2005

MARYLAND/TANG U-12'S 2005

Front l/r John Rock, Caroline Lowry, Emma O’Neill, Brian Moran, Brian Donohue, Owen Coughlan(Capt), Martin Rock, Ryan Allen, Christy Hermbusche, Peter Cunningham. Back l/r Dean Egan, Emmet Moran ,Paul O’Neill, James Ganly, Philip Ganly, Lee Moran, Darren Allen, Mark White, Darragh McCormack, Darragh Burke

U-12’S SUMMARY 2005

Maryland/Tang’s u-12’s had a relatively good season playing a total of sixteen games winning 10, drawing 1 and losing 5. In Round 1 there were ten teams consisting of Rosemount, Tubberclair, Kilbeggan, Castledaly, Athlone, Moate, Caulry, Millmore Gaels and Garrycastle. In this section Tubberclair and Athlone were the only teams to defeat us and we finished third in the group. We then qualified for division 2 consisting of six teams which included Ballynacargy, Moate, Mullingar Shamrocks, St Loman’s and Multyfarnham. However the second phase didn’t prove as successful only winning three games from five. Our lack of physical strength and size was a major factor and also having to draw on too many younger players against bigger populated town teams.

The team played nice attractive football over the season and teamwork and passing was their hallmark. Although small in stature this team can only improve as the bigger pitch in u-14 will open up many more avenues for their inventive forward play.

We had some star performances from the rock solid James Ganly at fullback, Owen Coughlan at centre back who was outstanding one match after another and has a very bright future, ably assisted by the ever improving Dean Egan , the speedy Christy Hermbusche and Philip Ganly a no nonsense defender with an old head on young shoulders. At midfield John Rock was the maestro, terrific fielder and astute football brain often pushing forward to kick important scores. His midfield partner Darren Allen worked extremely hard; tough tackling and always up and down the field and terrific workrate.

Another star was Darragh Burke at centre forward. Darragh had a brilliant season, a natural ball winner and a master at playmaking off both feet and also getting forward scoring 11-74(107pts) into the bargain. Another diamond in attack was Martin Rock who mesmerized defenses with his mazy runs and a deadly eye for goals rattling in 15-35(85pts), ably assisted by the evasive Ryan Allen who improved in leaps and bounds as the year wore on. The future looks bright with Darragh Burke, Ryan Allen, Caroline Lowry, Christy Hermbusche, Philip Ganly, Darragh McCormack, Brian Donohue and Peter Cunningham all underage next year. Well done to mentors Joe Allen, John Burke, Noel Moran and Johnny Rock.

MARYLAND/TANG U-14'S 2005

MARYLAND/TANG U-FOURTEEN’S 2005

Back row l/r Darren Malynn,Enda Kincaid, Eanni Hermbusche, Trevor Farrell(Capt),Calum McCormack, Christy Grimes,Tommy Coughlan,Sean Coughlan,Martin Donohue,William Flanagan, Joe Connor. Front row l/ Christy Hermbusche, John Rock, Trevor English, James Ganly, Chris Conner, Owen Coughlan, Gerard Moran, Martin Rock, Aaron McKnight,

MARYLAND/TANG FEILE SEMI-FINALIST 2005

Feile Semi-Final

Maryland/Tang 2 – 9 Mullingar Shamrocks 1 - 13

Maryland/Tang loses out after titanic struggle in extra time. Maryland/Tang played host to Mullingar Shamrocks in the Feile semi-final in Tang on Saturday last. Playing with a strong breeze in the first half Maryland/Tang started quickly with Darren Malynn winning the throw in, feeding Calum McCormack who found the inrushing Christy Grimes to open the scoring with a fine point. Martin Donahue then kicked an excellent pt on the turn from a Calum McCormack pass. Christy Grimes added another pt after some neat inter play from Eanni Hermbusche. However Mullingar Shamrocks then started to gain vital possession around midfield but made little headway against a resolute Maryland/Tang defence. Maryland/Tang on their next attack saw a long shot rebound off the upright and Martin Rock reacted quickly and rifled the ball to the roof of the net to lead 1-3 to 0-1 after 17 mins. This seemed to awaken Mullingar Shamrocks who played with more purpose and determination and dominated the remaining half to kick four unanswered pts before Eanni Hermbusche replied with a pt from long range. Leading by a solitary goal with a strong breeze to face in the second half Maryland/Tang opened the scoring with a free after good work by Joe Connor. Mullingar Shamrocks replied with a fine pt in the 7th min. Maryland/Tang were then very unlucky not to extend their lead to six pts when Martin Donahue saw his shot go inches wide with the keeper beaten. Maryland/Tang continued to press forward but were caught on a swift counter attack which yielded an equalizing goal. Mullingar Shamrocks now had their gander up and kicked four unanswered pts in quick succession. But Maryland/Tang fought back and were rewarded with a brilliant goal from Darren Malynn who soloed through the middle and blasted the ball to the back of the net. Maryland/Tang equalised after a foul on Calum McCormack and so to extra time. With the heavy underfoot conditions taking their toll on both set of players, scores were hard to come by and at half time sides were still level at two pts apiece. Mullingar Shamrocks, playing with the breeze in the second half, opened up a two pt advantage and although Maryland/Tang replied with a free for a foul on John Rock, they were unable to break down a resilient Mullingar Shamrocks defence who held on for a memorable victory by the narrowest of margins. As a matter of fact Mullingar Shamrocks went on to win a very one sided final.

Best for a gallant Maryland/Tang side were James Ganly in goals, an excellent fullback line of Chris Connor, Trevor English and the particularly impressive Tommie Coughlan at fullback as was Trevor Farrell at centre back. Darren Malynn and Christy Grimes were in fine form at midfield. Calum McCormack was the pick of the forwards getting most assistance from Eanni Hermbusche, Martin Donahue and Enda Kincaid. This was an excellent performance and will in no doubt stand good stead for the remaining year.

TEAM: James Ganly, Chris Connor, Tommie Coughlan, Trevor English, Sean Coughlan, Trevor Farrell, Aaron McKnight, Darren Malynn(1-0), Christy Grimes(0-2), Enda Kincaid , Calum McCormack(0-5),Eanni Hermbusche(0-1), William Flanagan, Martin Donahue(0-1), Martin Rock(1-0), subs: John Rock, Gerard Moran, Joe Connor, Christy Hermbusche, Owen Coughlan.

Maryland/Tang Minor Champions

Front l/r Ronan Farrell, David Kincaid, Conor Egan, , Robert English(Capt), Gearoid Cleary, Kevin Flanagan, Thomas McCormack, Niall Bannon, Joshua Flanagan.

Back l/r Shane Reynolds, Kieran Duncan, , , Alan Connaughton, , Thomas Moran, , Colm Mackey, John Salmon, Conor Lynn, Johnsey Cassells.

Maryland/Tang Minors bask in the winter sunshine as they are crowned County Champions. Although the season started badly for Maryland/Tang, like a good wine maturing with age, this young team gelled and grew stronger as the year progressed. In the quarter-final Maryland/Tang met a strong and fancied Malachys/Ballinagore side and after a splendid first half where they dominated nearly every sector of the field they went in leading by nine pts. This laid the foundation for a solid victory. The reward for this victory was a semi-final against Garrycastle.

Played under lights in Garrycastle this was a through championship match with no quarter asked or given. Garrycastle, a bigger and more physical side dominated possession but were unable to break down an excellent Maryland/Tang defence. Maryland/Tang were scoring freely on the counter attack with Josh Flanagan a constant thorn scoring a vital goal to lead 1-6 to 0-2 at half time.

Garrycastle however with their never say die attitude laid siege on Maryland/Tang but were unable to turn this to their advantage with a combination of bad shooting and stout defence. Just when it appeared Maryland/Tang were going to hold out, Garrycastle got the break they needed when a speculative shot found the back of the net. Spurred on Garrycastle quickly kicked a couple of pts to leave the minimum between the sides.

Playing against the breeze Maryland/Tang were making little impact up front, Thomas McCormack although carrying an injury joined the attack to add a bit more impetus. This move almost had immediate effect with his pace causing problems resulting in Colm Mackey kicking a fine pt. On next attack a pt effort by Thomas McCormack fell short and misjudged by the keeper ended up in the net. This score was greeted with great jubilation by the large contingent of Maryland/Tang supporters. Ronan Farrell, a second half sub kicked an excellent pt of his left foot, this proving to be the winning pt as Maryland/Tang failed to register another score.

Five mins of normal time and six minutes of injury time seemed to drag on forever and Garrycastle did manage to score a goal to leave just a pt behind but try as they may, couldn’t find the equalizing pt. This was a truly great performance with Conor Lynn, John Salmon, Gearoid Cleary and Alan Connaughton all starring in a overworked defence, in midfield John Cassells and Robert English played their hearts out and really came to the fore in the last quarter when badly needed. In attack Josh Flanagan and Colm Mackey were in deadly form getting most assistance from Gerard Walsh, Niall Bannon and Anthony Reynolds.

Roll on the final where the mighty St Loman’s awaited and with a fully fit panel to chose from, this match was awaited with eager anticipation by players, management and supporters alike. At the eleventh hour St Loman’s were unable to field a team and Maryland/Tang were awarded the match by means of a walkover. Although jubilant at being crowned champions, Maryland/Tang did feel deflated at this ending for such an important competition. However Maryland/Tang can hold their heads high after turning around their season and richly deserve their just rewards. Thanks to our mentors Ken Egan and Tom Flanagan for their excellent work throughout the year. Thanks also to Ruby Oil who generously sponsored a new set of jerseys.