Hurlers bow out with Pride.
A 4-15 to 1-12 win for Limerick against Westmeath at Cusack park suggests at first glance that this was a straightforward win for the Munster men but certainly until the last few minutes, it was far from that. Westmeath shipped two goals inside the opening ten minutes to trail by 2-2 to 0-2 and it looked like an easy outing for the visitors. But Westmeath over the next 16 minutes held Limerick scoreless while adding 1-5 without reply to lead by 1-7 to 2-2 as the game headed into the final five minutes of the half. The Westmeath goal was well crafted with midfielder Cormac Boyle rifling the ball to the roof of the net in the 22nd minute. Despite living dangerously at times, Westmeath deserved to lead at that stage and though Limerick got four points in the remaining minutes to move 2-6 to 1-7 ahead, the omens were good for the second half.  On the resumption, Limerick got in for their third goal (later shown to be wide on TV) within 90 seconds of the restart but Westmeath continued to keep in touch with the scores at 3-9 to 1-9 in the 41st minute. The heavy rain and thunder which disrupted the flow of the game in the second half saw both sides fail to score for a long time.  Westmeath did come to within five points twice within the final quarter but a couple of spurned opportunities saw Limerick gain momentum in the final stages during which time, they added on 1-5 without reply.  The 12 point margin was somewhat flattering on the visitors but let there be no doubt that this has been a very progressive championship season for Westmeath. Well done to all who are connected with the Senior team set up, the platform for progress has been made but the only pity is that we will have to wait until 2016 to build further.
Leinster Final Beckons:
1931,1949,and 2004 are the only previous occasions that Westmeath have graced the Leinster Senior football final and that all too infrequent statistic is not being joined by 2015 as the Lake County face Dublin next Sunday. Following on from that marvellous but long overdue win over Meath last Sunday the whole county, and not just the GAA fraternity have received a huge boost in morale. Westmeath needs more occasions like this and while the challenge that lies ahead is formidable, the fact is that our Senior footballers are there entirely on merit. Good wins over Louth and Wexford prior to the win over Meath have lifted the profile of our county team. The feeling though is that while we will be huge underdogs going into the final is that Westmeath have a punchers chance at the very least next Sunday. The bookies have Dublin as 1/500 to win with Westmeath at 25/1 to win next Sunday.  They are crazy odds in a two horse race and I for one believe that we certainly can do very well next Sunday. Undoubtedly Dublin are a force to be reckoned with and they are deservedly favourites for this years All Ireland. But this has also been the case for most of the past 10 years and while they have won titles in 2011 and 2013, they haven't been invincible. Donegal who as recently as five were a shambolic outfit have contested two All Ireland finals winning the title in 2012 are an example that Westmeath can look to for inspiration.  In last years All Ireland semi final the men from the north came from 0-8 to 0-3 behind to defeat the Blues by 3-14 to 0-17 in what was deemed to be a huge shock. However, they came to that game with a plan and had the belief that they could get the right result which they did.  Being realistic, the odds are stacked heavily against Westmeath but who knows what will happen once the two teams go out on the field on Sunday. Go for it Westmeath, there is nothing to lose!
Ticket Sales for Leinster Final:
Ticket sale arrangements are as follows: Every day from today 9-2 in Cusack Park Mullingar
Tuesday 7th & Thursday 9th July 2015 in Cusack Park Mullingar 6-8pm. Also Pairc Ciaran Athlone Wednesday 8th July 6-8pm. Please note cut off point for tickets will be 12 noon on Friday 10th July 2015
Special Train to Leinster Final:
Iarnród Éireann is delighted to announce an additional non-stop train service from Athlone to Dublin for match supporters on Sunday, 12th July 2015.
 
The train will depart Athlone Station at 10.40hrs and arrive in Dublin Heuston at 11.55hrs.  Passengers can return on the 18.30hrs, 18.45hrs or 20.30hrs trains to Athlone.
 
All tickets should be purchased online at www.irishrail.ie or from your local train Station.
Please do not hesitate to contact me on 091 537554 if you require any further information.
 

Club Iarmhí Draw:
The Club Iarmhí draw will now take place on Friday 10th July in the Annebrook House Hotel at 8-30pm. With over €16000 euro in prizes on offer, the opportunity to enter the draw is only open for a few more days so do make sure to get your ticket on time to avoid disappointment.

County Committee Meeting:
The next County Committee meeting will be on Wednesday 15 July at 8pm in Pairc Ciaran Athlone
Westmeath GAA Development Lotto:
The most recent draw was on Tuesday 30 June and the numbers drawn were 8,12,19 and 27. There was no Jackpot winner so next weeks draw will see the Jackpot reach €12380. We had four match three winners of €80 each and they were;
Cathy Morley C/O Ballinagore GAA
Packie Sheerin C/O Delvin GAA
Billy & Pippa Lambden C/O St Lomans Mullingar GAA
Sean Matthews C/O Mullingar Shamrocks GAA

I can be contacted at [email protected] or 086 3992403

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