Football Championships raises plenty of Questions:
The football championships in Senior,Intermediate & Junior grades certainly threw up some very interesting encounters which raised more questions in my mind than answered them. At Senior level, Champions St Lomans Mullingar continued on their merry way when they had too much in hand over Maryland to remain unbeaten on their quest for a second successive title. They have made the semi finals and on current form look a formidable outfit. Joining them in the semi finals are Coralstown/Kinnegad who despite losing Garrycastle will be very pleased with their progress to date so far this season. Killucan,Tyrrellspass and Mullingar Shamrocks have all made the quarter finals while St Malachys and Garrycastle must play off to determine the final quarter final spot. At the opposite end of the Senior Table, Athlone & Castledaly will contest the relegation final. Both sides had contrasting fortunes in their final group games with Castledaly powering to a 4-13 to 2-9 win over The Downs while Athlone lost out to their bogey side Bunbrosna by 3-9 to 3-8 in what was a very entertaining and competitive encounter, a win which ensured Senior status for Bun for 2015. At Intermediate level, Tang & Tubberclair have qualified top of their respective Divisions to make the semi finals while Rosemount,Ballymore,Caulry & Milltownpass securced quarter final berths. Ballinagore and Mullingar Shamrocks will contest the relegation final to determine who drops to the Junior grade for 2015. Finally at Junior level, Moate All Whites and Multyfarnham finished first and second to claim the two semi final spots while St Pauls,Kilbeggan Shamrocks,St Lomans Mullingar and Garrycastle will play in the quarter finals. Taking a broad look at the knock out stages in all three championships while all the sides who have qualified are there on merit, there are a few surprise packets with Killucan at Senior level and Multyfarnham at Junior level catching the eye. St Malachys in their return season in the top flight have had some fine results though heavily defeated by Tyrrellspass, they have had a successful season and are still in contention. Tang and Tubberclair have impressed in topping their groups at Intermediate level while Rosemounts young side look to be heading in the right direction. Moate have marched through the Junior championship unbeaten and are favourites for the Junior Grade but the chasing pack will have a say and there may well be a surprise or two before that championship is decided. Looking at relegation games in Senior & Intermediate level, there are two mouth watering clashes to look forward to over the next few weeks. Certainly, the clash of Athlone and Castledaly will draw the crowds and it will take a brave commentator to predict the outcome of that clash. Ballinagore and Mullingar Shamrocks contest the equivalent game at Intermediate level and similar to the Senior game, it will be a hard one to predict.
Hurling Championships Next Weekend:
It will be the turn of the club hurling championships to take centre stage next week with another full round of games in the Senior & Intermediate grades. It is the final round of the group stages so there is plenty up for grabs with quarter and semi final along with relegation places to be decided. The full list of fixtures are listed in www.westmeathgaa.ie
Minor & Under 16 Semi final Draws:
With the Minor & Under 16 championships heading towards the knock out stages and the make up of the top four in each of the respective grades will be known by next weekend. The draw for both age groups was made at the double header of Intermediate & Senior Championship games in Cusack Park on Sunday 24th August. Details of the draws will be forwarded to clubs by Bord na nÓg during the week. The quarter finals will be played on Wednesday 10th September.
All Ireland Finals Tickets:
Applications for the forthcoming All Ireland Hurling & Football finals in September are closing in with the deadline for applications being 22nd August for the Hurling finals and 5th September for the Football finals. All applications must be submitted with a blank cheque made out to CLG Iarmhí. Please note that Clubs are reminded that arrears owing to County Committee must be settled prior to the dates in question.
Westmeath GAA Golf Classic:
Westmeath GAA are holding a Golf Classic on Friday 19th September in New Forest Golf Club Tyrrellspass. The event is for teams of four and the cost is €240 which includes dinner and refreshments on course.
I can be contacted at [email protected] or 086 3992403
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