Match Reports

Leinster Senior League

Tullamore Town  1   Fairview CY  2

Third placed Fairview CY left Leah Victoria Park last Saturday with all three points following a very impressive performance that saw them dominate this game for long periods against a battling Tullamore side. They were quickly into their stride and hit the front after only ten minutes when Podge Galvin chased down a long clearance and squeezed his effort home at the near post. Five minutes later Tullamore were back in the game when they won a corner on the left and, when Trevor Moylan swept the ball into the area, Mark Gorman, playing his last game before emigrating to Canada, rose above the defence to power a superb header into the roof of the net. As they continued to press, a great run through the middle by Niall Farrell carried him deep into the Fairview half before being crowded out. With twenty five minutes gone the visitors restored their advantage when Lee Donoghue got on the end of a free kick to hook the ball into the net for a fine opportunist score. As Tullamore hit back, James Carthy picked out Jonathan Smith, but his shot was charged down and then Mark Gorman got on the end of a Fergal Gorman cross, but his header was well held by Ryan Murphy as the referee brought the first half to a conclusion.
Tullamore began the second half brightly with Brian Francis flashing his effort past the right post and, with fifty five minutes on the clock, they were desperately unlucky not to level the scores. Fergal Gorman fired in a great cross from the right and Niall Farrell’s diving header was brilliantly kept out by Ryan Murphy. They again went close when Brian Francis fired over from a Shaun Martin free kick while, at the other end, Karl Reynolds cut in from the left and brought a fine save from Conor McEvoy. Martin and Farrell then combined down the left to create an opening for Carthy, but his header was well held by the keeper. With sixty five minutes gone Fairview should have increased their lead when McEvoy could only parry Mick Hill’s dangerous cross and Lee Donoghue fired the loose ball wide with the goal at his mercy. Tullamore tried manfully to get back in the game and Dave Whelan did well to knock Jonathan Smith’s searching cross behind, but it was the visitors who were calling the shots as Kieran Dorney picked the ball up in the inside left channel and flashed his effort inches past the far post. Dorney again created danger when he latched onto a weak clearance and was only denied by a fine save from Conor McEvoy down low to his right. The home side briefly threatened when Shaun Martin played a fine ball through to Niall Farrell, but Murphy was quickly off his line to avert the danger as Fairview ran out deserving winners.
Tullamore’s problems up front continue to dog their season as they struggle to put the ball in the net but, with only two games remaining, they are well clear of the relegation zone. There were excellent contributions from Trevor Moylan, Stephen Francis and Niall Farrell with Karl Reynolds, Podge Galvin and Keith Darcy the pick of the visitors, but the man of the match award went to Tullamore’s goal scoring central defender, Mark Gorman. 
Everyone associated with the club would like to wish Mark well in Canada and to thank him for his outstanding contribution throughout the season. 
Tullamore: Conor McEvoy, Chris Bracken, Trevor Moylan, Mark Gorman, Fergal Gorman, Brian Francis, Stephen Francis, Niall Farrell, James Carthy, Jonathan Smith and Gio Russo.
Subs: Shaun Martin, Shane Delaney and Andrew Mullan (all used).
CCFL Dolan Cup Final

Tullamore Town  1   Boro Celtic  0

A wonderful glancing header from Enda Ravenhill was all that separated these two fine sides after ninety minutes in Clara last Saturday as Tullamore added The Dolan Cup to their Division 1 title. With both teams champions of their respective leagues this was always going to be a fascinating encounter, and they certainly did not disappoint. From the outset it was obvious that Boro’s two speedy wingers, David Harrison and David Rooney, had the capacity to create problems for the Town defence while James Hanley and Barry Clarke in midfield were also impressive performers. But it was Tullamore’s young full backs, Mark Hayes and Ross Kinnarney, who produced performances full of guile and maturity that contributed enormously to their team’s success. The Lanesboro side were first out of the traps with Mike Morrissey heading a Hanley corner narrowly wide and then a great run on the left by Rooney had the Town defence struggling to clear their lines. As they settled into their stride Kevin Minnock fired in a dangerous cross, but Mark Tarmey was quickly off his line to gather and then Stephen Francis and Minnock combined to pick out Trevor Francis, but his effort was charged down by Barry Clarke. As they continued to press, Niall Lynch and Patrick Gorman created an opportunity for Minnock, but he was denied by a great relieving tackle from Clem McCormack. With fifteen minutes on the clock referee Adrian Martin played a great advantage when he waved play on after Enda Ravenhill was tackled late when playing the ball down the line to Trevor Francis, but his pin point cross somehow got caught between Patrick Gorman’s feet with the goal at his mercy and the danger was cleared. As Boro hit back James Hanley played a lovely ball through to David Rooney on the left but Ciaran Carragher gathered his cross safely. As the play continued to ebb and flow Ken Doyle and Patrick Gorman combined to pick out Trevor Francis but his well struck volley was too high. With Stephen Francis’ intelligent distribution from the back acting as a launching pad for most of Tullamore’s attacks they went in search of the all important opening score and it duly arrived on twenty five minutes. Enda Ravenhill won possession in midfield and swept the ball out to the left wing and then timed his run perfectly to meet Kevin Minnock’s fine cross and send his header just inside the right post to put his side in front. Boro’s response was almost immediate when David Harrison latched onto a weak clearance but his effort was brilliantly kept out by Ciaran Carragher and minutes later Mike Morrissey headed wide following a corner. Town again went close when Trevor Francis was fouled and Niall Lynch’s free kick picked out Patrick Gorman, but his looping header just cleared the crossbar. With Mark Hayes doing great work in containing the dangerous David Harrison, they nearly doubled their advantage following a lovely flowing move involving Minnock, Gorman and Keith O’Connor but, when the ball was pulled back, Niall Lynch fired past the right post. It was far from one way traffic and Tullamore got the mother and father of all frights when Mike Morrisey picked the ball up forty yards from goal and unleashed a rocket that flew inches outside the left post. Niall Lynch’s ability to find colleagues in crowded areas from dead ball situations was again in evidence when he picked out Enda Ravenhill following a free kick, but his header was too high as the referee brought a wonderfully entertaining first half to a conclusion.
Tullamore were first to threaten on the resumption when Patrick Gorman headed on to Trevor Francis and his sweetly struck half volley flew narrowly over and he again went close when Keith O’Connor picked him out on the right but his shot was well saved by Mark Tarmey. With fifty five minutes on the clock they nearly increased their lead in spectacular fashion. Francis chased the ball down on the left and pulled it back to Kevin Minnock who brilliantly skipped past two defenders before firing past the far post. They again went close when Niall Lynch sent O’Connor clear on the right and his searching cross just missed out Trevor Francis at the far post. As they continued to pile on the pressure Keith O’Connor picked out Kevin Minnock in the inside left channel but his effort flew narrowly wide and then Enda Ravenhill played a great ball through to Patrick Gorman but he shot high and wide. Town were nearly knocked back on their heels when David Rooney broke clear on the right and Ciaran Carragher just managed to get finger tips to his dangerous cross, with his defence scrambling the loose ball to safety. Tullamore went close when they won a corner on the left with O’Connor picking out Ken Doyle at the far post but his header flew wide while, at the other end, David Harrison threatened on the left but was denied by a great tackle from Ross Kinnarney. With the game entering its final quarter, Boro introduced Stephen Masterson and Derek Murray with Town countering by bringing on Brian Francis and Shane Delaney. As Celtic threw everthing into attack Ciaran Carragher did well to punch clear an inswinging Clem McCormack corner and then Mark Hayes threaded a lovely ball through to Kevin Minnock but his effort was off target. With five minutes remaining Boro nearly equalised when Masterson picked the ball up in the inside left channel, but he was denied by a brilliant last ditch tackle from Ken Doyle. As Boro increased their efforts they won a series of corners, but Doyle was imperious at the back as time and again he cleared his lines. With minutes remaining Tullamore should have put the game to bed when, following a free kick, Niall Lynch picked out Patrick Gorman in the area but he headed wide when well placed as they ran out deserving winners of a superb cup final.
This was a game that lived up to all the pre-match hype and was a credit to both these fine clubs. For Tullamore there were excellent contributions from Ken Doyle, Mark Hayes, Ross Kinnarney, Patrick Gorman and Enda Ravenhill with Barry Clarke, Mike Morrisey, David Harrison and David Rooney the pick of Boro Celtic, but the man of the match award went to Town’s outstanding forward, Kevin Minnock.
Tullamore manager Noel Courtney and coach Alan Murray would like to thank the players for their commitment throughout what has been a wonderfully successful season.
Tullamore Town: Ciaran Carragher, Ross Kinnarney, Stephen Francis, Ken Doyle, Mark Hayes, Keith O’Connor, Patrick Gorman, Niall Lynch, Enda Ravenhill, Kevin Minnock and Trevor Francis.
Subs: Brian Francis, Shane Delaney, James Carthy, Ronnie Hughes and Patrick Tyrell.
Boro Celtic: Mark Tarmey, Alan Manning, Clem McCormack, Barry Clarke, Joe Horgan, Mike Morrisey, David Harrison, Declan Hanley, James Hilton, James Hanley and David Rooney.
Subs: Paul Rooney, Conor Casey, Stephen Masterson, Diarmuid Farrell and Derek Murray.
CCFL Dolan Cup Final

Tullamore Town  1   Boro Celtic  0

A wonderful glancing header from Enda Ravenhill was all that separated these two fine sides after ninety minutes in Clara last Saturday as Tullamore added The Dolan Cup to their Division 1 title. With both teams champions of their respective leagues this was always going to be a fascinating encounter, and they certainly did not disappoint. From the outset it was obvious that Boro’s two speedy wingers, David Harrison and David Rooney, had the capacity to create problems for the Town defence while James Hanley and Barry Clarke in midfield were also impressive performers. But it was Tullamore’s young full backs, Mark Hayes and Ross Kinnarney, who produced performances full of guile and maturity that contributed enormously to their team’s success. The Lanesboro side were first out of the traps with Mike Morrissey heading a Hanley corner narrowly wide and then a great run on the left by Rooney had the Town defence struggling to clear their lines. As they settled into their stride Kevin Minnock fired in a dangerous cross, but Mark Tarmey was quickly off his line to gather and then Stephen Francis and Minnock combined to pick out Trevor Francis, but his effort was charged down by Barry Clarke. As they continued to press, Niall Lynch and Patrick Gorman created an opportunity for Minnock, but he was denied by a great relieving tackle from Clem McCormack. With fifteen minutes on the clock referee Adrian Martin played a great advantage when he waved play on after Enda Ravenhill was tackled late when playing the ball down the line to Trevor Francis, but his pin point cross somehow got caught between Patrick Gorman’s feet with the goal at his mercy and the danger was cleared. As Boro hit back James Hanley played a lovely ball through to David Rooney on the left but Ciaran Carragher gathered his cross safely. As the play continued to ebb and flow Ken Doyle and Patrick Gorman combined to pick out Trevor Francis but his well struck volley was too high. With Stephen Francis’ intelligent distribution from the back acting as a launching pad for most of Tullamore’s attacks they went in search of the all important opening score and it duly arrived on twenty five minutes. Enda Ravenhill won possession in midfield and swept the ball out to the left wing and then timed his run perfectly to meet Kevin Minnock’s fine cross and send his header just inside the right post to put his side in front. Boro’s response was almost immediate when David Harrison latched onto a weak clearance but his effort was brilliantly kept out by Ciaran Carragher and minutes later Mike Morrissey headed wide following a corner. Town again went close when Trevor Francis was fouled and Niall Lynch’s free kick picked out Patrick Gorman, but his looping header just cleared the crossbar. With Mark Hayes doing great work in containing the dangerous David Harrison, they nearly doubled their advantage following a lovely flowing move involving Minnock, Gorman and Keith O’Connor but, when the ball was pulled back, Niall Lynch fired past the right post. It was far from one way traffic and Tullamore got the mother and father of all frights when Mike Morrisey picked the ball up forty yards from goal and unleashed a rocket that flew inches outside the left post. Niall Lynch’s ability to find colleagues in crowded areas from dead ball situations was again in evidence when he picked out Enda Ravenhill following a free kick, but his header was too high as the referee brought a wonderfully entertaining first half to a conclusion.
Tullamore were first to threaten on the resumption when Patrick Gorman headed on to Trevor Francis and his sweetly struck half volley flew narrowly over and he again went close when Keith O’Connor picked him out on the right but his shot was well saved by Mark Tarmey. With fifty five minutes on the clock they nearly increased their lead in spectacular fashion. Francis chased the ball down on the left and pulled it back to Kevin Minnock who brilliantly skipped past two defenders before firing past the far post. They again went close when Niall Lynch sent O’Connor clear on the right and his searching cross just missed out Trevor Francis at the far post. As they continued to pile on the pressure Keith O’Connor picked out Kevin Minnock in the inside left channel but his effort flew narrowly wide and then Enda Ravenhill played a great ball through to Patrick Gorman but he shot high and wide. Town were nearly knocked back on their heels when David Rooney broke clear on the right and Ciaran Carragher just managed to get finger tips to his dangerous cross, with his defence scrambling the loose ball to safety. Tullamore went close when they won a corner on the left with O’Connor picking out Ken Doyle at the far post but his header flew wide while, at the other end, David Harrison threatened on the left but was denied by a great tackle from Ross Kinnarney. With the game entering its final quarter, Boro introduced Stephen Masterson and Derek Murray with Town countering by bringing on Brian Francis and Shane Delaney. As Celtic threw everthing into attack Ciaran Carragher did well to punch clear an inswinging Clem McCormack corner and then Mark Hayes threaded a lovely ball through to Kevin Minnock but his effort was off target. With five minutes remaining Boro nearly equalised when Masterson picked the ball up in the inside left channel, but he was denied by a brilliant last ditch tackle from Ken Doyle. As Boro increased their efforts they won a series of corners, but Doyle was imperious at the back as time and again he cleared his lines. With minutes remaining Tullamore should have put the game to bed when, following a free kick, Niall Lynch picked out Patrick Gorman in the area but he headed wide when well placed as they ran out deserving winners of a superb cup final.
This was a game that lived up to all the pre-match hype and was a credit to both these fine clubs. For Tullamore there were excellent contributions from Ken Doyle, Mark Hayes, Ross Kinnarney, Patrick Gorman and Enda Ravenhill with Barry Clarke, Mike Morrisey, David Harrison and David Rooney the pick of Boro Celtic, but the man of the match award went to Town’s outstanding forward, Kevin Minnock.
Tullamore manager Noel Courtney and coach Alan Murray would like to thank the players for their commitment throughout what has been a wonderfully successful season.
Tullamore Town: Ciaran Carragher, Ross Kinnarney, Stephen Francis, Ken Doyle, Mark Hayes, Keith O’Connor, Patrick Gorman, Niall Lynch, Enda Ravenhill, Kevin Minnock and Trevor Francis.
Subs: Brian Francis, Shane Delaney, James Carthy, Ronnie Hughes and Patrick Tyrell.
Boro Celtic: Mark Tarmey, Alan Manning, Clem McCormack, Barry Clarke, Joe Horgan, Mike Morrisey, David Harrison, Declan Hanley, James Hilton, James Hanley and David Rooney.
Subs: Paul Rooney, Conor Casey, Stephen Masterson, Diarmuid Farrell and Derek Murray.

CCFL Dolan Cup Final 18/05/13

Tullamore Town  1   Boro Celtic  0

 A wonderful glancing header from Enda Ravenhill was all that separated these two fine sides after ninety minutes in Clara last Saturday as Tullamore added The Dolan Cup to their Division 1 title. With both teams champions of their respective leagues this was always going to be a fascinating encounter, and they certainly did not disappoint. From the outset it was obvious that Boro’s two speedy wingers, David Harrison and David Rooney, had the capacity to create problems for the Town defence while James Hanley and Barry Clarke in midfield were also impressive performers. But it was Tullamore’s young full backs, Mark Hayes and Ross Kinnarney, who produced performances full of guile and maturity that contributed enormously to their team’s success. The Lanesboro side were first out of the traps with Mike Morrissey heading a Hanley corner narrowly wide and then a great run on the left by Rooney had the Town defence struggling to clear their lines. As they settled into their stride Kevin Minnock fired in a dangerous cross, but Mark Tarmey was quickly off his line to gather and then Stephen Francis and Minnock combined to pick out Trevor Francis, but his effort was charged down by Barry Clarke. As they continued to press, Niall Lynch and Patrick Gorman created an opportunity for Minnock, but he was denied by a great relieving tackle from Clem McCormack. With fifteen minutes on the clock referee Adrian Martin played a great advantage when he waved play on after Enda Ravenhill was tackled late when playing the ball down the line to Trevor Francis, but his pin point cross somehow got caught between Patrick Gorman’s feet with the goal at his mercy and the danger was cleared. As Boro hit back James Hanley played a lovely ball through to David Rooney on the left but Ciaran Carragher gathered his cross safely. As the play continued to ebb and flow Ken Doyle and Patrick Gorman combined to pick out Trevor Francis but his well struck volley was too high. With Stephen Francis’ intelligent distribution from the back acting as a launching pad for most of Tullamore’s attacks they went in search of the all important opening score and it duly arrived on twenty five minutes. Enda Ravenhill won possession in midfield and swept the ball out to the left wing and then timed his run perfectly to meet Kevin Minnock’s fine cross and send his header just inside the right post to put his side in front. Boro’s response was almost immediate when David Harrison latched onto a weak clearance but his effort was brilliantly kept out by Ciaran Carragher and minutes later Mike Morrissey headed wide following a corner. Town again went close when Trevor Francis was fouled and Niall Lynch’s free kick picked out Patrick Gorman, but his looping header just cleared the crossbar. With Mark Hayes doing great work in containing the dangerous David Harrison, they nearly doubled their advantage following a lovely flowing move involving Minnock, Gorman and Keith O’Connor but, when the ball was pulled back, Niall Lynch fired past the right post. It was far from one way traffic and Tullamore got the mother and father of all frights when Mike Morrisey picked the ball up forty yards from goal and unleashed a rocket that flew inches outside the left post. Niall Lynch’s ability to find colleagues in crowded areas from dead ball situations was again in evidence when he picked out Enda Ravenhill following a free kick, but his header was too high as the referee brought a wonderfully entertaining first half to a conclusion.

Tullamore were first to threaten on the resumption when Patrick Gorman headed on to Trevor Francis and his sweetly struck half volley flew narrowly over and he again went close when Keith O’Connor picked him out on the right but his shot was well saved by Mark Tarmey. With fifty five minutes on the clock they nearly increased their lead in spectacular fashion. Francis chased the ball down on the left and pulled it back to Kevin Minnock who brilliantly skipped past two defenders before firing past the far post. They again went close when Niall Lynch sent O’Connor clear on the right and his searching cross just missed out Trevor Francis at the far post. As they continued to pile on the pressure Keith O’Connor picked out Kevin Minnock in the inside left channel but his effort flew narrowly wide and then Enda Ravenhill played a great ball through to Patrick Gorman but he shot high and wide. Town were nearly knocked back on their heels when David Rooney broke clear on the right and Ciaran Carragher just managed to get finger tips to his dangerous cross, with his defence scrambling the loose ball to safety. Tullamore went close when they won a corner on the left with O’Connor picking out Ken Doyle at the far post but his header flew wide while, at the other end, David Harrison threatened on the left but was denied by a great tackle from Ross Kinnarney. With the game entering its final quarter, Boro introduced Stephen Masterson and Derek Murray with Town countering by bringing on Brian Francis and Shane Delaney. As Celtic threw everthing into attack Ciaran Carragher did well to punch clear an inswinging Clem McCormack corner and then Mark Hayes threaded a lovely ball through to Kevin Minnock but his effort was off target. With five minutes remaining Boro nearly equalised when Masterson picked the ball up in the inside left channel, but he was denied by a brilliant last ditch tackle from Ken Doyle. As Boro increased their efforts they won a series of corners, but Doyle was imperious at the back as time and again he cleared his lines. With minutes remaining Tullamore should have put the game to bed when, following a free kick, Niall Lynch picked out Patrick Gorman in the area but he headed wide when well placed as they ran out deserving winners of a superb cup final.

This was a game that lived up to all the pre-match hype and was a credit to both these fine clubs. For Tullamore there were excellent contributions from Ken Doyle, Mark Hayes, Ross Kinnarney, Patrick Gorman and Enda Ravenhill with Barry Clarke, Mike Morrisey, David Harrison and David Rooney the pick of Boro Celtic, but the man of the match award went to Town’s outstanding forward, Kevin Minnock.

Tullamore manager Noel Courtney and coach Alan Murray would like to thank the players for their commitment throughout what has been a wonderfully successful season.

Tullamore Town: Ciaran Carragher, Ross Kinnarney, Stephen Francis, Ken Doyle, Mark Hayes, Keith O’Connor, Patrick Gorman, Niall Lynch, Enda Ravenhill, Kevin Minnock and Trevor Francis.

Subs: Brian Francis, Shane Delaney, James Carthy, Ronnie Hughes and Patrick Tyrell.

Boro Celtic: Mark Tarmey, Alan Manning, Clem McCormack, Barry Clarke, Joe Horgan, Mike Morrisey, David Harrison, Declan Hanley, James Hilton, James Hanley and David Rooney.

Subs: Paul Rooney, Conor Casey, Stephen Masterson, Diarmuid Farrell and Derek Murray.

CCFL Womens Shield Final 06/05/13

Tullamore Town 0 Birr Town 2

These near neighbours squared up against one another in Athlone last Monday and, in a tightly contested game, the Birr girls emerged victorious. Tullamore began brightly with Richelle O’Neill testing Birr keeper Louise Kennedy and she again created danger when her well struck corner kick flew across the face of the goal. It was not all one way traffic as Mary Reams brought a fine save from Jenna Cuskelly and she was again called into action when she had to keep out a fine long range effort from Siobhan Flannery. Tullamore went back on the offensive with O’Neill picking out Brigid Fox but her shot was charged down. With Hilary Francis and Catherine Gunning dominant at the back and Joan Lennon and Laura Guinan playing well on the flanks, Tullamore began to enjoy the better of the exchanges and, as the game progressed, a titanic struggle for midfield supremacy began to develop between Claire Cantwell and Siobhan Flannery as both sides went in search of the opening score. With forty minutes gone Flannery and Shauna Byrne combined to send Sheila Sullivan clear on the right but Hilary Francis got across to knock the ball behind and, from the resultant corner, Grace King bundled the ball into the net to put her side ahead. As Tullamore hit back, Ciara Neville went on a great run on the right and pulled the ball back to Richelle O’Neill, but she hesitated in front of goal and the chance was lost. They again went close when Claire Cantwell was taken down on the edge of the area, but O’Neill’s effort was too high as the referee brought the first half to a conclusion with Birr one goal to the good.

Birr were quickly out of the blocks on the restart with Grace King playing a lovely ball through to Sheila Sullivan, but Richelle O’Neill was alert to the danger and cleared her lines. Tullamore threatened when Ciara Neville burst through the middle before being taken down and Catherine Gunning’s well struck free kick flew just outside the angle of post and bar. With Tamara Daly coming on for the injured Neville, Tullamore continued their search for an equaliser as Regina Healion found Jenna Cornally, but her effort was well held by the keeper. Birr went close when they won a free out wide on the left and Siobhan Flannery fired the ball inches over the bar. With seventy minutes gone they doubled their advantage when Tullamore failed to clear their lines and Mary Reams pounced on the loose ball to slide it into the back of the net for a fine opportunist goal. Tullamore went perilously close minutes later when Richelle O’Neill cut in from the right, but her low drive was superbly tipped around the post by Louise Kennedy. With Claire Cantwell and Vera Clavin working tirelessly in midfield they continued to press and again went close when Hilary Francis got on the end of a right wing cross from Cornally, but her shot was deflected over as the Birr girls ran out deserving winners.

For Birr Town there were excellent contributions form Siobhan Flannery, Sheila Sullivan and Grace King while Catherine Gunning, Hilary Francis and Richelle O’Neill were the pick of the Tullamore girls, but the player of the match award went to their outstanding tough tackling midfielder, Claire Cantwell.

Tullamore Town: Jenna Cornally, Joan Lennon, Hilary Francis, Catherine Gunning, Laura Guinan, Brigid Fox, Claire Cantwell, Vera Clavin, Regina Healion, Ciara Neville and Richelle O’Neill.

Sub: Tamara Daly.

Birr Town: Louise Kennedy, Nadia Feehan, Mary James, Charlotte Maher, Jessie Spain, Shauna Byrne, Siobhan Flannery, Grace King, Kaeligh Sheils, Sheila Sullivan and Mary Reams.

Sub: Sinead Garland.

Leinster Senior League 04/05/13

Tullamore Town 1 Fairview CY 2

Third placed Fairview CY left Leah Victoria Park last Saturday with all three points following a very impressive performance that saw them dominate this game for long periods against a battling Tullamore side. They were quickly into their stride and hit the front after only ten minutes when Podge Galvin chased down a long clearance and squeezed his effort home at the near post. Five minutes later Tullamore were back in the game when they won a corner on the left and, when Trevor Moylan swept the ball into the area, Mark Gorman, playing his last game before emigrating to Canada, rose above the defence to power a superb header into the roof of the net. As they continued to press, a great run through the middle by Niall Farrell carried him deep into the Fairview half before being crowded out. With twenty five minutes gone the visitors restored their advantage when Lee Donoghue got on the end of a free kick to hook the ball into the net for a fine opportunist score. As Tullamore hit back, James Carthy picked out Jonathan Smith, but his shot was charged down and then Mark Gorman got on the end of a Fergal Gorman cross, but his header was well held by Ryan Murphy as the referee brought the first half to a conclusion.

Tullamore began the second half brightly with Brian Francis flashing his effort past the right post and, with fifty five minutes on the clock, they were desperately unlucky not to level the scores. Fergal Gorman fired in a great cross from the right and Niall Farrell’s diving header was brilliantly kept out by Ryan Murphy. They again went close when Brian Francis fired over from a Shaun Martin free kick while, at the other end, Karl Reynolds cut in from the left and brought a fine save from Conor McEvoy. Martin and Farrell then combined down the left to create an opening for Carthy, but his header was well held by the keeper. With sixty five minutes gone Fairview should have increased their lead when McEvoy could only parry Mick Hill’s dangerous cross and Lee Donoghue fired the loose ball wide with the goal at his mercy. Tullamore tried manfully to get back in the game and Dave Whelan did well to knock Jonathan Smith’s searching cross behind, but it was the visitors who were calling the shots as Kieran Dorney picked the ball up in the inside left channel and flashed his effort inches past the far post. Dorney again created danger when he latched onto a weak clearance and was only denied by a fine save from Conor McEvoy down low to his right. The home side briefly threatened when Shaun Martin played a fine ball through to Niall Farrell, but Murphy was quickly off his line to avert the danger as Fairview ran out deserving winners.

Tullamore’s problems up front continue to dog their season as they struggle to put the ball in the net but, with only two games remaining, they are well clear of the relegation zone. There were excellent contributions from Trevor Moylan, Stephen Francis and Niall Farrell with Karl Reynolds, Podge Galvin and Keith Darcy the pick of the visitors, but the man of the match award went to Tullamore’s goal scoring central defender, Mark Gorman.

Everyone associated with the club would like to wish Mark well in Canada and to thank him for his outstanding contribution throughout the season.

Tullamore: Conor McEvoy, Chris Bracken, Trevor Moylan, Mark Gorman, Fergal Gorman, Brian Francis, Stephen Francis, Niall Farrell, James Carthy, Jonathan Smith and Gio Russo.

Subs: Shaun Martin, Shane Delaney and Andrew Mullan (all used).

CCFL U19 DIVISION 04/05/13

Ballinahown 1-2 Tullamore Town

A STOPPAGE-time penalty from Shane Martino sealed the CCFL Under 19 Division title in dramatic circumstances for Tullamore Town.

CCFL Youths co-ordinator Eamonn Brady thought he would be keeping the cup in the boot of his jeep as the 90th minute approached and the sides were still deadlocked 1-1.

But when Tullamore captain Mark Casey was upended in the Ballinahown box and referee Ultan Beaumont pointed to the spot, Martino had the chance to clinch the league and he did so clinically.

Even a draw would have kept the league race just about alive for Ballinahown and they might argue they deserved a point on the day, but in truth Tullamore did have the edge.

Referee Beaumont had a busy afternoon, especially in the frantic closing stages and Ballinahown were screaming for a handball infringement in the build-up to the decisive 92nd-minute penalty incident.

But the match official got it right in the 84th minute when he flashed a straight red to Ballinahown's Niall Gaffey, as he had before that when Tullamore were appealing for a penalty after a tackle on Eddie Connolly.

Beaten LFA Under 19 Cup semi-finalists Tullamore Town were favoured to win the league, but they were under fierce pressure after the first kick-off on Saturday when they found themselves playing against a stiff breeze and coping with an uneven pitch.

Luckily for the visitors, they had an excellent back four in Matthew Hynes, Diarmuid Carroll, Ross Kinnarney and Rory Condron and, after surviving half an hour of pressure, they took the lead when Macdarragh O'Neill crossed from the left for Martino to knock home the opener.

O'Neill and Martino, plus the tall Jason Dunne, made for a useful attack force on a day when Town were without the suspended Dillon Melia and the injured Ted Conway.

With the wind against them after the break, it was expected that Ballinahown would find the going tough, but they actually produced their best football in the second half.

They switched to a back three of substitute Jason O'Shea, Gaffey and Terry Rushe and took the game to Tullamore. In the 69th minute, they levelled when Dunican reached high, but spilled Rushe's free kick and Ballinahown's second substitute, Eanna Duffy, buried the rebound.

After that it appeared that Town would have to wait for another day to seal the deal, but Martino's spot-kick changed all that even though Ballinahown did have a handball appeal themselves before the six minutes of added time were up.

Ballinahown still have a chance for some silverware as they take on Abbeyleix in the Under 19 Cup final while elsewhere in Youths action, Willow Park Under 17s, who have already won their own league and cup double, will meet league winners and FAI Youths Cup semi-finalists Edenderry Town in the CCFL Under 18 Cup decider.

BALLINAHOWN: Conor Tumulty; Jamie Anders, Terry Rushe, Jordan Marshment, Niall Gaffey, Mark Halligan, Eoin O'Reilly, Ian Rosney, Shane McCormack, Conor Rohan, Johnny Kiernan. Subs: Jason O'Shea for Shane McCormack (46 mins), Eanna Duffy for Johnny Kiernan (63 mins).

TULLAMORE TOWN: Patrick Dunican; Matthew Hynes, Rory Condron, Diarmuid Carroll, Ross Kinnarney, Mark Casey, Gary Hutchinson, Eddie Connolly, Shane Martino, Macdarragh O'Neill, Jason Dunn. Sub: David Doyle.

Referee: Ultan Beaumont (Midlands Branch).

CCFL Division 1 28/04/13

Temple Villa 1 Tullamore Town 2

Tullamore were crowned League champions in Mount Temple last Sunday following a thrilling final day of the season. With three teams capable of winning the title this was always going to be a day of high drama but, with Town a goal down and reduced to ten men after twenty five minutes, the omens were not good. Instead of going under they drew on all their battling qualities to produce a magnificent second half performance that saw them safely across the line. The early exchanges were evenly contested but, with twenty minutes on the clock, Villa hit the front when Ian Gardiner chased down a long ball to sweep it past Ciaran Carragher in the visitors goal. Five minutes later Tullamore were left with a mountain to climb when central defender Anthony Coyne picked up a second yellow card and was summarily dismissed. With Mark Hayes being withdrawn into defence Tullamore tried to steady the ship but, with James Martin outstanding at the back and Paul O’Brien and Peter Smith controlling midfield, the home side ensured that their opportunities were at a premium as the interval arrived with Temple Villa’s one goal lead intact.

As news filtered through that Clonaslee Utd were three goals up in their corresponding game, Tullamore knew that nothing less than a win would suffice and they duly set about their task with a vengeance. Straight from the restart Trevor Francis picked out Keith O’Connor in the inside right channel and his fine drive was brilliantly turned around the post by Alan Robbins. With Ronnie Hughes coming on for the injured Brian Norris they continued to press and again went close when O’Connor played a lovely reverse ball through to Francis, but Robbins was quickly off his line to avert the danger. It was not all one way traffic and Ciaran Carragher did well to tip Paul O’Brien’s swerving effort over the bar and then, with an hour gone, Tullamore struck for the equaliser. Keith O’Connor pulled the ball back to Niall Gorman who picked out Niall Lynch in the area and, when his effort was blocked, Enda Ravenhill pounced to fire the ball home from close range. With Lynch, Ravenhill and Patrick Gorman dominating midfield, the ten men continued to pour forward and, with seventy minutes on the clock, their pressure was rewarded. Ravenhill played the ball down the left to Kevin Minnock who cut inside and coolly drove his shot low into the far corner for a superb goal. As Temple Villa tried to get back in the game James Martin saw his long range effort well saved by Carragher while, at the other end, Shane Delaney played a great cross field ball to Keith O’Conner but his drive flew inches outside the right post. With the clock ticking down O’Connor put Delaney through but his effort was deflected wide as the referee brought this white knuckle ride to a conclusion.

This was a performance full of character and belief in which every player stood up to the plate. Great credit is also due to manager Noel Courtney and coach Alan Murray who transformed this team into title winners. Their season is still full of promise as in two weeks time they will be looking to complete a famous double when they take on the winners of Boro Celtic and Moate Celtic in the final of the Dolan Cup.

In what was a wonderful all round team performance there were excellent contributions from Ken Doyle, Niall Lynch, Enda Ravenhill and Keith O’Connor with James Martin, Paul O’Brien and Peter Smith the pick of the home side, but the man of the match award went to Tullamore’s outstanding playmaker, Patrick Gorman.

Tullamore: Ciaran Carragher, Niall Gorman, Ken Doyle, Anthony Coyne, Brian Norris, Keith O’Connor, Niall Lynch, Enda Ravenhill, Patrick Gorman, Mark Hayes and Trevor Francis.

Subs: Ronnie Hughes, Kevin Minnock, Shane Delaney, Patrick Tyrell, David Maloney and Cormac Bradley.

Leinster Junior Cup 6th Round 24/03/13

Tullamore Town 0 Willow Park 3

Top CCFL side, Willow Park, turned on the style in Leah Victoria Park last Sunday as Tullamore were left chasing shadows for long periods of this somewhat one-sided encounter. The visitors were quickly into their stride with Sean Brennan sending Mark Nicholson clear on the right but Scott Delaney got across to clear. Peter Sherlock then threatened on the left but this time Stephen Francis got back to tidy up while, at the other end, Kevin Williamson put James Carthy through but he was denied by a fine last ditch tackle from Nicholson. Willow Park’s precise passing game was causing problems for the beleaguered home defence and they again went close when Nicholson played a great ball through to Colm Hyland in the inside right channel but Delaney cut out the danger with a fine sliding tackle. As the play switched to the left, Alan O’Connell did well to hold on to a low Sherlock cross and then Nicholson and Brennan combined on the right, but Mark Gorman got across to knock the ball behind. With twenty five minutes on the clock the visitors jumped into the lead with a lovely sweeping move. Colm Hyland pulled the ball back to Mark Nicholson and he played it through to Benny McGuinness who picked out Kevin Murray at the far post for the easiest of tap-ins. As Tullamore battled to get back in the game, Sean Brennan did well to hook out an in-swinging Kevin Williamson corner and then good work on the left by James Carthy saw Williamson fire in a dangerous cross that was bravely headed clear by Peter Sherlock. As they continued to press, Niall Farrell put Carthy through but his effort was taken off the line by Sherlock and, as the ball broke back, Ian Bolger did well to keep out Brian Francis’ follow up. As Willow Park went back on the offensive, Mark Nicholson picked out Colm Hyland but his cross was knocked behind and, from the resultant corner, Sean Brennan had his shot charged down as the referee brought the first half to a conclusion with the visitors one goal to the good.

Tullamore began the second half brightly with James Carthy getting on the end of a Kevin Williamson free kick but his header was well held by Ian Bolger. With fifty five minutes gone they were undone by a clever Colm Hyland flick that played Kevin Murray in and he drove his shot unerringly into the bottom left corner to double his sides advantage. As manager Patrick Ruane tried to shake things up, Gio Russo was introduced up front and he was quickly into the action when he got on the end of a through ball but Fergal Murray got across to cut out the danger. They again threatened when James Carthy won back possession from Robbie Shine, but he failed to deliver the final ball and the chance was lost. With Damian Rushe pulling the strings in midfield, Willow Park regained control of the game as Gary McHugh played a superb ball through to Sean Brennan, but his effort was brilliantly kept out by Alan O’Connell and then Robbie Shine volleyed a Colm Hyland corner inches past the left post. They again went agonisingly close on seventy five minutes when Benny McGuinness played a lovely ball through to Hyland who skipped around the keeper but Mark Gorman somehow managed to get back to block his effort on the line. Gorman was again in the thick of the action when he went on a surging run through the middle but his cross to the far post was headed wide by Russo. Chris Bracken then played a searching ball through to Russo but he was denied by a fine headed clearance from Mark Nicholson. Andy Mullan went close when his header was hooked clear following a corner while, at the other end, Peter Sherlock and Kevin Murray combined to send Brian Fogarty clear, but O’Connell got down well to save. However, with minutes remaining, the visitors had the final say when Gary McHugh played a defence splitting pass through to Fogarty and he unselfishly laid it on a plate for Murray to complete his hat-trick and round off a very impressive team performance.

For Tullamore there were excellent contributions from Alan O’Connell, Mark Gorman and Chris Bracken while Mark Nicholson, Fergal Murray and Damian Rushe were the pick of the visitors, but the man of the match award went to Willow Park’s hat-trick hero, Kevin Murray.

Tullamore: Alan O’Connell, Scott Delaney, Mark Gorman, Chris Bracken, Stephen Duffy, Kevin Williamson, Stephen Francis, Brian Francis, Niall Farrell, James Carthy and Jonathan Smith.

Subs: Gio Russo, Andrew Mullan, Shaun Martin and Connor McEvoy.

Willow Park: Ian Bolger, Mark Nicholson, Peter Sherlock, Fergal Murray, Robbie Shine, Damian Rushe, Kevin Murray, Gary McHugh, Colm Hyland, Benny McGuinness and Sean Brennan.

Subs: Brian Fogarty, Jimmy Mullally, Glenn Byrne and Ronan Frawley.

CCFL Division 1 24/03/13

Highfield United 0-2 Tullamore Town 

Tullamore’s CCFL side had a great 2-0 away win against Highfield United that has propelled them to the top of Division 1. They struck the woodwork twice in the first half through Enda Ravenhill and Keith O’Connor before Ravenhill put them in front with a fine header. A second half penalty from Niall Lynch secured all three points and opened up a two point gap at the top of the table with only two games remaining.

CCFL Under-19 16/03/13

Tullamore Town 3 Clongowes Wood 1

This top of the table clash was a lot closer than the scoreline might suggest with Tullamore relying on two late strikes to see off a battling Clongowes side in Leah Victoria Park last Saturday. They were first to threaten with Daniel Crawley firing in a dangerous left wing cross that was hooked clear by Raul Morar and he again went close when he got on the end of a Mark Casey through ball, but his well struck volley was well held by Santiago Sanchez in the visitors goal. It was not all one way traffic as Sam Messayeh fired over from distance while, at the other end, fine play by Gary Hutchinson and Shane Martino created an opening for Dillon Melia but Morar got across to knock the ball behind. Casey picked out Melia on the left but his shot flew across the face of the goal and they again went close following a corner with Ross Kinnarney heading narrowly over. With Kinnarney and Diarmuid Carroll holding firm at the back they continued to press as Rory Condron found Niall Farell, but his effort flashed wide and then a break on the right by Martino saw him fire inches outside the far post. As Clongowes hit back John Byrne got on the end of a fine Matthew Coyne cross but his header was well held by Patrick Donegan. With forty minutes on the clock Crawley brought a good save from Sanchez following a free kick and then Donegan did well to gather a dangerous Morar cross as the game continued to ebb and flow. With minutes remaining in the first half Martino was taken down on the edge of the area and Melia’s swerving free kick just missed out the angle of bar and post as the interval arrived with both teams tied at nil all.

On the resumption a fine move involving Mark Casey, Gary Hutchinson and Shane Martino ended with Dillon Melia firing over and then Niall Farrell got on the of a Daniel Crawley corner but his header was straight at the keeper. Hutchinson and Martino again created danger down the right but Crawley failed to get enough purchase on his shot and Sanchez saved comfortably. With fifty five minutes gone Tullamore should have hit the front when the keeper dropped a Matthew Hynds cross but Melia blasted the loose ball over and then a surging run by Farrell on the left saw Sanchez brilliantly turn his effort around the post. With sixty five minutes gone, following a goalmouth melee, the referee pointed to the spot and Melia drove the resultant penalty into the bottom right corner to put his side in front. With Ted Conway and David Doyle being introduced to the fray Tullamore looked to finish the game off, but they were nearly rocked back on their heels when Hugh McMahon broke clear on the right but Donegan got down superbly to keep his effort out. Clongowes were not to be denied minutes later when the outstanding Raul Morar floated a free kick into the top right corner from out wide on the left to level the game. With three minutes remaining the home side regained the lead in spectacular fashion when Ted Conway picked the ball up twenty five yards out and crashed an unstoppable shot just inside the right post. As the game moved deep into time added on they finally put it to bed when Gary Hutchinson pulled the ball back to Dillon Melia and he switched it to Matthew Hynds on the left who drove it high into the roof of the net to clinch all three points.

For the home side there were excellent contributions from Patrick Donegan, Gary Hutchinson, Niall Farrell and Dillon Melia while Raul Morar, Sam Messayeh and Dillon Hennessy were the pick of the visitors, but the man of the match award went to Tullamore’s outstanding central defender, Ross Kinnarney.

Tullamore: Patrick Donegan, Matthew Hynds, Diarmuid Carroll, Ross Kinnarney, Rory Condron, Shane Martino, Gary Hutchinson, Mark Casey, Niall Farrell, Daniel Crawley and Dillon Melia.

Subs: Ted Conway, David Doyle and Eric Dolan.

CCFL Michael Dolan Cup Quarter Final 10/03/13

Tullamore Town 3 Highfield Utd 1

Tullamore’s defence of the Michael Dolan Cup continued unhindered in Leah Victoria Park last Sunday as they steamed into the semi-finals on the back of an impressive first half performance. With only five minutes gone they opened their account when Patrick Gorman played a lovely ball through to Shane Delaney and he placed his shot into the bottom left corner for an excellent score. As Highfield hit back Eric Smyth brought a fine save from Ciaran Carragher down low to his right while at the other end a surging run by Patrick Tyrell saw him crash his effort off the right upright. Delaney again threatened when he cut in from the right but James Hartnett got down smartly smother his low cross. With half an hour gone they increased their lead when Hartnett allowed a Tyrell cross to squirm out of his grasp and Delaney pounced on the loose ball to drive it into the roof of the net. The visitors nearly got back in the game when the dangerous Smyth played a superb ball inside the home defence to Martin Gallagher but Carragher brilliantly tipped his wicked cross shot around the post. With thirty five minutes on the clock Anthony Coyne played a great crossfield pass to the overlapping Niall Gorman but he fired over when well placed. They again went close when Keith O’Connor took off on a surging run that carried him into the area but Hartnett was quickly off his line to save at his feet as the referee brought the first half to a conclusion with Tullamore two goals to the good.

Highfield began the second half in determined fashion with Ciaran Carragher doing well to keep out Barry McEvoy’s deflected free kick. They continued to enjoy the better of the exchanges as Tullamore appeared to take their foot off the pedal but, with seventy minutes gone, they increased their advantage in bizarre circumstances. Enda Ravenhill played a great ball through to Shane Delaney who played it inside to Mark Hayes but, in attempting to clear his weakly hit shot, the Highfield defender somehow contrived to help the ball into the back of the net. The introduction of Ted Conway brought a new sense of urgency to the home attack and they nearly went further ahead when Keith O’Connor picked out Ravenhill on the left and his fine cross was fired over by Patrick Gorman. They again went close when a Niall Lynch free kick caused confusion in the visitors defence with both O’Connor and Conway having shots charged down. With five minutes remaining Highfield got the score their second half performance deserved when they were awarded a penalty and Barry McEvoy placed his spot kick into the top right hand corner. Tullamore nearly restored their three goal advantage when Robert McKenna handled the ball outside his area but he retrieved the situation with a great double save to deny Ronnie Hughes. They again went perilously close when Anthony Coyne played a lovely ball out to Ted Conway on the left and he cut inside before bringing a fine save from McKenna and, as the ball broke back into play, Enda Ravenhill saw his goal bound effort brilliantly taken off the line by Stephen Kelly. With minutes remaining Darragh O’Meara cut the ball back to Barry McEvoy but his effort was deflected over as Tullamore booked their place in the semi-finals.

While at times they played in fits and starts this was still a fine all round performance with excellent contributions from Anthony Coyne, Enda Ravenhill, Patrick Gorman and Shane Delaney, but the man of the match award went to Tullamore’s cultured full back, Brian Norris.

Tullamore: Ciaran Carragher, Niall Gorman, Ken Doyle, Anthony Coyne, Brian Norris, Enda Ravenhill, Niall Lynch, Patrick Gorman, Keith O’Connor, Shane Delaney and Patrick Tyrell.

Subs: Ronnie Hughes, Mark Hayes, Ted Conway, Mark Conroy and David Maloney (all used).

O’Neill’s Polikoff Cup 22/02/13

Tullamore Town 3 Ballyoulster Utd 3

(Ballyoulster won 5-3 on penalties)

An uncharacteristically inept second half performance saw Tullamore squander a two goal lead before grabbing a dramatic last minute equaliser and then crashing out of the competition on penalties in Leah Victoria Park last Friday. The visitors were first to threaten when Neil Heffernan burst into the area and fired over and minutes later Tullamore thought they had taken the lead when James Carthy powered a tremendous shot off the underside of the crossbar but the referee adjudged that the ball had not crossed the line. They were not to be denied on seven minutes when Scott Delaney bundled a Trevor Moylan corner into the back of the net to put his side in front. They nearly increased their lead when Kevin Williamson sent Jonathan Smith free in the inside left channel but Kenny Osi got down well to save and then Brian Francis picked out Moylan on the right but his low cross was pushed wide by Niall Farrell at the far post. As the home side continued to press Trevor Moylan got on the end of Williamson’s fine cross but his effort was taken off the line and then Mark Hayes picked out Carthy but he fired over. Moylan then turned creator as he found Farrell on the left but his cross shot flew inches past the far post. It was not all one way traffic and Ballyoulster went close when Paul Green latched onto a poor clearance and, with Alan O’Connell out of position, he lofted his shot outside the left post. With half an hour gone O’Connell had to be at his most alert as he raced from his line to deny Ollie Zamardie as he burst into the area and then Mark Gorman did well to get across to clear a dangerous Gavin Kinsella cross. Tullamore increased their advantage on forty minutes when they had two shots charged down in the area before James Carthy drove the ball into the back of the net to leave the score 2-0 in their favour at the interval.

They began the second half brightly with Scott Delaney playing a lovely ball through to Jonathan Smith but his shot flew across the face of the goal and then a great run and cross from Brian Francis just failed to pick out the inrushing Smith. Ballyoulster gave notice of intent when Paul Green picked out Gavin Kinsella but his delicate chip floated narrowly over while at the other end James Carthy found Smith but he fired past the left post. As the visitors began to come more into the game, Green threaded the ball through to Ronan Carey but O’Connell did superbly to keep his effort out with his feet. They were not to be denied on sixty five minutes when, following a corner, Paul Green picked the ball up at the back post and drilled his shot into the back of the net. With Tullamore seeming to switch off, Neill Heffernan was allowed to drift in behind the defence and round the keeper to equalise and with seventy five minutes on the clock they hit the front when Ollie Zamardi knocked the ball on to Ronan Carey who finished crisply into the far corner. With only a minute remaining the home side were thrown a lifeline when Ballyoulster failed to clear a Kevin Williamson free kick and Jonathan Smith pounced on the loose ball to drive it home from close range and take the tie into extra time.

The first period of extra time saw Carey volley over following a free kick and then Smith and Andrew Mullan combined to set up Fergal Gorman but Kenny Osi tipped his effort around the post and from the resultant corner Mark Gorman headed over. Mullan had the ball in the net when he got on the end of a great Fergal Gorman cross but he was pulled back for off-side. The second period saw Ballyoulster go close when Stephen Maher put through Paul Green but O’Connell was quickly off his line to hack clear and then a Kevin Williamson free kick almost found its way to the net. Williamson again created danger when his low cross just missed out Mark Gorman as the referee brought the game into the dreaded penalty shoot out.

Trevor Moylan, Neill Heffernan, Fergal Gorman and Kevin Fox expertly converted to leave the score at 2-2 but Kevin Williamson’s weak effort was held by Kenny Osi down low to his right. Mick Taylor, Mark Gorman and Ollie Zamardi swopped penalties before Osi brilliantly tipped Ken Doyle’s spot kick around the post to send his side into the next round.

Tullamore: Alan O’Connell, Mark Gorman, Stephen Duffy, Scott Delaney, Kevin Williamson, Brian Francis, Trevor Moylan, Niall Farrell, Andrew Mullan, Jonathan Smith and James Carthy.

Subs: Trevor Francis, Fergal Gorman and Stephen Francis.

Danone Cup Under-12 (last 16) 23/02/13

Tullamore Town 2 Newbridge Town 0

Alan Bennett’s award winning play The History Boys was brought vividly to life in Leah Victoria Park last Saturday as the Tullamore boys wrote their own little piece of history as they advanced to the quarter finals of this prestigious national competition. With only a few minutes on the clock the large home support held their collective breath as Newbridge centre forward Cian McHugh raced into the area and was brought crashing to earth by Mark Dillon, but the referee had a good view of the incident and waved play on. With the injured Dillon being taken off the management team were forced to shuffle their defence with Joshua Colsh Evans coming on at full back and Ciaran Egan taking over in central defence. Tullamore soon settled into their stride and went close when Thomas Boyle picked out Calvin Fenlon on the right and his searching cross just missed out the inrushing Matthew Keegan. As the visitors hit back McHugh played a lovely ball through to Sean Kerrigan but he was denied by a great tackle from Adam Doyle. With twenty five minutes gone the home side nearly broke the deadlock when Fenlon latched onto a poor clearance but Tadgh Hoey was quickly off his line to save with his feet. Tullamore continued to enjoy the lions share of possession with their skilful wide men, Ben Connolly and Matthew Keegan, proving a constant thorn in the side of the Newbridge defence, but half time arrived with both sides tied at nil all.

Tullamore began the second half in determined fashion with Oisin Rice testing the keeper with a long range effort and then, with forty minutes gone, they made the all important breakthrough. Caolinn Mills Gorman picked out Calvin Fenlon just inside the area and he rifled the ball into the bottom right corner to put his side in front. As they looked to press home their advantage Ben Connolly sent Matthew Keegan clear but he was taken down on the edge of the area but minutes later they increased their lead. Brilliant play on the right by Calvin Fenlon saw him pull the ball back to Keegan who quickly switched it inside to Connolly and, when his shot was blocked by the keeper, Keegan followed up to fire the ball into the back of the net for a superb goal. As Newbridge tried to get back in the game Pauric Martin did well to keep out Cian Butler’s free kick and they again went close when Sean Kerrigan surged through the middle but his effort flew over. Davey Higgins then picked out Cian McHugh but Martin was quickly off his line to avert the danger and he was again called into action when he saved at the feet of Hugh O’Mahoney. The dangerous O’Mahoney again threatened when he raced clear on the right but he was denied by a brilliant last ditch tackle from Ciaran Egan as the referee brought this exciting cup tie to a conclusion.

This young Tullamore team is packed with wonderfully skilful players and is a credit to their manager Wayne Gorman and coaches Brian Kane and Paul Fenlon. In what was a superb team performance their were excellent contributions from Thomas Boyle, Jack Kenny, Ben Connolly and Matthew Keegan, but the man of the match award went to their outstanding playmaker, Calvin Fenlon.

Tullamore: Pauric Martin, Thomas Boyle, Ciaran Egan, Adam Doyle, Mark Dillon, Caolinn Mills Gorman, Ben Connolly, Oisin Rice, Calvin Fenlon, Jack Kenny and Matthew Keegan.

Subs: Joshua Colsh Evans, Byron Martin, Liam Dillane, Michael Feeney and Cormac Kelly.

Newbridge: Tadgh Hoey, Jamie Lions, Ben Scanlon, Dan Coughlin, Liam O’Donnell, Thomas Hamilton,Hugh O’Mahoney, Jack Casey, Cian McHugh and Sean Kerrigan.

Subs: Oisin Priestley and Davey Higgins.

Umbro FAI Youths Cup 4th Round 23/02/13

Tullamore Town 1 Castlebar Celtic 2

A spirited performance from Tullamore was not enough against a very impressive Castlebar Celtic in Leah Victoria Park last Saturday. They got off to the worst possible start when with only minutes gone they conceded a penalty and Colm Nevin made no mistake from the spot to put his side in front. With thirteen minutes on the clock they went further ahead when Jason Hunt cut the ball back from the left for the inrushing Gary Walsh to drive it into the back of the net for a superb goal. As the home side hit back Gio Russo flashed a fine twenty yard shot past the right post and then a great break through the middle by Dillon Melia saw him lay the ball off to Russo but his effort was brilliantly kept out by the Celtic keeper. As they continued to press a searching Eoghan Coffey cross was scrambled clear and Coffey again created danger when he picked out Melia but his effort was deflected wide. With thirty minutes gone they were back in the game when Jordan Molloy sent Russo clear in the inside right channel and when he was taken down in the area Chris Bracken hammered the resultant penalty into the roof of the net to leave the score 2-1 at the interval.

Tullamore began the second half brightly with Gio Russo glancing Jordan Molloy’s fine cross narrowly wide and the Castlebar keeper then did well to tip David Doyle’s dipping cross over the bar. As the visitors went back on the attack Gary Walsh broke through but was denied by a great Eoghan Coffey tackle and then Conor McEvoy brilliantly saved Gareth Dunne’s long range effort down low to his right as Castlebar ran out deserving winners of this tightly contested cup tie.

For Tullamore there were excellent contributions from Conor McEvoy, Eoghan Coffey, Dean Mills and Gio Russo while Gerry Hunt, Colm Nevin and Jason Hunt were the pick of the visitors, but the man of the match award went to Tullamore’s outstanding midfielder, Patrick Murphy.

Tullamore: Conor McEvoy, David Doyle, Dean Mills, Chris Bracken, Eoghan Coffey, Jordan Molloy, Patrick Murphy, Calvin Mooney, Niall Farrell, Dillon Melia and Gio Russo.

Subs: Paul McTigue, Daniel Britton, David Geraghty, Nathan Robilliard and Patrick Mahon.

CCFL Division 1 17/02/13

Tullamore Town 5 Highfield Utd 1

Tullamore registered another fine attacking performance against near neighbours Highfield United in Leah Victoria Park last Sunday. They hit the front after only two minutes when Pat Gorman got on the end of a Niall Gorman cross to power a fine header to the net. Minutes later they nearly increased their lead when James Carthy’s inswinging corner almost found its way to the net but they were not to be denied on fifteen minutes when, following good work from Anthony Coyne, Enda Ravenhill slipped the ball through to Carthy who pulled it back for Pat Gorman to sweep it into the back of the net. They again went close when Mark Hayes picked out Ronnie Hughes at the far post but his header was brilliantly tipped around the post by the keeper. With twenty minutes on the clock they added to their tally when Niall Gorman played the ball through to James Carthy who coolly rounded the keeper before firing home and minutes later he chalked up Tullamore’s fourth goal when his inswinging corner went all the way to the net. Highfield nearly got on the scoresheet when their centre forward latched onto the ball following hesitation in the home defence but his shot flew inches wide as the referee brought the first half to a conclusion.

Tullamore resumed the second half as they had finished the first with Brian Norris playing the ball through to James Carthy but his effort was too high while at the other end Ciaran Carragher did well to keep out a shot from the Highfield full back down low to his left. With sixty five minutes on the clock the home side brought their tally to five when Carthy got on the end of a Pat Gorman free kick to volley home at the far post to complete a fine hat-trick. As they continued to press Niall Gorman picked out Pat Tyrell but his header was kept out by the keeper and then Mark Conway twice went close to adding to his sides tally. With four minutes remaining Highfield got on the scoresheet when their centre forward found the net but Tullamore finished the stronger with Pat Tyrell shooting narrowly wide as they ran out comfortable winners.

This was an excellent performance from the home side that puts them right back in the title race. There were outstanding contributions from Anthony Coyne, Pat Gorman and Chris Bracken, but the man of the match award went to Tullamore’s three goal centre forward, James Carthy.

Tullamore: Ciaran Carragher, Niall Gorman, Brian Norris, Ken Doyle, Anthony Coyne, Trevor Francis, Ronnie Hughes, Enda Ravenhill, Pat Gorman, Mark Hayes and James Carthy.

Subs: Chris Bracken, Niall Lynch, Pat Tyrell, Dave Maloney and Mark Conway (all used)

 

Polikoff Cup 1st Round 09/02/13
Tullamore Town  9   Transport FC  0

There were transports of delight in Leah Victoria Park last Saturday as Tullamore racked up one of their biggest scorelines in recent years. Despite the fact that they were missing a number of first team players through injury they still proved to be far too strong in every department against a disappointing Transport FC. They were quickly into their stride and went close with only ten minutes on the clock when Matthew Hynes fired in a searching cross from the right that was headed back across goal by Jonathan Smith but Shaun Martin screwed his shot wide. As they continued to press Francis Kelly did well to hold Martin’s long range effort and he again came to his sides rescue when Martin played a great ball through to Smith, but he was quickly off his line to avert the danger. Kevin Williamson then played a defence splitting pass to Niall Farrell only for Kelly to deny him, but with fifteen minutes gone they made the breakthrough. Brian Francis picked out Andrew Mullan on the edge of the area and the big man displayed commendable dexterity as he slipped his marker and blasted the ball into the roof of the net. Five minutes later they increased their lead when Shaun Martin expertly took down Williamson’s cross on his chest before firing the ball low into the far corner for a  fine goal. With Tullamore now in complete control Kelly saved well from Smith and then did superbly to deny Mullan as he raced in on goal. Transport’s only reply was a long range effort from Noel Gleeson that was comfortably dealt with by Alan O’Connell while at the other end Francis played a lovely ball through to Mullan but he failed to get enough purchase on his shot to trouble the keeper. They again went close when Martin won back possession and brought a fine save from Kelly and then great play by Mullan on the right saw him pick out Smith, but his effort was charged down by John Armstrong. With minutes remaining in the first half they added to their tally when Francis knocked on a Williamson corner and Mullan headed home at the far post to leave the score 3-0 at the interval.

Tullamore began the second half as they had finished the first and within minutes of the restart had increased their lead when Shaun Martin left three defenders in his wake before pulling the back for Jonathan Smith to score from six yards. On the hour Martin went on another great run on the right and again picked out Smith for the young striker to notch his second goal of the game. With Transport becoming visibly demoralised the home side hammered home their advantage when Brian Francis latched on to a clearance and from twenty yards volleyed the ball into the top right hand corner. They brought their tally to seven in the sixty eight minute when the visitors defence failed to clear a Kevin Williamson corner and Jonathan Smith pounced on the loose ball to complete his hat-trick. In the seventy eight minute Anthony Coyne gained possession twenty yards out and, showing some lovely footwork, beat two defenders before coolly slotting home for a fine individual goal. Tullamore completed the scoring in the eighty second minute when Williamson picked out Brian Francis and he raced clear of the defence before driving his shot to the net to bring the curtain down on a wonderful display of attacking football.

While there will be more challenging games ahead this afforded manager Patrick Ruane the opportunity to give squad members a run out and he will be hoping that many of his injured players will be returning over the coming weeks.  

In what was an outstanding team performance there were excellent contributions from Brian Francis, Kevin Williamson, Niall Farrell and Shaun Martin, but the man of the match award went to Tullamore’s hat-trick hero, Jonathan Smith.

Tullamore: Alan O’Connell, Mark Gorman, Stephen Duffy, Diarmuid Carroll, Matthew Hynes, Kevin Williamson, Brian Francis, Niall Farrell, Andrew Mullan, Shaun Martin and Jonathan Smith.

Subs: Fergal Gorman, Ken Doyle and Anthony Coyne (all used).

CCFL Michael Dolan Cup 2nd Round 27/01/13

Tullamore Town  5   Dynamo Rooskey  1

Dynamo Rooskey brought a Siberian chill to Leah Victoria Park last Sunday, but it was Tullamore who lit all the fires as they ran out comfortable winners of a somewhat one-sided encounter. The home side were first to threaten when Niall Gorman picked out James Carty but his shot flew outside the left post and then Trevor Francis played a lovely ball through to Keith O’Connor, but his cut back just missed out the inrushing Carty. They again went close on fifteen minutes when, following a corner, Brian Norris had his effort taken off the line and then Anthony Coyne flashed his header outside the right post. They were not to be denied on twenty five minutes when Carty played a great ball over the top to Keith O’Connor and he coolly slotted it into the far corner to put his side in front. With Trevor Francis pulling the strings in midfield Tullamore began to dominate proceedings with Francis, Carty and Norris all going close, but it was not all one-way traffic as Seamus Kennedy got on the end of a long kick out and brought a fine save from Alan O’Connell. As Town hit back Niall Farrell saw his effort charged down and James Carty’s follow up scrambled out for a corner and, from the resultant kick, Farrell rose above the defence to power his header into the roof of the net. They nearly increased their lead when Farrell and Carty combined to set up Enda Ravenhill but his effort was superbly saved by Chris Duffy. With minutes remaining in the first half Niall Farrell picked the ball up thirty yards out and weaved his way past three defenders before firing low into the bottom corner for a brilliant individual goal to leave the score 3-0 at the interval.

With Gary Hutchinson, Pat Tyrell and Chris Bracken being introduced, Tullamore kept up the pressure and went close when, following a corner, Trevor Francis saw his shot deflected over. Dynamo threatened when Aidan Reilly sent Alan Armstrong clear but he failed to get enough power on his shot and Alan O’Connell gathered comfortably. With seventy minutes gone the home side increased their lead when Keith O’Connor got on the end of a Francis pass and slipped the ball past the advancing keeper, with Pat Tyrell finishing it to the net. The visitors missed a great opportunity to get back in the game when Pierce Bolger was sent clear but, with the goal at his mercy, he inexplicably fell over and the chance was gone. As Tullamore hit back Mark Hayes pulled the ball back to Niall Farrell but he shot over but, with five minutes remaining, they increased their lead when Shane Delaney got on the end of a long ball from Brian Norris and fired home from close range. With the clock ticking down Dynamo managed a consolation score when the home side failed to clear their lines and Pierce Bolger sent a crisp shot into the bottom right corner for a fine goal.

For the Cup holders this was an impressive start to their campaign with excellent contributions from Brian Norris, Niall Farrell, Keith O’Connor and James Carty, but the man of the match award went to Tullamore’s playmaker in chief, Trevor Francis.

Tullamore: Alan O’Connell, Ronnie Hughes, Anthony Coyne, Niall Gorman, Brian Norris, Keith O’Connor, Trevor Francis, Enda Ravenhill, Mark Hayes, Niall Farrell and James Carty.

Subs: Gary Hutchinson, Pat Tyrell, Chris Bracken, Shane Delaney and David Maloney (all used).

Leinster Junior Cup Round 4 25/01/13

Collinstown  1   Tullamore Town  3

Tullamore travelled to Dublin last Friday and, after a tremendous effort, qualified for the last sixteen of this prestigious competition. Their opponents were undefeated this season and were hot favourites to advance to the next round. Played on an artificial pitch both teams served up a feast of football in what was always a very sporting encounter. With a forward line full of pace, Collinstown tried to turn the Tullamore defence with balls played over the top but they held firm and slowly began to gain control of midfield. The first real threat on the home goal came on twenty two minutes when Kevin Williamson broke through but he was denied by a fine save. Ten minutes later they hit the front when Brian Francis picked the ball up twenty five yards out and his wicked shot was deflected into the top corner of the net. It got better for Tullamore in the forty first minute when Jonathan Smith won possession on the edge of the area and beat the keeper with a crisp drive into the bottom left corner to leave the score 2-0 at the interval.

The second half saw Tullamore facing into a strong wind and driving rain and after only two minutes the home side were back in the game. Twice they failed to clear their lines and when the ball broke to Zanussi he lashed it past Ciaran Carragher. The visitors refused to panic and three minutes later they restored their two goal advantage. Jonathan Smith was fouled twenty five yards out and Kevin Williamson drove an unstoppable shot over the defensive wall and into the top right hand corner for a superb score. Collinstown were stunned but quickly went back on the offensive but with every Tullamore player tackling and covering like demons they were unable to get back in the game. Such was their frustration that in the last ten minutes they had run out of ideas and the visitors finished the stronger as they celebrated an outstanding victory.

The back three of Scott Delaney, Stephen Duffy and Mark Gorman were immense while the midfield of Stephen and Brian Francis, Mark Casey, Kevin Williamson and Fergal Gorman worked tirelessly throughout. Up front Andrew Mullan held the ball up well while Jonathan Smith ran the home defence ragged and fully deserved his goal.

The only downside on the night was a knee injury to midfielder Stephen Francis who was forced to retire after an hour.

Tullamore travel to Limerick this Sunday to play Regional United in Round 6 of the FAI Junior Cup and manager Patrick Ruane will be hoping for a repeat performance.

Tullamore: Ciaran Carragher, Scott Delaney, Stephen Duffy, Mark Gorman, Fergal Gorman, Brian Francis, Mark Casey, Stephen Francis, Kevin Williamson, Andrew Mullan and Jonathan Smith.

Subs: Matthew Hynes, Rory Condron and Shaun Martin (all used).

FAI Junior Cup 4th Round

Tullamore Town 1. Ardee Celtic 0.

TULLAMORE advanced to the fifth round of the FAI Junior Cup with this hard earned victory against Ardee Celtic in Leah Victoria Park last Saturday.
The home side were first to threaten on ten minutes when Scott Delaney got on the end of a Kevin Williamson free kick but his far post header was well saved by Declan Butler.
They again went close when good play by Shaun Martin saw him pull the ball back to Brian Francis but his effort was brilliantly charged down by James Woods.
Martin continued to cause problems for the Ardee defence when he flashed a volley inches past the left post and, following a Fergal Gorman corner, he fired the ball across the face of the goal.
It was not all one-way traffic and the visitors went close when good play by Alan Quigley on the right saw him cut the ball back to Robbie McNeice, but his goal bound effort was blocked by Williamson.
As Tullamore hit back Williamson played a great ball through to Martin but his attempted volley flew wide while, at the other end, Ciaran Carragher superbly beat out a fine 30-yard effort from Paul Carrie.
With minutes remaining in the first half the home side nearly broke the deadlock when Mark Casey cleverly stepped over a Stephen Francis cross, but Kevin Williamson drove his shot outside the right post as the interval arrived with the game tied at 0-0.
With Diarmuid Carroll on for the injured Scott Delaney, Tullamore renewed their assault on the Ardee goal and nearly went ahead when Kevin Williamson latched on to a weak clearance and from 35 yards sent a dipping shot inches outside the left post.
They went agonisingly close on 60 minutes when Brian Francis and Williamson combined to send Jonathan Smith through, but Declan Butler brilliantly kept his effort out and Smith again threatened when he won back possession on the right but his cross shot flew across the face of the goal.
With 75 minutes on the clock they hit the front when Stephen Francis took a quick free kick and, with the Ardee defence back peddling, Kevin Williamson threaded the ball through to Andrew Mullan and the big centre forward drilled it into the bottom left corner.
With the visitors now pinned back in their own half Tullamore looked to press home their advantage.
Good play on the right by Williamson saw him pick out Matthew Hynes, but his effort was well saved by Butler and then Mark Casey set up Jonathan Smith but again the keeper came to his side's rescue as the home side ran out narrow but deserving winners.
For Tullamore there were excellent contributions from Mark Casey, Stephen Francis and Kevin Williamson with Ciaran Carrie, Paul Carrie and Robbie McNeice the pick of the visitors, but the man of the match award went to the home side's young centre forward, Jonathan Smith.
Tullamore are fixed to play Limerick side Regional United in the next round with a match in the last 32 against 2008 FAI Junior Cup champions Carrick awaiting the winner.
Tullamore: Ciaran Carragher; Mark Gorman, Stephen Duffy, Scott Delaney, Kevin Williamson, Brian Francis, Mark Casey, Stephen Francis, Fergal Gorman, Shaun Martin, Jonathan Smith. Subs: Diarmuid Carroll, Andrew Mullan, Matthew Hynes, Rory Condron and Patrick Dunican.

Leinster Senior League 15/12/12

Tullamore Town  0   Dublin University  1

Tullamore played host to league leaders Dublin University last Saturday and despite dominating for long periods they failed to register a much needed win. A lack of composure in front of goal proved to be their undoing and allowed the visitors to come away with all three points from this keenly contested game. The students were first to threaten when, with only five minutes on the clock, Brian O’Reilly cut through in the inside right channel but Alan O’Connell brilliantly kept his effort out with his feet. Tullamore hit back when Stephen Francis latched onto a short corner and slipped his marker before pulling the ball back to Brian Francis, but his shot was headed off the line by Conal O’Shaughnessy. They again went close on twenty five minutes when Ross Kinnarney picked out Niall Farrell on the left and his fine cross shot clipped the top of the crossbar. With half an hour gone they fell behind when, following a corner, an attempted clearance fell to Dave Battigan on the edge of the area and he curled a beautiful shot just inside the right post to put his side in front. Tullamore immediately hit back with Shaun Martin playing the ball through to Brian Francis but Dave Minihan was quickly off his line to avert the danger while at the other end a surging run on the left by Gus Shaw-Stewart carried him into the area, but the ever vigilant Mark Gorman got across to clear. With half time approaching the home side were desperately unlucky not to level the scores following a superb move. Shaun Martin played a lovely ball out to Niall Farrell on the left and when Brian Francis headed his cross down, Martin’s crisply hit volley flew inches outside the right post. They again went close when Ross Kinnarney and Brian Francis combined to send Fergal Gorman clear on the right but Scott Delaney steered his low cross past the left post as the referee brought the first half to a conclusion with the visitors one goal to the good.

Tullamore emerged for the second half in determined mood and were quickly into their stride with Niall Farrell flashing a dangerous ball across the face of the goal and then Stephen Francis got on the end of a Fergal Gorman cross but his fine volley was well held by Dave Minihan. As they continued to pile on the pressure Scott Delaney had his header blocked and then a lovely glancing header from Shaun Martin sent Brian Francis clear, but again Minihan came to his sides rescue. With sixty five minutes gone Martin nearly capitalised on hesitation in the students defence but Minihan saved at his near post and then Stephen Francis released Farrell on the left but his searching cross just missed out the inrushing Brian Francis. As they continued to turn the screw manager Patrick Ruane introduced Jonathan Smith and Matthew Hynes to the fray, but it was not all one way traffic and the visitors went close when Jack Reynolds broke clear on the left with Brian O’Reilly pushing his low cross past the right post. With the clock ticking the home side redoubled their efforts with Stephen Francis playing a great ball through to Brian Francis but his shot was charged down but, with five minutes remaining, the students had a remarkable escape. Stephen Francis saw his goal bound effort deflected over and, from the resultant corner, Matthew Hynes’ inswinging corner deceived the keeper but somehow Conal O’Shaughnessy managed to hook the ball clear as it seemed destined for the back of the net. With the league leaders holding on for dear life, Mark Casey played the ball through to Brian Francis and when the ball broke back to Scott Delaney he fired over and then Mark Gorman and Delaney combined to set up Francis but Minihan saved superbly as Tullamore finally ran out of time.

Dublin University were a greatly relieved side when the final whistle sounded but for Tullamore it was very much a case of what might have been. With Macdarragh O’Neill still recovering from injury they are lacking a cutting edge up front that is so often the difference between victory and defeat, but the manner in which they dominated the second half is proof positive of the progress being made under the stewardship of Patrick Ruane and Kevin O’Connor. There were excellent contributions from Ross Kinnarney, Stephen Francis, Fergal Gorman and Brian Francis with Dave Minihan, Conal O’Shaughnessy, Brian O’Reilly and Jack Reynolds the pick of the visitors, but the man of the match award went to Tullamore’s exciting young left winger, Niall Farrell.

Tullamore: Alan O’Connell, Ross Kinnarney, Mark Gorman, Rory Condron, Fergal Gorman, Stephen Duffy, Scott Delaney, Stephen Francis, Niall Farrell, Brian Francis and Shaun Martin.

Subs: Jonathan Smith, Matthew Hynes, Mark Casey, Niall Gorman, Mark Hayes and Ciaran Carragher.

FAI Junior Cup 3rd Round 24/11/12

Tullamore Town  3   WFTA 1

Two strikes from teenage scoring sensation, Macdarragh O’Neill, saw Tullamore safely through to the 4th Round of the FAI Junior Cup in Leah Victoria Park last Saturday. But it was a bitter sweet victory as, in scoring his second goal he collided with the WFTA goalkeeper resulting in both players being taken to hospital. Top AUL side West Finglas Tenants Association took the field in determined mood and soon stamped their authority on the game when, with just ten minutes on the clock, Keith Higgins capitalised on a defensive mix-up to fire past Alan O’Connell from close range. The home side had to reshuffle the pack when Trevor Moylan was forced out through injury with Fergal Gorman coming on as his replacement. Five minutes later Tullamore were back in the game when the predatory O’Neill pounced on an attempted back pass and from the narrowest of angles swept the ball home at the near post. With forty minutes gone they hit the front when O’Neill got on the end of a long ball and expertly lobbed the advancing Christopher Conway, but his bravery resulted in a dangerous collision with the goalkeeper that left both players badly injured. Following a long delay referee Patrick Geoghegan restarted the game with Jonathan Smith coming on for O’Neill. WFTA went perilously close to an equaliser when Alan Barrett played in Dean Thomas on forty five minutes, but Alan O’Connell in the home goal brought off a superb save to deny him as half time arrived with Tullamore 2-1 in front.  

Tullamore began the second half on the offensive with Shaun Martin heading the ball down to Jonathan Smith but his goal bound effort was deflected out for a corner. WFTA showed their attacking capability when Anthony Lunney fired in a twenty yard rocket that was acrobatically tipped over by Alan O’Connell. The home side had a real let off on the hour when Anthony McEvoy put Lunney through and when O’Connell brilliantly kept his effort out, Stephen Coleman fired the rebound home only to be called back for off-side. As Tullamore hit back Stephen Duffy was taken down on the edge of the area but Fergal Gorman’s well struck free kick was gathered by the keeper down low to his left. Without the dangerous O’Neill, Tullamore struggled to exert a sustained threat on the WFTA goal as the game remained on a knife edge, but in the eighty fifth minute they copper fastened their victory. Stephen Francis played the ball out to Mark Hayes on the left and he burst past his marker before delivering an inch perfect cross to the far post for Shaun Martin to power a great header into the roof of the net, much to the relief and delight of the home support. The visitors were not prepared to go quietly and only crucial interventions from Mark Gorman and Rory Condron prevented them getting back in the game. With minutes remaining Tullamore nearly increased their advantage when in a quick break-out Stephen Francis sent Niall Gorman clear and, as the keeper advanced, he squeezed his shot past him but it drifted outside the right post as the referee brought this pulsating cup tie to a conclusion.

Given the injuries to Macdarragh O’Neill and Christopher Conway it was difficult to concentrate on footballing matters after the game. Everyone connected with the club send their best wishes to both players and hope they have a speedy recovery. In what was a real test for Tullamore there were excellent contributions from Alan O’Connell, Mark Gorman, Stephen Francis and Shaun Martin with Liam Tiernan, Barry McGowan, Denis Kinahan and Gavin O’Brien the pick of the visitors, but the man of the match award went to the home sides match winner, Macdarragh O’Neill.

Tullamore: Alan O’Connell, Niall Gorman, Ross Kinnarney, Mark Gorman, Trevor Moylan, Stephen Francis, Stephen Duffy, Mark Hayes, Brian Francis, Shaun Martin and Macdarragh O’Neill.

Subs: Fergal Gorman, Jonathan Smith, Rory Condron, Matthew Hynes and Ciaran Carragher.

CCFL Under-19 Division 17/11/12

Tullamore Town  9   Mountmellick Utd  0

“It’s a funny old game” is a mantra recited by supporters wherever football is played. It was certainly the case in Leah Victoria Park last Saturday as Mountmellick, who had held Tullamore to a 1-1 draw the previous week, were unceremoniously swept aside in a goals avalanche. The home side opened the scoring on ten minutes when ace marksman Macdarragh O’Neill picked the ball up on the edge of the area, slipped his marker and fired into the bottom left corner. Five minutes later they doubled their advantage when Matthew Hynes got on the end of a Rory Condron free kick and sent a lovely header into the top right corner. With thirty five minutes gone Tullamore struck again when Daniel Crawley fired in a low cross from the right and Mark Casey drove his shot through the defenders legs and into the back of the net. Minutes later they increased their advantage when, following a corner, Ross Kinnarney rose unchallenged to send a powerful header into the back of the net to leave the score 4-0 at the interval.

Tullamore began the second half in similar fashion with Edward Connolly and Macdarragh O’Neill combining to set up Daniel Crawley, but his effort came back off the upright. It was only a momentary respite for Mountmellick as Connolly’s long range shot completely deceived the keeper and ended up in the back of the net. Connolly was again in the thick of the action when his strong running created an opening for Rory Condron but his effort flew narrowly over. As they continued to press, O’Neill cut the ball back to Connolly but the keeper got down well to save and then Gary Hutchinson played in Crawley but again the keeper saved superbly. With seventy minutes on the clock they went further ahead when Matthew Hynes picked the ball up thirty yards out and drilled it into the bottom left hand corner for a fine goal. Minutes later Crawley was taken down in the area and, when Diarmuid Carroll’s spot kick was saved, Stephen Lynam was on hand to fire the loose ball into the net. With seventy five minutes gone they brought their tally to eight when Mark Casey played in Daniel Crawley and he rounded the keeper before placing the ball in the net. With no let up in the bombardment, Hynes crashed his shot off the right post and then Condron picked out Hutchinson but his effort flew inches past the far post. The scoring was concluded when Crawley got on the end of a Condron corner to fire home from close range.

In what was an outstanding team performance there were excellent contributions from Ross Kinnarney, Matthew Hynes, Macdarragh O’Neill and Edward Connolly, but the man of the match award went to Tullamore striker Daniel Crawley.

Tullamore: Jamie Carroll, David Doyle, Ross Kinnarney, Diarmuid Carroll, Rory Condron, Matthew Hynes, Gary Hutchinson, Mark Casey, Edward Connolly, Macdarragh O’Neill and Daniel Crawley.

Subs: Stephen Lynam and Eric Dolan.

Leinster Senior League Sunday Major 15/11/12

Tullamore Town  0   Maynooth Town  2

Tullamore’s five match winning run came to an abrupt halt in Leah Victoria Park last Thursday as they were made to pay for a couple of defensive lapses by a well organised Maynooth side. A feature of what was a very entertaining game was the performance of goalkeepers Alan O’Connell and Eamon Gallagher, both of whom brought off a string of outstanding saves to keep out two lively sets of forwards. The visitors were first to threaten when Adam Knop broke clear on the left and fired his effort across the face of the goal and they again went close on eight minutes when Daniel Burke sent in a searching cross from the right that just missed out Knop at the far post. As Tullamore hit back, Ross Kinnarney played a lovely ball through to Macdarragh O’Neill but Brian McLoughlin got across to clear the danger. With twelve minutes gone they nearly made the breakthrough when a Trevor Moylan free kick broke to O’Neill in the area but Gallagher brought off a superb point blank save to deny him. Maynooth went back on the offensive as Thomas Donnelly cut through the middle but Alan O’Connell brilliantly kept his effort out, but he was helpless to intervene on twenty minutes when Knop fired in a pin point cross from the left to leave Burke with the easiest of tap ins. As they continued to press, Karl Mahon broke clear in the inside right channel but O’Connell saved down low to his right but, with twenty five minutes gone, they increased their advantage. Mahon was tumbled in the area when challenging for a high ball with the referee immediately pointing to the spot and Thomas Donnelly drilled his kick into the bottom left hand corner. As Tullamore tried to get back in the game Trevor Moylan had a tremendous twenty five yard effort deflected inches wide while at the other end O’Connell did well to keep out a Knop piledriver at his near post. The home side were desperately unlucky on forty minutes when Sean Martin played a great ball through to Macdarragh O’Neill in the inside left channel but his effort slipped agonisingly wide of the far post. They again threatened when Ross Kinnarney got on the end of a Stephen Duffy free kick but his close range effort was kept out by Eamon Gallagher. However he kept the best wine until last when O’Neill whipped in a cross from the right and Matthew Hynes’ flashing header looked destined for the net, but somehow Gallagher managed to get his hand to the ball as the referee brought the first half to a conclusion with the visitors two goals to the good.

Alan O’Connell was called into action on the resumption when he had to react smartly to keep out a long range effort from Niall Bright. In an attempt to freshen things up, manager Patrick Ruane brought on Mark Casey and Fergal Gorman and Casey was immediately involved when he played a clever pass through to Macdarragh O’Neill, but the ball got caught under his feet and the danger was averted. Maynooth again threatened when Bright sent Daniel Burke clear on the right but the speedy Mark Gorman got across to clear the danger. With Jonathan Smith coming on up front, Tullamore threw everything into attack and nearly pulled a goal back when Sean Martin burst into the area but Eamon Gallagher brought off another great save down low to his right to deny him. As they continued to press, Gorman and O’Neill combined to send Martin through but Gallagher was quickly off his line to snuff out the danger. With forty minutes on the clock Mark Hayes picked the ball up from a throw in and fired into the side netting while at the other end Burke broke clear in the inside left channel but O’Connell brilliantly kept his effort out. With minutes remaining Mark Casey played a wonderful cross field ball to Fergal Gorman but his beautifully struck shot was superbly tipped over by Tullamore’s nemesis, Eamon Gallagher, as the visitors ran out narrow but deserving winners.

The absence of Brian and Stephen Francis and Scott Delaney left a void that this young Tullamore side struggled to fill, but the potential and ambition of recent weeks was clearly on display. There were excellent contributions from Mark Gorman, Macdarragh O’Neill, Mark Hayes and Sean Martin with Eamon Gallagher, Thomas Donnelly, Adam Knop and Karl Mahon the pick of the visitors, but the man of the match award went to Tullamore’s outstanding goalkeeper, Alan O’Connell.

Tullamore: Alan O’Connell, Stephen Duffy, Mark Gorman, Ross Kinnarney, Rory Condron, Matthew Hynes, Patrick Gorman, Trevor Moylan, Mark Hayes, Macdarragh O’Neill and Sean Martin.

Subs: Mark Casey, Fergal Gorman and Jonathan Smith (all used).

FAI Junior Cup 2nd Round 04/11/12

Woodlawn Sportslink 0  Tullamore Town 4

Tullamore travelled to Coolock to take on their amateur league opponents and, after a hard fought encounter, they continued on their winning ways as they chalked up their fourth victory in a row. Played on a pitch with a lot of surface water they had to grind out a result and could really only relax in the last fifteen minutes when they scored three times in an explosive six minute spell. So perilous were the conditions that they lost three players through injury in the first half and were reduced to ten men in the last five minutes when Andrew Mullan was also forced off with a leg injury. Tullamore got off to the best possible start when within minutes Mullan sent Brian Francis clear on the right and he cut inside before driving the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the net. Playing with a strong wind, Woodlawn pressed for an equaliser and threatened with a series of corners and free kicks, but Alan O’Connell and his defence were equal to the challenge. Tullamore twice went close through Brian Francis and Andrew Mullan but on both occasions the Woodlawn keeper kept his side in the game with two excellent saves as the referee brought the first half to a conclusion with the visitors one goal to the good.

Tullamore began the second half with renewed vigour as Stephen Francis and Trevor Moylan quickly established a stranglehold on midfield. Their dominance finally paid dividends on seventy minutes when Brian Francis put Matthew Hynes through and the youngster coolly placed the ball past the advancing keeper to double his sides advantage. Five minutes later Trevor Moylan floated in a free kick from forty yards out and, as Scott Delaney challenged the keeper, the flight of the ball deceived both players and ended up in the back of the net. With Tullamore now rampant they effectively killed the game off minutes later when the keeper could only parry a Brian Francis pile driver and the predatory Hynes pounced to drive the rebound into the back of the net. With Woodlawn visibly tiring the visitors continued to press but a combination of fine goalkeeping and some wayward finishing ensured that there was no more scoring as Tullamore ran out deserving winners.

Manager Patrick Ruane will have been particularly pleased with the manner in which his young charges stood up to the physical challenge presented by Woodlawn in what were extremely difficult playing conditions. He will also be hoping that the injuries picked up by Stephen Duffy, Patrick Gorman, Macdarragh O’Neill and Andrew Mullan will not be of a long term nature. There were excellent contributions from Alan O’Connell, Scott Delaney, Mark Gorman, Brian Francis and Matthew Hynes, but the man of the match award went to Tullamore’s midfield maestro, Stephen Francis.

Tullamore: Alan O’Connell, Rory Condron, Scott Delaney, Mark Gorman, Stephen Duffy, Patrick Gorman, Stephen Francis, Trevor Moylan, Macdarragh O’Neill, Brian Francis and Andrew Mullan.

Subs: Niall Gorman, Mark Hayes, Matthew Hynes and Fergal Gorman.

Leinster Senior League 27/10/12

Tullamore Town  3   Hyde Park  1

Tullamore’s remarkable resurgence continued unabated last week with this hard earned win over fourth placed Hyde Park. They started well and had a great opportunity after only four minutes. Brian Francis powered past three defenders and pulled the ball back to Andrew Mullan who squared it to Patrick Gorman, but from five yards out he fired over with the goal at his mercy. But they were not to be denied on ten minutes when Francis went on another surging run before picking out Mullan on the edge of the area and the big centre forward expertly drove his shot into the bottom right corner. With both sides playing a lovely brand of football there was plenty to enjoy but with neither defence giving an inch the first half drew to a conclusion with Tullamore still one goal to the good.

Hyde Park began the second half strongly but with Scott Delaney and Mark Gorman dominant at the heart of the home defence they struggled to make any inroads and with seventy four minutes on the clock they were caught in a devastating counter attack. Brian Francis gained possession just inside the visitors half and, spotting a great run from Stephen Duffy, he played a lovely ball into his path and Duffy rifled a superb shot into the bottom left corner to double his sides advantage. Hyde Park refused to be knocked back and, with eighty minutes gone, they cleverly sprang the off-side trap for their centre forward to race through and fire past Alan O’Connell to make the score 2-1. With the game now back in the melting pot both sides went on the offensive but, with minutes remaining, Tullamore sealed victory with a stunning score. Stephen Francis was fouled thirty yards out and to the right of goal and up stepped dead ball expert, Trevor Moylan, to send an unstoppable shot into the top right hand corner of the net. They should have further increased their advantage in injury time when Macdarragh O’Neill was taken down in the area by the keeper following a marvellous weaving run, but this time Moylan’s spot kick was brilliantly saved as Tullamore ran out deserving winners.

For the home side there were excellent contributions from Alan O’Connell, Mark Gorman, Stephen Francis, Pat Gorman and Brian Francis, but the man of the match award went to Tullamore’s outstanding young defender, Rory Condron.

Tullamore: Alan O’Connell, Niall Gorman, Scott Delaney, Mark Gorman, Rory Condron, Pat Gorman, Stephen Francis, Trevor Moylan, Mark Hayes, Brian Francis and Andrew Mullan.

Subs: Stephen Duffy, Macdarragh O’Neill and Matthew Hynes.

LFA Junior Cup 20/10/12

Tullamore Town  5   Tolka Terriers  1

Tolka Terriers bark proved to be a lot worse than their bite in Leah Victoria Park last Saturday where they were given a real chasing by Tullamore’s emerging young guns. What they lacked in experience they more than compensated for in quality as the club continues to tap into the rich vein of talent in their under age teams. The home side were first to threaten when Macdarragh O’Neill picked out Brian Francis but he was denied by a fine relieving tackle from Brian Devlin while at the other end Jason Doyle broke clear on the left but his effort was well saved by Ciaran Carragher. Francis again went close when he got on the end of a great ball from Ross Kinnarney but his shot was superbly kept out by Keith McDermott. The visitors nearly opened their account on twenty minutes when Doyle cut in from the left but Mark Gorman came to his sides rescue with a tremendous last ditch tackle. Within minutes Tullamore had taken the lead when McDermott failed to hold a Trevor Moylan free kick and the predatory O’Neill was on hand to drive the ball to the net from close range. As Tolka looked to get back in the game Mark Devlin played a lovely ball through to Jason Doyle but Gorman again got across to clear as the home side went back on the offensive. With twenty five minutes on the clock they increased their lead when Stephen Francis played a defence splitting pass to Andrew Mullan and the big centre forward lifted the ball over the advancing McDermott and into the net. He doubled his tally minutes later when he got on the end of a great ball from Brian Francis and, when the keeper blocked his first effort, he coolly drove the rebound home. Mullan then turned provider when he picked out Moylan but he was denied by a fine tackle from Richard Savage. The home side should have increased their advantage when great play by O’Neill on the right picked out Moylan and, when his effort was parried by McDermott, Brian Francis fired the rebound over. Mark Hayes and Francis then combined to set up Moylan but his fine effort flew narrowly over, but they were not to be denied on forty minutes. Excellent play by Rory Condron on the left resulted in a corner and, when the kick was taken, Condron sent a lovely looping header into the back of the net. They nearly went further ahead when a wonderful jinking run by O’Neill saw him fire inches past the left post as half time arrived with the score 4-0 in the home sides favour.

Whatever chance Tolka had of getting back in the game was snuffed out within minutes of the restart when, following a corner, Trevor Moylan drove the sweetest of volleys into the top left corner of the net from twenty yards. Jason Doyle threatened when he got on the end of a long clearance but Ciaran Carragher saved well down low to his left while at the other end good play between Macdarragh O’Neill and Stephen Francis saw O’Neill fire narrowly over. They again went close when Rory Condron flashed a free kick past the far post and another mazy run by O’Neill on the right caused panic, but his effort was too high. Rory Condron showed his attacking qualities when he picked the ball up from Stephen Francis in midfield and slipped his marker before driving his shot inches past the left post. As they continued to press Mark Casey played a lovely ball through to Brian Francis but he was crowded out and then Matthew Hynes sent Francis clear on the right but, when he pulled the ball back, Stephen Francis had his effort well saved by Keith McDermott. Ross Kinnarney and Trevor Moylan combined to create an opportunity for Gary Buckley but he fired over while at the other end the ever vigilant Mark Gorman got across to deny Mark Devlin. Tullamore again went close when Matthew Hynes picked out Mark Casey but his effort flew past the left post. With ten minutes remaining the visitors frustrations boiled over when Robert Dunne was red carded by referee Patrick Geoghegan for violent conduct. They managed a consolation score when a long range free from Devlin found its way to the net, but it was too little too late as Tullamore ran out comfortable winners.

For new manager, Patrick Ruane, this was a very encouraging start to his stewardship and he will have been particularly pleased with the performances of his younger players. In what was a very impressive display there were outstanding contributions from Mark Gorman, Matthew Hynes, Rory Condron and Macdarragh O’Neill, but the man of the match award went to Tullamore’s playmaker in chief, Stephen Francis.

Any players wishing to be a part of this resurgent Tullamore team should contact Patrick Ruane at 086 3479341.

Tullamore: Ciaran Carragher, Matthew Hynes, Ross Kinnarney, Mark Gorman, Rory Condron, Macdarragh O’Neill, Stephen Francis, Trevor Moylan, Jason Pohl, Brian Francis and Andrew Mullan.

Subs: Mark Hayes, Mark Casey, Gary Buckley, Scott Delaney, Niall Gorman and Alan O’Connell.

CCFL Under-19 13/10/12

Tullamore Town  1   Mullingar Athletic  0

Tullamore took on table toppers Mullingar Athletic in Leah Victoria Park last Saturday and, despite a catalogue of missed chances, emerged with all three points. The home side were quickly into their stride when David Doyle picked out Shane Tierney on the right and his low cross found Eric Dolan in the area but his shot was charged down. As Mullingar hit back, Azad Mohammed had his effort saved by Patrick Dunican while at the other end good play between Tierney, Macdarragh O’Neill and Gary Hutchinson created an opening for Calvin Mooney, but Adam Gavin saved down low to his left. Dolan then played a lovely ball through to Tierney but he was denied by a great last ditch tackle from Adam Duffy. The home side then contrived to miss three clear cut chances in the space of five minutes. First Rory Condron picked out O’Neill and his effort was blocked on the line by Dean Geoghegan with Mooney firing the rebound wide.  Ross Kinnarney then played in Dolan and, when his effort was charged down, Mooney fired over from close range and, as they continued to press, Condron fired in a great cross that O’Neill pushed outside the far post. With half time approaching David Doyle and James Connolly combined down the right but Doyle’s effort was blocked as the referee brought the first half to a conclusion.

Tullamore began the second half as they had finished the first when Shane Tierney had his shot parried by Adam Gavin and then saw his follow up taken off the line by Greg Armstrong. Mullingar threatened when Patrick Dinnegan broke clear but he was denied by a great tackle from Diarmuid Carroll and then Paul Metcalf fired a long range effort narrowly wide. As the home side tightened their grip on the game Gary Hutchinson played a lovely ball through to Macdarragh O’Neill but Gavin was quickly off his line to clear the danger but, with sixty five minutes on the clock, they finally made the breakthrough. Eric Dolan picked out O’Neill on the left and when his first effort was blocked by Gavin he pounced on the rebound to drive the ball into the back of the net. Dolan again turned provider when he played a great ball through to Shane Tierney who controlled it beautifully but unfortunately his shot was too high. As the visitors tried to get back in the game Dinnegan fired past the right post while at the other end Ross Kinnarney burst through the middle before being crowded out as Tullamore ran out deserving winners.

Despite missing a number of regulars this was a good all round performance by the home side with the new players doing particularly well. There were excellent contributions from Diarmuid Carroll, Rory Condron, Gary Hutchinson and Macdarragh O’Neill with Paul Reid, Greg Armstrong and Patrick Dinnegan the pick of the visitors, but the man of the match award went to Tullamore’s outstanding right winger, Shane Tierney.

Tullamore: Patrick Dunican, David Doyle, Ross Kinnarney, Diarmuid Carroll, Rory Condron, Shane Tierney, Gary Hutchinson, Calvin Mooney, James Connolly, Eric Dolan and Macdarragh O’Neill.

Substitute: Jamie Carroll.

 

Leinster Senior League 06/10/12

Tullamore Town  2   Enniskerry  1

If you were looking for somewhere to go in these recessionary times to raise your spirits, then Leah Victoria Park was the place to be last Saturday. Having lost their opening four games and their manager, the omens were not good for Tullamore as they squared up to second placed Enniskerry. Caretaker managers, Noel Courtney and Kevin O’Connor, fielded a potent mixture of youth and experience and the players responded with a performance of pride and passion that brought their high flying opponents crashing to earth. Star of the show was 17 year old Macdarragh O’Neill who was making his first team debut. His introduction on ten minutes for the injured Jason Pohl set the game alight as he clinically set about dismantling the visitors defence. They were forced into the concession of a litany of free kicks as they struggled to contain him as he teased and tormented their right flank with his close control and clever distribution. On twenty five minutes, great play by O’Neill on the left resulted in another free kick that he flashed across the face of the goal and he again created danger when he played a lovely ball behind the defence for the overlapping Mark Hayes and his fine cross was headed to safety. Niall Gorman then fired in a searching cross that was knocked behind and from the resultant corner Hayes headed narrowly past the left post. As Enniskerry hit back, Niall Meldon broke into the area but Mark Gorman got across to snuff out the danger and, as Ross Kinnarney completed the clearance, Brian Francis picked the ball up thirty yards out and drove it under the diving Eoin Foxton and into the far corner to put his side ahead at the interval.

Tullamore began the second half as they had finished the first with Gary Buckley sending Brian Francis clear but he was called back for off-side. Buckley again created danger when he brilliantly picked out Trevor Moylan in the area, but his effort was well held by Eoin Foxton. They again went close on the hour when Brian Francis got on the end of a lovely knock-on from Trevor Francis, but his shot flew outside the right post. As they continued to press, Ross Kinnarney played a lovely ball down the right to Brian Francis but his cross was cut out and he again went close when he got on the end of a Moylan through ball, but Foxton was quickly off his line to clear. With sixty five minutes on the clock Enniskerry showed their quality when Niall Meldon won possession twenty five yards out and curled a lovely shot into the top left corner to level the scores. Tullamore’s response was immediate when Brian Francis was tumbled in the area, with Trevor Moylan drilling the resultant penalty into the bottom right corner to put them back in front. As the visitors hit back, Ciaran Carragher plucked a dangerous cross out of the air and then a great last ditch tackle from Ross Kinnarney prevented Sean Cleary breaking through. With eighty minutes gone Aidan Nicholson got on the end of a great crossfield ball from Brian Francis but his effort flew over and Francis again went agonisingly close when he won possession and raced clear of the defence, but a heavy touch at the crucial moment allowed Foxton to gather the ball. Enniskerry threatened when Des Kelly fired in a dangerous cross, but Mark Gorman headed clear and then a lovely move involving Niall Gorman and Mark Hayes saw Nicholson shooting wide. Brilliant play by Macdarragh O’Neill on the right sent Brian Francis clear but he was somewhat harshly called back for off-side and then Nicholson picked out Mark Hayes on the left, but his fine effort was tipped around the post by Foxton as the referee brought the game to a conclusion.

This was an exhilarating performance by Tullamore that delighted both management and supporters. What was particularly pleasing was the performance of young players Ciaran Carragher, Niall Gorman, Ross Kinnarney, Mark Hayes and Gary Buckley. As always, Mark Gorman was outstanding at the back while Trevor Moylan and Stephen Francis worked tirelessly in midfield with Brian Francis leading from the front. Great credit is also due to Noel Courtney and Kevin O’Connor for stepping into the breach and showing so much faith in their younger players. For the visitors there were excellent contributions from Niall Meldon, Des Kelly and Sean Cleary, but the man of the match award went to Tullamore’s mercurial young debutant, Macdarragh O’Neill.

Tullamore: Ciaran Carragher, Niall Gorman, Ross Kinnarney, Mark Gorman, Mark Hayes, Gary Buckley, Trevor Moylan, Stephen Francis, Trevor Francis, Jason Pohl and Brian Francis.

Subs: Macdarragh O’Neill, Aidan Nicholson, Kevin Minnock and Rory Condron.

CCFL Under-18 06/10/12

Tullamore Town  3   Abbeyleix Ath  2

Abbeyleix arrived in Leah Victoria Park having won their opening two games while Tullamore had yet to register on the points table, but it was the home side that confounded the odds with a wonderful battling performance. They were first to threaten when Patrick Mahon picked out Eoghan Coffey in the inside left channel and his first time drive flew inches past the left post while at the other end a Conal Egan corner almost went all the way to the net. Tullamore again threatened when Gio Russo nearly got on the end of a searching Niall Farrell cross but Andrew Bonham managed to fist clear. With twenty minutes gone the visitors hit the front when, following a corner, Aaron Carr rose above the defence to send his header inside the left post. They nearly increased their lead when Tony Flanagan burst through but he was denied by a great last ditch tackle from Jason Dunne but, with twenty five minutes on the clock, Tullamore struck for the equaliser. Coffey charged down an attempted clearance and, when the ball broke to Mahon, he picked out Russo who coolly swept the ball into the bottom corner. With half an hour gone they hit the front when they were awarded a free out wide on the right and Eoghan Coffey brilliantly drilled his kick low into the far corner to put his side 2-1 up at the interval.

Within minutes of the restart Tullamore had increased their lead when Gio Russo won possession and picked out Patrick Mahon and, as the keeper advanced, he cleverly lifted the ball over him and into the net for a fine goal. Abbeyleix fought their way back into the game on sixty five minutes when Leigh Bergin chased down a long clearance and fired past Charlie Ward in the home goal. Dean Byrne then got on the end of a Paddy Whelan cross but Ward saved well while, at the other end, Niall Farrell picked out Declan Cuskelly but his effort was saved. The home side again went close when Eoghan Coffey picked the ball up at the angle of the area, turned on a sixpence and arrowed a great shot towards the far corner, but Bonham brilliantly turned his effort around the post. Abbeyleix squandered a great chance on seventy five minutes when Darragh Cripps fired into the side netting when well placed, but it was Tullamore who finished the stronger when, following a corner, Chris Bracken had his powerful header blocked on the line.

In what was an impressive performance there were excellent contributions from Chris Bracken, Jason Dunne, Eoghan Coffey and Gio Russo, but the man of the match award went to Tullamore’s attacking full back, Niall Farrell.

Tullamore: Charlie Ward, Dean Mills, Chris Bracken, Robert Cornally, Niall Farrell, Thomas Touhy, Jason Dunne, Pat Murphy, Eoghan Coffey, Patrick Mahon and Gio Russo.

Subs: Danny Britton, David Geraghty, Fergus Flood and Paul McTeigue.

CCFL Division 1 23/09/12

Tullamore Town  2   Moate Celtic  2

Tullamore’s inability to hold on to a lead was their undoing in Leah Victoria Park last Sunday. Twice they put themselves in a winning position and twice, within minutes, they allowed that advantage to be snatched away from them by a very impressive Moate Celtic side. They began brightly with Kevin Minnock cutting in from the right and picking out Jonathan Smith in the area, but he failed to get enough purchase on his shot and Niall Mackey saved comfortably. Moate showed how dangerous they could be when Alan O’Connell tipped Stephen Martin’s header over and, from the resultant corner, Aaron Adamson flashed his header wide. The home side had a shout for a penalty when Jonathan Smith latched onto a Fergal Gorman through ball and appeared to be taken down in the area, but the referee waved play on. They were not to denied on twenty minutes when Shane Delaney broke clear in the inside right channel and brought a fine save from Mackey but, from the resulting corner, Anthony Coyne rose above the defence to send a lovely looping header into the roof of the net. Within minutes Celtic were back in the game when Stephen Martin raced clear on the right and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner for a fine goal. As they grabbed the initiative Mark Mahon picked out David Adamson but he fired over while, at the other end, Coyne played a great ball through to Barry Walsh but Mackey was quickly off his line to clear the danger. The visitors also had a strong claim for a penalty when Paul McCallum played in Martin and he was taken down in the area, but again the referee was having none of it. Tullamore went close when, following a corner, Delaney headed the ball down to Walsh, but he screwed his effort past the right post. With minutes remaining Celtic nearly jumped into the lead when the dangerous Martin picked the ball up on the right and flashed his shot inches past the far post as the referee brought the first half to a conclusion.

On the resumption Tullamore went in search of the lead when Anthony Coyne went on a surging run through the middle but just failed to pick out Barry Walsh in the area. Moate went close when Aaron Adamson played a lovely ball down the right to David Adamson and his searching cross was bundled past the far post by Stephen Martin. With an hour gone Town manager, Noel Courtney, introduced James Carthy and his impact was immediate. With his first touch he fired in a great cross from the right and Shane Delaney was on hand to crash a wonderful volley into the roof of the net to put his side back in front. It was déjà vu for the home side a minute later when Leo Skygouni picked the ball up in the inside left channel and drilled his shot off the far post and into the net to level the scores again. As Tullamore looked to hit back, Kevin Minnock played a lovely cross field ball to Jonathan Smith but his effort flew into the side netting. With seventy five minute on the clock they should have regained the lead when Delaney went on a great run on the right and picked out Patrick Gorman in the area, but he scuffed his shot in front of goal and the danger was cleared. Stephen Martin then got on the end of a fine James Dolan cross but his header was well held by Alan O’Connell and minutes later Martin again threatened when he got on the end of a long clearance, but Niall Gorman deflected his effort around the post. With five minutes remaining Brian Francis cut in from the left and fired narrowly over and then, following a corner, Anthony Malone headed past the right post as both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils.

For the home side there were fine contributions from Niall Gorman, Anthony Coyne, Mark Hayes and James Carthy with Anthony Malone, Stephen Martin, David Adamson and Paul McKenna the pick of the visitors, but the man of the match award went to Tullamore’s outstanding forward, Shane Delaney.

Tullamore: Alan O’Connell, Fergal Gorman, Niall Gorman, Anthony Coyne, Mark Hayes, Kevin Minnock, Brian Francis, Patrick Gorman, Barry Walsh, Shane Delaney and Jonathan Smith.

Subs: James Carthy and Martin Holleran.

CCFL Division 1 18/09/12:

Tullamore Town 1 Clonaslee United 1.


A hard fought point earned tonight by Tullamore, despite being down to 10 men for much of the game after the harsh sending off of Trevor Francis, Tullamore looked the better football side and took the lead through a Martin Lowry strike. However Clonaslee should some great battling qualities to equalise through a header from a corner in the second half. Some questionable refereeing decisions for both sides all night threatened to ruin the game but despite this both sides tried to find a winner, but neither side could and a draw was probably a fair result.

 

Leinster Senior League 15/09/12

Tullamore Town  2   St John Bosco  3

In a thrilling encounter in Leah Victoria Park last Saturday, Tullamore failed to arrest their current poor run of results against a very impressive St John Bosco side. The visitors gave early warning of their offensive capabilities when Aaron Coleman flashed his effort inches past the left post while, at the other end, Brian Francis picked out Patrick Walsh on the right and his fine cross was headed wide by Mark Gorman. Coleman then set up Jordan Buckley but his effort was tipped over by Alan O’Connell and minutes later the same two players combined but this time O’Connell brilliantly saved Buckley’s goal bound effort down low to his left. It was not all one way traffic and Tullamore went close when Trevor Moylan played in Walsh and his low cross just missed out the inrushing Martin Lowry. They again went close when Walsh and Francis combined to set up Lowry, but his powerful drive was kept out by Anthony O’Keeffe in the visitors goal. With seventeen minutes on the clock Walsh played a great ball through to Andrew Mullan and his low cross was fired over by Lowry from close range. They again went close when O’Keeffe could only parry a fierce Moylan free kick and Scott Delaney drove the rebound narrowly wide. St John’s hit back when the dangerous Coleman picked the ball up on the edge of the area but his fine effort was superbly tipped over by O’Connell. As the game continued to ebb and flow, Moylan saw his tremendous thirty yard effort come back off the left upright and then the excellent Walsh had his header taken off the line following a corner. Stephen Kinch threatened to break the deadlock but he was denied by a fine last ditch tackle from Ross Kinnarney but, with thirty five minutes on the clock, Tullamore felt they had a strong shout for a penalty. Mullan picked out Trevor Moylan who fired his shot against the upright and as Martin Lowry pounced on the loose ball he appeared to be taken down from behind, but the referee waved play on. As the visitors hit back Shane Jenkinson  pulled the ball back to Coleman but Ken Doyle got across to clear the danger and then a great run on the right by Darragh Hoare saw him play the ball across the face of the goal, but Buckley just failed to get the vital touch. With so many chances being created at both ends it was remarkable that a pulsating first half ended without producing a goal.

On the resumption St John’s moved up through the gears as they went in search of an opener. A fine Ken Doyle tackle prevented Jordan Buckley breaking through and then Martin Lowry got back to deny Stephen Kinch. As the pressure continued to mount Ross Kinnarney cleared a Shane Jenkinson shot off the line but, with fifty five minutes on the clock, Tullamore hit the front in spectacular fashion. Darragh Hoare picked out Aaron Coleman at the far post and his close range effort was superbly blocked by Alan O’Connell and, as Trevor Moylan cleared the loose ball to Martin Lowry on the half way line, he set off on a mazy run that left defenders floundering in his wake before crashing the ball to the net for a wonderful individual goal. As the visitors began to wrest back control of the game, Coleman and Buckley combined to set up Kinch, but he fired over. With the home side visibly tiring, manager Leroy Rhodes introduced Niall Lynch and Kevin Minnock but, with sixty five minutes gone St John’s struck for the equaliser. Again it was Coleman who created the danger as he cut in from the left before driving his shot into the far corner. As Tullamore hit back, Minnock intercepted a pass and broke clear on the right but he just failed to pick out the inrushing Brian Francis. With seventy five minutes gone Town regained the lead when Martin Lowry seized on a defensive mix up to round the keeper and place the ball in the empty net for his second goal. To the dismay of the home support the visitors equalised straight from the kickoff when Liam Flood sent a thirty five yard rocket into the roof of the net. As they went all out for the winner Mark Gorman took Stephen Kinch’s goal bound header off the line but, with five minutes remaining, Coleman picked out Jordan McNeill and he drilled his shot past Alan O’Connell. Tullamore nearly levelled the scores in the last minute when Trevor Moylan drove his thirty yard free kick inches past the right post, but it was St John’s who emerged with all three points from a wonderfully entertaining game.

For the home side there were excellent contributions from Alan O’Connell, Mark Gorman, Brian Francis and Patrick Walsh with Aaron Coleman, Stephen Kinch, Darragh Hoare and Jordan Buckley the pick of the visitors, but the man of the match award was shared between Tullamore’s Trevor Moylan and Martin Lowry.

Tullamore: Alan O’Connell, Ross Kinnarney, Scott Delaney, Ken Doyle, Seamus McEvoy, Patrick Walsh, Trevor Moylan, Brian Francis, Mark Gorman, Martin Lowry and Andrew Mullan.

Subs: Niall Lynch, Kevin Minnock, Jason Pohl and Damian Bradley.

CCFL Division 1 09/09/12

Tullamore Town  1   Gracefield Ath  3

Having won their opening two games, Tullamore were brought crashing back to earth in Leah Victoria Park last Sunday as they were comprehensively beaten by a very impressive Gracefield side. The visitors were quickly into their stride and only an excellent tackle on two minutes from Martin Holleran prevented Clifford Nolan putting his side in front. As Tullamore hit back Aidan Nicholson picked out Martin Lowry on the left and he cleverly slipped his marker but his shot flew across the face of the goal. Gracefield should have taken the lead on twenty minutes when Robbie Knight played the ball out to Nolan on the right and when he pulled the ball back, Knight fired over when well placed. But he was not to be denied five minutes later when he picked the ball up twenty yards out and curled his shot beyond the reach of Martin Cunningham and inside the left post for a fine goal. The home side tried to respond when Martin Lowry saw his effort deflected wide, but on forty minutes they were lucky not to fall further behind. Joe Molloy broke clear on the left and fired in a dangerous cross that was finished to the net, but the score was disallowed for off-side. Tullamore went back on the offensive but Patrick Gorman’s well struck shot was saved by Jonathan Knight down low to his right. Gracefield’s direct and incisive play was in stark contrast to the home side’s laborious build-ups which invariably foundered in mid-field. They again threatened when Jack Cunningham broke clear on the left but Barry Walsh got across to clear the danger as the referee brought the first half to a conclusion with the visitors one goal to the good.

Within minutes of the restart Tullamore were back on level terms when Kevin Minnock picked the ball up wide on the right and whipped a great swerving shot into the top left hand corner of the net. As they looked to capitalise on this score, Martin Holleran played a fine ball down the left to Martin Lowry but his low cross just missed out the inrushing Jonathan Smith. Manager Noel Courtney tried to shake things up as he brought on Thomas Fleming and pulled Gary Buckley back into mid-field, but with sixty five minutes on the clock Gracefield restored their advantage with a beautifully crafted goal. Robbie Knight played a lovely ball through to Tom Slevin on the right and his low searching cross was swept home at the far post by Stephen Slattery. Minutes later they increased their lead when Eamon Kelly picked out Slevin in the inside right channel and he coolly placed his shot under the diving Martin Cunningham and into the far corner. Slevin should have added to his tally when he was put through by Knight, but he elected to pass when well placed and the danger was averted. As the visitors continued to press, Stephen Flanagan played in Eamon Kelly but he was denied by a fine relieving tackle from Niall Gorman. With ten minutes remaining the excellent Robbie Knight sent Stephen Slattery clear but Cunningham brought off a wonderful point blank save to prevent his side falling further behind. Tullamore went close when Enda Ravenhill played a great ball through to Smith, but the keeper was quickly off his line to clear as Gracefield ran out comfortable winners of this somewhat one sided encounter.

In what was a disappointing Tullamore performance there were fine contributions from Martin Holleran, Patrick Gorman, Gary Buckley and Kevin Minnock with Joe Molloy, Clifford Nolan, Tom Slevin and Eamon Kelly the pick of the visitors, but the man of the match award went to Gracefield’s outstanding playmaker, Robbie Knight.

Tullamore: Martin Cunningham, Barry Walsh, Niall Gorman, Niall Lynch, Martin Holleran, Kevin Minnock, Aidan Nicholson, Patrick Gorman, Enda Carroll, Gary Buckley and Martin Lowry.

Subs: Jonathan Smith, Thomas Fleming, Enda Ravenhill and Mark Hayes.

 

CCFL Division 1 02/09/12

Ballinahown 2 Tullamore Town 3.

Tullamore had to twice come from behind to secure all three points in a game that with a little bit more composure should have won more comfortably. Ballinahown won an early free kick outside the box but Tullamore keeper Martin Cunningham could only push the ball onto the crossbar, but both he and the defence failed t

o react and the Ballinahown striker had an easy tap in to put the home side one up. Tullamore equalised through a Niall Gorman header from a well delivered Aidan Nicholson corner kick soon after. The scores remained that way until half time. Ballinahown capitaised on the failure of the Tullamore defence to clear their lines early in the second half when a shot from 20 yards flew past the stranded Tullamore keeper. Tullamore lost their way after this goal and seemed to be doing their best to hand the game to the home side. However a great delivery from a free kick by Niall Lynch was met by Pa Gorman in the penalty area and Tullamore were back on terms. Tullamore found their composure and with five minutes left a long clearance from Stephen Francis found its way to Martin Lowry and his pace saw him fly past the Ballinahown defender before slotting it to the bottom right hand corner past the home sides keeper. Overall Tullamore will be happy with the result but know they have room for improvement as well.

 

LSL Sunday Major 24/08/12.


Fairview 3 Tullamore Town 1.


Tullamore fielded a barely recognisable team to the one which challenged for honours for much of last season, due to injury, work commitments, and players unavailability, with only 3 of last seasons regulars starting last nights game. A poor first half performance saw Tullamore 2 down at half time, Fairview made it
3 shortly after the break, Trevor Moylan pulled one back for Tullamore and that seemed to give Tullamore a bit of confidence and finished the stronger team. But overall Tullamore did not deserve anything from the game and will need a big improvement from all involved to put this start behind us and get challenging for league honours.

 

CCFL Division 1 19/08/12.


Tullamore Town 3 Clonbonny 0


Despite being down to 10 men for almost an hour, after the very harsh sending off of Tullamore keeper Ciaran Carragher for a last man tackle, Tullamore saw off the challenge of the Athlone side thanks to a goal from Aidan Nicholson and a brace from Martin Lowry. Tullamore dealt with everything that was thrown at them with relative ease. A special mention for centre half Anthony Coyne, who stepped into goals and looked as if he was a natural in the position!