Under-10 Blitz: Mullingar Shamrocks Win Title.

Teams began to roll into Springfield after 9.30 on Sunday morning for the Under-10 Blitz and it was after 3.30 when the last young footballers left the venue after participating in a minimum of four matches against unfamiliar opposition and with their football knowledge enhanced or at least that was the intention. The format was designed to ensure maximum involvement for all with the six Westmeath clubs (Shamrocks, St Loman’s, Killucan, St Mary’s Rochfortbridge, St Joseph’s Kilbeggan and The Downs) spread across the four groups. The ten visiting teams were Kilmacud Crokes, Mullahoran, Salthill, Erin’s Isle with two teams, Killoe Emmet Óg, Navan O’Mahoneys, Celbridge, Baltinglass and Maynooth. At the end of the group stages all teams were graded and played against teams of similar ability.

Mullingar Shamrocks emerged as the overall winners after playing some great football and the skill levels displayed confirmed that some great coaching work is taking place in Springfield. The boys also played with great spirit and determination and were a credit to their mentors Tony Sheerin, Barry Maguire and Tom Ormsby. In the group matches Shamrocks defeated Salthill, Erin’s Isle and Navan O’Mahoneys and qualified to meet Kilmacud Crokes in the semi-final. This was the match of the tournament and after falling behind in the initial stages, the young footballers fought back and at the final whistle had two goals to spare (3-4 to 1-4). A brilliant goal from a free kick by Conor Heffernan and two amazing saves by T. J. Flood were the key moments in this match.  Killoe Emmet Óg provided the opposition in the final who had great wins over Kilbeggan, The Downs, Baltinglass and Maynooth on their way to the final. Shamrocks again turned in a great performance and outscored the Longford boys 4-4 to 1-2. The boys on duty for Shamrocks (who scored 28-33 and conceded 4-8) were: Matthew Shaw, Ryan Kelly, T. J. Flood, Cristóir Ormsby, Donnacha Maguire, Peter Finch, Ronan Byrne, Charlie Foy, Paul Keating, Conor Heffernan, Padraig Casey, Alex Sheerin, Adam Brady, Gavin Pearse, Patrick Oherron.

The other competition winners were:

Trophy: Mullahoran.

Plate: Killucan.

Shield: Erin’s Isle.