Moate left to rue first half in fractious affair

St Loman’s Mullingar 0-8 Moate All Whites 0-6

By Eamon A. Donoghue

Moate’s poor first-half showing when backed by the strong wind was the difference as St Loman’s Mullingar won this Westmeath U19 Division 1 football championship semi-final at the Moate CS grounds last Friday night week.

This game must have been in doubt for the 24 hours leading up to throw-in. Continuous downpours had left the pitch wet, with poor underfoot conditions and movement curtailed, but the game still went ahead.

The school grounds had no fencing around the pitch parameters and supporters were right up on top of the playing area and behind the goals. There appeared to be a shortage of official umpires and linesmen and referee Pat Fox needed to have eyes in the back of his head. It really wasn’t the best advertisement for a division one championship semi-final.

As for the game itself, both sets of players gave their all on an evening best suited for a water sports event. There were a number of physical and late tackles, many of which were on the verge of reckless. But in fairness to the referee, he couldn’t possibly see every late tackle or what was happening behind his back.

Moate All Whites had the strong wind at their backs in the first half. They didn’t use it to their benefit at all. They played way too laterally and by half-time, the sides were level (0-4 each).

The All Whites actually kicked just two points from play in the first half, Tobby Conteh and substitute Jack Lappin the scorers. The hosts’ other scores came courtesy of Eoin Bracken frees.

It simply wasn’t good enough with the elements and left a mountain to climb for the second half, while the early loss through injury of Aodhan Curran was a significant blow.

St Loman’s adapted well against the strong wind. Danny McCann, Jack McCann and Shane Mulderry all kicked hard earned scores from play against the wind. Tadhg Kenny kicked a free and the Mullingar based outfit would have been happy going in at the break on level terms.

St Loman’s played a patient game in the second half. Knowing that Moate, with the wind in their faces, would have to work the ball through the hands many times over to break down a packed defence. The visitors had to endure several attacks by Moate and they held steadfast. But because of their defensive approach, they weren’t scoring themselves as scores proved scarce for both sides.

After going through many phases of play to create scoring chances, Moate were using up considerable energy and getting more and more frustrated. St Loman’s, in contrast, were getting their scores in quick counter attacks.

Cillian Plunkett and Danny McCann kicked points for Loman’s as Moate responded with scores from Lappin and centre half-back Sam Fannin (a long range point). The sides were level in the 53rd minute, 0-6 each, and extra-time beckoned.

The introduction of Luke Heduvan proved crucial as the St Loman’s substitute kicked two rip roaring scores. The first came after yet another Moate attack broke down. The harder players like Moate’s Daragh Lowry tried to run at the Loman’s defence, the harder it seemed to get. After Moate turned over possession yet again, a quick pass found Heduvan and he kicked the ball between the posts. They needed another point to be sure and Heduvan did just that moments later to seal a place in the final.

But the final whistle didn’t separate the players on the field. Instead of the sporting handshakes, a brawl broke out and it took minutes to end. There was also a minor skirmish just before the throw-in for the second half.

Overall, a lot to ponder for the Westmeath County Board. With ongoing issues to be addressed such as the lack of team sheets at championship games, press boxes and cover for spectators at some venues, the least players deserve is a full team of officials to ensure safety at games.

Player of the match: Cillian Plunkett (St Loman’s). Plunkett was the inspiration in St Loman’s victory. His tackling, interceptions, carries and workrate summed up the winners on the evening. Jack McCann was economical at wing-back. For Moate, Sam Fannin threw himself about for the cause and showed leadership, and Daragh Lowry injected pace at various stages.

Talking point: St Loman’s did a good job in frustrating Moate’s key player Daragh Lowry. They man marked him and didn’t let him get up any momentum to run at them. That was a key factor in their win.

Scorers - St Loman’s: D McCann and L Heduvan 0-2 each; S Mulderry, J McCann, C Plunkett 0-1 (free) and T Kenny 0-1 (f) each. Moate: J Lappin and E Bracken (2f) 0-2 each; S Fannin and T Conteh 0-1 each.

St Loman’s Mullingar: Callum Butler; Nathan Sleator, Riley Sheahan, Tom Dorr; Jack McCann, Ciaran Smyth, Eoghan Kenny; Cillian Plunkett, Seanie Bracken; Shane Mulderry, Tadhg Kenny, Thomas Meehan; Mark Tunney, Ross Clinton, Danny McCann. Subs used: Luke Heduvan for Clinton (50), Ruairi Doonan for E Kenny (55).

Moate All Whites: Sean Furey; Cian Whitney, Michael Henry, Tadhg Heavin; James Mitchell, Sam Fannin, Hagan Niall; Daragh Lowry, Eoin Bracken; Dean O’Neill, Tobby Conteh, Aodhan Curran; Darragh Delaney, Ronan Murray, Darragh Madden. Sub used: Jack Lappin for Curran (8 mins, injured).

Referee: Pat Fox (Rosemount).