The Joe Matthews Memorial Cup

 Our Under-10s were back in action again on Sunday morning when two teams made the short journey to Lakepoint Park to compete for the Joe Matthews Memorial Trophy, a competition that honour the memory of one of the great St Loman's clubmen. Mullingar Shamrocks (Green) defeated The Downs and St Loman’s (White) to qualify for the semi-final of the cup competition. The opposition in the semi-final was provided by Mullingar Shamrocks (White) who qualified from a group that contained Moate All-Whites and Milltownpass. The two Mullingar Shamrocks teams drew their semi-final and the teams played a half each in the final in which St Mary’s Rochfortbridge proved to be the stronger (3-7 to 0-6). 

Under-14 Girls Ladies Gaelic Football Div. 1 Shield Final: Mullingar Shamrocks 3-9 Shandonagh 2-11

The heavy night’s rain ended the plans to play this match at a neutral venue; instead Mullingar Shamrocks won the coin toss and secured home advantage and the Shamrocks girls enjoyed the rare privilege of playing a home match for the first time in twelve weeks.  The weather was always going to play a major role in this game as a strong wind made sure both teams had to battle the elements for one half. Shandonagh enjoyed wind advantage in the first half but the opening ten minutes were even as Sadbh O’Brien and Molly Byrne had points for Shamrocks after good combined play on both occasions.  Shandonagh then began using the long ball to great effect and this tactic put the Shamrocks backs under serious pressure but they battled well. Despite their best efforts Shandonagh found the net on two occasions and scored nine points for good measure.  However, just before half-time Mia Gilligan scored a vital goal to send the Shamrocks girls to the dressing rooms at half-time with renewed belief despite the ten-point deficit (2-9 to 1-2).

The second-half saw the Shamrock girls come off the blocks flying and attack after attack put pressure on the Shandonagh goals. a Sadbh O’ Brien scored some super long-range shots and frees. Mia Gilligan found the net once again with Jasmine Haugh and Mairead Newman also kicked great scores. Chloe in goals made two great saves at the death and all six backs stayed rock solid to the end. This was a wonderful team performance that made it possible to overcome the ten-point half-time deficit and an appropriate reward for the girls who have worked hard at their game all year with their mentors Eric and Kieran. Well done to all.

After the Game our own Senior County player Karen Hegarty presented the Shield and Medals to both teams.

Mullingar Shamrocks: Chloe Flood McCormack, Áine McKenna, Annemarie O’ Reilly, Elyse Byrne, Judith Uyi (capt), Niamh Raeside, Eve Hynes, Jasmine Haugh (0-1), Mairead Newman (0-1), Jenna Kelly, Sadbh O'Brien (1-6),Abby Smith, Molly Byrne(0-1),Mia Gilligan (2-0), Robin Wrafter, Sinead Battle, Tamara Molloy, Ellie Barr, Leah Glynn.

 Minor Ladies Gaelic Football, County Semi-Final: Loughnavalley 5-11 Mullingar Shamrocks 5-8

The wind played a crucial role in this minor championship match in Loughnavalley and Mullingar Shamrocks ended the first-half thirteen points in arrears. However, the girls staged a fabulous comeback and within fifteen minutes had reduced the deficit to 0-3 (3-10 to 3-7). Loughnavalley recovered and responded and the teams divided 4-2 in equal measure for the remainder of the match securing a three-point victory for the home team in what was a great high-scoring game of football.

The girls who produced such a great display were:

Isabelle Clinton; Eadaoin Byrne, Roisin McKnight, Carla Gibney, Ellen Sleator, Michelle Morris, Ciara Bauer, Anna Jones, Susanna Buckley, Sarah Geoghegan, Nicola Gruenwald, Zara Gilligan, Una Raeside, Ellen Corroon (Chloe Flood). Other panellists: Eadaoin Corroon, Katie Rock