Match Report by Niall Lambe and Cale Lynch
First Half
The game opened with Eoghan Stewart winning the throw-in, but he was quickly tackled by the Mullingar player, leading to a well-taken score from Mullingar’s number 11. This was followed by a rocket of a goal from Mullingar’s number 6.
Mullingar continued to look dangerous in attack, but Eoin Walsh produced a fantastic block to deny a certain goal. Mullingar’s number 15 then slotted over a well-struck free to make it 1-2 to 0 inside the opening ten minutes.
Coláiste Choilm began to look more organised in both attack and defence. After registering two wides, they were rewarded with a brilliant two-point free from Adam Gerathy.
Coláiste Choilm looked in trouble again shortly after, but Noah Condron pulled off a superb save to keep out a goal, although the play eventually resulted in another Mullingar score. This was quickly followed by another point from the threatening Mullingar number 15, and then a further free to leave the score at 1-5 to 2.
Rory Grennan received a yellow card for a reckless challenge. Coláiste Choilm struggled to be clinical, with several wides, dropped balls, and too many fouls conceded. Mullingar led 1-5 to 2 at half-time.
Second Half
The second half started poorly for Coláiste Choilm as Mullingar’s number 12 struck for a goal. However, Coláiste Choilm responded well with a point from captain Jack McDermott.
Mullingar launched another promising attack which ended in a fine point. Conor Horkan then led a strong move for Coláiste Choilm, finishing with a brilliant score from Paddy O’Connell.
Coláiste Choilm continued to struggle with their tackling discipline, allowing Mullingar’s number 15 another scoring opportunity, pushing the score to 2-7 to 3 with 20 minutes remaining.
A costly mistake from Coláiste Choilm led to a goal chance for Mullingar, but once again Noah Condron produced a brilliant save to keep his side in the game.
Paddy O’Connell showed great skill to win a free from the two-point arc, which Adam Gerathy converted perfectly. However, continued fouling allowed Mullingar to add another score.
Kaiden Monaghan earned a free, which Paddy O’Connell converted, before Mullingar’s star player, number 15, replied with a lovely point.
Coláiste Choilm made a change, with Robbie Dolan introduced for Sam O’Beirne. The game slowed down until Mullingar’s number 8 broke forward to kick another fine score.
Adam Gerathy had a chance for another two-pointer late on but dropped it short. The game finished with Mullingar winning 2-11 to 7.
Team Line-Up
Noah Condron 1
Rory Grennan 2
Daithí Boland 3
Eoin Walsh 4
Conor Horkan 5
Kristian 6
Ben Colgan 7
Eoghan Stewart 8
Thomas Prendergast 9
Jack McDermott 10 (C) (1)
Adam Gerathy 11 (4)
Sam O’Beirne 12
Kaiden Monaghan 13
Paddy O’Connell 14 (2)
Conal Buggy 15
Subs Used:
17. Robbie Dolan (on for Sam O’Beirne 12)
Man of the Match
Coláiste Choilm’s Man of the Match was a tough decision between Adam Gerathy, who kicked excellent two-pointers, and Noah Condron, who made two crucial saves. Ultimately, Noah Condron earned the award for his outstanding saves and brilliant kick-outs.
Scorers (Coláiste Choilm)
Adam Gerathy – 4
Paddy O’Connell – 2
Jack McDermott – 1