Hosts lose out in Patrick Ward Tournament decider

Patrick Ward Under 15 Tournament final

Slane...4-9

Seneschalstown...1-6

Shane Mulvany

Slane were crowned winners of the Patrick Ward Tournament for 2024 after turning in an impressive second half display to beat hosts Seneschalstown on Wednesday night in Fr. Tully Park.

The competition this year involved four teams, the two aforementioned finalists along with Moynalty and Dunsany. The competition is played to commemorate Patrick Ward, a promising Seneschalstown footballer who was unfortunately killed in a road traffic accident in 1981 at the age of 15 and the club are honoured to run the competition every year in his memory.

Slane started quickest and had a point on the board inside the opening two minutes but Seneschalstown hit back in the best possible fashion in the 5th minute. Seán Masterson found the top right corner of the Slane net with an absolute rocket that the goalkeeper barely saw flying past him.

Slane responded with a point but Masterson added to his goal with a point from close range after James Heery unselfishly played the ball across the square to him. Seneschalstown’s strong opening quarter continued when captain Charlie ward, nephew of Patrick, pointed off his left foot after a strong run.

Two more scores for Slane reduced the deficit to the minimum again by the 15th minute before James Heery took over for a short spell with two points that would wouldn’t look out of place in any county ground.

The first was a fine, high curling effort from distance which snuck inside the left hand upright, the second came after he superbly fielded a high ball about 35 metres from goal before taking on his man and pointing.

Both sides traded points in the final ten minutes of the half with Charlie Ward putting his name on the scoresheet for a second time with another powerful surge through the Slane defence. At the break, the hosts lead by a goal 1-5 to 0-5.

In complete contrast to the first-half, Slane came out at the start of the second period and took complete control. They popped over the opening point within seconds and moments later had a penalty which was converted and Slane now lead by one after 35 minutes.

Johnny Finnegan knocked over a close range free after 35 minutes to tie it up once more but it would prove to be the last time a numerically disadvantaged Seneschalstown would score as Slane powered home with a further 3-03 to add to their tally and run out deserving winners on the night, playing some excellent football.

After the game, Joe Ward presented the Patrick Ward Cup to Slane captain Darragh Doggett, while David Akinla picked up the Man of the Match award for a fine individual performance which included a hat-trick of goals and looks a very promising player for the Slane club in the future.

It was a great occasion in Fr. Tully Park on Wednesday night with many refreshments served in the hall with players and supporters from both sides mingling together after the presentation.

Seneschalstown - Eoin Barry, Cormac Smyth, Ronan Lawlor, Oisín Rawat, Ciaran Reilly, Johnny Finnegan (0-1, one free), Mikey Cowley, Charlie Ward (0-2), James McGuinness, Rob Wyse, Seán Masterson (1-1), Eoin McCarron, Cian Monaghan, James Heery (0-2), Cillian Harten. Subs - Tommy Farrell, Eoin Clarke, Michael Cahalane, Luke Kearns.