1993
1993 u-14 “ B” Championship
MARYLAND/TANG 8 – 12 BALLYNACARGY 1 - 8
At Tyrrellspass on Saturday last the final of the Under 14 was decided, resulting in a decisive win for the exclusive underage club, Maryland/Tang. They defeated Ballinacargy in a game far more entertaining and exciting than the score would suggest. The winning team were a very good and accomplished combination, with all round strength in all positions.
Their forward division were particularly talented and their scoring tally bears testimony to this. Spearheaded by Captain Richard Browne, a brilliant full forward, they proved too strong for a gallant and spirited Ballynacargy side, who battled bravely all the way. Indeed in the very exciting and brilliant exchanges that marked much of the play, the losing side contributed their considerate share. As well, despite the mounting score against them, they never ceased to fight out the issue to the final whistle.
The game was thoroughly enjoyable and there was clear indication from both teams of good coaching in better aspects of the game and both club mentors responsible for preparation deserve commendation.
Winning Performances
Maryland/Tang were strong down through the middle, with players like Joe Conlon, Dermot Bannon, Patrick Murphy, Barry Malone, Barry O’Connor and Richard Browne manning the pivotal positions. Around them were players who filled their respective berths with confidence and assurance. Colm Moran, Mark Tormey, William Smith and John Martin in defence, and Eamonn Carey, Alan Higgins, Damien Reynolds and Eoin Fallon in attack all fitted in to complete a well balanced outfit, as did subs Terence Cassells and Vincent Cronnolly. Goalkeeper Alek Hermbusche manned his goal with confident and assured handling.
High Scoring
The high goal tally against Ballynacargy would not have been of such proportion but for the lack of height that often causes easy goals in this age group. Perhaps a case can be made for reduced goal measurements for the younger age categories.
Maryland/Tang had wind advantage in first half and they got off to a good start in the second min when from a close in free, Richard Browne drove the ball the net Ballynacargy had a good spell after this and a centre to the square by Leon Murphy was finished over the bar by Paul McDonnell. Paul and Sean Penrose added further pts at this stage.
The Maryland/Tang team then began to get to grips with the situation and for the remainder of the half dominated with a succession of scores. Barry O’Connor started the scoring rush with a goal and Eoin Fallon with a pt. Then a move involving Barry Malone and Eamonn Carey was finished to the net by Richard Browne. They then tacked on a five pt tally per Richard Browne, Eamonn Carey, Barry Malone and a free from Alan Higgins. Richard Browne with two more goals and Damien Reynolds and Dermot Bannon with a goal each, and a pt from a free by Barry Malone added to the scoring before the interval to give their side a 7 – 7 to 0 – 3 lead at the half time stage.
Daunting Task for Ballynacargy
The Ballynacargy team had a daunting task to face and all credit to them they so with commendable spirit. Early pressure saw Gordon Coloe add a pt to give them heart and a free from Gary Wallace added another. Maryland/Tang came back and a free from Alan Higgins and another pt from Patrick Murphy added two more pts. A long range centre from Milly Kelly went to the net as Ballynacargy fought back, and from a free Paul McDonnell had a pt. Maryland/Tang had a goal and a pt from Barry O’Connor and a pt from Alan Higgins. Paul McDonnell kicked two Ballynacargy pts as they kept up their efforts despite the scoreline. The last score of the game came from Eamonn Carey who added a pt to the winners tally. The first half dominance was the decisive factor in the Maryland/Tang’s success. The second half was equal with both teams scoring 1 – 5 a piece.
Maryland/Tang Team: Alek Hermbusche, Colm Moran, Joe Conlon, Mark Tormey, William Smith, Dermot Bannon(1-0), John Martin, Barry Malone(0-2), Patrick Murphy(0-1), Eamonn Carey(0-2), Barry O’Connor(2-1) , Alan Higgins(0-3), Damien Reynolds(1-0), Richard Browne(Capt)(4-1), Eoin Fallon(0-1). Subs: Terence Cassells, Vincent Cronnolly.
Ballynacargy Team: Niall Maher, Paul Cahill, John McDonnell, Gordon Coloe(0-1), Thomas Keena, Milly Kelly(1-0), Sean Penrose(0-1), Leon Murphy(Capt), Paul McDonnell(0-5), Michael Loren, Gary Wallace(0-1), Eddie Maguire, Joe Kelly, Declan Reilly, Liam Reilly.
Team photo list 1993 u-12 champions
Back row L-R Vincent Cronnolly, Terence Cassells, Damien Reynolds, Barry O’Connor, Alek Hermbusche, Barry Malone, Joe Conlon, Mark Tormey, Gerard Lynam, Patrick Murphy. Front row L-R John Martin, Eamonn Carey, Eoin Fallon, William Smith, Richard Browne, Dermot Bannon, Colm Moran, Alan Higgins, Niall Martin
MARYLAND-TANG U-16 B CHAMPIONS 1993
Maryland/Tang 2 – 7 Tyrrellspass 1 – 5
Maryland/Tang U-16 footballers ended their season on a high note when winning the county U-16 Football title on last Sunday in Hogan Park, Moate when they overcame the challenge of a spirited Tyrrellspass team.
This is the first time for the club to win this cup and this display of open, fast football augers well for the future of the game in the parish. Played in front of a very large attendance this game was exciting all through with Maryland/Tang only securing victory in the last ten minutes.
Maryland/Tang having won the toss opted to play with the strong wind in first half and this decision was justly rewarded as they stormed into a 1 – 6 to 0 – 1 lead at half time. Maryland/Tang started briskly but the wet windy conditions made good football difficult for the first ten mins. Having settled the better and having the upper hand at midfield where David Martin and Tony Murphy were having outstanding games, the Maryland/Tang forwards created a lot of chances that went a beggin. Finally in the 8th min Tony Murphy scored a beautiful pt from 35m and 2 min later Mike Bannon added another from 25m after an excellent solo run. The second quarter saw Tyrrellspass come more into the game and play swung from end to end with neither side capitalizing on good opportunities. After a brilliant one-man effort where he rounded four players Richard Browne tapped over Maryland/Tang’s third pt in the 12th min.
Eventually Tyrrellspass broke their deadlock with a pointed free from K. Connell in the 14th min In the 18th min Tyrrellspass were rewarded a 14 metre free and quick thinking by the fouled player saw him unleash a tremendous shot which came back off the Maryland/Tang crossbar. The clearance was worked downfield where Tony Murphy notched his second pt. In the 22nd min Mike Bannon increased Maryland/Tang’s lead to four pts. From the kickout Richard Browne expertly tapped over to increase the margin to five. At this stage Maryland/Tang were dominant all over the field and their determination was rewarded when Tony Murphy’s long range effort dropped over P.McGivney in the Tyrrellspass goal to lead at the interval 1-6 to 0-1.
The second half saw Tyrrellspass come more into the game as they now backed by a strong breeze and 5mins later had reduced the lead to 6 pts. Mike Bannon was then switched to fullback where he had a magnificent game curbing the threat of Tyrrellspass danger man K.Connell who scored 2-8 against Milltownpass in the semi-final. Barry Malone was introduced in the half-forward line and his ability to win good possession and carry the ball meant Maryland/Tang were still creating chances up front.
Barry Malone who replaced T.Behan after 10 mins was another to shine when things got tough. Having weathered the storm Maryland/Tang played entertaining, whole-hearted football and were rewarded in the 18th min with an opportunist Richard Browne. David Martin scored a long range effort in the 21st min and the title was on the way to Maryland/Tang. Tyrrellspass finished strong scoring 1-1 in the last 2 mins to leave the scoreline 2-7 to 1-5.
Maryland/Tang’s defence improved after a shaky start, Anthony Lynam had a fine game in goals and made two spectacular saves in the second half. Alan Murray and Gregory Casey played solidly in the full-back line, Paul Martin, Paul McCormack and Tom Sheerin were in excellent form in the half-back line, not only in defensive duties but also their ability to get forward and support their midfield and forwards. David Martin and Tony Murphy had proverbial stormers at midfield and their fielding and tireless workrate gave Maryland/Tang a decided edge in this sector. Upfront the fore mentioned Barry Malone, Barry O’Connor and Ricky Browne were in sparkling form. Mike Bannon won a lot possession at centre-forward in the first half moved to fullback in the second half his defensive qualities was inspirational to those around him.
Team: A.Lynam, A.Murray, G.Casey, P.Martin, Paul McCormack, T.Sheerin, D.Martin, T.Murphy, E.Feeney, M.Bannon, T.Behan, J.Gill, R.Browne. Subs: B.O’Connor, B.Malone, D.Reynolds.