Tullamore Town U15s show their pedigree

For a side that has claimed many big scalps in national cup runs over the last couple of years, this win over top Galway side Mervue United felt very significant. A team which has enjoyed great success at league and national level in recent years, has withstood the loss of key players over the course of the season, and yet in this game, looked as strong as ever.

Mervue came to town as table toppers in the Galway District League Premier Division, and a strong reputation as one of the best club sides in the west.  Tullamore rarely seem to get a handy draw in this competition and this match proved to be a stern test of their mettle.

SFAI U15 National Cup, Round of 32

Tullamore Town FC 3
Mervue United 0

A large crowd gathered for the final match of five cup and trophy games at Leah Victoria Park on Saturday and saw Tullamore quickly out of the blocks. In one of their first attacks Brian James, ref, spotted a handball in the Mervue box and had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Felix Kryzevicius stepped up and confidently found the back of the net to the goalie’s right. It was the start Tullamore would have hoped for and put them on the front foot from the off. Tullamore built momentum from that and took control of the game. They enjoyed lots of possession and had plenty of success down their left hand side where the superb Adam Keegan at left back was in top form and linked up brilliantly with Thomas Carroll. Carroll, who usually plays at full back has recently been converted to a left winger and really seems to be enjoying himself further up the pitch.

Tullamore’s back four were imperious throughout, with Steven Murrihy and Ronan Guinan at centre back, Keegan on the left and the always dependable Odhran Gilmartin at right full. Guinan and Murrihy may not be the biggest centre backs around, but they are rarely caught out and have no fear against much bigger opposition. Further up the field Jamie Harvey gave a captain’s performance, all energy and desire, winning possession where he had no right to, while James McGinley alongside him looks like he has been playing with the side for years. Calan Kinnarney is one this team’s real ball players and he was in a real battle over on the right wing against the Mervue full back. Always a willing runner, always showing for the ball and looking to unlock the Mervue defence.

Scott Halloran covered a massive amount of ground. Playing ahead of the centre mid pairing, he tracks, tackles, twists and turns and always looks to get the team on the attack.

Up front, Felix Kryzevicius was back on top form. He has suffered with injury for much of the season but showed he was back to his best, with non-stop running.

Having weathered Tullamore’s pressure for much of the first half, Mervue started to get a foothold in the game and impose themselves on the home side. The game became much more physical and the tackles and challenges kept the ref busy and brought a number of cards for both sides. Ben Boland in goals was tested a couple of times late in the second half but his handling and positioning was secure. It was a ten minute period when Tullamore had to withstand pressure but the boys in blue stood up to it before James blew for half time.

The physical nature of the game continued into the second half and underfoot conditions made it difficult for both sides, but both sides were committed in everything they did in the game. Menzi Hadebe replaced Kinnarney in the second half and made an immediate impact. Ten minutes in Odhran Gilmartin swung in a corner from the left, Jamie Harvey met it with a glancing header that Menzi smashed into the net from close range. Hadebe continued to torment the Mervue defence, looking to run past or through every time he got on the ball. He is a raw talent with incredible pace and seems to put the fear of God into opposing defences. He made a real impact off the bench.

At two nil, Tullamore weren’t quite cruising, though certainly in control of the game, but there was still drama ahead. As Mervue mounted pressure on the Tullamore penalty area, Keegan made a challenge that was punished by the ref who pointed to the spot. There were no complaints from the home side, but this was a real opportunity for Mervue to get back into the game. Boland in goals had been confident all day and dived smartly to his left and brilliantly saved the penalty and the ball was cleared away. It felt like a big moment in the game as Tullamore pushed on from there.Luke Maher came on for Thomas Carroll who had given everything and Maher ensured the pressure was kept on the Mervue right back.

The Blues made their dominance count in the dying minutes as Charlie Cagehin, on for Kryzevicius collected the ball on the edge of the Mervue penalty area and calmly played in Hadebe to drive towards goal and lash the ball across the keeper into the far corner. 3-0 game over. As the final whistle blew the Tullamore boys were happy, sore and out on their feet after emptying the tank in a very convincing performance. 

The team has had to adjust to players moving on and players coming in this season, but have found some very useful players to blend into the team. Goalkeeper Adomas Lukosius has proven a very talented back-up to Boland and they will welcome defender Adam Harte back to the side for the next round. Coaches Patrick Murrihy and Jason Halloran continue to extract the best out of their team and their imprint of proper football with real commitment is stamped all over this side. The round of 16 draw awaits, with many big names in the pot, but this Tullamore team have shown real pedigree in this competition and no-one will want to draw them.