St Lomans Mullingar Club Notes 03/03/2025:
ACFL Division 1:
St Lomans Mullingar 0-15 Tyrrellspass 1-12
The early rounds of the league tend to bring a raft of unavailability’s for every team involved, however the lengthy absentee list suffered by the county champions at the moment is unprecedented. Despite this, the mantra for Paddy Dowdall and his management team has been “next man up”. Last Saturday the league and championship holders travelled to old foes Tyrrellspass, who were also short a number of absentees. Despite many household names missing, this game proved to be as keenly contested as any match between the two sides over the last decade.
The hosts dominated the first twenty five minutes, outscoring the visitors by 4 points to one, Shane Dempsey the solitary scorer for the saints. When the hosts netted before the interval it looked like it could be a long day for the Mullingar side. Joe Hyland further extended the lead for Tyrrellspass but a Dempsey double on the stroke of half time gave the blues encouragement. In truth, Jason Daly’s net lived a charmed life in the first half, with the host’s spurning several goal chances. The saints tariled by four at the break.
The sides traded scores early in the half with David Whelan and Conor Regan opening their accounts for the away side. The county champions had Jason Daly to thank after his superb save spoiled a Tyrrellspass goal chance, which almost certainly would have killed the game. This seemed to spark the saints into life with two magical two-pointers from Peter Foy either side of a Dean McNicholas effort saw the home side lead by just the minimum. Foy also made a bit of history becoming the first Lomans player ever to kick a two-pointer in a competitive match.
Tyrellsspass momentarily doubled their advantage but two Shane Dempsey free’s brought his side level for the first time since throw in. Eddie Kinsella’s Tyrellspass briefly lead again through McNicholas before Shane Dempsey turned the match on his head. A stunning long-range free raised an orange flag to see the Lomans lead in injury time. Dempsey was on hand to again to double the lead from another placed ball. It looked as though the Blues’ may just have stolen the points but Dean McNicholas managed to level proceedings with a stunning two pointer right at the death to earn his side a draw.
In truth a draw was the least the home side deserved. Firstly well done to referee Ken Gunning, who stepped in at late notice to ensure the fixture was fulfilled. Gunning did a superb job especially considering he had no linesmen or umpires! Padddy Dowdall’s young side also deserve a huge amount of credit for digging out a result in the circumstances. Dowdall himself had to make an appearance late on after Chris Gilbert suffered an injury and our all action manager was straight into the thick of it!
Well done to Sean Daly who held his nerve excellently in his adult debut, Nathan Lally and Tristan Johnson also performed well at the back. Riley Sheahan was excellent in midfield in just his second adult game. Mark Tunney and Ethan Browne put in formidable performances also. However, it was the experience and scoring power of Shane Dempsey and Peter Foy that were crucial. The pair kicked thirteen of the fifteen points on the board. Dempsey picks up a man of the match accolade for his haul of nine points. Next up is a local derby against Mullingar Shamrocks next Friday night.
Team; Jason Daly, Tristan Johnson, Nathan Lally, Andrew Daly, Oisín Hogan, David Whelan (0.01), Sean Daly, Riley Sheahan, Peter Foy (0.04), Riley Sheahan, Mark Tunney, Conor Regan (0.01), Ethan Brown, Chris Gilbert, Shane Dempsey (0.09, 0.08f), Tadhg Kenny. Subs used; Cian Daly, Paddy Dowdall.
ACFL Division 4:
St Lomans Mullingar 1-07 Shandonagh 2-08
Last Sunday morning saw 6 of last year’s minors participate in this closely fought Division 4 game. Goalkeeper Callum Butler Dolan, defenders Ruairi Doonan and John Casey, midfielder Oisin O’Hara, and forwards Sean Daly and Aaron Smyth, all of whom acquitted themselves very well. The team was backboned by more experienced players, players like team captain Senan Russell, Tristan Johnson, Niall Dowdall and full forward Seanie Dinnegan who fired over 3 lovely points from the full forward position.
Considering most of the side hadn’t previously played together, it naturally took Lomans a while to settle and it wasn’t until the 20th minute that the Blues registered their first score. By this stage though, Shandonagh already had 2-3 on the scoreboard and by the time Sean Carroll blew for halftime the scoreline read 2-6 to 0-3 in Shandonagh’s favour. The 2nd half was a totally different affair and players like Adam Brady, Adam O’Connor, Mark O’Gara, Eoghan Kenny and Kealan Sleator all stepped up the intensity, substitutes Byron Graham and Mark Tunney also made impacts when they were introduced. However despite a valiant effort, Shandonagh’s 9 point lead was insurmountable and the Blues ended up losing by 4 points.
Although Lomans ended up on the wrong side on the scoreboard, this was a very encouraging display and augurs well for the future. Next Sunday morning will see us host Ballinagore in Lomans at 11.30am.
Team; Callum Butler Dolan, Adam Brady, Senan Russell (c), Mark O’Gara, Ruairi Doonan, John Casey, Tristan Johnson, Oisin O’Hara (0-1), Eoghan Kenny, Sean Daly (1-0), Niall Dowdall (0-1), Adam O’Connor, Kealan Sleator, Seanie Dinnegan (0-3) & Aaron Smyth (0-1). Subs Used; Byron Graham & Mark Tunney (0-1).
Social Night:
We are delighted to announce a social night and table quiz fundraiser in the Chambers Bar this Friday 7th March at 8pm. €40 per table and a raffle will be held on the night. Full details of the prizes are on our social media. Contact Gary Penrose, Rodney Farry, Brian Murphy, David Savage or Clifford Flynn for any queries.
Last Man Standing:
Last Man standing returns next Saturday 8th March. €20 per entry. Please contact Conor Regan, Tristan Graham or Jason Daly if you wish to enter.
Fixtures:
Tuesday 4th March:
ACFL Division 2
St Lomans Mullingar vs Milltownpass at 8pm in Milltownpass
Friday 7th March :
ACFL Division 1
St Lomans Mullingar vs Mullingar Shamrocks at 8pm in Home Instead Lakepoint Park
Sunday 9th March:
ACFL Division 4
St Lomans Mullingar vs Ballinagore at 11.30am in Home Instead Lakepoint Park
Tuesday 11th March:
ACFL Division 2
St Lomans Mullingar vs Tang at 8pm in Home Instead Lakepoint Park
Home in Spain Draw:
Westmeath Gaa’s home in spain draw is on-going and tickets are available via Joe Martin for €100, please contact Joe if interested.
Club Lotto:
Draw Date: Monday 24th February
This week’s jackpot: €6,800.00
Numbers drawn: 12,13,18,24
No Jackpot winner
Lucky dip winders (€50 each): Yvonne Costello and Path Hughes
Next week’s jackpot: €6,900.00
Next Week’s Draw Date: Monday 3rd March
Remember it could be you!
