Mullingar Shamrocks Gaelic 4 Mothers and Others Shamrocking Blitz …

Not since our last Lá na gClub day some years ago have we had such a colourful spectacle as we had on Saturday in Springfield when our Gaelic 4 Mothers and Others members staged their wonderful blitz – a model of good planning, organisation and positivity. Music rocked and Jade’s coffee shop was on overdrive.

Over 160 players from 12 clubs took part. Our own G4M&O had over 20 players available for duty. Prior to the football, the spectacular Mass Warm-up took place led by Ryan Blundell in his best Joe Wicks mode. A riot of colour transformed the Springfield pitch. A couple of Westmeath’s LGF stars, Ciara Blundell and Karen Hegarty dropped in to check out the scene. Unicorn, the mascot mingled with players and spectators. It was that kind of day.

Each team played three matches with the games starting on the scheduled 3.20 time with Laura Heap on the megaphone making sure that punctuality was prioritized. On Pitch 1, Mullingar Shamrocks played Cornafean Ladies GFC, Naomh Ciaran Gfmo and Legan Sarsfields GAA. The former Mullingar Shamrocks great, Louise Begley McDonnell lined out for the women from Legan. Ballymore, Portlaoise, Mostrim and Ballycomoyle played their games on Pitch 2. St Mary’s, Rochfortbridge (like ourselves eliminated from the Westmeath LGF Senior Championship when the scheduled quarter-finals were set aside), Good Counsel Liffey Gaels GAA and Camogie, Padraig Pearses (Roscommon) and St Mary’s Carrick-on -Shannon played their matches on Pitch 3. The football continued until just after 6.00 pm when the players adjourned to The Clubhouse to refuel.

Nothing was left to chance. Order of Malta personnel were on hand to deal with any medical issues, fortunately no interventions were required. Part of the clubhouse was transformed into a type of pop-up ‘Creche’ that provided fun and games and face painting to keep the young people amused while the mammies took care of business on the football pitch. Sponsors were acknowledged including Wines Direct (who provided a special 15% discount valid until 31 October with the code G4MO15 to mark the occasion), Specsavers (reusable water bottles), TEG (kit bags), Mary Street Pharmacy (jersey sponsors), Sports Direct and RBT. A simple one-page colour programme contained all the essential information. And, when the football was all over it was back in to the appropriately decorated Clubhouse where freshly prepared food was available for all bringing what was a wonderful occasion to an appropriate conclusion.

Well done to all concerned in organising a superb blitz that positively enhanced the image of Mullingar Shamrocks as a family friendly inclusive club.