Milltown GAA and LGFA dinner dance

The Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule, was festooned with balloons and bunting for the Milltown GAA and LGFA dinner dance and presentations night on Saturday last, March 14. A large crowd gathered to celebrate the men’s Div 2 Leinster league win and the ladies’ myriad of victories last year and over the past two decades.

Paddy Wallace, chairman of Westmeath GAA, congratulated the men and women from Milltown and remarked on how great it was to see the two groups celebrating together. He wished St Mary’s CBS Mullingar the best of luck in their upcoming All Ireland final, in particular Eoin Donoghue and Louis Dillon from Milltown.

Paddy was assisted in presenting the medals to the men’s team by Celine Geraghty, chairperson of Milltown GAA, and Brian Nugent, secretary.

Triona Murray, national president of LGFA, and Geraldine Giles, chairperson of Westmeath LGFA, presented the ladies with their Senior Championship Div 1 league medals.

Triona complimented Milltown Ladies on being from such a small area, yet bringing such pride to the club and county, having won Leinster and All Ireland titles. In a heartfelt address, she praised the club saying, “you keep coming back”.

Geraldine Giles also gave a heartfelt speech in which she thanked Ann Somers for her contribution to ladies football, both at club and county level.

Special presentations were made by Tom Dillon, manager, to the four players who have won 10 senior championships – Katie Somers, Kellie Boyce-Jordan, Karen Walsh and Sinead Slevin.

Grainne Byrne made a special presentation to Tom Dillon, manager of the ladies’ team. She thanked Tom for “being with us from under 8”. The crystal trophy bore the inscription – “Massive appreciation Tom, your wisdom and dedication echoes in our victories”.

Milltown Ladies have been crowned county senior champions ten times – in 2007, ’11, ’13, ’14, ’15, ’18, ’21, ’22, ‘23 and ’25. The captains of each of the winning teams were present on the night, 11 in all as Rachel Dillon and Leanne Slevin were joint captains in 2023.

Sarah Dillon, who was captain in 2025, presented Ann Somers, fondly known as “Mammy Milltown”, with a framed photograph of herself on the side line, and a bouquet of flowers for all her work as chairperson of the club. Sarah presented Gerry Somers with a bottle of whiskey and a framed photograph of the club selectors, in recognition of his contribution to their success.

Bernie Kiernan was presented with a framed family photograph taken after last year’s final and a voucher, for being a selector. Kate Dillon was presented with a framed family photograph and a voucher “for everything she does” for the club. John Gilligan received a presentation in recognition of his strength and conditioning work with the ladies’ teams.

Music was provided by Paul Lynch and DG Kelly. During the evening, there was a slide show of photographs taking over the years, compiled by photographer Andrea Brady. The tickets for the event were designed by Laura Heduan, PRO of Milltown GAA. Sheefin Florists sponsored the beautiful bouquets presented.

Spot prize winners were: Mag Igoe - Ennell Jewellery sponsor, George Byrne - fuel voucher D&N sponsor, Orlaith’s Sheerin - Red Earth voucher sponsored by Lely, John Mulvaney – voucher sponsored by D&N, Lynda Somers - Rustic Inn voucher,

Martin Lynn - wine sponsored by Milltown GAA, Nathan Creagh Dillon - Tom Birmingham voucher, Rachel Finn - Red Earth voucher sponsored by Lely