Founded in 1910, St Loman’s is one of two GAA clubs in the Westmeath county town of Mullingar. Its superb clubhouse and ultra-modern facilities is home to two men’s teams (senior and minor), a senior ladies team, and an active academy of 25 underage teams.

One of the pitches at St. Loman’s GAA Club in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

With seven county senior titles plus one county senior hurling championship, the blue and white jerseys are a model club for the region. Gaelic football stars like Mick Carley (’57-’77) and John Heslin (2009-current) add considerable prestige and honour, compelling the club to maintain high standards on and off the pitch.

Club secretary Rodney Martin appreciates the level of detail and discipline needed to sustain the club’s prominence. When he’s not representing the club or working at his full-time job as a construction engineer, he’s on the tractor cutting the grass and surrounds on the park’s two pitches, soon to be three pitches beginning next year.

“Getting out on the tractor and mowing is my time out,” Rodney laughs. “It’s a chance for me to get away from it all.”

The club bought a MAJOR Swift 2.4m roller mower, which has significantly reduced mowing times while leaving a professional striped finish every time. “In the springtime, I’m out mowing twice a week, three times during the summer,” says Rodney. The 60mm blade overlap gives a consistently high-quality cut. “It leaves a beautiful striped finish, far better than the mower we previously used.”

The Major Swift 2.4m roller mower

“Appearance is hugely important for the players and the visiting team,” continues Rodney. “I’ll double cut the pitch before the big games. We’ve set a standard in this region, so much so that surrounding clubs ask to play on our pitch.”

Easy operability and versatility of the gear-driven roller mower were also advantages. “It’s so simple to operate,” commented Rodney. “I’m not technical at all and I’m able to use it and do any repairs required. It’s really useful – not only do we cut the two pitches with it, we also cut the surrounds.”

With the various events and activities happening throughout the year, the club required a reliable and trouble-free mower. The gear-driven powerline eliminates the problems associated with belt-driven mowers. “It’s so inexpensive to run and maintain. We sharpen the blades and that’s it,” Rodney remarks. “No other repairs what-so-ever. An added bonus – it’s made here in Ireland.”