Congratulations Des

Mullingar Shamrocks congratulate our clubman Des Maguire on his election as the Westmeath representative on the Leinster GAA Council.

Des has served the GAA in many roles with distinction over the years. At the Annual Convention on Thursday night staged in the Mullingar Park Hotel the financial report of the Westmeath Supporters Club revealed that the club had transferred €20, 000 to the Westmeath County Committee's account from the Supporters' Club Annual Golf Classic. This was welcome news. Those familiar with the Westmeath GAA scene will know that the Golf Classic is driven by Des and has been since its inception. Just one example of Des's contribution to the Westmeath GAA cause.

The vacancy in Leinster was created by Joe Daly's promotion to the position of Westmeath's Central Council Representative replacing Tom Hunt whose 5-year term concludes in mid-February at the GAA's Annual Congress in Donegal. We wish the Tyrrellspass member the best of luck in the post.

Our Cultural Officer, Emma McCabe Byrne also came in for some well-deserved praise for her administrative skills in the Cusack Park office and her role in the keeping the Westmeath GAA show in roadworthy condition. Well done, Emma.

A Mullingar Shamrocks motion to have a special commemorative flag presented to the County Senior Hurling and Football Champions each year received the approval of the delegates.

Annual General Meeting 2024 

A large attendance assembled in The Clubhouse for the Mullingar Shamrocks Club’s Annual General Meeting. 

Chairman David Nohilly in his address acknowledged ‘with sincere thanks our sponsors, customers, volunteers, mentors, players, employees, fellow executive members for their continuing hard work, dedication, and loyalty to the Club over the past year’. ‘Volunteers continue to be the backbone of our club and your tireless work is greatly appreciated’ David stated. He welcomed Gerard Buckley, Andy Gavigan and Padraig Murtagh to the Executive. The raising of finance to purchase the additional land ‘was a mammoth challenge’ and David informed the members that over €300, 000 was raised by voluntary donations.  ‘To receive that level of funding is a phenomenal achievement and a credit to you all who have made the financial sacrifice and donated’ David stated. ‘This level of generosity is a first for the Club. The Executive does not underestimate this. It was heartening to witness and an endorsement of the work by the various committees involved in this project’. 

 

Secretary, Garret Doyle in his report outlined the multi-faceted activities of the club and referred specifically to ‘the phenomenal work that is being done across all underage grades’.  Garrett explained that ‘it was a real challenge to keep the pitch playable’ and thanked Davy Gavin for his work and the Community Employment employees for their input.  Mullingar Shamrocks were  proud of the “one club” model and the current membership split is 42% female and 58% male (across all membership types). There were  762 members registered to the club for 2024, down by only 24 on 2023. Club Registrars Óisin Masterson, Karen Hegarty and Maria Kelly  ‘acknowledged the prompt payment of membership across all underage sections of the club’ and reminded . ‘all members that membership fees should be paid before the end of March in each year … Whether new to Mullingar, new to the GAA or past members, Mullingar Shamrocks is an inclusive club, a family club and a club open to all’.

Pat Collins in his usual comprehensive report acknowledged the under-age activities and successes of 2025.  Joan Ormsby outlined the several activities associated with her role as Healthy Club, Green Club and Inclusive Club initiatives. The Gaelic4Mothers&Others also reported on their year’s activities. The financial statement was explained in detail; the financial breakdown included the news that it cost in the region of €180, 000 to run the club in 2024. 

PRO Tom Hunt informed the members that ‘after the best part of a decade, the time has come to hand over the duties of Communications Officer (this will be the new name for the PRO after Congress 2025)’. ‘It has been an honour and a source of great satisfaction to officially serve my club in this position since January 2016 and in an unofficial manner for most of 2015’ Tom stated. ‘It isn’t a good idea to hold a position for this length of time. It was great to be involved in what were wonderfully transforming years for the club’.

David Nohilly (Chairperson), Debbie Newman (Vice-Chairperson), Garrett Doyle (Secretary) treasurers David Coghlan and Ciara Keegan as well as Joan Ormsby (Healthy Club/Green Club Officer) continue in office, Barry and Maria Kelly take on the communications duties. Barry Kelly returns to a post he previously held in 1995. Karen Hegarty and Óisin Masterson are joined by Padraig Murtagh and form the Registrars’ team.  Andy Gavigan, a new volunteer to an administrative role, joins the Executive as Assistant Secretary of the Under-Age Committee with Pat Collins continuing ‘for one more year’. .  Emma McCabe Byrne continues in her role as Cultural Officer as does Ollie Keating (Under-Age Committee Chairperson), Murty Hanly (Chairperson of our Ladies’ Football Committee) with Margaret Donohoe continuing as secretary. Aidan O’Donoghue continues as Assistant Secretary. Gerard Buckley succeeds   Carole Finch as the club’s Coaching and Games Development Officer. Detty Cornally remains unchallenged as President. 

The following officers were elected. President: Detty Cornally; Chairperson: David Nohilly; Vice-Chairperson: Debbie Newman; Secretary: Garrett Doyle; Assistant Secretary: Aidan O’Donoghue; Treasurers: David Coghlan; Assistant Treasurer: Ciara Keegan; Communications: Barry and Maria Kelly; Healthy Club-Green Club-Inclusive Club Officer: Joan Ormsby; Cultural Officer: Emma McCabe Byrne; Children's Officer: Sophie Hegarty; Registrar: Karen Hegarty; Padraig Murtagh, Óisin Masterson. Under-age Committee, Chairperson: Ollie Keating; Under-age Committee, Secretary: Pat Collins; Assistant Secretary: Andy Gavigan; LGF Committee, Chairperson: Murty Hanly; LGF Committee, Secretary: Margaret Donohoe.  Coaching Officer: Gerard Buckley. 

 

Lotto Results 

Numbers Drawn: 1, 16, 19, 32. No Jackpot winner. Lucky Dip Winner: Michael Greene. Next Draw: 18 December. Jackpot: €15, 200.

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