GALLERY: St Loman's GAA hosts hugely successful U10 Leinster Blitz
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Cathal Kilmurray and Billy Lambden at the blitz on Saturday.Image 2 of 12
Annie Mulderry, Keelie Mulderry and Emma Derham helped out with the refreshments.Image 3 of 12
The two teams from St Loman’s represented the club with distinction at the U10 Leinster Blitz on Saturday.Image 4 of 12
The Mullingar Shamrocks team that took part in Saturday’s U10 blitz.Image 5 of 12
One of the St Loman’s teams that took part in Saturday’s U10 Leinster Blitz hosted by the club.Image 6 of 12
Ursula and Rebecca Walker from Ballymore.Image 7 of 12
Megan Charles, Ted Cronin and Ava Cummins on Saturday afternoon.Image 8 of 12
Roisin Pang in action for St Loman’s.Image 9 of 12
Susan Stones from St Loman’s.Image 10 of 12
Tara Concannon, Triona Leavy and Helen Gibson from Mullingar.Image 11 of 12
Paul Hughes and David Savage at St Loman’s.Image 12 of 12
Essie Doran from Mullingar Shamrocks.Almost 350 girls from across Leinster took part in the U10 Blitz recently hosted by St Loman's GAA Club.
In total, 14 clubs from eight counties - Westmeath, Dublin, Meath, Wicklow, Kildare, Offaly, Laois, and Longford - participated in the fifth instalment of the now 24-team blitz, including two teams from St Loman's and one from Mullingar Shamrocks.
Ted Cronin, chairman of St Loman's Ladies, said that he has received a lot of positive feedback from the clubs that made the journey to Mullingar for the event.
“It went off very well. We were very lucky with the weather and a big crowd turned out. The clubs were all delighted. The big novelty for the clubs and their players is that I guarantee them that all of their games will be against teams from other counties.
“With local blitzes, you end up playing the same four or five teams throughout the season, but at this event, all of your games are against outside teams. Also, some counties' underage structures might not be as well developed as they are in Westmeath, and they really appreciate the games.”
It takes a small army to ensure that an event like Saturday's runs smoothly. Ted was full of praise for everyone who gave their time, including the 14 clubs and their players and coaches.
“All of the referees came from the club's senior ladies panel. The senior ladies also looked after the shop. A group of parents packed the treat bags, while others supplied cakes and different treats for the shop. We also had people helping with parking, setting up pitches, and doing a small clean-up beforehand, as well as the lads who did the hooters.
“I really want to give special thanks to the 13 young women from the senior panel who refereed matches. It takes a bit of guts to referee games in front of the crowds that were there on Saturday. Most of the referees were aged between 16 and 18, and it’s not an easy job.
“Overall, it's an extremely well-supported day. It’s a family day out, especially when the weather is like it was on Saturday. It was great to see families and teams sitting out and enjoying themselves. Thanks to everyone who played a part.”