16/02/2026
**Proud to support local talent – Inny FC U12s**
Before continuing, we must recognise the remarkable achievement that brought these young players into the spotlight.
*History made in Castlebar**
On February 8th, Inny FC U12s Reds made club history in Castlebar with a dramatic Connacht Cup Trophy victory over top Mayo side Kilmurray A, progressing to the quarter-finals, the furthest any Inny U12 side has ever gone in this competition.
After falling behind early, the young Westmeath side showed real character. Castlepollard’s Shane O’Neill reacted quickest to a rebound from his shot that the keeper saved initially to level the game at 1–1, and the team grew in confidence from there. With no further goals, the tie went to penalties, where composure under pressure defined the outcome.
*Penalty pressure? What pressure?*
Captain and man of the match, Donagh Bourke of Cullion and O’Neill converted confidently, and when Kilmurray missed, Inny edged ahead with Fore’s Sean Gaffney’s penalty. Goalkeeper Daniel Brady of Cullion then produced a superb diving save before another of Cullion’s rising stars, Sean Reynolds calmly slotted home the decisive penalty to secure a 4–2 shootout victory, sparking unforgettable celebrations.
It was a massive team performance built on work rate, belief, and composure; values that define this group.
*Local derby cup test next*
Inny face fellow Longford League side Melview FC in the Connacht Youth & Schoolboys/girls Cup Tophy QF in early March. With recent momentum, the young Westmeath outfit look to continue their impressive cup run against one of the Longford League most talented sides. Inny cup run has included 7 cup ties away to sides west of the Shannon this season, including four in Sligo, two in Mayo and one in Galway city. So, despite Inny being drawn away again, the Longford venue will feel like a home tie for Inny compared to the average 2-hour drive to their previous cup games.
*Whelehans are proud supporters of this small, proud, and successful Westmeath Club*
At Whelehans Pharmacy Mullingar, we are proud to celebrate the fantastic achievements of Inny FC Under 12s. Inny FC are proudly known as “The Pride of North Westmeath.”
Our pharmacist, Eamonn Brady, has managed this talented young team for the past four years, since their early days as Under 8s. Eamonn says how “it has been a real privilege on a human level to watch them grow, have fun, develop close friendships and from a football perspective, it’s rewarding to see them now not just embrace but excel at proper competitive football which commences from Under 12 level. This team didn’t take long to get the hang of “proper competitive cup football, as their first ever cup match was away to a team from Galway City with Inny reds easing through round 1 with a 10-2 win.
Inny FC competes in the Longford Schoolboys League, a strong and competitive environment that continues to raise standards and develop young talent across the region.
*Doing his club, family, and league proud*
We are also immensely proud of Eamonn’s son, Daniel Brady, goalkeeper for the Inny U12s and a member of the Longford League Development Squad, which brings together the top players from across the league. His recent performances have shown composure, confidence, and real leadership.
*Small club, big dreams*
Inny’s success proves that being a rural club does not limit ambition. Inny’s historic 2025 SFAI Under-14 Cup victory was a remarkable achievement and a reminder that dedication, teamwork, and belief can deliver wonderful things as they were crowned Ireland’s best under 14 team.
*Proud supporters*
Whelehans Pharmacy has proudly supported Inny Football Club over the past number of years, including sponsoring jerseys for both the under 12 Reds and Yellows team as well as first aid kits etc. for the club.
Grassroots sport builds character, confidence and lifelong friendships and memories young players will look back in fondness in years to come. These are values Whelehans strongly believe in.
Grassroots football. Community pride. The Journey continues.
