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05 Sept 2025
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Taoiseach Leo Varadkar addresses onlookers at Mullinalaghta St Columba's GAA club this evening.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has tonight paid tribute to the "inspirational story" behind Mullinalaghta St Columba's march to the brink of All -Ireland glory.
The Fine Gael leader stopped off for a cup of tea en route to his party's European selection convention in Mullingar following the Longford Senior Football champions progression to the All Ireland Club Championship semi final.
Privileged to call into Mullinalaghta GAA. The club that inspired every small community in Ireland and showed us that in sport and life, anything is possible. pic.twitter.com/LJ2vMYEHUd
— Leo Varadkar (@campaignforleo) February 22, 2019
Upon his arrival at The Laurels, he was greeted by local parish priest Fr Simon Cadam as well as players and members from the side's management personnel.
One of those, club stalwart and selector Paddy Brady welcomed Mr Varadkar as a large crowd of interested observers watched on.
Nice to see @campaignforleo down to visit our mighty men of Mullinalaghta! @TheLaurelsM @OfficialLDGAA #GreatDayForTheParish pic.twitter.com/X06UYo09pl
— Bláithín Brady (@BlaithinBrady1) February 22, 2019
"For the last three years and especially the last six months, the people of Mullinalaghta have been living in a bubble," he said.
"The words Brexit and hard border were substituted for Leinster, Kilmacud and Dr Crokes."
Local Fine Gael Cllr Micheal Carrigy said there was no disputing the sheer enormity of Mullinalaghta's achievements.
"You've touched not just the hearts of the people of Longford, but also the people of Ireland with what you have done," he said.
Eurooean selection conventions or otherwise, Mr Varadkar said it was the chance to visit the small, rural north Longford community was an opportunity he could forego.
"I couldn't pass so near to Mullinalaghta without calling in because the story has been an amazing one over the past couple of years " he told those present.
"Everyone who has been interested in sport, and even the ones who aren't, have been following this so closely and it's been such an inspiration to see a club, a small community and a half parish with a population of 400 people being so successful."
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