O'Mahonys show fine form in Feile
Colin O'Brien
Navan O'Mahonys' u-15 players played 139 minutes of hurling on Saturday across four matches in the Division 1 of Meath Feile starting in a sunny Dunboyne.
Throughout the day, supporters were treated to some sublime hurling, teamwork, tenacious tackling and determination to keep going.
Over the course of four games, very little separated Navan O'Mahonys and their opponents which bodes well for an exciting Div 1 league and championship this year. First up were Trim.
As expected, this game was a thriller with Navan O'Mahonys just edging out Trim in the last five minutes helped by the abundantly skilled Max Condon who carried a ball from 30 meters out, ran out of catches but unphased sold one more dummy before rifling the ball to the net off the stick.
Trim fought back to their credit but points from Luke Casey and Bobby Gaffney meant the win was secured. In round two Daniel Carolan, our net minder reminded us he can do a job out the pitch also playing half back for the first half while Max stood between the posts.
Dunboyne needed a win to stay in and threw everything at our lads. After a monster opening point from adaptable player Euan Kerr, Dunboyne took control through a couple of unfortunate goals. Five down at half-time, the O'Mahonys players stuck to the task and with three successful 65s from Seb Snow and a goal from Eoghan McDermott, O’Mahonys kicked on to win by two.
There was 74 minutes of hurling played and some sore bodies headed to Kiltale to play the hosts in the semi final. Throw in was 15 minutes after they got out of the cars.
Scores were traded over and back and while our lads could have rued some missed opportunities it was the nine points (seven from play) that secured the two point win. Adam McEvoy, who missed the morning but met the Team in Kiltale was a welcome addition to the forward line.
As like round 1 Trim awaited NOM in the final. While both sides were showing signs of injury and fatigue they treated spectators to a great final. While against a strong breeze the lads had their fair share of opportunities and to the Trim goalies’ credit, he kept out some efforts not least from Michael Byrne who passed a late fitness test to take part.
Matthew Egan, Adam and Michael who all only recently started hurling showed everyone it’s never too late to pick up a sport, all three made massive contributions over the day. One point down at half-time with a breeze in the second it was looking good however Trim pushed on first with two points from frees.
With the clock running down and scores hard to convert a goal which was meant for a point put Trim in the driving seat. While O'Mahonys pushed back with numerous attacks, again the Trim goalie kept the ball out. A puck of a ball separated them in the end unfortunately.
Lead by captain Luke Brady throughout the day, this team showed the club how much they love hurling and what promise they have for the future.
Navan O'Mahonys - Daniel Carolan, Matthew Moran, Sam O’Brien Diarmaid Keyes, Darragh McConnell Tom McGuinness, Luke Brady, Euan Kerr, Max Condon, Sebastian Snow, Luke Casey, Bobby Gaffney, Eoghan McDermott, Oisin Finnegan, Matthew Egan, Michael Byrne, Adam McEvoy, Blake Gibney, Ruairí McDermott, Darragh Ward, Conan Tansey.