Club Notes 22/09/2025
Senior Championship Round 5 – St Lomans Mullingar v Tyrrellspass
Venue: Castletown Geoghegan
Full time: St Lomans Mullingar 3-16 Tyrrellspass 1-6
St Lomans Mullingar have certainly underlined their credentials in Castletown Geoghegan on Saturday evening. A ruthless second-half display saw them brush aside Tyrrellspass with a convincing sixteen point victory, booking their passage to the semi final stages in style.
The game began at a lively pace with St Lomans Mullingar straight into their stride. Sam McCartan opened the scoring with a well-struck point from play before John Heslin found the net on five minutes. The goal came after clever link play through the middle and Heslin, showing all his experience, dispatched the ball coolly into the corner.
Tyrrellspass steadied themselves briefly, hitting back with two points and then a goal of their own. That purple patch gave them a foothold, but it was short lived. St Lomans Mullingar, as they so often do, wrestled back control with Heslin knocking over frees and Kelvin Reilly splitting the posts after a neat interchange. By half time, St Lomans Mullingar were in front, though they knew there was another gear to go through.
That gear arrived immediately after the restart. Within a blistering five-minute spell, St Lomans Mullingar effectively put the game to bed. Danny McCartan slotted over a two pointer before Heslin and Sam McCartan combined again for the score of the night. McCartan surged forward, drew the cover and slipped Heslin in on goal; the county star showed his class by finishing off his weaker left foot. And only three minutes later, Rory Sheahan turned provider, delivering a brilliant ball to Sam McCartan who, after seeing his first attempt saved by the keeper, smashed the rebound into the net. Suddenly St Lomans Mullingar were nine points clear, and the momentum was entirely theirs.
From there it became an exhibition of attacking football. Heslin was ruthless from frees and clinical in open play, adding points at will. Rory Sheahan chipped in with a classy score from the right-hand side while Sean Flanagan and Shane Dempsey both got in on the act with fine efforts, Dempsey’s long range strike drawing huge cheers from the St Lomans Mullingar support. Danny McCartan also tagged on a late point after smart approach play from TJ Cox, a reminder of the depth and sharpness in the squad.
Tyrrellspass, for their part, managed to register a handful of points, including a couple of frees as the clock ticked down, but their attacks were largely repelled. The St Lomans Mullingar defence, anchored by the ever-reliable Darragh O’Keefe and aided by strong contributions from the bench, never allowed the opposition inside to threaten a comeback. O’Keefe also produced a crucial interception on a ball across the square that almost certainly would have been finished at the back post by a Tyrrellpass player, underlining the team’s focus to the very end.
When the referee blew for full time, the scoreboard read 3-16 to 1-6, a statement win for the boys in blue. This win sent a clear message around the county that this St Loman Mullingar team is far from finished. Once again, John Heslin was the standout, finishing with 2-5 in a masterclass of forward play, but he was ably supported. Sam McCartan’s tireless running and 1-1 from play were vital, while Danny McCartan’s industry and accuracy were rewarded with three points. Around the field, players like Rory Sheahan, Kelvin Reilly and Shane Dempsey contributed superbly, while the defence held their shape and discipline throughout.
With group football now complete, St Lomans Mullingar advanced to the business end of the championship full of confidence. Performances like this, blending hard work, defensive solidity and clinical attacking play, are the hallmarks of contenders.
Team: Jason Daly, David Whelan, Darragh O’Keefe, Ciaran Smith, Jack Geoghegan, Eoghan Hogan, Kelvin Reilly (0-01), Sean Flanagan (0-01), Sam McCartan (1-01), Rory Sheahan (0-01), John Heslin (2-05), Kevin Regan, Shane Dempsey (0-02), Cillian Plunkett, Danny McCartan (0-03) Subs Used: Oisin Hogan (0-01), Tj Cox (0-01), Conan O’Hara, Neil Duffy, Nathan Lally
Fairgreen Ladies Senior Championship semi-final:
St Lomans Mullingar 3-11 St Mary’s Rochforbridge 0-06
Last Sunday, Moynihan Park in Ballynacargy was the setting for a senior championship semi-final double header. The autumnal conditions were perfect for championship football and all credit to Ballynacargy GAA who did a wonderful job hosting four teams. In the curtain raiser beforehand, Milltown defeated the Downs comfortably to book their sixth consecutive final. The second half was thought to be the closer affair with St Mary’s putting six goals past the blues only last month, despite the margin of victory only being two points.
The county champions showed signs of intent early on and it was sheer domination, particularly in the first half. Ciaran Kilmurray’s side managed to kick the first nine points of the game. The scoring spell consisted of a hat trick of frees from Katie Kilmurray, doubles from Lucy McCartan, Ciara Blundell and a point each from the midfield duo of Vicky Carr and Caoimhe Kilmurray. The bridge managed to get the first score of the board from Lisa Cully’s free after twenty seven minutes. The Mullingar side struck a decisive blow before the break, after a brilliant run from Lucy McCartan she found the unmarked Evie Kilmurray who found the net to give her side a double digit lead at the interval.
Despite it being more of a cross breeze at play, any advantage that the wind brought was certainly with St Mary’s in the second half so a rear-guard action was needed at the beginning of the second half. Emma Collins reduced the deficit with a long-range point before Lisa Cully’s free brought the gap to nine points. Caoimhe Kilmurray was sent to the sin bin for an unbelievably harsh yellow card and it looked as though the tide maybe turning towards St Mary’s briefly. Vicky Carr stemmed the tied with a well-taken score after a mazy run. The bridge hit back with three points on the spin to reduce the arrears to seven points.
However, once Caoimhe Kilmurray returned to play the result was never in doubt. Kilmurray may have felt aggrieved over the yellow card decision and took her anger out on the football, sending an absolute rocket into the bridge net from range, almost bringing the goalkeeper into the net with the ball. Kilmurray further stamped her authority on the game with a point shortly after. The Lomans Ladies rubbed further salt in the wounds at the death. Katie Kilmurray was foiled at close range only for the evergreen Aileen Martin to tap in to seal a brilliant day for the county champions.
The Bridge received two yellow cards in injury time which in truth were quite pointless with the game already over as a contest, with Lomans sealing a fourteen point victory. Referee John Gallagher, although technically correct in his assertions was very strict in his interpretation of the ladies game. It allowed for a very stop start affair with little flow, perhaps it only highlights the need to allow more contact in the laws of the game but that’s a debate for another day. Regardless of the officiating, it had no bearing on the result, the blues were the far superior outfit.
There were excellent performances across the board as far as Lomans were concerned. In defence they performed brilliantly as a unit but special mention to Shauna Traynor and Shannon Breslin who were excellent. The youthful defence was aided by the experience of Sandra McGrath who was outstanding. The midfield duo of Vicky Carr and Caoimhe Kilmurray were exceptional. Lucy McCartan, Ciara Blundell and Katie Kilmurray ran the opposition defence ragged throughout. Player of the match on this occasion goes to Caoimhe Kilmurray who dominated midfield and got the crucial scores to see her team over the line.
Finally a big thanks to all our supporters in Ballynacargy, we’ll need all that support again if were to get over the line in two weeks’ time in Cusack park against Milltown!
Team: Jane McKenna, Lara McCartan, Ella Daly, Eimear Doonan, Shauna Traynor, Shannon Breslin, Ellen Kilmurray, Caoimhe Kilmurray (1.02), Vicky Carr (0.02), Annie Kilmurray, Lucy McCartan (0.02), Ciara Blundell (0.02), Sandra McGrath, Evie Kilmurray (1.00), Katie Kilmuarry (0.03, 0.03f). Subs used; Aileen Martin (1.00), Eleanor Corcoran, Megan Ennis.
St Loman’s Mullingar 2-15 Athlone 0-9 – Junior Championship
St Loman’s Mullingar booked their place in the next round of the Junior Championship with a 2-15 to 0-9 win over Athlone on Sunday. A strong second-half performance ensured a comfortable finish after a competitive opening period.
St Loman’s Mullingar settled quickly. Rory Matthews converted a two point free from the ground to get them on the board before Shane Mulderry added a point from play. The first goal arrived on 18 minutes when Dano Fitzsimons half blocked shot was not dealt with by the Athlone keeper which found the back of the net. Further points from Tadhg Kenny, Tristan Graham, and Senan Russell helped St Loman’s Mullingar build a lead by half time.
On the restart, St Loman’s Mullingar pushed on. Paddy Dowdall linked neatly with Mulderry for the opening score of the half, while Riley Sheahan delivered a fine cross-field ball that led to another point before adding one of his own. Midway through the half, Mulderry and Kenny combined to set up Tom Dorr, who found the net for the second goal.
From there, St Loman’s Mullingar controlled the game. Mulderry added three more points in quick succession, Kenny chipped in again, and the substitutes gave fresh energy in the closing stages. At the back, St Loman’s Mullingar stayed organised, with goalkeeper Matthews making an important late save to preserve the clean sheet.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-15 to 0-9 victory. Fitzsimons and Dorr took the goals, Mulderry top scored from play and was arguably man of the match with his five points from play, and Kenny provided strong support with his own scores. It was a professional display from St Loman’s Mullingar, who will take confidence from the result as they continue their championship campaign.
Team: Rory Matthews, Tristan Johnson, Ethan Brown, Ruairi Doonan, Senan Russell (0-01), Riley Sheahan (0-01), Tom Dorr (1-00), Nedas B, Dano Fitzsimons (1-01), Shane Mulderry (0-05), Ryan Jones (0-01), Tristan Graham (0-01), Tadhg Kenny (0-02), Paddy Dowdall (0-01), Thomas Meehan Subs Used: Eoghan Kenny (0-01) , Adam O’Connor, Thomas Meehan (returned), Mark O’Gara (0-01)
Junior B Ladies Championship Semi Final:
St Lomans Mullingar 1-15 The Downs 3-07
Saturday morning was an historic occasion as our Junior B Ladies managed to reach a final in their very first season at this level. After finishing second bottom of the Junior A group, Dominic McLaughlin’s team dropped to the B level where they faced The Downs who topped the B group. Both sides travelled to a wind-swept Shandonagh, in what turned out to be an excellent game of football.
The Blues played into a strong breeze in the first half, managing to get the first score of the game through Meabh O’Hara. The downs then netted after a pointed effort dropped into the net. Rachel McKenna responded for the blues before they conceded a second goal in similar circumstances. Two further points from the black and amber left the saints with a mountain to climb.
However they did fight back, first the sides traded scores with Paige Matthews on target for the Mullingar team. Phoebe Harte then found the net after a brilliant run to reduce the arrears. The sides exchanged scores again before the interval with McKenna doubling her tally to leave just the one score between the teams.
The Downs started the second half with a pair of points and it looked as though Lomans year was over. Then the introduction of Julie McLaughlin and Grainne Cleary ignited a fantastic comeback, in which the blues kicked ten consecutive points. Three from Grainne Cleary, two from Paige Matthews and Meabh O’Hara as well as scores from Rachel McKenna, Julie McLaughlin and Niamh McGinley did the damage. The Downs momentarily struck back but it was quickly cancelled out by a fourth from Cleary. The Downs got a late consolation from the penalty spot but it was too late as Lomans held on for victory.
The saints were superb down to every player on the panel who all featured. Twenty players featured and all got meaningful games, which is exactly the reason a second side was introduced, despite the protests of many clubs. Every single player performed heroically but some have to be mentioned for singular praise. Aoibhe Hogan, Ava Cummins and Abbie Norris all defended valiantly. Meabh O’Hara and Lucia Weir were excellent. Rachel McKenna and Phoebe Harte gave the Downs defence constant headaches.
The introduction of the impressive of Grainne Cleary and the leadership of the inspirational Julie McLaughlin were key. Player of the match though goes to Norah Garry who was outstanding from first minute to last and showed tremendous work rate covering every baled of grass.
The final takes place in two weeks’ time against Shandonagh in TEG Cusack Park!
Team; Rihannon Norris, Ava Cummins, Aoibhe Hogan, Anna Sheehy, Eve Scally, Abbie Norris, Emma Keena, Lucia Weir, Meabh O’Hara (0.03), Niamh McGinley (0.01), Paige Matthews (0.03, 0.02f), Niamh Egerton, Norah Garry, Phoebe Harte (1.00), Rcahel McKenna (0.03). Subs used; Grainne Cleary (0.04), Julie McLaughlin (0.01), Emma McDonell, Chloe Devine Scally, Katie McDonnell
Colin Whyte Supporting St Loman’s from New York
On what was a massive weekend for the club, we would like to extend a huge thank you to Colin Whyte for his outstanding support of our Senior and Junior Ladies teams. Both sides faced county semi-finals this past weekend, and thanks to Colin’s generosity, they are kitted out from head to toe and ready to represent the club in style. The teams will also proudly wear jerseys sponsored by Colin.
The girls and management are extremely grateful to Colin and his son Leo for their unwavering support over the years. Colin represented both St Loman’s and Westmeath with distinction during his playing days, and it is a source of great pride to see him still contributing so much to the club all the way from New York City.
Thank you, Colin, for everything you continue to do for St Loman’s.
Congratulations Carla Thompson
Congratulations to our own Carla Thompson, who has been named Carer of the Year in the Westmeath Examiner Community and Sports Awards.
Carla is captain of our Gaelic for Mothers and Others team and continues to be an inspiration both on and off the pitch. Her dedication, leadership and positivity make her a fantastic role model for everyone in St Loman’s Mullingar.
Well done, Carla, a richly deserved recognition!
U16 Girls Championship Semi-Final
After a terrific weekend of results and with several semi-finals ahead, attention now turns to our Ladies U16 team who are in championship action this week.
On Tuesday, September 23rd, St Loman’s Mullingar host Athlone in the Division 1 Championship semi-final. The girls are aiming to reach the Division 1 final in this age group for the sixth consecutive year – a fantastic achievement in itself.
Throw-in is at 7pm in St Loman’s, and all support would be greatly appreciated.
Underage boys fixtures
Monday, Sept 22nd
U16 Div 1 Championship Semi-Final v Shandonagh (Home) at 7pm
Wednesday, Sept 24th
U14 Div 1 Championship Semi-Final v Athlone (Home) at 7pm
U14 Div 3 Championship Semi-Final v St Michael’s (Ballycomoyle) at 5.45pm
Friday, Sept 26th
Minor Div 1 Championship Semi-Final v The Downs (Away) at 5.30pm
Sunday, Sept 28th
U12 Div 1 v The Downs (Home) at 11am
U12 Div 5 v Ballycomoyle (Home) at 11am
St Lomans Mullingar GAA Club Lotto
This week’s club lotto draw took place this evening
The Jackpot was €9,700 and there was no winner
The numbers drawn were 5-7-21-24
The winner of the €50 Lucky Dip draws were Pat McCartan and Brian O'Loughlin
Congratulations to our winners.
The next Jackpot will be €9,800 and the draw will be on 22nd September
Thank you for supporting St Lomans Mullingar GAA Club Lotto.
