Mullinahone Win All-Ireland Sevens 2005

Mullinahone 6-07 Portumna 0-15

It’s not often a Sevens game, never mind a final, finishes with one team failing to score a goal, but that was the way for Portumna in the All-Ireland Sevens 2005 final.  Choosing to take scores from further out field was their style, partly forced on them by a Mullinahone defence once again marshalled by John Leahy in goals.  Yet ultimately Portumna failed to hold a powerful forward line from Mullinahone from taking their goals and although it was close throughout  - 3-2 to 0-9 at halftime - as the second half ticked away the feeling was that Portumna really needed to get a goal or more to edge themselves beyond Mullinahone.  That was the way it was, with Mullinahone in the final two minutes sealing the game with a dying two goals and a point.

The battle between Paul Kelly, a man that looked physically stronger than ever, and Portumna’s Aidan O’Donnell who had fielded well all day, was one to watch, with Paul Kelly again taking goals at the half chance.  Outfield for Portumna, Niall Hayes was one of many who continued his fine performances of the day, battling for every half chance.  The strength of this Portumna team, even without their countymen, leaves the clear impression that Portumna have good years ahead of them – all the same, after a hard day of Sevens hurling it is tough on exhausted bodies to take second place.

To see images of the day, click Here