Congratulation to Claire Fagan  ...

Claire Fagan created a bit of history on Sunday morning in Bela Vista Park, Lisbon when she represented Ireland in the European Under-23 Cross-Country championships. Claire became the first Mullingar woman to represent Ireland at the European Cross Country Championships. There was even better to come as Ireland finished in second place and Claire will take home a silver medal to Mullingar. It's all good news for Claire at the moment as she was recently announced as the Westmeath Examiner Sports Personality for the month of June in recognition of her achievement in winning the 10,000m title in the Universities Track and Field Championships in a time that qualified Claire for the European Under-23 T & F Championships where she competed in Sweden in July.

Claire of course lined out last year for Mullingar Shamrocks LGF teams; which just goes to show that you can't beat a good season of LGF to make progress as an athlete.

Jamie Battle represented  Ireland in the Men's Under-20 European Championships and ran superbly to finish in twenty-eight place. Jamie too lined out for Mullingar Shamrocks before athletics became his primary sport and his brother Stephen lines out for Mullingar Shamrocks at under-13 and under-14 level.

Congratulations Tye ...

Congratulations to Tye Adamson who was awarded a Leinster GAA Bursary at the Awards' Ceremony held in Áras Laighean, Portlaoise on Monday night.

Tye is a final year student of International Business and German at the Technological University of Dublin and the award recognises Tye's contribution to Gaelic football in the college where he combines managing  the Freshers' Team with his playing duties. Tye was one of four Westmeath players to be honoured with the presentations made by Leinster GAA Chairman, Jim Bolger.

The Australian Wanderers visit Springfield ...

The Australian Wanderers touring Footie team were our guests in Springfield on Tuesday and we had two very enjoyable hybrid football games at Under-15 and Under-17 level. The latter was a very competitive affair with the Shamrocks lads adjusting very well to the compromise rules.

We thank Mick Gordon and Barry Pierce for their refereeing duties. After the matches there was food in The Clubhouse for the 130 players, parents and supporters as Seán Hynes and Mick Clift exchanged gifts and delivered the appropriate words. Ciarán Kieran and Seán Óg Hynes were chosen as the players of the matches from Mullingar Shamrocks and one of the great legends of the Compromise Rules Games from a decade or so ago Spike Fagan  was introduced to the audience. In the evening, the Shamrocks and Wanderers players were introduced to the wonders of Jungle Joe's and Rock 'n' Bowl where they tested their 10-pin-bowling skills.

The Mullingar Shamrocks executive thank the parents who hosted the players on Wednesday night. None of this would be possible without the goodwill and generosity and  support of the host families The travelling parents and supporters got the good value deals at the Annebrook House Hotel. The party departed Mullingar on Thursday morning for Dublin and travelled  to London on Friday and from there to Paris before returning to Australia.

Santa Claus avoided Storm Atiyah ...

Over 100 young people joined the party in The Clubhouse on Saturday evening to meet the big man himself. Santa with his supernatural powers told us that he knew some weeks ago that Storm Atiyah might be a problem and therefore planned the visit to arrive in Springfield a bit earlier than usual on the day. Wise man.

The clubhouse looked its festive best after a group of Shamrocks adult elves transformed it into a winter wonderland on Friday evening. Santa’s grotto was a particular delight and drew gasps of admiration from adults and children alike. The adult elves responsible were Murty Ryan, Garrett Doyle, Loreto Briody, Shandelle Sheerin, Mary Doyle, Robbie Boyle, Jacquie Corroon, Richie Daly, Aileen Daly, Robbie Harrison, Emma Byrne, Aidan O‘ Donoghue all under the guidance of Pat Collins and Barry Kelly. Andrina Finch was on hand and used her artistic  genius to help many young people to design personalised Christmas cards.  

Early on Saturday afternoon hordes of eager Shamrocks’ players accompanied by their parents began to arrive in Springfield eagerly anticipating the arrival of the man in the red suit. He duly arrived shortly after 4 pm and the festivities began in earnest. A wonderful afternoon was had by all with the usual Shamrocks’ range of baked goods enjoyed by everyone before Santa said his farewells and headed north to continue his preparations for Christmas.

Thanks to the many people who worked to ensure another memorable Christmas party for our underage boys and girls.

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