Councillors congratulate Coláiste Mhuire CBS on back-to-back Leinster titles

A vote of congratulations was passed by members of the Mullingar–Kinnegad Municipal District at their February meeting to the football team of Coláiste Mhuire CBS, Mullingar, on their achievement in winning back-to-back Leinster titles.

The proposal was put forward by Cllr Ken Glynn, who noted that the school is his alma mater.

“I was watching it from afar as I was on holiday, but it was a fabulous achievement,” he said. “And we can say this, councillors – it was all a bit sweeter that we beat an Athlone college.”

He described the victory as fantastic for Westmeath GAA and for the college, and suggested that the district write formally to the school to congratulate the team on the success. He also praised the large attendance at Cusack Park for the match.

“So many people have gone through that school and never seen that level of success,” he said.

“The achievement might not fully hit the young lads now, but it will in time. It’s important for everyone attending the school.”

Cllr Mick Dollard said he had played hurling and football with Mullingar CBS during his schooldays and at the time the school “never won anything”, making the current success all the more notable.

Cllr Emily Wallace congratulated the team and said her own son attends the school and is friends with many on the squad. She praised the players’ dedication, noting that they train at 7am.

Cllr Aoife Davitt associated herself with the congratulations and thanked local businesses and the wider community for their support of the team. “It was a huge show of support from everybody,” she said.

Cllr Bill Collentine described the achievement as “great for the team and great for the town”, while Cllr Denis Leonard, who said he has been involved in underage coaching for 25 years, highlighted how difficult it is to win at that level.

“To even compete in the A section is tough, but to win it twice in a row is extremely difficult,” he said, wishing the team continued success.

Cllr Alfie Devine also wished to be associated with the remarks in relation to Coláiste Mhuire: “It’s fantastic for a school, fantastic for the area, fantastic for the county,” he said.