O'Brien's scoring exploits guides Gaels to victory

New Forest Gaels 4-14, Multyfarnham 3-13

New Forest Gaels emerged as champions in the Westmeath U18 Football Division 4 final, overcoming Multyfarnham by six points in an intense and well-fought encounter at Moynihan Park, Ballynacargy. With good conditions and a dry pitch, both teams delivered a spirited display, but New Forest Gaels' sharp finishing and tactical discipline proved decisive.

The teams were level twice in the first half before the combination side established control and they were never headed throughout. New Forest Gaels opened the scoring within two minutes, with Darragh O’Brien slotting over a free, quickly following it up with a point from play. They continued their early dominance as O’Brien converted another free in the seventh minute, extending their lead to three points. Multyfarnham soon replied, with Josh Mullaniff finding the net after a skilful link-up with Robert O’Connor and Danny Geoghegan to bring them right back into the contest.

The scoring continued at a brisk pace. Seán Clarke added a point for New Forest Gaels, but Multyfarnham responded with Robert O’Connor registering a fine point from his right boot. New Forest Gaels kept their momentum, with Neale Pearson converting a free, but Multyfarnham's Conor Ledwith hit back with a point set up by O’Connor.

The Gaels then gained an advantage in the 21st minute when Cillian Rochford scored a crucial goal, finding the net when a quick free sent him clear. Pearson added a point shortly after, and Mikey Devine’s powerful strike on 24 minutes gave New Forest Gaels their second goal of the game. Multyfarnham fought to stay in touch, with Matthew Thornton scoring from a free in the 26th minute, only for Pearson to answer right back with another point.

Just before half-time, Robert O’Connor pounced on a partial save by Conor Mullins to score his second goal for Multyfarnham, with Thornton and Mullaniff playing key roles in the build-up. Shane Carey closed out the first-half scoring with a neat point for New Forest Gaels, leaving them clear, 2-10 to 2-4 at the break.

The second half began with Multyfarnham pushing to close the gap, as Robert O’Connor opened the scoring with a well-worked point involving Jack Leavy, Dara Keaveney, and Dara Kiernan. Moments later, Thornton scored a goal after a clever advantage played by the referee, bringing Multyfarnham within striking distance.

New Forest Gaels remained composed and immediately responded, with Rochford pointing over the bar. O’Connor again kept Multyfarnham in the hunt with a close-range point after an alert play in the Gaels’ square. However, Darragh O’Brien added another point for New Forest Gaels after substitute Joe Lemar’s strong setup play.

With the gap narrowing to just three points, Thornton continued to chip away with a point from an acute angle after Seán Óg Brennan’s interception. New Forest Gaels, however, were quick to reassert their control, with O’Brien adding another point from Pearson’s pass before Pearson himself scored a goal, punishing a short Multyfarnham kickout that was poorly executed.

Rochford then pushed New Forest Gaels' lead further with a point under pressure, making it 3-14 to 3-8, effectively putting them in the driver’s seat. Multyfarnham continued to fight, with Thornton converting a free and adding another point soon after.

As the game entered its closing stages, New Forest Gaels refused to let up. O’Brien wove through defenders to score a final goal, extending their lead to an unassailable margin. Thornton’s reliable free-taking added a few late points for Multyfarnham, but they ultimately fell short. James Ledwith pointed again two minutes into added time, but it was too late to make a significant impact.

Mikey Devine and James Ledwith received black cards as both teams finished with 14 men. Afterwards, Gerry Walker of Coiste na nÓg Iarmhí presented the trophy to joint captains Cillian Rochford and Neale Pearson. New Forest Gaels' greater resilience, swift counter-attacks and clinical finishing set them apart. Multyfarnham will reflect on missed chances, especially in the second half, where they were heavily reliant on frees from Thornton and struggled to create clear scoring opportunities from open play.

Scorers - New Forest Gaels: D O’Brien 1-7 (0-3f), N Pearson 1-3 (0-1f), C Rochford 1-2, M Devine 1-0, S Clarke and S Carey 0-1 each. Multyfarnham: M Thornton 1-6 (0-5f), R O’Connor 1-5, J Mullaniff 1-0, C Ledwith and J Ledwith 0-1 each.

New Forest Gaels: Conor Mullins; Alleluia Abhulimen, Alex Eighan, Michael Farrell; Seán Clarke, Joai Victor, Liam Newman; Jacob Browne, Shane Carey; Cillian Rochford (Joint Captain), Neale Pearson (Joint Captain), Mikey Devine; Arron McDonald, Darragh O’Brien, Davin Egan. Subs: Joe Lemar for Egan and Brendan Fox for Farrell (HT), Jack Leonard for McDonald (47).

Multyfarnham: Ben Thornton; Donagh Fee, Adam Meehan, Kevin Donnelly; Jake Greene, Seán Óg Brennan, Danny Geoghegan; Jack Leavy, Dara Keaveney; Robert O’Connor, Matthew Thornton (Captain), Conor Ledwith; Josh Mullaniff, James Ledwith, Joseph Kelly. Sub: Rhys Brady for C Ledwith (54).

Referee: Pat Fox (Rosemount).