The Shandonagh men had their first outing of 2022 in the Division 1 League against St. Lomans on Saturday 26th February last. Under the new management of Kevin Hickey and Aidan Lennon and missing several established players it was a day when the young stars of the future shone the brightest. A very blustery day with the rain holding off, both sides delivered a very good game of football for February. Shandonagh came out of the blocks fastest and didn't let the tempo slip at all during the game. Our stalwart between the uprights Conor Craig kept a clean sheet on a day when high balls would cause worry for the safest of hands. The solid full back line of Ben Traenor and Daire Conway were complemented by the impressive frame of young Jack O'Brien. Jack slotted in as cornerback with ease and his quick thinking and strength will prove a great addition to this defence going forward. The half back line was anchored in the centre by the ever hard working and tenacious Gareth Carr who had Damian Moran and Ryan Donnelly either side of him. Moran is a brave and sticky marker for any forward and a welcome return to the panel after taking time out last year. On the other wing young Ryan Donnelly showed some great touches and athleticism and his high work rate was typical of a first choice wing half-back. Centre field had a great balance of wisdom and youth as Alan Hickey marshalled the troops alongside Brendan Killian who is powered by something Duracell is still trying to invent as he never let up. The half forward line of Ryan Norris, Kevin Boyle and Luke Tynan worked extremely well together showing up front and working back whenever required. It was no fluke that Boyle and Norris netted a goal each from their efforts. Full forward Brian Kavanagh was back to his usual self and had the cross hairs fully adjusted as he popped over some glorious scores straight between the uprights. Another welcome return was Mickey Boyle at corner forward who brings a very acute sense of knowing how and where to get a score and will be a great leader for the team. Last to make up the full 15 is the ever skilfull Tom Molloy who showed the nearer he is to opposition goals the better for Shandonagh and worse for the opposition. The Shandonagh men were exemplary in their work rate which was evident to see and hear as the communication and encouragement for each other could be heard from the sideline. The introduction of Cian Molloy in goals who was flawless with his kickouts and Domhnaill Mulvihill up front in the second half meant this was a day when the youth that will keep us on the journey to success was evident. The likes of Adam Treanor and Daniel Scahill who were with the Westmeath U20s on the day will add to the selection headache for the managers when they return. Domhnaill Mulvihill will be one to watch also when he gets more experience at this level and finds his rhythm as his teammates will also realise how much of a potent force he is. The ability to find the net by Kevin Boyle and Ryan Norris and a fortuitous dropped high ball kicked in by Brian Kavanagh shows Shandonagh are well able to mix it when required. Overall a well deserved victory for the Shandonagh men who worked the hardest on the day.
Credit also has to go to our groundsmen Ollie Reilly, Jim Gallagher & Martin Maher who did a phenomenal job in getting the pitch to the fine state it was on Saturday as it wasn't easy to line it out but it looked fantastic. Final score Shandonagh 3:11, St Lomans 0:09.
Team: Conor Craig, Ben Treanor, Daire Conway, Jack O'Brien, Ryan Donnelly, Gareth Carr, Damien Moran, Alan Hickey, Brendan Killian, Ryan Norris, Kevin Boyle, Luke Tynan, Tom Molloy, Brian Kavanagh, Mickey Boyle
Subs: Cian Molloy for Conor Craig, Domhnaill Mulvihill for Daire Conway

More photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/jon2aJA2RQ4DGju39