It has been a truly wonderful return to football for Mullingar Athletics Under 15 Falcon squad. After
the months of lying in wait for a return to action, Athletics premier under 15's have been
outstanding since the re-start.
So much so that they confirmed their place as the Midland Schoolboys League U15 West Champions
in the past week.
This came after two consecutive 8 goal salvos, first a resounding win over Clara. A brilliant team
performance, with goals aplenty from deadly strikers – Fionn Maguire and Callum Rigney. Add some
goals from top defenders like Mohamed Mugtabe & Ethan Bannon into the mix, to really illustrate
how comprehensive this victory was, over a team who simply could not match Mullingar in
footballing terms.
This victory was followed by another home match against Tullamore on Thursday evening. Players
like Emmett Brennan, Sean Tully, Simon Jorgensen & Alan Turzyk have been crucial to how this team
has played of late. In what turned into another goal fest, Brennan, who was honoured as June
player of the month, continued to exhibit his importance to the team. Setting up the unstoppable
Rigney with an incredible long range pass.
Shane Cully has been absolutely outstanding in midfield, scoring some breath taking goals against
the likes of Raharney & Tullamore. His link up play with Hayden Nolan has been excellent, this
partnership carved the Offaly defence open for Cullys second of the game.
Athletic are blessed with two brilliant young keepers at this age group. Shane Cunningham &
Darragh Mullen have been almost flawless on this magnificent run. But they will only thank their
hard working team mates, especially defenders like Ryan Kenny & Sam Molloy, It has been a rarity to
see this team opened up, with most of the goals conceded coming from set plays.
Cillian Kelly has rekindled his electric form following some issues with injuries. He is one of those
players that looks good anywhere on the pitch and will always give 100% for the cause. Arguably the
best goal of Thursday’s win came following some good play from Kelly down the right, who found
Rigney in the box, only for the dangerman to selflessly lay it off to Shane Hopkins to crash home a
thunderous half volley from the edge of the box.
Rigney capped off his performance with a hat-trick, a resounding finish after some goof work from
Turyzk on the left. But praise must also go to another strike partner as Matthew Doyle weighed in
with a stunner early on in the game. Doyle has tormented midland defences for many seasons now
and by the looks of it things can only get better as he continues to improve with some devastating
finishing. Shane Cully stole the show with a man of the match performance but his wonderful
attacking play is a consequence of some hard midfield graft from Ruairi O Dowd, unfortunately Daire
McDonald had to miss out with injury but he has been brilliant too since the restart, so all in
Mullingar will e hoping his injury will quickly dissipate.
You cannot praise this team without speaking about its leader and captain. Cathal Nevin has lead by
example from the get go, a massive part of this sides development. Both on and off the ball he has
been outstanding and a true general marshalling his troops. Nevin will be delighted to get his hands
on this team’s first piece of silverware. Nest up will be a tough test in the MSL Cup, can this exciting
young side and another trophy to the list as they look to send a message of intent to the Midlands
before the season ends.
