Navan M1 vs Mullingar
26 September 2026
Division 4
Mullingar may have walked away with the three points in Navan’s Division 4 season opener, but the final result certainly doesn’t tell the full story.
Facing a Mullingar side dropping down from Division 3, Navan enjoyed large periods of possession and created a host of chances throughout the game. However, they found themselves up against an exceptional goalkeeper and a clinical Mullingar attack that made the most of its opportunities.
Navan started brightly but conceded an early goal as Mullingar’s persistence paid off. The Badgers responded well, with David Deasy reacting quickest to a rebound from a Ru Clarke drag flick to bring Navan level.
Navan continued to press, forcing numerous turnovers and creating chances, with Rob Andrew and Clarke both coming agonizingly close at the back post. Unfortunately, it was Mullingar who found the finishing touch, scoring twice in quick succession to move 3–1 ahead.
It would have been easy for heads to drop, but the Badgers did exactly the opposite. They stuck to their game plan, continued passing, supporting one another and fighting their way back into the contest.
Another Mullingar goal in the third quarter stretched the deficit further, but Navan came flying out for the final quarter with some superb high-intensity pressing.
Youngster Jack Linke stepped up with a brilliant moment, following up a rebound before finding the bottom corner with a lovely reverse strike. Ru Clarke then finally broke through from a penalty corner, converting a drag flick after several earlier attempts had been well defended.
Suddenly, at 4–3, the comeback was well and truly on.
Another Clarke drag flick was stopped by a Mullingar body on the line, resulting in a penalty stroke and a huge opportunity for Navan to draw level. Unfortunately, the effort went narrowly wide.
The chances continued to come. Rob Andrew saw a deflected effort fly over the bar, while Ciaran Kearns and Eamon Lynskey both had close-range flicks saved during a frantic goalmouth scramble.
The equalizer simply would not come.
While the Badgers will understandably be disappointed to come away without a point, there was plenty to take from the performance. Against a side recently competing in Division 3, Navan showed determination, patience and tremendous fighting spirit, refusing to give up even when the score line went against them.
Most importantly, it was a strong squad performance and another encouraging sign of what this group can produce during the season ahead.
Two Teams, One Club
Attention now turns towards a busy October for the Men’s section.
Navan M1 continue their Division 4 campaign, while Navan M2 prepare to make their competitive debut in Division 6 against Monkstown M5 on 3 October.
With more opportunities for younger players to experience senior hockey and healthy competition developing throughout the squads, there is plenty to be excited about.
The first result may not have gone Navan’s way, but the fight, determination and hockey were certainly there. The Badgers are back. 🦡