Under-11 Blitz

Twelve teams representing some of the leading clubs in the GAA were present and correct in Springfield at 10.30 on Sunday morning ready for action in the Mullingar Shamrocks Under-11 Blitz. Some had travelled from places as distant as Baltinglass and Salthill to participate in the blitz which has earned a well-deserved reputation for being one of the best of its kind in the country. Unlike last year’s event which was played in atrocious conditions, the God’s of the weather smiled on Shamrocks and conditions were ideal for the excellent football played throughout the day.

Teams from Dublin (Erin’s Isle, St Patrick’s, Donabate), Meath (St Colmcille’s, Navan O’Mahoney’s), Kildare (Maynooth), Wicklow (Baltinglass), Longford (Killoe Emmet Óg), Galway (Sathill-Knocknacarra) and Westmeath (Mullingar Shamrocks, Killucan, Athlone, St Loman’s) took part.

St Colmcille’s with narrow victories against Mullingar Shamrocks and Erin’s Isle in two crucial games, emerged as worthy overall winners, Shamrocks defeated Maynooth in the Trophy final, Athlone were convincing winners against St Loman’s in the Shield final and Salthill- Knocknacarra’s victory against Baltinglass secured the Plate title. However, in this competition the game of football is the real winner with the emphasis on fun and participation.

The Mullingar Shamrocks Club has layers of reasons to be satisfied with the Under-11 Blitz which attracted entries from 12 teams from Westmeath, Dublin, Wicklow, Galway, Longford and Kildare. We recognise …the organisational skills of Robbie Boyle, Daragh Maguire, David Cornally  and especially Pat Collins whose administration ensured the smooth running of the tournament  … the willingness of our young players to help out in the organisation and their input to the umpiring and refereeing duties … Tye Adamson reported to Springfield at 8.00 am for Senior training and was ready to take up refereeing duties at 10.30 and continued in charge of the whistle until 3.300 when he refereed the final game between St Colmcille’s and Erin’s Isle … Matthew Maslin umpired and refereed like a veteran … Kieran Gavin also took charge of the whistle as did Derek Sheridan …. Barry Kelly was in Thurles last Sunday refereeing before an audience of 35, 000, he was down in Springfield at 10.30 to take charge of the opening group games of the blitz (a typical week in the life of a GAA volunteer) … the quality and quantity of food prepared by our volunteer caterers was the subject of continuous positive comment and ensured that no team, mentor or coach went home hungry … the dedication of our ground staff of Tom and Willie who had the grounds in immaculate condition ... the presence of Pearly after her recent illness was great to see … the numerous parents and grandparents and family members present to offer support to the young footballers …

However, competitions such as this are all about the players and the ability of our Under-11 team to compete with the best on view was a source of pride …  the tackling, shooting, skill levels and decision making of the team was excellent … our match with St Colmcille’s was perhaps the best of the day and only a brilliant save by the St Colmcille’s goalkeeper prevented Shamrocks from establishing an 0-7 point lead at a crucial stage of the game ... Alex Sheerin’s goal scoring  instinct was again on display in all its varieties and included the rocket to the top corner of the net from out on the right wing against Navan O’Mahoney’s, the chip  over the head of the St Colmcille’s goalkeeper and the flick with his fist against Maynooth … Ryan Kelly gave an exhibition of  point scoring against Maynooth …. Patrick Oherron gave a master class of corner-back play and game-reading ability also against Maynooth and Adam Glynn defended superbly in all five games … but most importantly of all it was a great team effort and reflected on the coaching of Tom Ormsby, Derek Sheridan and Daragh Maguire.  And apologies to anyone overlooked in this list!

Mullingar Shamrocks were represented by Matthew Doyle, Peter Finch, Adam Glynn, Patrick Oherron, T. J. Flood, Ryan Kelly, Hugh Sexton O’Sullivan, Luke Raeside, Conor Heffernan, Alex Sheerin, Gavan Pierse, Stephen Battle, John Shaw, Criostóir Ormsby and Ryan Kelly.