Our Last Minor Final (1) ... 12 October 2008

There was a strong Mullingar Shamrocks flavour to the day. Des Maguire was Chairman of the Football Committee and Barry Kelly was refereeing his first Westmeath Senior Football Final. Barry had at this stage of his career had refereed two All-Ireland Senior Hurling Finals and four Westmeath Senior Hurling Finals.
The Mullingar Shamrocks team was managed by John Doran, ably assisted by his selectors Denis Corroon, John Corroon and Davy Walls. The Shamrocks Under-Age Committee was led by Richard McKenna (Chairman) and Pat Collins (Secretary).
Shamrocks defeated three teams on the way to the final against Clann Bhraonain:
Shamrock’s 3-10 Inny Gaels 1-4 (Round 1)
Shamrock’s 1-11 St. Lomans 1-10 (Quarter Final)
Shamrock’s 2-11 St. Patricks 1-7 (Semi-Final)
Total Scored: 6-32 Average 17 points a game.
Total conceded: 3-21 Average 10 points a game.
The profiles of the Team Management and players make interesting reading 15 years later.
Team Management:
John Doran (Manager)
‘Puggy’ as he is better known has been a Shamrock’s stalwart for more years than he cares to remember and would have been goalie in Shamrock’s halcyon days but for the fact that Dermot Ryan was about. Puggy joined the underage coaching ranks in the Club a number of years ago as a selector with the 2005 minor squad. John has now progressed to the Manager’s position and he gives the same commitment to these lads as he did when he was playing.
Denis Corroon (Selector)
When the annals of Mullingar Shamrock’s are written in years to come, Denis will surely be near the top of the list. 7 County senior medals, played for his County at all levels, one could go on and on and a more amiable person you could not wish to meet. Now on the coaching side, he has turned his vast experience and football knowledge to another use, which is being lapped up by these youngsters, and long may it continue.
John Corroon (Selector)
Another man, who has given tremendous service to the Club on the field, he has re-invigorated the underage side by totally immersing himself in the development of new talent. Passion is a word that encapsulates John Corroon and he wears his Shamrock’s heart on his sleeve. John’s son (Adam) an up and coming exciting talent in the Club lines out at corner forward in today’s final.
Davy Walls (Selector)
Another man, who has given tremendous service to the Club on the field and is currently corner back on our Junior Team who will contest this year’s County Final against St. Mary’s, Rochfortbridge, he has also re-invigorated the underage side by totally immersing himself in the development of new talent. Davy was also a member of the 1995 Westmeath Minor Football Panel who annexed the All Ireland Title.
2008 Minor Squad Pen Pictures.
Ronan Tyrrell: A goalkeeper of great quality possessing a huge kick out. Ronan has only started to concentrate on his football in the last few years and has also graduated to the junior side where he has performed admirably. Ronan will be looking for his first county medal on Sunday next.
Calvin Kirwan: Comes from a family steeped in Shamrocks history. Calvin was a late starter in Gaelic Football after being successful as a soccer player. Was part of the all conquering Under 14 squad of two years ago and is still Under 16 this year where he is dependable and tenacious.
David Gavin: Another of this years Under 16 squad where he is also Captain, David is following in the footsteps of brother Kieran and with his talent there is no reason why he will not become a Shamrocks stalwart like big brother.
Has been a rock at full back all season.
Shane Kennedy: Small in stature but huge in heart, ‘’Kenno’’ belies his inches with an unbelievable reading of the game and a will of iron. Shane wears the Shamrock jersey with pride every time he pulls it on and inspires those around him with his enthusiasm and determination.
Sean Lynch: Another player not overly blessed in the height department but what an engine! Leaves everything on the pitch and is as tough as nails despite his lack of inches as many of his immediate opponents will testify. Another that has a bright future ahead in the game.
Enda Morris: Has converted from midfield and forward into a natural centre back and will run all day for the cause. Travels with ease up and down the pitch and is a fearsome tackler to boot. Was excellent in the semi-final and is looking forward to another county medal.
Niall Hardiman: Affectionately known as the ‘’Chicken’’, Niall is an all out Shamrocks legend in the making. First man at training and last man to leave he is totally dedicated to his football and the club and likes nothing better than a battle. Niall is also a valued member of the junior squad this year.
Daragh Daly: Daragh has undoubtedly been Shamrocks best player at Minor level this year and is playing possibly the best football of his career. Tall and rangy he has added consistency and scoring to his repertoire this year and the Captain leads by example on and off the field. He is also a member of the junior squad this year.
Conor Gilsenan: Won a Leinster Schools Cup medal with Clongowes College last year and is a fine rugby player but ‘’Gilly’’ is also a great talent on the Gaelic field and has a huge engine that drives him on. Has won under 14 Championship with Shamrocks and would love to add another medal to his burgeoning collection.
Stephen Noonan: Another player not over endowed in the height department but what he lacks in inches he makes up for in pace and skill. Super intelligent with the ball in hand ‘’Scuba’’ as he better known is a playmaker and score creator and younger brother of senior star David.
Tony Dunne: A talented soccer player Tony is what is known as an all rounder and one of the best goal poachers in the club at the moment. Just needs a sniff of the posts and he’s away and an expert finisher as his goal tally this season has proved.
Kevin Campbell: Kevin is one of the fastest and most intelligent players with ball in hand in the squad and when the need arises he also knows how to find the post. Covers an enormous amount of ground in a game and is at home in the full back line as he is in attack.
Colm O’Leary: Youngest of the O’Leary clan that includes senior star Cian, ‘’Collie’’ is in much the same mode as his brothers. Hard working and diligent he brings an air of solidity no matter what position he plays in and is never happier than when with ball in hand and attacking.
Stewart Flynn: ‘’Stewie’’ is probably one of the best free takers and dead ball specialists that the club has had at any grade over the last number of years, but his general play and physique have come on leaps and bounds this year and he has added scores from play to his locker. A noted rugby player he has represented Leinster at interprovincial level.
Adam Corroon: Another talented player from the Corroon production line, he has excelled in virtually every game this year and was undoubtedly the star in the semi-final win. Pace, power, finishing ability and an eye for goal give him the necessary requirements to go on and become a serious senior star of the future. Adam is also a member of this year’s junior squad.
Scott Hogan: Deputised in goal in the semi-final and had a fine afternoon, ‘’Scotty’’ can play in any position and is a useful utility player in any team. Strong and determined he will be biting at the bit to get involved in todays final. Scott is also a member of this year’s junior squad.
Mark Connolly: ‘’Tyson’’ is what coaches dream about and as the add goes he does exactly what it says on the tin. Would walk through a brick wall if asked and is a valued member of the squad.
Dean Moore: Following in the footsteps of brothers Conor and Darren, Dean will be looking to be the third from the Moore household in Tudenham to pick up a County minor medal and will be ready if called upon.
Paddy Simpkin: A noted hurler with Lough Lene Gaels, Paddy is looking for the Minor double this year and is another valued defender in the squad. A teak tough and speedy player.
Philip Bell: Dogged by injury all year ‘’Phily’’ is just coming back to full fitness and is right on the fringes of the first 15. Clinical finisher and lighting fast he could well turn out to be the super sub Shamrocks need.
Aaron Andrews: Another player dogged by injury this season ‘’Ange’’ is an ever present at training and is slowly coming back to full fitness.
Ciaran Maguire: ‘’M.G.’’ as he is better known has played his part in the march to the final and has been the hero on at least two occasions when introduced. Ciaran will be looking for his first County medal on Sunday.
Robert Fenton: Excellent displays with the Under 16 squad this year, has propelled him to the fringes of the minor team and he too has played a major part in Shamrocks success this year.
John McManus: Another looking for his first Championship medal at any grade on Sunday and will be more than willing if called upon to further the cause.
Sean McCarthy: Tall and speedy, Sean is also playing some of the best football of his career with the Under 16 squad and his displays there have given him the impetus for inclusion in the Minor squad.
Ciaran Glennon: ‘’Nipper’’ is another dual player with both squads and never misses a training session which is now reflecting in his play as he begins to prosper.
Shane Masterson: ‘’Sniffy’’ is another who has been plagued by injury over the last couple of years but was involved in virtually every game at some stage and was a vital cog all year.
Adam Kerroum: Another valued squad player who is an ever present at training and would love to get a chance on Sunday and will give everything if called upon.