Senior Football Championship: Mullingar Shamrocks 0-11 Rosemount 0-9

The object of the exercise has been achieved: a two point victory against Rosemount qualifies Mullingar Shamrocks for a quarter-final clash with The Downs scheduled for Cusack Park on Sunday next with a 5.30 start. At this stage  in championship football all that matters is the result and on this occasion we were on the right side of the result.  

Playing against a strong wind, Mullingar Shamrocks began well and within the first 90 seconds had two points on the board. Tye Adamson with a fine strike pointed a free and when the resultant kick-out was intercepted by the ever-alert Donal O'Donoghue he released Patrick Fagan who also pointed. In a sense this was the start that decided the match and for the next 62 minutes scoring was equally divided. A good start is half the battle etc!

After four minutes the sides were level as Sean Pettit pointed twice from frees. Tye Adamson again pointed from a free and a great patient build-up, began by Eddie Moore deep in defence, ended with Donal O'Donoghue palming over the crossbar after Denis Corroon provided the final pass. Denis added a fifth point from a Tye Adamson quickly taken free before Rosemount added two points in quick succession from Declan Mullen and a Pettit free (0-6 to 0-4). Another episode of combined play ended with a Tye Adamson point and a great Patrick Fagan run through the centre ended with a Dean Moore pointed free, the last score of the half. An 0-8 o 0-4 interval lead was a good return in the conditions.

Shamrocks missed a number of good scoring chances on resumption and Rosemount began to dominate the exchanges helped in part by some over ambitious shooting by Shamrocks. After eight minutes, Sean Pettit pointed his fourth free and Declan Mullen added another from play within a minute. Two great blocks in quick succession by Alan Cashman prevented another point and Shamrocks escaped when a great run by Boidu Sayeh ended when he crashed his crossbar. At this stage Efe Siode who replaced Paddy Joyce was imperious as he put his body on the line on several occasions to keep Rosemount at bay. The performance of all  defenders used was outstanding and laid the foundation for this victory and ensured a comfortable evening for Philly Shaw whose restarts were very good on the night.

The loss of Patrick Fagan through injury was hurting and when he was joined in the repair yard by Kieran Gavin the pressure mounted. However the response was good: Dónal O'Donoghue and Simon Quinn combined and Dean Moore pointed; Dean was then fouled and pointed the free to extend the lead (0-10 to 0-7). Rosemount weren't finished and three Sean Pettit pointed frees reduced the deficit to the minimum. The final score belonged to Shamrocks and began with a great Donal O'Donoghue mark who transferred to Micheál Curley on the burst (what else?) and he released Pádraic McKenna (making his senior championship debut) who shot over to create the two point advantage.

A very composed Shamrocks retained possession for the final two minutes although there was one final cause for concern as a Rosemount last second free fell short and dangerously into the Shamrocks goalmouth before the final whistle brought relief. 

Mullingar Shamrocks: Philly Shaw; Eddie Moore, Kieran Gavin (Davy Coyne), Killian Daly; Paddy Joyce [Efe Siode], Micheál Curley, Brendan O'Reilly; Denis Corroon (0-1), Patrick Fagan (0-2) [Daragh Daly]; Tye Adamson (0-3), Dónal O'Donoghue (0-1), Alan Cashman (Billy Flynn); Jordan Warde (Ciarán Curley); Dean Moore (0-3) and Simon Quinn (Pádraic McKenna 0-1).  

Sean Dempsey Memorial Under-12 Tournament

The annual Under-12 football blitz jointly hosted by Mullingar Shamrocks and St Loman's took on an added significance this weekend as it was designated the Sean Dempsey Memorial Tournament with the Sean Dempsey Memorial Shield awaiting the winners. The trophy has been donated by the Dempsey family to commemorate the memory of  the late, lamented Sean and it is particularly appropriate that the trophy should be on offer for a tournament jointly hosted by the two clubs given the Dempsey family history with both Mullingar Shamrocks and St Loman's. 

Gentleman Sean  was a great GAA man who won Westmeath senior football championship medals with Athlone in the 1950s and also played for  Ballymore in the 1965 senior final. Rob Cornally was a  team mate on that day, another who served Mullingar Shamrocks and Westmeath GAA with  distinction.   On the  Athlone GAA Club's website,   Sean is remembered as 'a very pacey and stylish forward, his two brilliant points scored just before half-time in the 1958 final will always be fondly remembered for all time. He was an excellent footballer who could command a place on any club or county team'.

Sean served as Chairman of Mullingar Shamrocks and was one of those who led the  club out of the football wilderness in the 1980s and was Chairman  when the 1986 senior football title was landed for the first time since 1966. The title was retained in 1987 and Sean's son Noel  was a playing member of the panel for both championship victories. Noel was also centre forward in 1988 when Mullingar Shamrocks shocked the Westmeath football world and defeated Coralstown-Kinnegad in the intermediate county final.

Shane Dempsey is the third generation of the Dempsey family to star on the GAA fields of Westmeath and has been a leading member of the St Loman's team that collected Westmeath senior football titles in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017, torturing defences in the process.

On Sunday, 16 September Mullingar Shamrocks and St Loman's jointly hosted the Sean Dempsey Memorial Tournament. It was  a great occasion for the Mullingar Shamrocks club and the atmosphere and attendance in Springfield were worthy of this special  occasion.

As usual, Tom Earley, our caretaker, was the first to report for duty  to Springfield (at  8.30am)  and had the Dressing Rooms and  Clubhouse in perfect working order for the visitors who began rolling in shortly after 9.30 am. The dedication of our ground staff was evident in the immaculate condition of our facilities and was the subject of much positive comment during the day. J. P. Crowley was another who reported early and managed the team registration along with updating the scoreboard supported by a team of runners drawn from our under-14 teams. Our club officers Sean Hynes (Chairman), Barry Kelly (Chairman of Under-Age Committee) Pat Collins (Secretary Under-Age Committee), Robbie Boyle (Games Promotion Officer) and Tom Hunt (PRO) were on hand all morning ensuring the smooth running of events. In Lakepoint Park, Lorcan Sleator was in charge of logistics. Barry Kelly, Shane Maher and Barry Pierce took charge of refereeing duties in Springfield while Ken Daly and Jim Baker managed the whistle in Lakepoint Park. Several of the visiting teams commented positively on the quality of officiating.

Joan Ormsby was responsible for the logistics of feeding the multitudes and assembled a team who ensured that the visitors enjoyed the legendary Mullingar Shamrocks hospitality; our inclusion in the GAA's Healthy Club initiative was not forgotten. No team mentor, player or spectator went home hungry.

Ten fine teams and close to 200 footballers delivered a feast of football as they competed for the honour of being the first winners of the Sean Dempsey Memorial Shield. Mullingar Shamrocks, Ballyboden-St Enda's, Erin's Isle, Rhode, Killoe Emmett's  and Castleknock were hosted in Springfield; Carrick Sarsfields, St Loman's, Clane and Sallins were based in Lakepoint Park.

Ballyboden St Enda's were worthy winners of the Shield competition beating Rhode in the final  and in a superb main final, Castleknock (the club of  Ciarán Kilkenny) defeated Erin's Isle (the former club of one Robbie Boyle).

Aaron Donnelly had the honour of being the first captain to receive the Sean Dempsey Memorial Plaque presented by the late Sean's wife Connie in the presence of several members of the Dempsey family for whom it was a memorable occasion tinged with sadness.

 Mullingar Shamrocks had two great games against Ballyboden St Enda's (winning 1-9 to 0-5) and Erin's Isle (an 0-7 to 0-5 loss) which qualified the team for the Trophy Competition where we defeated Sallins in the semi-final (4-1 to 1-2) and Killoe Emmett's in the final (1-7 to 2-2). Ollie Keating and Tom Ormsby were the mentors in charge supported by Barry Maguire, Daragh Maguire and Tony Sheerin.

Mullingar Shamrocks were represented by Ryan Kelly, Callum Rigney-Coyne, Donnacha Maguire, Peter Finch, Hugh O'Sullivan Sexton, Criostóir Ormsby, Conor Heffernan, Charlie Foy, Tye Masterson, Stephen Battle, Adam Glynn, Billy Walsh, Shane Egan, Gary Brannigan, Matt Shaw, Fallum Crichton, Alex Sheerin, Gavin Pierce and Luke Raeside. 

Our thanks to all those who contributed and to the coaches and mentors of all the participating teams without whose selflessness events such as this would be impossible. It was wonderful to see the numerous parents, grandparents and family members present to offer support to the young footballers.

 

A last word: the quality of football on display from these young lads from all clubs was something special and a credit to all concerned. Sean Dempsey would have approved.

Mullingar Shamrocks and St Loman's wish to thank Connie and the Dempsey family for their gesture in presenting the Sean Dempsey Memorial  Shield for this competition for young footballers.

LGF Blitz in St Loman's

A great afternoon of football and a special shout out to the Under-8 girls who joined the younger Under-10s for their first all-girls blitz. All stars of the future without a doubt! And thank you to everyone who came out to Lakepoint Park to cheer the girls on and to Debbie and Daniell who were in charge of team management. 

Mullingar Shamrocks: Anna Clarke; Holly Doyle; Lainey O' Reilly; Lily Walsh; Ula Kulej; Tess Foy; Lucy Pierce; Suzi Corroon; Grainne Flood; Arlene Oherron; Moya Kilmartin; Grainne Flood; Clodagh Doran; Carly Oherron, Aoife Cornally.

Caulry Series (3): Under-14 LGF County Semi-Final: Mullingar Shamrocks 6-11 Caulry 0-5

Mullingar Shamrocks Girls earned home advantage  for this encounter by topping their group.  The Shamrocks girls played into a strong wind in the first-half but that didn't seem to affect them as the incentive off winning this game and getting then into  a final gave them a huge incentive and a determination to take this game by the scruff of the neck.

The defence starting from Sinead Sweeney in goals and  the six backs worked as one complete unit, supporting each other, tackling hard and stood strong as the strong wind meant they would be busy in first t half but even with losing Katie Starr early to injury the visitors were restricted to  0-2 to Mullingar Shamrocks 2-4.

The second  half with the aid of the  breeze saw the Mullingar Shamrocks girls play with great early delivery out of defence  and midfield into forwards where 5 out of our 6 girls  got on the score sheet. They say goals win games and this game wasn't short of them with Mia Gilligan, Molly Byrne and Jodi Aherne scoring super goals over the hour along with Ellie O' Sullivan Sexton, Jasmine Haugh, Molly and Ciara Moore popping over brilliant point. In defence, Áine McKenna, Emily Moore, Robin Wrafter and Ruth Langtry had great performances with Niamh Raeside working tirelessly to earn the Subway player of the Match award. All panellists that were  introduced strengthened the side and pushed the team on to finish strongly. Two weeks now until the final so back to the training ground along with a trip to Croke Park to see the All-Ireland Ladies Gaelic Football Finals.

Mullingar Shamrocks Sineád Sweeney, Áine  McKenna, Anne Marie O'Reilly, Katie .Starr, Abby Smith, Robin Wrafter, Emily  Moore, Niamh Raeside, Jasmine Haugh (0-3), Molly Byrne (1-3), Emily O' Sullivan Sexton (0-2), Ciara Moore (0-1),Jodie Aherne (1-00), Mia Gilligan (4-2), capt, Emily .Flynn, A. McLouglin. P. Halloran, E Byrne, E. Clarke, F. Moffat, K. Menolly, L. Glynn, S. Battle, E. Barr, Rosy O'Donohue.

Lynn Memorial Sevens

A great morning's football in Shandonagh for our Under-16 footballers who took part in the Lynn Memorial Sevens Tournament. Our lads played five matches and qualified for the Shield Final where Millmore Gaels inspired by a superb Ben McGaurin and Conor Gibney proved  too strong and emerged comfortable winners (4-10 to 0-5). In the group stage Mullingar Shamrocks lost to  Moate All-Whites by three points, drew with Lilliput Gaels before losing by a point in the extra time period and a late goal by Daniel Chukwuemeka secured a victory against Millmore Gaels. This qualified Mullingar Shamrocks for a Shield semi-final place against The Downs where we earned a 1-10 to 2-4 victory. In the final Millmore Gaels had revenge for their defeat in the group match. A quick 1-2 by Millmore provided the foundation for this victory and after a long morning of football Shamrocks never really recovered from this setback. During the five matches some great fast football was played and great team work was on display. It was a fine way to finish what has been a very positive season for this group of players who have shown great improvement over the course of the year.

Thanks to Shandonagh for the invitation to what was  a great tournament and congrats to the club on the 50th birthday!

Mullingar Shamrocks were represented by Seán  Óg Hynes, Lee Ryan, Brian Farrell, William Adzangoa, Daniel Chukuemeka, Zach Aherne, Emmet Walsh, Mark Shaw, Thomas Turks, Rory O'Sullivan Sexton, Ciarán Looby.

Radisson Blu Under-14 Football Championship: Tyrrellspass 5-9 Mullingar Shamrocks 3-6

A great game of football featuring eight goals, three penalties, black, yellow and red cards, great saves, plenty of exciting play and one of the best displays of the season from the Mullingar Shamrocks Green Under-14 team. Unfortunately, this wasn't enough and at the final whistle Shamrocks were nine points behind a very fine Tyrrellspass team.

Shamrocks established a 2-3 to 0-3 lead after fifteen minutes with Ryan Kelly netting twice; the second goal was a wonderful effort that was resulted from a fine Shane Ormsby pass to Kelly who soloed through the defence before crashing the ball to the roof of the net without breaking stride. A special goal from a special talent who has a great future in Gaelic football should he desire. Tyrrellspass responded in style and a Conal Dunne penalty goal before the interval saw them into the lead (3-5 to 2-5).

Tyrrellspass playing with wind and hill advantage scored 1-1 within five minutes of resumption and it took a really wonderful save from Joseph by  Mikey McDonagh to prevent another goal. Shamrocks reacted positively and an Adam Boyle penalty goal and a point from a free narrowed the gap (4-7 to 3-6). The comeback was ended with the concession of  second penalty; the foul earned Mikey McDonagh a black card and Conal Dunne stepped up to blast the ball past replacement keeper John McCormack. The final minutes were dominated by Tyrrellspass as Shamrocks discipline unravelled. An unsatisfactory ending to what was a fine game of football and a fine performance by the Shamrocks Green team. 

Mullingar Shamrocks: Mikey McDonagh (John McCormack), Nathan Purcell-McLoughlin, Conor Kelly, Jamie Rooney; Ciarán Kiernan (Ryan Kelly, 2-2), Rián Adamson (Caoilin Walsh) , Cameron Crighton, Shane Ormsby, Ben White; John  Ryan, Conor Fagan (Óisin Garry), Aaron Russell. Tadhg Sheridan, Darragh Hughes (0-1), Adam Boyle (1-3).

Under-8 Blitz in Shandonagh

On a hectic day for the club on a number of fronts, special mention to our Under-8s who travelled to Shandonagh to play the hosts as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations. 31 young Seamrogs played, a fantastic turnout and testament to their dedication and enthusiasm. They gave their best display of the year with pinpoint passing, disciplined tackling, accurate shooting and great team work. Special mention to Jamie Murtagh whose 20 yard drop kick to the roof of the net left all spectators gasping in admiration. The following players represented the club with pride: Jamie Timoney, Jamie Murtagh, Emily Maguire, Lily Walsh, Liam Forde, Moya Kilmartin, Manus Kelly, Conan Kelly, Theo Kelly, Sam Phillips, Colm Clinton, Shane Boner, Oliver Keane, Carl Keane, Sam Briody, Rico Mccarthy, Ryan Keaveney, Adam Clinton, M. J. Burke, Scott Farrelly, Alfie Rock, Zach Gilbride, Fionn Ledwith, Killian Hand, Sam Sheerin, Conor Matthews, Evan Nohilly, Cian Traynor, Emily Forde, Darragh Daly and Conor Glynn, A word of thanks to all the parents who assisted with the travel arrangements and it was wonderful to see nine adult coaches helping out, a truly marvellous turn out. The following coaches were in attendance: Vinny Timoney, Niall Boner, Anthony Clinton, Tom Keane, Ger Briody, Brian Gilboy, Declan Murtagh, Micheál Burke and Matt Ledwith

Fixtures

Senior Football Championship: Mullingar Shamrocks v The Downs, Cusack Park, Sunday, 23 September, 5.30.

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