The Reunion of the boys of 2002 and 2003

Four times in the 70 years history of the club, Mullingar Shamrocks have succeeded in retaining the Minor football county title, 1960-61, 1970-71, 1987-88 and 2002-03 (Please take note, the champions of 2023!). The boys from the 2002 and 2003 champion teams staged their reunion in The Clubhouse on Wednesday night and a great night it was with stories and reminiscences about the two successful championship campaigns with Ned Moore and Des Maguire in charge of the managerial duties and Pat Collins, secretary of the Under-age Committee.

After a bit of a search a DVD player was located and eventually a VHS Video tape player was also unearthed and combined with the electronic wizardry of Terry Parker the two finals were shown on the big screen. They made for engrossing viewing as can be seen from some of the pictures. The football was played on the front foot, hardly a handpass or lateral pass in sight, individual battles galore, first time deliveries (not always to a colleague it must be said) dominated and some superbly crafted scores and great individual performances.

And, so many members of the teams are still involved in the club in many ways. Enda Monaghan (captain in 2003) is still managing the senior team; Paul Christie was a selector on the victorious 2023 minor team; Micheál Curley and David Bell involved in coaching with Na SeamrÓigí; Eddie Moore and Aaron Purcell still playing; Daragh Ryan only semi-retired; Micheál Curley due back from injury; Peter Collins still paying a bit and running the show for Westmeath at Under-age level as secretary of Westmeath Under-age committee. Des, Ned and Pat still going strong so many have given great service to the club (and county). Well done all.

And, it should be noted, all massively successful in their professional careers.

For the record those in the group picture are:

Back Row (l to r): Seán Maguire, Cian O’Leary, Eoin O’Meara, Fiachra Spellman, Paul Hickey, Ciarán O’Mara, Dermot Early, Brendan Kerrigan, Micheál Curley, Paddy O’Donnell, Eddie Moore, Peter Collins, Terry Parker.

Front Row (l to r): Daragh Ryan, Aaron Purcell, Keith Moore, Ned Moore, Des Maguire, Pat Collins, Paul Christie, Darren Moore, David Bell