Specsavers Social Initiative 2023 – A great day out at the Westmeath v Limerick Allianz NHL Match

Thanks to Elaine McGovern at Specsavers Mullingar, Mullingar Shamrocks were chosen to receive a bursary to support the club in providing an opportunity for retired members to attend an Allianz League match in a county ground. The Limerick v Westmeath NHL match in TEG Cusack Park was the chosen match. Our Healthy Club Officer Joan Ormsby embraced the concept with her usual enthusiasm and we all know what that means: it was guaranteed to succeed. The response was tremendous and over 20 people attended the match in TEG Cusack Park on Sunday. Others who expressed an interest in attending were prevented from joining us for a variety of reasons.

Kevin Higgins travelled back from Kilkenny to be part of the occasion; former club Treasurer Brendan Colleary was there as was Therese who was the chief organiser of our Golf Classics for over a decade, a valuable source of revenue for the club; Liam and Phil Ormsby were there and it was great to see Mick Greene out and about again; we were also joined by Eamonn and Irene McGowan, a couple who have contributed so much to Mullingar Shamrocks over the years; our newest Honorary President, Marie Burke came along as did several of our most distinguished members, Shay O’Rourke, Ritchie O’Donoghue, Terry O’Dowd, Paddy Cole and David Gavin; Lynn Heights was well represented and of course our President Detty was there in the midst of all.
The visit to TEG Cusack Park provided an opportunity to witness some of the greatest hurlers of their generation in action and see Aaron Gillane make his return to active service but there was plenty to admire from Westmeath also. Niall O’ Brien’s blasted penalty was a bit special, followed immediately by a pointed sideline and then a massive point from a long range free as Niall demonstrated his many skills; Kilian Doyle’s first half point off his left hand struck when he was practically on his knees was a wonderful score, and there was the brilliant goalkeeping of one of Westmeath’s key players in recent years, Noel Conaty. After the match tea, scones and finger food were devoured in the Greville Arms where John and Florrie Kelly joined the group. Thanks to Frank Mescall, Chairperson of Westmeath County Committee and Pat Doherty, Operations Manager Westmeath County Committee, for liaising with us for our ticket and seating requirements and for the halftime hospitality.
Most importantly, Mullingar Shamrocks would like to thank all the staff at Specsavers Mullingar and our host for the day Louise Begley. It was a great day out and one which our club members will remember.