Sean Dempsey Memorial Under-12 Tournament

On Sunday, 16 September Mullingar Shamrocks and St Loman's jointly hosted the Sean Dempsey Memorial Tournament. It was a great occasion for the Mullingar Shamrocks club and the atmosphere and attendance in Springfield were worthy of this special occasion. As usual, Tom Earley, our caretaker, was the first to report for duty to Springfield (at 8.30am) and had the Dressing Rooms and Clubhouse in perfect working order for the visitors who began rolling in shortly after 9.30 am. The dedication of our ground staff was evident in the immaculate condition of our facilities and was the subject of much positive comment during the day. J. P. Crowley was another who reported early and managed the team registration along with updating the scoreboard supported by a team of runners drawn from our under-14 teams. Our club officers Sean Hynes (Chairman), Barry Kelly (Chairman of Under-Age Committee) Pat Collins (Secretary Under-Age Committee), Robbie Boyle (Games Promotion Officer) and Tom Hunt (PRO) were on hand all morning ensuring the smooth running of events. In Lakepoint Park, Lorcan Sleator was in charge of logistics. Barry Kelly, Shane Maher and Barry Pierce took charge of refereeing duties in Springfield while Ken Daly and Jim Baker managed the whistle in Lakepoint Park. Several of the visiting teams commented positively on the quality of officiating. Joan Ormsby was responsible for the logistics of feeding the multitudes and assembled a team who ensured that the visitors enjoyed the legendary Mullingar Shamrocks hospitality; our inclusion in the GAA's Healthy Club initiative was not forgotten. No team mentor, player or spectator went home hungry. Ten fine teams and close to 200 footballers delivered a feast of football as they competed for the honour of being the first winners of the Sean Dempsey Memorial Shield. Mullingar Shamrocks, Ballyboden-St Enda's, Erin's Isle, Rhode, Killoe Emmett's and Castleknock were hosted in Springfield; Carrick Sarsfields, St Loman's, Clane and Sallins were based in Lakepoint Park. Ballyboden St Enda's were worthy winners of the Shield competition beating Rhode in the final and in a superb main final, Castleknock (the club of Ciarán Kilkenny) defeated Erin's Isle (the former club of one Robbie Boyle). Aaron Donnelly had the honour of being the first captain to receive the Sean Dempsey Memorial Plaque presented by the late Sean's wife Connie in the presence of several members of the Dempsey family for whom it was a memorable occasion tinged with sadness. Mullingar Shamrocks had two great games against Ballyboden St Enda's (winning 1-9 to 0-5) and Erin's Isle (an 0-7 to 0-5 loss) which qualified the team for the Trophy Competition where we defeated Sallins in the semi-final (4-1 to 1-2) and Killoe Emmett's in the final (1-7 to 2-2). Ollie Keating and Tom Ormsby were the mentors in charge supported by Barry Maguire, Daragh Maguire and Tony Sheerin. Mullingar Shamrocks were represented by Ryan Kelly, Callum Rigney-Coyne, Donnacha Maguire, Peter Finch, Hugh O'Sullivan Sexton, Criostóir Ormsby, Conor Heffernan, Charlie Foy, Tye Masterson, Stephen Battle, Adam Glynn, Billy Walsh, Shane Egan, Gary Brannigan, Matt Shaw, Fallum Crichton, Alex Sheerin, Gavin Pierce and Luke Raeside. Our thanks to all those who contributed and to the coaches and mentors of all the participating teams without whose selflessness events such as this would be impossible. It was wonderful to see the numerous parents, grandparents and family members present to offer support to the young footballers. A last word: the quality of football on display from these young lads from all clubs was something special and a credit to all concerned. Sean Dempsey would have approved. Mullingar Shamrocks and St Loman's wish to thank Connie and the Dempsey family for their gesture in presenting the Sean Dempsey Memorial Shield for this competition for young footballers.