St Loman’s Mullingar – Men’s Football Year Review 2025
The 2025 season was one that continually tested and revealed the depth, character, and evolving identity of St Loman’s Mullingar. Across league and championship, the senior and junior panels faced challenges in the form of injuries, county commitments, unavailability, and the bedding-in of new rules that changed the shape of modern Gaelic football. Yet, through every challenge, St Loman’s Mullingar demonstrated growth, adaptability, and a commitment to developing the next generation of players.
The league campaign began with uncertainty but steadily transformed into a period of significant progression. Young players such as Riley Sheahan, Cillian Plunkett, and Mark Tunney emerged as key contributors, while experienced leaders like Shane Dempsey and John Heslin remained consistent pillars. St Loman’s Mullingar experimented with new combinations, refined their attacking structures under the two-pointer rule, and displayed resilience throughout a long league schedule that demanded squad rotation and tactical flexibility.
By the time the league concluded, St Loman’s Mullingar had taken points off top-tier opponents, blooded a substantial number of new players, and shown a level of depth that would become essential in championship football. The team closed out the league phase in excellent form, setting the stage for a spirited championship campaign.
The identity of the side remained built on familiar traits: intelligent possession, brave decision-making, quality movement, and composure in tight games.
ACFL DIVISION 1 — ST LOMAN’S SENIOR TEAM
St Loman’s Mullingar 1-10, The Downs 1-11
The seniors opened their league campaign with a narrow defeat to The Downs in Dovida Lakepoint Park. Despite missing a long list of regular starters, the younger players acquitted themselves very well. Scores were difficult to come by in a tactical first half, with Shane Dempsey keeping Loman’s in touch and a late Conor Regan goal bringing the blues level entering the final minutes. However, a late point from the visitors edged the contest. The commitment from the panel, especially from emerging players such as Riley Sheahan, Cillian Plunkett and Mark Tunney, was an early positive.
Tyrrellspass 1-12, St Loman’s Mullingar 0-15
A tense and high-quality derby saw St Loman’s Mullingar claim a deserved point away from home. Tyrrellspass dominated early, but a strong second-half response saw St Loman’s Mullingar overturn a four-point deficit. Peter Foy made history with the club’s first ever competitive two-pointer, and Dempsey again led the scoring with nine points. The resilience shown by the group, many of them still very new at senior level, was a noteworthy feature.
Mullingar Shamrocks 1-11, St Loman’s Mullingar 1-10
A gripping contest saw St Loman’s Mullingar fall just short in Springfield. Reduced to 14 men before half-time, Loman’s defended superbly, while Dempsey struck three points from play and Peter Foy added a first-half two-pointer. John Heslin’s quick free to the net drew the sides level late on, but Shamrocks finished strongly. Despite the result, it was one of the team’s most disciplined defensive displays of the league.
St Loman’s Mullingar 1-21, Shandonagh 1-12
St Loman’s Mullingar registered their first win of the campaign with a dominant attacking performance. The pace, movement and accuracy from the forward line was excellent throughout, with Dempsey, Foy, Heslin and Plunkett all contributing heavily on the scoreboard. The defensive structure also impressed, with Nathan Lally and Oisín Hogan particularly solid.
St Loman’s Mullingar 1-12, Coralstown/Kinnegad 1-16
A strong second-half display could not fully overturn Kinnegad’s late first-half burst, which included a fortunate deflected goal. Chris Gilbert found the net early in the second half, while two-pointers from Heslin and Plunkett closed the gap, but Kinnegad held firm. Despite the defeat, the game marked further progress for the squad, with improved attacking combinations and a stronger bench impact.
St Loman’s Mullingar 1-19, Garrycastle 3-11
A high-scoring, entertaining game saw St Loman’s Mullingar pick up a deserved victory in Garrycastle. Although conceding three goals, St Loman’s Mullingar produced some of their best attacking play of the season. Conor Regan’s 1-04, supported by Dempsey and Heslin, proved decisive. The midfield pairing and defensive transition play were major positives.
St Loman’s Mullingar 0-14, Moate All Whites 1-11
St Loman’s Mullingar controlled much of the first half and led by four at the break. However, Moate capitalised on a rebound goal and late momentum to earn a draw. Dempsey once again carried a heavy scoring load with eight points, while younger players such as Plunkett, Kenny and Riley Sheahan gained more valuable senior-level game time.
St Loman’s Mullingar 2-17, Caulry 0-05
The seniors produced their most complete display of the league with a commanding win over Caulry. From the outset St Loman’s Mullingar controlled every sector of the pitch. Regan finished with 2-01, Dempsey added eight points and the defensive unit conceded just five scores from play. It was the strongest evidence yet of the squad’s growing cohesion and depth.
Division 1 – Season Review
The senior team’s league campaign can be characterised as one of steady progress, resilience and significant squad development. With an unusually high number of absentees throughout the early rounds, younger players were given major responsibility and embraced it fully. The leadership of senior figures such as Shane Dempsey, John Heslin and David Whelan helped guide the group through tight games, while emerging players — notably Riley Sheahan, Cillian Plunkett, Mark Tunney and Ethan Brown — grew into the league with confidence.
The team finished the campaign strongly, highlighted by the impressive victories over Shandonagh, Garrycastle and Caulry. The depth of the squad, improved scoring spread and greater tactical clarity all bode well heading into the championship.
Division 1 – Top 5 Scorers (League Totals)
Shane Dempsey – 1-44
John Heslin – 1-20
Conor Regan – 3-04
Peter Foy – 0-15
TJ Cox – 1-08
ACFL DIVISION 2 – ST LOMAN’S MULLINGAR SECOND TEAM
Killucan 2-08, St Loman’s Mullingar 2-08
The Division 2 side opened their league campaign with a very encouraging draw away to Killucan. Fielding a blend of youth and experience, St Loman’s Mullingar settled well and created plenty of chances. Goals from Ethan Browne and Frank Kavanagh gave the visitors real momentum, while the accuracy of Mark Tunney kept the scoreboard moving. Defensively, players like Tristan Johnson and Aaron Smyth stood up strongly, and over the hour the team’s work-rate and organisation fully merited a share of the spoils.
St Loman’s Mullingar 1-11, Tang 2-07
St Loman’s Mullingar recorded their first win of the campaign in Lakepoint with a hard-earned victory over Tang. Chris Gilbert was the standout forward, kicking seven points and leading the line superbly, while a crucial goal from Peter Foy ensured the home side stayed in front in the closing stages. The team’s tackling and transition play were much improved, and several younger players showed they are well capable of operating at Division 2 level.
St Loman’s Mullingar 2-11, Ballymore 0-04
This was one of the most complete team performances of the league. St Loman’s Mullingar dominated from start to finish, with the defence restricting Ballymore to just four points. Gilbert again played a central role in attack, while the running power of players like Ethan Browne, Dano Fitzsimons and Thomas Meehan caused problems all evening. The scoring spread was excellent, with multiple players chipping in, and the victory underlined the depth emerging in the squad.
St Mary’s Rochfortbridge 2-13, St Loman’s Mullingar 1-08
A frustrating evening in Rochfortbridge, where missed goal chances and a penalty proved costly. St Loman’s Mullingar created enough opportunities to be closer on the scoreboard but were unable to convert at key moments. A well-taken goal from Seanie Dinnegan and points from Conán O’Hara and Peter Foy kept the visitors in touch, but Rochfortbridge finished the stronger side. Despite the defeat, there were positives in terms of effort and application, particularly from the younger forwards.
Tubberclair 1-18,St Loman’s Mullingar 1-14
Although a scorer breakdown is incomplete, this was another strong performance against quality opposition. St Loman’s Mullingar matched Tubberclair for long spells and produced some of their best attacking passages of the campaign. The work of the half-back line and midfield was particularly notable, with several turnovers leading directly to scores. While Tubberclair pulled away late on, this game showed that the second team could compete well with most sides in the division.
St Loman’s Mullingar 5-10, Rosemount 3-15
A crucial and high-scoring win that effectively secured Division 2 status. Five goals proved decisive on a night when St Loman’s Mullingar showed great character and cutting edge. Based on contributions across the season, it is reasonable to attribute major scoring roles here to the usual attacking leaders – Chris Gilbert, Conán O’Hara, Mark Tunney, Thomas Meehan and Shane Mulderry – all of whom were central figures in the forward unit throughout the league. The result was a real statement of intent and rewarded the group’s persistence after a number of tight games.
Mullingar Shamrocks 2-15, St Loman’s Mullingar 1-10
With safety already secured, St Loman’s Mullingar travelled to Springfield with freedom but faced a Shamrocks side fighting for survival. An excellent penalty save and several top-class stops from goalkeeper Rory Matthews kept Loman’s in the contest. Points from Shane Mulderry, Paddy Dowdall and a fine two-pointer from Oisín Hogan, along with a well-worked goal finished by Seanai Bracken, briefly swung momentum. However, Shamrocks produced a strong final quarter to pull clear. The result did not impact Loman’s status, and the game provided more valuable Division 2 experience for a wide panel.
Division 2 – League Campaign Review
Overall, this was a very positive league campaign for St Loman’s Mullingar second team. The primary objectives — to retain Division 2 status and to develop a strong pool of players capable of stepping up to senior level — were both achieved.
The team showed clear progression as the league went on. Early performances in Killucan and against Tang and Ballymore highlighted the side’s ability to compete physically and tactically. The big win over Rosemount was arguably the defining result of the campaign, demonstrating the group’s capacity to translate hard work into crucial points on the table.
Individually, Chris Gilbert emerged as a key scoring threat across several matches, while Mark Tunney continued his excellent development with consistent contributions from play and placed balls. Conán O’Hara, Thomas Meehan, and Shane Mulderry also featured prominently on the scoresheet and added serious work-rate around the middle third. The experience and leadership of players such as Paddy Dowdall, Senan Russel, and others provided important balance and guidance to a very youthful panel.
Exposure to a high standard of football will stand this group in good stead. With a solid league behind them, the second team is well placed to support the senior squad and to continue bringing through the next wave of St Loman’s Mullingar players.
Division 2 – Top Five Scorers
Chris Gilbert — 2-13
Mark Tunney — 1-08
Peter Foy — 1-07
Conán O’Hara — 1-05
Thomas Meehan — 1-03
ACFL DIVISION 4 – ST LOMAN’S MULLINGAR THIRD TEAM
St Loman’s Mullingar 1-07, Shandonagh 2-08
The Division 4 side opened their campaign with a spirited display in a game that featured six of the previous year’s minors. While the first half was a learning curve, the second half saw St Loman’s Mullingar grow into the contest, with younger players gaining confidence and composure. A goal from Sean Daly and points from Seanie Dinnegan and others helped to narrow the gap, and the performance gave early signs of the potential within this group.
St Loman’s Mullingar 0-11, Ballinagore 2-16
Seven changes from the opening round left the side light on continuity, but St Loman’s Mullingar competed well for long periods. Good displays from players like Senan Russell, Gerry Grehan, Jimmy Kelly, John Casey and Niall Dowdall kept the team in touch. While the margin opened up in the second half, there were enough positive passages of play to encourage the management team, particularly in terms of work-rate and attitude.
Tyrrellspass 2-09, St Loman’s Mullingar 2-07
One of the most dramatic games of the year. Trailing by seven points with only minutes remaining, St Loman’s Mullingar produced a terrific spell, hitting 2-01 to draw level, with goals from Niall Dowdall and Byron Graham. Unfortunately, Tyrrellspass landed two late points to edge the contest, but the St Loman’s Mullingar comeback showed tremendous heart, character and refusal to give in.
St Mary’s Rochfortbridge 3-12, St Loman’s Mullingar 1-06
Despite the scoreline, this was a game in which several individuals stood out. Goalkeeper Callum Butler Dolan made a number of excellent saves, while the full-back line held up well under pressure. Up front, veteran Conor Cochrane rolled back the years with a fine return of 1-3. The match also saw valuable minutes for returning players and underage graduates, further strengthening the wider panel.
Ballynacarrgy 1-25, St Loman’s Mullingar 0-16
A game of two halves. The first period was highly competitive, with Davy Morgan outstanding in attack and registering five points before injury forced him off. In the second half, Ballynacarrgy’s experience and depth told, though St Loman’s Mullingar continued to work hard. The introduction of the O’Hara brothers and the consistent efforts of the midfield pairing and half-back line showed that, even in defeat, the team was gaining important experience.
St Loman’s Mullingar 3-13, Rosemount 2-08
A must-win game from a relegation perspective, and the third team delivered a superb performance. An excellent opening 15 minutes saw St Loman’s Mullingar hit 2-4 without reply, setting the tone. Rosemount rallied in the second half, but the composure of experienced players such as Gerry Grehan, Tristan Johnson, Rory Sheahan and Tristan Graham helped steady the side. Goals from Nedas Bielicas, Tristan Graham and a late strike from John Casey proved decisive. The result keeps St Loman’s with a real chance of preserving Division 4 status, with two important fixtures still to come at that stage.
Division 4 – League Campaign Review
The Division 4 team’s league campaign was always going to be about much more than results alone. As the club’s third adult side, the primary role of the team is to provide meaningful football for a wide panel, to bring minors and younger players through into adult grades, and to maintain links with experienced players who continue to contribute on and off the field.
In that context, the campaign has been a success. The team faced strong opposition throughout, often with heavily rotated line-ups, yet still produced a number of excellent performances. Notably, the crucial home win over Rosemount and the near-comeback away to Tyrrellspass. Young players such as Oisín O’Hara, John Casey and others gained invaluable experience, while stalwarts like Gerry Grehan and David Morgan provided leadership and continuity.
The blend of youth and experience, the willingness of players to make themselves available, and the commitment shown in difficult circumstances all reflect very well on the group. Surviving at this level and remaining competitive bodes well for the future of the squad and, more broadly, for the depth of adult football within the club.
St Loman’s Mullingar – 2025 Championship Review (Senior & Junior)
Senior Football Championship – Season Summary
Our senior men’s championship campaign was defined by resilience, renewal and serious character. With a blend of established leaders and a wave of new faces making their senior championship debuts ( Eoghan O’Keeffe, Seanai Bracken, Conan O’Hara, Cillian Plunkett, Neilie Duffy and Ciaran Smith ) the group battled through a packed schedule, reached yet another semi-final, and showed that this team is still very much a force in Westmeath football.
Senior
Round 1 – St Loman’s Mullingar 0-16 Athlone 0-16
The campaign began with a dramatic comeback draw against Athlone. Playing into a strong breeze early on and conceding a string of scores, Loman’s dug deep after half-time. Six senior championship debutants stepped up impressively as the team reeled Athlone in, with John Heslin leading the charge from placed balls and from play. Shane Dempsey and Cillian Plunkett added important scores late on to ensure we opened our campaign with a hard-earned point.
Round 2 – St Loman’s Mullingar 1-17 Coralstown/Kinnegad 0-11
Round 2 brought a powerful second-half performance. After weathering the breeze and Kinnegad’s early pressure, St Loman’s took over on the restart. John Heslin dominated the middle third, kicking a series of long-range two-pointers, while Kevin Regan finished a crucial goal with real composure. Dempsey’s accuracy and the work-rate of our younger players around the middle third helped stretch the gap as we ran out convincing winners.
Round 3 – The Downs 3-16 St Loman’s Mullingar 1-10
A repeat of last year’s county final did not go our way. The Downs struck for early goals and always seemed to find the right score at the right time. St Loman’s battled bravely, with a second-half goal from Conan O’Hara and points from Heslin, Dempsey, Plunkett and Eoghan Hogan keeping the scoreboard moving. Despite the margin, the team kept going to the end and took lessons from the evening into the later rounds.
Round 4 – Mullingar Shamrocks 2-14 St Loman’s Mullingar 1-16
The town derby was a thriller. Loman’s and Shamrocks went score for score in a game that swung repeatedly. Shane Dempsey produced a superb eight-point haul, while Sam McCartan hit 1-4 in a standout attacking display. A last-gasp Shamrocks point snatched victory in injury time, but the performance showed plenty of spirit and quality, and kept us firmly in the hunt heading into the knock-out stages.
Round 5 – St Loman’s Mullingar 3-16 Tyrrellspass 1-6 (Castletown Geoghegan)
This was the statement performance. After a competitive first half, Loman’s exploded into life after the break. John Heslin hit 2-5 in a masterclass of finishing and decision-making, while Sam McCartan added 1-1 and worked tirelessly. The defence, anchored by Darragh O’Keeffe and supported by the bench, gave very little away as Loman’s cruised to a sixteen-point victory and sent out a strong message before the semi-final.
Semi-Final – St Loman’s Mullingar 1-16 Coralstown/Kinnegad 1-20
The semi-final was a high-quality contest played at pace from start to finish. A blistering Loman’s start saw Heslin rifle a stunning early goal after a sweeping move launched by Sean Flanagan, with Sam and Danny McCartan also on target. A strong Kinnegad spell before half-time brought them level, and they pushed ahead with a quick burst after the break. Loman’s refused to lie down; Dempsey chipped in with important scores and Heslin hit a string of brilliant points to keep the pressure on. In the end, Kinnegad’s accuracy in the final ten minutes proved decisive. While defeat was a tough blow, the performance embodied the honesty, effort and quality that this group has shown over the last decade.
Senior Championship – Top Scorers (Championship Only)
John Heslin – 3-33
Shane Dempsey – 0-23
Sam McCartan – 2-6
Kevin Regan – 1-3
Danny McCartan – 0-5
Senior Championship Top Performers
John Heslin – The heartbeat of the team once again. Huge scoring returns, leadership in the biggest moments and outstanding work-rate around the middle third.
Shane Dempsey – Consistent across all rounds, mixing long-range scores, frees and clever link play. A constant outlet when games were in the balance.
Sam McCartan – Brought pace, power and scoring threat, particularly in the Shamrocks derby and Tyrrellspass games. His ball-carrying and work off the ball were vital.
Jack Geoghegan – Energy, intelligent movement and important scores in crucial moments of games. Helped set the tone from half back. Also was rewarded with a selection in the Westmeath Senior Team of the Year.
Darragh O’Keeffe – Rock-solid at the back, reading danger superbly and starting attacks with composed use of the ball. One of the defensive leaders of the campaign.
Junior Football Championship – Season Summary
Our Junior men produced a hugely entertaining and proud championship run, mixing high-scoring wins with real character in tight games and extra-time battles. The group blended experienced club servants with a wave of young talent, reaching the semi-final and playing a brand of football that was exciting to watch and full of heart.
Round 1 – St Loman’s Mullingar 1-23 Coralstown/Kinnegad 0-7
The Juniors set the tone for their campaign with a dominant opening-round win. Daniel McCann hit 0-7, Paddy Dowdall finished a well-taken goal and there was a spread of scorers right across the pitch. The defensive unit, with Rory Matthews both saving and scoring from 45s, gave nothing away in a confident performance.
Round 2 – St Loman’s Mullingar 0-13 Mullingar Shamrocks 1-11
A narrow defeat in a tight town derby. Loman’s played with structure and patience, with McCann again leading the scoring backed by points from Dowdall, Russell and Dorr. Ciaran Smith anchored the defence with a superb display. Despite going four points up in the second half, a late Shamrocks surge turned the game on its head.
Round 3 – St Loman’s Mullingar 2-14 The Downs 2-13
A real game of two halves. Loman’s produced a superb first-half display, leading 2-10 to 0-5 at the break thanks to goals from Shane Mulderry and Tadhg Kenny and some outstanding point-taking. The Downs came roaring back with two goals and a string of points to level it late on, but Loman’s showed great composure to kick the winning score deep in injury time.
Round 4 – St Loman’s Mullingar 5-23 Killucan 0-3
One of the performances of the year. Loman’s were ruthless from start to finish, with goals from Tom Dorr, Paddy Dowdall, Tadhg Kenny, Oisín O’Hara and Eoghan Kenny, and a flurry of points from Mulderry, Tristan Graham and Rory Sheahan. The defence, led by experienced heads like Gerry Grehan, ensured Killucan were restricted to just three points.
Round 5 – St Loman’s Mullingar 2-15 Athlone 0-9
A professional display to progress to the knock-out stages. Goals from Dano Fitzsimons and Tom Dorr, along with five points from play from a superbly in-form Shane Mulderry, underpinned a strong performance. Matthews again contributed from long-range frees, and Loman’s controlled the second half to close the game out comfortably.
Quarter-Final – St Loman’s Mullingar 2-18 Ballynacargy 1-10 (Shandonagh) A powerful quarter-final display in Shandonagh. Ryan Jones netted early after Tristan Johnston and Dano Fitzsimons combined, while Tristan Graham struck a goal and four points in a standout performance. Matthews pulled off a crucial save, with Ruairí Doonan’s goal-line block another key moment. Points from Sheahan, Russell, Mulderry and Adam O’Connor ensured Loman’s finished strongly.
Semi-Final – Ballinagore 0-24 St Loman’s Mullingar 4-10 (After Extra Time, Rochfortbridge) An instant classic that showcased everything good about this group. Ballinagore’s relentless point-scoring was met time and again by Loman’s goals at crucial times. Mark Tunney rifled home the first, before a purple patch saw Tomás Meehan and Tristan Graham hit the net in quick succession to leave Loman’s 3-5 to 0-10 up. Ballinagore fought back to force extra time. In the additional period, Jones added a point before Meehan’s second goal nudged Loman’s ahead once more, only for Ballinagore to finish with four late points. It was a heartbreaking finish, but the character and quality shown across 80+ minutes were outstanding.
Junior Championship – Top Scorers (Championship Only)
Shane Mulderry – 1-21
Tadhg Kenny – 2-10
Tristan Graham – 2-9
Ryan Jones – 1-11
Paddy Dowdall – 2-8
Junior Championship Top Performers
Shane Mulderry – The driving force of the Junior attack, top scorer across the campaign, combining work-rate, accuracy and big scores in key moments.
Ethan Brown – The main man in the full back line, occasionally setting forward to get his own scores. Also was rewarded with a selection in the Westmeath Junior Team of the Year.
Tadhg Kenny – Creative and clever, chipping in with goals and points and acting as a link-man across the forward line.
Riley Sheahan – Steps up on the biggest days, mixing hefty defensive challenges with superb long-range kick passing and an ever-growing presence as a leader.
Rory Matthews – Outstanding between the posts, with crucial saves, accurate kick-outs and even a few long-range scores to his name.
Closing Thanks
As the 2025 season draws to a close, St Loman’s Mullingar wishes to place on record its sincere thanks to everyone who has played a part in another memorable year for the club.
First and foremost, to our players across all adult teams: senior and Junior . Your commitment to training, matches, recovery, and standards has once again been immense. From established leaders to new debutants, every player who pulled on a St Loman’s Mullingar jersey this year contributed to the story of the season. The pride and honesty with which you represented the club have not gone unnoticed.
To our management teams and backroom staff at all levels. Thank you for your time, organisation, coaching, encouragement, and calm heads in the difficult moments. The work done on the training pitch, in video rooms, on calls, and behind the scenes has been exceptional. Your efforts continue to raise the bar for what is expected and what is possible.
To our medical and physio teams, thank you for keeping players on the pitch, managing injuries, and helping the squad meet the physical demands of a long campaign.
To our officers, committee members, and volunteers, whose work often goes unseen but is absolutely vital – from organising fixtures, stewarding, and maintaining facilities, to washing jerseys and opening gates – the club simply could not function without you.
To our sponsors, whose support allows our teams to prepare and compete at the highest level, we are deeply grateful. Your backing provides the resources necessary to invest in players, infrastructure, and development across all grades.
Most importantly, to our supporters. In Cusack Park, Dovida Lakepoint Park, Rochfortbridge, Tyrrellspass, and everywhere else we played this year, your presence was felt. The noise, the encouragement in tight games, and even the quiet words of support after tough defeats, all of it matters. Your loyalty continues to drive this group on, year after year.
St Loman’s Mullingar has enjoyed an extraordinary decade, and while 2025 did not end with a senior county championship, the standards, ambition, and togetherness remain as strong as ever. With the blend of experienced leaders and emerging talent now in place, the foundations are solid for the seasons ahead.
On behalf of everyone involved in St Loman’s Mullingar men’s football in 2025, thank you. We look forward to going again next year, together.
Naomh Lomáin Abú
