It may be know as “The Forgotten County”, but this Friday all of that will be forgotten when Mullingar’s Donegal Association is re-booted.
Back in the 1990s, the Donegal Association in Mullingar was a vibrant one, when people such as Cathal Dunlevy, Eamonn McGowan and Fionn Gallagher were on board. Captain Anthony Molloy and other players brought Sam Maguire to Mullingar after the county’s stunning 1992 All-Ireland victory over Dublin.
“It is appropriate that, in a year when Jim McGuinness is raising expectations again, a new Association is being formed, and some 100 plus are expected to turn up in The Greville Arms on Friday night, 7 March, for an informal get-together, with food and music on the menu,” says committee man Frank Galligan.
The local football connections are very strong, with Mark McHugh now on the Westmeath GAA backroom team, while former manager Jack Cooney is married to Elaine O’Byrne from Doonin, Kilcar, the aforementioned Mark Breslin and Donegal Town’s Michael Murphy’s families are St Loman’s players, and Joan Crawford, originally from Castlefinn, is married to Mullingar Shamrocks and Westmeath stalwart, Tom Ormsby. Their sons are also Colásite Mhuire and Mullingar Shamrocks players.
If you have Donegal DNA, live in Westmeath, and are unaware of the association, contact Mark Breslin on the WhatsApp Group – 086 373 5214 or join the Facebook page.
Alternatively, turn up on the night…you’ll be more than welcome! The re-launch of Mullingar’s Donegal Association is kicking off at 8pm on Friday, 7 March in the Greville Arms Hotel! Bígí ann! Dún na nGall Abú!
