The Rob Cornally Memorial Under-11 Tournament.
A feast of football was delivered in Springfield on Sunday as eleven teams from across the province and Mullahoran from Cavan took part in our annual Under-11 Blitz. This year’s edition was of extra significance as for the first-time the Rob Cornally Perpetual Shield was at stake for the eventual winner. The trophy was donated by our Club President, Detty Cornally and her family in memory of a dearly beloved husband and father. The contribution of the Cornally family to the Mullingar Shamrocks GAA Club is obvious to all. Rob Cornally was secretary of Mullingar Shamrocks in the tough days of the 1970s when the going was difficult; Rob was one of those who kept the Shamrocks ship afloat. Rob was later secretary of the Westmeath Football Board when the going was equally tough.
Navan O’Mahoney’s, Ballyboden St Enda’s, Maynooth GAA Club, Kilmacud Croke’s, Eadestown and Mullahoran joined Westmeath clubs, St Loman’s, Kilbeggan-St Joseph’s, The Downs, Garrycastle and Mullingar Shamrocks in glorious sunshine and produced superb football all morning in the demanding conditions. At the end of the day, The Downs emerged victorious with a brilliant victory over a very good Maynooth team and became the first holders of the Rob Cornally Perpetual Shield and Mullingar Shamrocks President, Detty Cornally presented the trophy to Jamie Kelleghan, the captain of a great The Downs team.
Mullingar Shamrocks enjoyed good victories against Navan O’Mahoney’s and Ballyboden St Enda’s before losing to Maynooth in a great match. We then defeated Garrycastle in the Trophy final whilst Mullahoran (Shield) and Eadestown (Plate) also secured titles in the post-group play-off games.
Our men on duty who represented the club with distinction were Dillon Burke, Tye Masterson, Ben Sheerin, James Flynn, Tommy Daly, Andrezj Volusko-Opala, Hugh Carey, Robert Clinton, Andrew Gavigan, Ben McNamee, Cristóir Ormsby, Justin Haugh, Brian Wycherley, Ronan Byrne, Paul Keating, Pádraig Casey.
An army of volunteers ensured the success of the occasion under the generalship of Pat Collins with Robbie Boyle his supporting lieutenant. Tom Earley wheeled into Springfield at 8.00am to prepare the grounds. The dedication of our ground staff was evident in the immaculate condition of our facilities and was the subject of much positive comment during the day. Shane Maher, Paddy Joyce and Dillon Matthews (yes, the same Dillon who has been a regular on all Mullingar Shamrocks teams from minor to senior this season) were impartial referees supported by several of our under-age players who acted as umpires and linesmen. Eddie Byrne kept the scoreboard up-dated. A team of caterers led by Róisin Masterson and our Health Promotion Officer, Joan Ormsby ensured that the club’s reputation for legendary hospitality was maintained. The quality and quantity of food prepared by our volunteer caterers was the subject of continuous positive comment and ensured that no team, mentor or coach went home hungry.
Our thanks to all those who contributed and to the coaches and mentors of all the participating teams without whose selflessness events such as this would be impossible. It was wonderful to see the numerous parents, grandparents and family members present to offer support to the young footballers.
