2005 Under 14 Féile na nÓG Shield Final

Caulry too strong for Rosemount in Féile Shield Final

Caulry 3-8

Rosemount 0-3

At Cusack Park on Saturday afternoon last (9th April), the Féile na nÓg football Shield final resulted in a convincing win for Caulry, who were too strong for a very determined and spirited side from Rosemount. This National Irish Bank-sponsored competition is for Under-14 grade.

With a heavy shower early in the game, the resultant slippery conditions were difficult, but fair dues to both teams they coped quite well in the circumstances. Caulry were all-round a stronger team, and as well were very capable footballers. Rosemount were also a competent team and the final score does not indicate how well they performed. The Caulry team had quite a lot of possession, and as a result were in the attacking situation for much of the game. They had good scoring ability to go with it and they made good use of this pressure to compile a winning total.

This scoring tally would be much higher were it not for the very spirited and sound defence by Rosemount, whose lighter players were tireless in their efforts to keep the opposing attack, having to strive hard for their scores. Caulry were a well-balanced side, and their defence and centrefield were strong compartments of the team.

They made the openings for a good attacking unit, that used their chances well. They fully deserved their success and looked like a group of players that will provide a good foundation for the Caulry club to build on in the coming years. So too will Rosemount, whose young outfit will carry the hopes of their club, in the efforts to carry forward their great football tradition in the Westmeath G.A.A. scene.

First half

Breeze advantage was with Rosemount. From a free Robert Kenny pointed to set Caulry on their way. Eoin Carberry, for Rosemount, levelled the score. Strong Caulry pressure by their centrefield pair of Alan Fitzgerald and James Daly set the Caulry attack in motion and Ben Moran sent over the bar. Then a movement involving Simon Carr, James Daly and Robert Ryan was finished to the net by Robert Kenny. A free by Éamonn Boland was pointed as Rosemount fought back.

Caulry returned to the attack and added a goal by Jamal Sabir and a point by Robert Kenny. Good defence by Liam McCormack and Alan McLoughlin and the rest of the backs as well, kept Rosemount in contention and sound goalkeeping by John McCormack. The score at half time: Caulry 2-4, Rosemount 0-2.

Second half

Rosemount defence were making Caulry work hard for their scores. A fine long range point by Alan Fitzgerald set Caulry on course. They added a point and then got their third goal per Robert Kenny. James Geoghegan then set up Emmett Heavin to score a well-taken point for Rosemount.

Two more points by Robert Kenny brought the scoring to a close leaving the final score reading: Caulry 3-8, Rosemount 0-3. Caulry had eleven wides and Rosemount two wides in the game.

At the conclusion of the game the County Board na nÓg Chairman, Seán Sheridan, presented the winning Caulry captain Robert Kenny with the competition trophy.

Caulry team and scorers: James Egan, David Hannify, Ian Ledwith, Simon Carr, Michael O’Riordan, Eoin Grennan, Aidan Murphy, Alan Fitzpatrick (0-1), James Daly, Shane Shortall, Kevin Maguire, Ben Moran (0-1), Jamal Sabir (1-0), Robert Kenny (captain) (2-6, 1 pt from a free), Robert Ryan. Subs used: Mark Muldoon, Jason Conlon, Michael McCormack, Pádraig Heavin, John Maguire, Danny Fitzpatrick.

Rosemount team and scorers: John McCormack, Jonathan McLoughlin, Liam McCormack, Kevin O’Connell, Luke Kelly, Alan McLoughlin, Óisin Daly, Enda Boland (captain), D. McCormack, Éamonn Boland (0-1, from a free), Eoin Carberry (0-1), Seán Watts, Brian Clarke, James Geoghegan, Niall Boland. Subs used: Emmet Heavin (0-1), David McCormack.

Referee: Declan Hogan (St. Mary’s).

Extracted from the Westmeath Examiner Archives, 16th Apr 2005.