way line and lobbed the keeper with a goal any player would have been proud of! Mullingar were on the attack again in great numbers but found it difficult to get their second but just before half-time a cross was sent in to the Tullamore box and their No3 was deemed to have hand-balled in the area, Karen Hegarty hit home the resulting penalty. Half-time score Mullingar 2, Tullamore 1. Mullingar were keen to keep their lead and streched it further when Fiona Keating had a wonderful strike from the edge of the box to put Athletic 2 ahead. It was not to be for Mullingar though, Tullamore applied great pressure which paid off when their No 6 hit a free from the edge of square with a lot of power on the ball it deflected off a Mullingar defender into the goals. Mullingar had some great chances but couldnt get on the board again. Tullamore brought the game level when again their No6 sent in a brilliant corner which was headed home from close range. Tullamore took the lead and the win when they went ahead after a strike, again from their No 6 who dominated a lot in the centrefield and certainly was the difference between the teams. Mullingar will be very disappointed with this result and will feel it was a game they should have won. Athletic will be relying on other results to put them back in with a chance of their first league win. Team and ScorersHazel Bracken, Emma Glennon, Lorna Brick, Fiona Keating (1) Sinead Morrissey, Karen Hegarty (1), Carol Stephens, Megan Brick, Ciara Blundell (1), Carol Glennon, Niamh Farrell, Jackie Glennon, Fionna Robinson, Sarah Glennon, Siobhan Jessop, Sarah Keegan.
 Back row left to right: Manager Dominic McLoughlin, Fionna Robinson, Siobhan Jessop, Emma Glennon, Hazel Bracken, Carol Stephens, Fiona Keating, Lorna Brick, Sarah Glennon Front row left to right: Jackie Glennon, Sinead Morrissey, Niamh Farrell, Carol Glennon, Megan Brick, Karen Hegarty and Ciara Blundell. Updated 30th January 2010The Senior 11 are playing tonightSaturday 30th Januaryin Gainstown at 7pmunder the floodlights against MelvilleIts their first League home game since November and Hanger and the lads would love to see as much support in Gainstown to cheer them onUpdated 13th October 2009Attention all Ladies!Senior Ladies and U/16 Girls needed for teamsMullingar Athletic's Ladies season is due to start shortly and we would like to invite ladies for both our under 16 and Senior Ladies teams to attend pre-season training. Don't worry if you haven't played before as new comers are more than welcome. Training for the Senior Ladies Under 16 and Over 16 girls' teams will take place on Thursday at 7.30pm. Contact Dominic 0864083280 or Therese on 0879000047 for further details about the senior ladies and Eddie Tynan on 086-2326354 re the under 16 squad. Please bring boots and runners for the training session.
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Marcin Mazgis back with a bang after long absence with injury and scoring Athletic’s opening goal in Sundays away Senior Team win over Killavilla Utd |
As if to prove a point it was Marcin Mazgis who put Athletic into a lead on twenty minutes. A driven corner kick from Kevin Keegan on the left side was parried by the Killavilla keeper and as the ball spun loose Mazgis pounced to fire it to the net through a crowed goalmouth. This goal came following a sustained period of early pressure from the home side, However the Mullingar back four of James Carroll, Mark Syron, David Masterson and the versatile Willie Coyne were on top of their game throughout and offered fantastic protection to young goalkeeper Jason Daly who was making his first competitive start of the season for Mullingar Athletic senior team.
| Mark Syron who had a splendid game at the heart of Athletic’s defence in Sunday’s away Senior Team win over Killavilla Utd |  |
Following the goal from Mazgis Mullingar took control of the game with Kevin Keegan and Stevie Markey winning their share of possession in the central midfield battle against a very good Killavilla central pairing. Sylvester Booziomy also just back from injury and playing in an unfamiliar role on the left side of midfield was a constant thorn in the home sides rearguard. On thirty five minutes Kevin Keeegan played a sublime diagonal ball behind the Killavilla lefy back for Marcin Mazgis to run on to and with the keeper advancing to close down the angle Mazgis shot low and early only to see his effort shave the left hand upright. Niall Flynn playing up front with Marcin Mazgis was having a quiet game by his standards, however on the forthy second minute he picked up a pass in the right hand channel from Claudio Nardone and taking the ball to the end line he skipped past the Killavilla left back and found his way into a good position inside the penalty area only to see the ball take a difficult bobble on the hard surface allowing the central defender to poke the ball away to safety.
At the opposite end, just before the break Mullingar Central defender Dave Masterson had to be alert at the back post to head a ball away for a corner with Killavilla striker Kirwan lurking following a good deliver on wide free kick.
With the second half underway the home side began to turn up the tempo and they got their reward on sixty five minutes when an chipped ball from the left hand side found Killavilla centre forward Kirwan in an off side position and with the linesman poorly positioned and keeping his flag by his side the striker advanced and slotted the ball home from twelve yards. This was the lifeline the home side had been hoping for and it was now up to this Mullingar side to stand up and be counted and this they did with great credit.
Following the goal, the Mullingar as if released from the shackle of defending their lead, began to take the game back to Killavilla and with eighty two minutes gone on the clock Niall Flynn pounced on a loose bouncing ball on front of the Killavilla central defence and headed the ball past the advancing defender and as the keeper advanced he stroked the ball firmly to the back of the net. The home side threw everything forward in search of an equalizer, however it was Mullingar who nearly got a third when Flynn and Mazgis combined passes before Mazgis was released behind the home defence and in a race with the advancing keeper Mazgis shot early only to see his effort hit the side netting. Unfortunatley for Mullingar Flynn was to receive a second yellow card on the eighty ninth minute and was sent to the lene by natch referee Alan Lynch. With Athletic down to ten men, Killavilla did produce a few scoring opportunities in the final five minutes, however the Mullingar side defended steadfastly to earn a valuable three points from this difficult away fixture.
Team: Jason Daly, James Carroll, David Masterson, Mark Syron, William Coyne, Claudio Nardone, Kevin Keegan, Stevie Markey, Sylvester Booziomy, Niall Flynn, Marcin Mazgis.
Subs: Paul Radford, Conor McEntee, Joey Broderick (Not Used)
Sunday 24th August 2008
COMBINED COUNTIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE
SENIOR DIVISION
Mullingar Athletic AFC - 1
Niall Flynn 1
C.K. United FC - 1
Paul Kinarney 1
On Sunday last Mullingar Athletic AFC senior team got their season underway at home to Tullamore side CK United. Last season Athletic took full points from this fixture and with a considerable number of changes in personnel within the Athletic team the home side were hoping to get their new season off to a good start.
Athletic started brightly with Kevin (Haji) Keegan forcing a good save from the CK keeper with a twenty yard low drive. It was CK however who came closest to opening the scoring on twenty minutes when Mark Dunne's shot was cleared off the goal line by Athletic AFC centre half Stephen Markey. Goal chances were few and far between for the remainder of the first half with both defences coming out on top.
With the second half underway C.K. United declared their intent and a strong run down the Mullingar left wing from CK substitute Dathi Regan seeing a good delivery to the six yard box that was just nicked out of the path of the in-running Paul Kinarney by Mullingar midfielder Sylvester Booziomy. Ten minutes later CK were one up. A quick delivery from the hand of Mullingar keeper Shane Weir to his left back Mark Brady was intercepted by the swift movement of CK's right winger Kinarney. The CK players pace took him towards the home sides penalty area and just when it looked as if he was going to swing the ball across the six yard area, he elected to hit a sweet strike beating the Mullingar keeper at his near post.
Niall Flynn scorer of Mullingar Athletic's equalizing goal on Sunday at Gainstown
This goal ignited the home side into action and within five minutes a shot from Kevin Keegan was parried by the CK keeper and spilled into the path of centre forward Niall Flynn. However as Flynn pounced the ball fell to his weaker right foot and the ball rolled off his shin and over the end line. Minutes later, Athletic midfielder Sylvester Booziomy made a good run from a deep position sweeping past the CK left back and fired a good shot across the keeper which just shaved the left hand post. Mullingars persistence paid off on the seventy fifth minute when a corner kick was taken quickly by Paul Radford to Mark Brady and Brady laid the ball back to Radford who delivered an angled cross to the CK six yard box where centre forward Niall Flynn met it perfectly to head to the top of the CK net.
Mark Syron who turned in a good second half performance at centre of defence on Sunday
In general the second half performance from Mullingar was much better, with Mark Syron at center half commanding the aerial duals that were being conceded all over the field in the first half. On Seventy six minutes Mullingar introduced Claudio Nardone on the right side for Paul Radford and Ghenadie Armasu came into defence for the injured Steve Markey. Joey Broderick came in for Sylvester Booziomy on eighty minutes and as the clock wound down Mullingar left winger Darren Jones shipped a heavy challenge when competing for a ball along with the CK number ten. The CK man caught the Mullingar midfielder late and he took the full force of the challenge on his left ankle. The midfielder was stretchered off with what looked like a very bad ankle injury. Jones was replaced by Joe O Connor for the last three minutes.
Athletic will be disappointed with the general team performance and the match result, however it is early days and a lot of football has to be played over the season. The teams next fixture is at home on Saturday night next to Killavilla United with a 7pm K.O.
Team: Shane Weir, David Masterson, Mark Syron, Mark Brady, Darren Jones, Stephen Markey, Paul Radford, Kevin Keegan, Sylvester Booziomy, Marcin Mazgis, Niall Flynn.
Subs: Joey Broderick, Claudio Nardone, Ghenadie Armasu, Joey O'Connor.
July 2008
Manager/Coach
Our Ladies Senior team are currently looking for a Manager/Coach for the forthcoming season. Please contact Eddie Tynan for details and further information at 086-2326354.
11th May 2008
Senior Teams in Cup Finals
On Sunday next, May 11th Mullingar Athletic's Senior team play Willow Park in the Paddy Cotter Senior Cup Final. The match takes place in Clara. Then on Wednesday May 14th our Saturday Senior team take on near neighbours Rathowen in the Saturday Divisions Cup Final. This game is scheduked for Gainstown with kick off at 8pm. Our good wishes are sent to both of the teams and their mentors.
Saturday/Sunday 12/13th April 2008
Senior teams in Cup action!
Both our Senior teams are involved in cup action next weekend. Our Saturday team travel to Monksland in Athlone on Saturday where they will face Boro Utd in the Semi final of the Saturday Divisions cup. The fixture is set for 3pm. Then on Sunday our Senior team travel to Tullamore to contest the Paddy Cotter Cup Semi - final when the opposition will be Melvillle Utd. This game is fixed for a 3o'clock kick off.
March 2008
Mullingar Hardware sponsorship launch for Mullingar Athletic AFC First Team
September 2007
FAI UMBRO Junior Cup brings holders to Mullingar Athletic
Mullingar Athletic's senior team play host to Killester Utd on Saturday next, September 15th at 7pm in Gainstown. Athletic have drawn the present holders of what is the biggest Junior Cup competition in the country. The game will be played under lights and we ask all our members and players to attend the match and lend their support to our Senior Team.
August 2007
Senior Ladies Training resumes
Please note that training for our Senior Ladies team takes place every Friday evening at 7-30pm sharp. New players are more than welcome to join the pre-season training sessions.
Senior and Reserve Team Training
Players interested in joining the senior team should contact Liam McGovern at 087-6471502 and those interested in the reserve team should contact Gerry Hynes at 087- 9017546. Training for the senior panel takes place every Tuesday and Thursday at 7-30pm whilst reserve team training takes place every Monday and Wednesday at 7-30pm.
April 2007
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Mr. Paddy Murphy CCFL Committee: Presents Mullingar Athletic AFC Team Captain Kevin Dunleavey with the Division 3 Cup at Gainstown on Saturday 29th April 2007 |
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Team & Mentor photo of the league winning Mullingar Athletic AFC team at Gainstown on Sat 28th April 2007 |
Mullingar Athletic 'B' Team Clinch Title
Mullingar Athletic's second senior team, managed by Gerry Hynes, clinched the Division 3 Saturday league title following a comfortable 2 nil victory over Olympic LN last Tuesday week. This team are well deserving of this success as, having been unbeaten in the league, they have shown great consistency throughout the season. All involved were delighted when the cup was presented by League representative Paddy Murphy in Gainstown last Sunday when the team continued their unblemished record with a victory against Ballymahon on a 3 to 1 scoreline in their second last league game. The squad are very hopeful of maintaining their unbeaten league run when they face Lisryan Rovers in their final league match in Gainstown at 2.30pm next Saturday.
Leona Archibald to Join Irish Squad for Euro Qualifiers
Congratulations and best wishes to Leona Archibald who will travel to France next weekend to play with the Irish Under 19 Ladies squad in the Euro Qualifiers. The Irish team will face Holland, Portugal and home team France in their qualifying group. This is a great achievement for Leona who is wished every success by her team mates on the Mullingar Athletic Senior Ladies squad and by all in the Club.
Under 19 Ireland ladies Squad
Congratulations once again to Leona Archibald, member of the Ladies Senior squad, who has just returned to Ireland after playing in two friendly matches against Italy in Rome as a member of the Irish Under 19 Ladies Soccer team. Ireland lost the first game but drew 1 all in the second game last Thursday, following a much improved performance. Leona played an active part in both games, playing in her favoured central midfield role.
Ireland Manager Susan Ronan stated afterwards that she was very pleased with how the team had performed, particularly in the second match. The squad is preparing for the second, elite qualifying stage of the UEFA Championship in April. Ireland will play France, Portugal and Netherlands so the two matches against Italy were extremely useful.
The matches in Rome were played in a special complex that is the headquarters of Italy's women international teams. The Irish were hugely impressed with the facilities that included top-class playing pitches, indoor gyms, sauna and an on-site hotel.
February 2007
Leona Archibald Selected for Ireland Squad
| Congratulations to Leona Archibald, who plays with the Club's Senior Ladies team, and who has been selected for the Ireland Under 19 Ladies squad. The squad travelled to Italy in February, where Ireland played the Italian team in two friendly matches. This is a great achievement by Leona who is wished every success. |  |
Ladies Senior Team
North Dublin Ladies Representative Team 1 |
Mullingar Ladies Senior Team 5 |
On the 28th of December, The Mullingar Athletic Ladies Senior Team played a friendly match against the North Dublin Ladies representative team.
The game itself was played in Dublin at the Oscar Traynor facility on the full size artificial pitch and with Noel King (Rep of Ireland, Senior Ladies Manager) and Eoin Killacky (Women's development officer, Midlands) as interested spectators it was set up to be an interesting afternoon of soccer.
The game was played at a very fast pace and considering that both teams had not played or trained for 6 weeks prior to the game it is a credit to both teams that they played at such a hectic pace. After a scrappy first few minutes it was the Mullingar team that settled the quickest and started to impose themselves on the game. With Emma Morris and Leona Archibald dominating midfield the chances started to fall to the Mullingar forwards. Edel Marshall and Siobhan Loran led the line and it was no surprise that their hard work forced an opening and Emma Morris blasted into the net from 16 yards. All of the pressure was coming from the Mullingar side and it was 2-0 shortly after when Siobhan Loran finished well after some good wing play from Kim Lynam.
With Mullingar 2 up, Manager John O'Dea made a couple of changes, with the intention of giving his full squad a run. With the changes made the Dublin girls came into the game and Maeve Logan was forced to make two excellent saves to keep the score at 2-0 at half time.
After the break the Mullingar girls took all of 30 seconds to make it 3-0. At the kick off the ball was played to Amy Matthews who played a long searching pass to Kim Lynam. Lynam then beat two defenders before crossing for Leona Archibald to place the ball into the net. Once again Athletic made changes, pushing Archibald up front and Matthews into midfield and the excellent Claire Judge moved into Centre back. Once again the Mullingar ladies took full control and created numerous chances with Leona Archibald finishing expertly when put through 1 on 1 with the Keeper and completing her hat trick with a brilliantly taken goal shortly after.
It showed the spirit of the game that the Dublin Team never gave up and continued to try to break down a very resolute Mullingar defence. The Dublin team managed to pull one back with the last kick of the game when the referee awarded a free kick on the edge of the box which gave an otherwise excellent Maeve Logan no chance. It has to be said that the Mullingar ladies played some excellent football on the day and it was a fantastic team effort, full credit must go to the squad. The victory was well deserved and it is a credit to the Players and Management how well they performed.
Noel King (Ireland Manager) was also very impressed, and singled out Emma Morris, Leona Archibald, Ashling Flanagan and Amy Matthews in particular. He was so impressed that he wants to see them at a higher level and would like to see them involved with the Rep of Ireland Ladies squad in the very near future.
Team: Maeve Logan, Tasha Greville, Claire Judge, Ashling Flanagan, Amy Matthews, Sinead Blundell, Kim Lynam, Emma Morris, Leona Archibald, Edel Marshall, Siobhan Loran, Niamh Grainger, Ciara Morris, Michelle O'Sullivan, Emily McCormack.
Manager John O'Dea, Asst Manager Olga Cosgrave.
Ladies Senior Team - November 2006
In their second season of competitive football the Mullingar Athletic Ladies Senior team are going from strength to strength. With 5 games played in the 2006/07 season the team currently top the Ladies Senior Division in the Combined Counties League.
Players like Olga Cosgrave, Leona Archibald, Amy Matthews (Capt.) Aisling Flanagan, Tasha Greville, Sinead Blundell, Lorna Brick, Siobhan Loran, Michelle O'Sullivan, Tabby Moran, Edel Marshall, Kim Lynam and Niamh Grainger from last season and the addition of Emma and Ciara Morris, Emily McCormick, Spohie Hegarty, Maeve Logan and Rebecca Rushe the team continues to improve with every game. Under the guidance of team Coach and Manager John O'Dea, the girls' commitment and enthusiasm has resulted in their quickly reaching and surpassing the standard of other long established Ladies soccer teams in the Midlands.
The team is a mix of young players and more experienced players who play a major role in bringing along their younger team mates. It is noteworthy that in a recent game the team played a vastly more experienced team with older players and yet ran out comfortable winners on a 5-0 scoreline. The team as a whole is coming together very well with all of the players gelling well as a team and new players made feel very welcome.
Following last Sundays comprehensive 12 nil victory over Rhode Celtic, the team has played 5 games of which they have won 4 and lost 1. Emma Morris leads the scoring charts with 7 goals, Rebecca Rush 6(all scored in the game against Rhode Celtic), Siobhan Loran 3,Ciara Morris 2, Kim Lynam 1 and Amy Matthews 1. In total the team has scored 22 goals and conceded 3 with 2 clean sheets. The team is intent on both continuing to score goals and maintain a strong defensive focus.
With the players from last season and the addition of new players, this season is shaping up to be very successful. The enthusiasm and energy that the players bring to training and on match days is second to none. Their willingness to learn and their potential as a team is first class.
With very strong ladies squads at Under 15, 13 and 11 the future looks very positive for ladies soccer within Mullingar Athletic.
Finally, a sincere word of thanks to John Byrne of REMAX (Kinnegad) for his firm's generous sponsorship of a new set of gear for the team and to all of the parents who freely give of their time to provide lifts and more importantly to support the players on the pitch.
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