Over the years, it has been the practice to publish good non-football related news about club members and associates in these notes. This latest has to be the best non-football news we published. 

 Last year, on 3 May 2024, we published get-well wishes to young Hughie Joyce a member at the time of our Under-7 boys group and who had been ever-present in our underage groups since he started in Na SeamrÓigí. His father Davy was well-known and popular in the club since his playing days stretching back to the Féile in Limerick in 2004, followed by his time as a coach and supporter. 

We mentioned at the time that we knew that ‘Hughie will meet this health challenge head on and fight it like the little warrior he is’. 

Well that’s exactly what has happened and after months of demanding and tough treatment we were delighted to learn that Hughie has rung the bell three times recently to signify the completion of his treatment. 

Hughie was a proud young man in Aviva Stadium last Tuesday night as he led out the Irish team with the great Caoimhín Kelleher for the World Cup qualifying match against Armenia. 

And, we are informed by Pat Collins, secretary of Mullingar Shamrocks under-age committee, that Hughie will be the Mullingar Shamrocks mascot at the Westmeath Minor Football final on Sunday 26 October when we play The Downs. 

Hughie we’ll see you back training next February with Davy resuming his coaching role. 

Great news all the way.