St Lomans Mullingar Club Notes 31/03/2025:
ACFL Division 1:
St Lomans Mullingar 1:21 Shandonagh 1:12
St Loman’s Mullingar secured a commanding 1-21 to 1-12 victory over Shandonagh in their first win of the 2025 ACFL Division 1 campaign at Lakepoint Park. From the first whistle, the home side took control, setting a fast tempo with sharp, dynamic attacking play and clinical finishing. Their accuracy in front of goal was evident, as they consistently punished Shandonagh’s defence, scoring from long range and making key contributions from all areas of the team.
A standout feature of St Loman’s performance was their effective use of the new rules, which they exploited to great effect. They regularly converted from beyond the 2-point arc, consistently finding space and utilizing this scoring opportunity to full advantage. Their solo and go tactics when outside scoring zones kept Shandonagh on the back foot and ensured St Loman’s dominance throughout the game.
Shandonagh, meanwhile, had a clear game plan, relying on accurate long balls into their full forward line. This strategy was aimed at creating high-percentage scoring chances by taking on the Loman’s full back line in one on ones, but St Loman’s defence was up to the challenge, restricting Shandonagh’s attacking options. While Shandonagh did manage to score a goal, they could not sustain enough pressure to challenge seriously, as St Loman’s superiority in both attack and defence made the result inevitable.
Shane Dempsey was in superb form early on, scoring St Loman’s first three points from play in the opening half. His quick-fire contributions set the tone for the team’s offensive play. Peter Foy was also heavily involved in the opening exchanges, making a crucial interception from a Shandonagh kick-out, which led to a free for John Heslin. Moments later, Cillian Plunkett added a beautifully struck 2-point score, extending St Loman’s lead to 0:07 to 0:01 and establishing a firm grip on the match.
Shandonagh responded with a well-executed move in the 14th minute, when a hand pass across the square found its way to the back post and was neatly finished, reducing the deficit to just three points. This goal lifted Shandonagh’s spirits, but St Loman’s quickly regained control. After the goal, Peter Foy added another 2-pointer to his tally for the season, demonstrating his skill from distance. The two teams exchanged points as the half progressed, but the defining moment came when Shane Dempsey expertly finished for a goal, further extending St Loman’s lead. John Heslin then converted a free to close the half, ensuring a solid lead as they headed into the break.
In the second half, St Loman’s continued to dominate, refusing to give Shandonagh any room to breathe. Oisin Hogan made a key turnover early, leading to a point for Heslin. A quick free from Regan to Heslin nearly set up Dempsey, but Shandonagh’s defence intercepted. Heslin, however, responded with a short free after Shandonagh’s defence was caught out by a 3-man back infringement. Shandonagh attempted to push back with a series of long balls into their forward line, but St Loman’s defence stood firm, with Nathan Lally leading the charge in defence. Conor Regan in at centre forward, played a brilliant ball to Heslin, who slotted over another point. Heslin continued his accuracy, converting a brilliant free from the corner, showcasing his composure under pressure.
Shandonagh mounted a brief revival, rattling off six points in quick succession, but St Loman’s never lost control, responding with steady composure. A late point from Shane Mulderry, who had worked tirelessly at wing forward, was a well-earned reward for his efforts, as he slotted over a well-taken point. Soon after, Sean Daly added another point shortly after coming on, effectively sealing the game for St Loman’s and ensuring their dominance to the final whistle.
In the end, St Loman’s displayed a powerful and disciplined performance, marking a first win to their 2025 ACFL Division 1 campaign. From their sharp attacking play to the solid defence, they showcased the quality and depth in their squad. While Shandonagh fought valiantly, St Loman’s were another level of class, securing a well-deserved victory. With key contributions from across the team, Shane Dempsey continued his fine form with another man of the match performance. St Loman’s look set to build on this momentum as they continue their season with confidence.
Team: Jason Daly, Riley Sheahan, Nathan Lally, Ethan Brown, Tadgh Kenny, David Whelan, Oisin Hogan, Rory Sheahan, Cillian Plunkett (0.02), Peter Foy (0.02), Conor Regan, Shane Mulderry (0.01), Mark Tunney, John Heslin (0.09), Shane Dempsey (1.06). Subs used: Chris Gilbert, Conan O’Hara, Dano Fitzsimons, Tom Door, Sean Daly (0.01)
By Finn Sheahan
Ladies League Division 1:
St Lomans Mullingar 1-04 The Downs 3-08
Our senior ladies opened their league campaign with a defeat in Kevin Molloy Park last Sunday morning. Ciaran Kilmurray’s charges had a vast number of absentees, largely due to county commitments and in the end it was too tough a task for the Saints. The concession of an early goal and point in the opening five minutes was a killer blow and at this stage it looked like it could be a long day for the visitors. However, a brilliant goal and point courtesy of Ciara Blundell brought the blues level, before Kate McDonnell put the county champions in front. At this stage the Lomans Ladies were well on top but failed to make it count on the scoreboard.
Conversely the Downs took control shortly afterwards and they made their dominance count on the scoreboard, scoring 2-07 without reply. The third goal for the black and amber was contentious to say the least after two questionable hand passes and the eventual goal scorer taking over ten steps before netting. In fairness though, The Downs thoroughly deserved the win and their victory was never in doubt. Two late scores from Ciara Blundell reduced the deficit as the home side were victorious.
The Mullingar side worked hard and their application was never in doubt but ultimately the absence of their marquee players was too much of an obstacle. However, the likes of Eve Scally, Katie Dunne and Maddie Mulderry did manage to impress. Ultimately though, Ciara Blundell was the outstanding performer in a blue shirt doing practically all the damage on the scoreboard. Next up is Garrycastle, where the Mullingar side will need to improve if they are to defend their league title.
Team; Jane McKenna, Abbie Norris, Ella Daly, Eve Scally, Maddie Mulderry, Katie Dunne, Aileen Martin, Annie Kilmurray, Julie McLaughlin, Ellen Kilmurray, Ciara Blundell (1.03,0.012f), Kate McDonnell (0.01), Shauna Traynor, Grainne Cleary, Evie Kilmurray. Subs used; Rachel McKenna
ACFL Division 2:
St. Lomans Mullingar 2-11 Ballymore 0-04
Played in lovely conditions last Thursday evening, Lomans 2nd side picked up another valuable 2 points. It’s fair to say that Ballymore were out of sorts for this particular tie, however this young Blues side were relentless and there were excellent performances from all 18 players that were involved. There were several candidates for man-of-the-match however Chris Gilbert just shaded this accolade.
Round 5 will see the lads play St. Marys Rochfortbridge.
Team; Rory Matthews, Tristan Johnson, Ethan Browne, Aaron Smyth, Tadgh Kenny, Rory Sheahan (0-1), Riley Sheahan, Dano Fitzsimons, Shane Mulderry (0-2), Eoghan Kenny, Chris Gilbert (1-5), Mark Tunney (0-1), Conan O’Hara (1-0), Niall Dowdall & Thomas Meehan (0-2). Subs Used; Gerry Grehan, Senan Russell (0-1) & Callum Butler Dolan
ACFL Division 4:
Tyrrellspass 2-09 St. Lomans Mullingar 2-07
The Blues put up a good performance last Sunday morning, in Tyrrellspass. Trailing by 7 points and with only 7 minutes remaining, the lads never gave up and scored 2-1 to equalise as fulltime approached, however the hosts scored 2 late injury time points to take the spoils.
Next up will be St. Marys Rochfortbridge.
Team; Adam O’Connor, Adam Brady, Senan Russell (c), Mark O’Gara, Tristan Johnson, Seanie Dinnegan, John Casey (0-1), Adam Carroll, Hugh Mulhearn, Eoghan Kenny, Niall Dowdall (1-1), Aaron Smyth, Byron Graham (1-1), Cian Daly (0-4) & Thomas Meehan. Sub; Tadgh Kenny.
Fixtures:
Tuesday 1st April:
ACFL Division 4
St Lomans Mullingar vs St Mary’s Rochfortbridge at 7pm in Rochfortbridge
Friday 4th April:
ACFL Division 1
St Lomans Mullingar vs Kinnegad at 8pm in Kinnegad
Sunday 6th April:
ACFL Division 2
St Lomans Mullingar vs St Mary’s Rochfortbridge at 11.30am in Dovida 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 March
This week’s jackpot: €7,200.00
Numbers drawn: 1,6,16,20
No Jackpot winner
Lucky dip winders (€50 each): Adrian Hogg and Anna Fitzgerald
Next week’s jackpot: €7,300.00
Next Week’s Draw Date: Monday 31st March
Remember it could be you!
