Damien Comer's words of wisdom at at St Loman’s underage presentation evening
Galway star Damien Comer was guest of honour for the St Loman's GAA underage presentation evening at a packed Greville Arms Hotel on Friday December 1.
The curtain came down on another hugely successful season for the Mullingar club's underage teams and the Galway footballer made a big impression when he spoke to the gathering. Comer's message was relation to the importance of perseverance both in terms of developing skills and keeping involved with your club. His powerful speech resonated with everyone present as he detailed how he hadn't played minor football for his county, but later became a key player on the senior team and went on to win an All Star award.
The high profile GAA star certainly left a lasting impression on his audience.
The first team on stage was the girls U15 All-Ireland Féile winning side and to mark the enormity of their success, they were also presented with customised plaques in recognition of their amazing achievement.
Next up was the classy U13 boys team who completed the Division 1 league and championship double in swashbuckling style this season.
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The St Loman’s boys U15 team. Tony Brennan, Peter Raleigh, Matthew Kenny, Mark Gallagher, Luke Tully, Andy Sinnott, Sean Maleady, Dillon O’Brien, Darragh Boyd, Cian Matthews,Tom Weir, Jack Connaughton, Cillian Breslin, Cathal Flanagan, Jamie McDonnell, Jack Devine, Riley Thornton, Oisin Scally, Oisin Kiernan, Evin Smyth, Charlie McDonnell, Keelan Reilly and Patrick Carlon.Image 2 of 4
St. Loman’s Mullingar, 2023 Feile U15 Westmeath winners. From back, (L-R): Seamus O’Brien, Adam Saunders, Adam McLoughlin, Lucas Nugent, Ross Tully, Sean Byrne, Tommy McNamee, Keelan Reilly, Darragh Vickery, Conor Maleady, Conor Casey, Callum Walsh, Patrick Carlon, Enda Moran, Ben Smith, Darragh Riordan, Sean Maleady, Cian Matthews, Oisin Scally, Jamie McDonnell, Cathal Flanagan, Andy Sinnott, Mark Gallagher, Tom Weir. Also included: James Brady, manager; David Maleady, coach; Derek Devine, coach; Pat Layde, coach.Image 3 of 4
St Loman’s - Minor Div 1 champions. Front (L-R): Maebh O’Hara, Aoibhe Hogan, Chloe Cahill, Katie McGrath, Paige Matthews, Maddie Mulderry, Anna Sheehy. Middle (L-R): Katie McDonnell, Abbie Norris (capt.), Norah Garry, Rhianna Norris, Edel Sheerin, Ava Cummins, Evie Kilmurray, Alan Quinn (manager). Back (L-R): Katie Kilmurray, Shannon Breslin, Jayne Charles, Grainne Cleary.Image 4 of 4
St Loman’s - U16 Div 1 champions. Front row (L-R): Maddie Mulderry, Chloe Cahill, Aoibhe Hogan (capt), Katie McGrath, Anna Sheehy, Norah Garry, Evie Kilmurray. Middle (L-R): Stephanie Kilmurray (manager), Ava Cummins, Edel Sheerin, Bailey Casey, Eleanor Corcoran, Sarah Davitt, Megan Charles. Back (L-R): Katie Kilmurray, Shannon Breslin, Jayne Charles, Gráinne Cleary.The U15 boys enjoyed plenty of success too: the Division 1 team won the county Féile title in March before their younger counterparts landed Division 4 league and Division 2 shield honours to cap a memorable year for the group.
The U17 boys collected Division 1 shield medals and will be keen to improve on that feat next season.
Girls
The strength of the club’s underage girls' teams was further emphasised when the brilliant U16 squad collected their Division 1 championship medals before lastly, the most recent winners, our U18 team, were presented with their Division 1 championship medals barely a week after Abbie Norris lifted the cup to jubilant scenes in Multyfarnham.
It was a spectacular evening for the club and demonstrated all the hard work being done by the coaches to nurture many talented young players.
Finally, a special word of thanks to the main organisers Garrett Hickey and Ted Cronin for ensuring it was a memorable evening for all the young players and their families.