Mullagh lead way as Galway sides take top honours
In the 40th year of the One Direct All-Ireland Kilmacud Crokes Senior Sevens, Mullagh claimed their first title with a 9-9 to 7-8 win over Gort.
Galway teams were certainly to the fore with all of the semi-finalists from the West. Mullagh beat Beagh by 4-10 to 0-7 in their last-four clash, while Gort were 3-9 to 1-6 winners over Kiltomer.
In a high-scoring final, Mullagh prevailed by seven points but only after Gort made a strong start.
The Andy Coen led side claimed a 6-1 to 2-3 lead in the ninth minute, with Greg Lally and Gerry O’Donoghue among their goalscorers. However, Mullagh rallied before the break to ensure a 6-3 to 4-5 interval score-line.
Goals from Kevin Briscoe, Conor Dervan, Cathal Hardiman and Alan White powered Mullagh to an 8-8 to 6-7 lead. Donal Reilly put the gloss on victory with Mullagh’s ninth goal deep into injury-time to ensure a seven-point win.
After the game Mullagh captain Niall Cahalane received the cup from Leinster GAA Chairman Martin Skelly.
“We found it tough going, but I think we showed great fitness in the end and thankfully we pulled through against Gort,” he said.
Gort goalkeeper Peter Cummins took the player of the tournament award.
“It was a good day for Galway with four semi-finalists,” Cummins said.
“I’m fierce disappointed to lose the final but that’s the way it goes.”
“Even though we didn’t win the title it was great to see another Galway club take honours.”
Four unanswered goals late on for Éire Óg Corrachoill, earned the Kildare side Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland Sevens Shield honours thanks to a 5-6 to 0-5 win over Eoghan Ruadh Dungannon.
Father and son combination Joe and Evan Dempsey netted two goals each in the closing 10 minutes.
Clarinbridge took the U13 Sevens title thanks to a 1-6 to 0-3 win over Douglas, Cork. There was another all-Galway final in the Ratoath Intermediate 11s with Moycullen 4-6 to 3-8 winners over Kilimor.
Blackrock retained their St Judes All-Ireland Junior Sevens Cup title, following victory over Shannon Rovers by 2-10 to 2-3.
Galway side Kilbeacanty took Shield honours with a 6-2 to 5-3 victory over Éire Óg, Clare.
