ACFL Division 1:

St Lomans Mullingar 4-13 Tang 2-13

After an eight-month hiatus due to the Pandemic, last Friday night saw the long-anticipated return of adult football to Lakepoint Park, when St Lomans Mullingar welcomed visitors Tang. Coincidentally this was also the first match of the 2020 season before the outbreak of Covid-19, on that occasion the Blues came out with a hard-fought draw. The Saints were well aware of the threat posed by Tang who are often very competitive in ACFL Division 1. This was also the first competitive match for Lomans since the 2020 Championship Final against Tyrrellspass last September.

On a night where conditions were perfect for football, we saw a high scoring contest right from the off. Both teams traded three points each in the opening exchanges with TJ Cox pointing either side of a well-taken score from Kelvin Reilly. The Blues hit a purple patch before the end of the half which allowed them to take control of proceedings. Firstly, TJ Cox scored a marvellous individual goal where he beat two Tang defenders with a dummy and finished into the roof of the net for the opening goal. TJ added to his tally moments later with a well-taken point before debutant Danny McCartan opened his account for the evening. The hosts were on a roll and that continued with another superb individual goal from TJ Cox  that put Lomans firmly in charge. Cox would then turn provider when he played a beautiful angled pass into Danny McCartan who in turn laid it off to Chris Gilbert. With Gilbert bearing down on goal he took the unselfish option to put in on a plate for Kelvin Reilly and the latter found the back of the net for the Saints third goal of the first half.  At the first water break the Blues were well in control on a score line of 3-05 to 0-03.

Our Visitors continued to battle, however. After Kelvin Reilly extended the gap further with a well-taken point, Tang fought back and reeled off four excellent scores to leave the score at 3-06 to 0-07 going into the Interval. Tang were also quicker out of the traps taking in the second half, taking advantage of some loose defending, a quick-fire goal and point suddenly made this game a contest once more with only four points between the sides. The Blues responded well with a Cox free and a well-taken score from Tristan Graham. Tang hit back with a placed ball, but the Blues would soon put their foot on the pedal to increase the lead. Paddy Dowdall operating at wing-forward for the evening opened his account with an excellent point. Danny McCartan’s double moments later gave the Saints breathing space, leaving him with three points from play for the evening. McCartan’s third point was undoubtedly the score of the match, a long-range effort off his right boot which looked to be sailing narrowly wide, creeped in off the post to complete an impressive debut for last years under 17 Captain. The Blues continued to be deadly in front of goal, A driving run from centre back Oisín Hogan and a perfectly timed pass set up TJ Cox who rounded the goalkeeper and fired home for his third goal of the evening. The outcome was never in doubt as Cox continued his deadly record in front of goal with a hat-trick on the night.

To their credit, the visitors never went away and fought until the bitter end and quick-fire goal and point reduced the arrears back to five points. David Whelan then stepped up and pointed to cap off an impressive individual performance for the Defender. Both teams traded scores in the dying minutes with Cox again on target for the Saints. When referee Pat Fox, blew his full time whistle the Blues ran out six-point winners, starting their season on the right foot. Declan Kelly’s men started as they mean to go on and recorded victory against a team who have proven very difficult to beat in the past. In terms of individual performances, David Whelan was excellent in the half back line, Whelan forced several turnovers and was an excellent outlet for the Blues on the night. Whelan was certainly the standout performer in defence along with Conor O’Donoghue and a steady debut for Oisín Hogan who was a mainstay in our Junior Championship side who finished runners up in 2020. Sean Flanagan was introduced at Half time and was instrumental in the Blues gaining control of the middle of the Park, Flanagan’s presence and him winning multiple kick-outs gave the Blues a stronghold in the middle third. Tristan Graham and the evergreen Paddy Dowdall turned out good performances at wing-half forward. Danny McCartan as mentioned before excelled on his introduction to senior football. Kelvin Reilly turned out his usual accomplished performance in a new role of full-forward, we are so used to seeing Kelvin at centre-back in recent years. It’s a testament to his ability, when you see how quickly he adapted to the new role. TJ Cox however was the man of the match with 3-05 on the night, Cox is truly frightening in front of goal and his performance was crucial in St Loman’s starting the year with a win!

Team; Stephen Gallagher, Daire Smyth, Darragh O’Keefe, Shane Boyce, David Whelan (0.01), Oisín Hogan, Conor O’Donoghue, Ryan Jones, Chris Gilbert, Paddy Dowdall (0.01), TJ Cox (3.05, 0.03f), Tristan Graham (0.01), Peter Foy, Kelvin Reilly (1.02), Danny McCartan (0.03).Subs Used; Sean Flanagan, Sean Kelly, Cian Cleary, Eoghan O’Keefe

ACFL Division 3:

St Lomans Mullingar 0-09 The Downs 1-15

Our Division 3 side welcomed The Downs to Lakepoint Park last Sunday morning. It was a difficult task for the Blues as many players were asked to play less than 12 hours after the Division 4 Side’s Victory in Athlone on Saturday evening, such was the hectic fixture schedule.

Both sides traded scores in the opening exchanges with Adam Lynch and Conan O’Hara on target for the Blues. The Downs hit the front then with three points on the bounce, with two Jack Carroll Points either side of a Dylan Carroll score. Conan O’Hara responded with a free to make it a two-point match. The Black and Amber then struck a hammer blow scoring 1-05 without reply. Conan O’Hara and Cian Daly hit points for the hosts before the break to leave the score at 1-10 to 0-05 in favour of the Visitors.

The Second half was much a much tighter affair. Both sides exchanged scores throughout the half with O’Hara, Mark O’Gara and a double from Adam Lynch were the Saints scorers. There were plenty of positives for Loman’s with many players acquitting themselves well in their first weekend of Adult Football. The Blues will be hoping for a win next time out.

Team; Rory Matthews, Evan Johnson, Sean Kelly, Daire Smyth, Eoghan Hogan, Gerry Grehan, Sean Lancaster, Jack Geoghegan, Eoghan O’Keefe, David Aughey, Adam Lynch (0.03), Cian Daly (0.01), Conor Cochrane, Conan O’Hara (0.04,0.02f), Daryl Quinn. Subs used; Mark O’Gara (0.01), Oisín Hogan.

ACFL Division 4:

St. Lomans Mullingar 3-09    Athlone 1-10

 

The Blues 3rd team played their opening league fixture, away to Athlone, last Saturday evening. Out of the panel of 19 players that travelled, no less than 10 young players donned a Lomans adult jersey for the very first time, all 10 are products of the clubs fantastic under-age academy, gratitude to every under-age coach within the Club, it’s very much appreciated by all.

This was Athlone’s 2nd side, they fielded an experienced team which featured several ex-county footballers, the difference in each team’s physique was quite evident too with Athlone being the larger of the 2 sides, however this size advantage gradually dissolved as the game progressed, St. Lomans fitness levels, and the sides youthful guile, undoubtedly won out in the end.

Credit to the teams more experienced players, their presence brought just the right balance to the side, they constantly encouraged the new players throughout, Conor Cochrane rolled back the years and led by example by scoring a sublime hat trick. All of St. Lomans scores were from play.

Team; Rory Matthews, Evan Johnson, Adam Carroll, Mark O’Gara, Coimhin Duncan, Seanie Dinnegan, Ethan Brown, Niall McGurran (0-1), Johnny Mee, Cillian Brown, Nigel Graham (c), Gary Bridges, Andy McKenna, Conor Cochrane (3-1) & Adam O’Connor.

Subs; David Aughey (0-2), Jack Geogeghan, Eoghan Hogan (0-1) & Cian Daly (0-4).

 

 

Underage Fixtures:

It's great to be back to competitive football, and what a week we have to look forward to St. Loman's Mullingar GAA wish the very best of luck to the players and management of the teams participating in 3 finals this week.

First up, this Monday evening the 14th, both of our u15 teams compete in their respective championship finals from 2020. The Div 3 team play Inny Shamrocks in Bunbrosna, while in Kinnegad the Div 1 team take on Athlone. Both games throw in at 7pm.

Then, this Thursday the 17th, our u13 Div 1 team take on Mullingar Shamrocks in what can only be described as a mouth-watering local derby. Throw in is at 7pm. We wish them well as they endeavour to replicate the achievements of their Div 3 teammates.

We are immensely proud of our club's achievements, built around an ethos of football for everyone, we must thank the dedication of our coaches, managers and parents. So many young players will proudly wear the blue and white of St. Lomans, we wish them good luck on their big day.

Adult Men Fixtures:

Junior B Championship:

St Lomans Mullingar vs Milltown at 7.30pm in Lakepoint Park

Under 16 Ladies Championship:

Well done to our under 16 girls who beat Mullingar Shamrocks convincingly Tuesday evening in their championship opener

Campa Gael:

We are proud to be hosting the Campa Gael summer camp which is a new Irish sports and Language Camp

Information of how to register is contained in the leaflet on our social media. Please also give Campa Gael a follow on social media!

Club Lotto:

Draw Date: Thursday 10th June

This week’s jackpot: €8100

Numbers drawn: 3, 7, 13 ,14

Next Week’s Jackpot: €8200

No Jackpot Winner

Draw Date: Thursday 17th June

Remember it could be you!

 

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