Portlaoise Town 2 Mullingar Athletic 3
Goal from: Shane Cully & Matthew Doyle 2
Having already confirmed their place as the West Dision champions, Mullingar Athletics’
exciting under 15 Falcons side travelled to Portlaoise on Saturday morning to face their hosts
in a winner take all semi-final, those in attendance were not left disappointed as both teams
served up a classic cup encounter.
It has been a hectic few weeks with so much sporting activities taking place, with many
playing GAA Friday night as well as constant training and other exertions, this made for a
very sluggish start from the visiting Gainstown boys who looked tired from the on-set but
gradually grew into the game. Credit to Portlaoise who survived a few early scares in front of
goal to power into the lead just after 10 minutes, and it wasn’t long after till they doubled
their advantage with a second successful strike on goal.
Despite going 2 down the Mullingar team never let their heads drop. Ably lead by Captain
Cathal Nevin they began to take control of the game. In sweltering conditions the midfield
trio of Sean Tully, Ruairi ODowd & Shane Cully took some time to settle into the tie. When
enforcer Daire McDonald was introduced things began to firmly sway back in the direction of
Athletic, Mohamed Mugtabe also shored things up as the fight back began.
Shane Cully has been absolutely immense since this new look side was formed and he
continued to lead the way with a thunderbolt from above that got the Falcons back in the
game. With everyone in attendance beckoning the wily Shane Hopkins to cross, he calmly
squared the ball for Cully to latch onto and fire into the top corner from 25 yards.
This was nothing less than Mullingar deserved, as the players were subjected to incredible
heat on one of the warmest days of the year. The hosts began to waiver and with the addition
of Hayden Nolan and Fionn Maguire to the attack the visitors began to find holes and gaps all
over the attacking third of the pitch with chances aplenty.
The Mullingar defence was simply outstanding, Ryan Kenny had his best performance in a
Mullingar shirt as he looked unbeatable at the back, Sam Molloy hit the ground running when
he was introduced, not once putting a foot wrong. But the man of the month for this brilliant
young team, Emmett Brennan turned in another 10/10 performance at left back. When
Matthew Doyle was upended in the box 5 minutes into the second half, Mr Dependable
himself, Brennan assumed responsibility for the spot kick. But despite a very good strike the
Portlaoise keeper pulled off a super save to keep his side in the game.
Again the Mullingar boys refused to lie down, Simon Jorgensen and Alan Turzyk were both
linking up very well on the left flank. It was Turzyk who set up the first of Matthew Doyle’s
brace, a fantastic pass to the in-form striker who took his time to dink over the keeper with
his left foot to equalise and level proceedings. Cully continued to run the show, intercepting
umpteen balls for his side, coming close on a number of occasions with some dangerous
efforts.
But it was Doyle again, after winning a penalty and scoring he finished off his second with
deadly accuracy. Jorgensen was lethal on the left, tormenting the Portlaoise full back. He
placed in a delicious cross for Doyle to volley home to give Mullingar the lead. An incredible
turn around but nothing more than this fantastic young side warranted.
Mullingar continued to play in the right manner, Captain Nevin was an inspiration at the
back. However the keeper Shane Cunningham must be praised for an extremely gutsy
performance, pulling off some excellent saves when called upon but also battling through the
pain barrier after putting his body on the line for his team.
At the full time whistle there were great scenes of celebration from the boys in yellow. This
cup tie had it all, but most importantly it showed just how far this group has progressed in
what has proved to be one of the most difficult years in living memory.
Man of the match could have been anyone from Mullingar such was the quality of
performance and come back. Ryan Kenny just shaded Emmett Brennan as the outstanding
defender. Shane Cully was simply breath-taking at times. But the man of the moment and the
match has to Matthew Doyle, who put on a master-class in centre forward play in the second
half.
Next up will be the challenge of East Champions Birr in the Cup Final. Whatever the
outcome the boys from Mullingar can be very proud of themselves. Lets hope they can add
the Cup to the League trophy.
