Westmeath GAA notes
January 30, 2012ALLIANZ NATIONAL LEAGUE FOOTBALL
Westmeath Footballers will start their Div 2 campaign next weekend with an away match against Louth, which is a repeat of the same fixture last year in which Louth claimed victory, neither sides fared well in the O' Byrne Cup with Westmeath losing out to Offaly and DIT while Louth received a W/O from Kilkenny only to lose out to Meath. It's fair to say that in recent past Louth would have the upper hand on Westmeath, however Westmeath will be hoping to make amends for last year's defeats but will need very strong committed performance to achieve this. Westmeath will of course be without the lads from Garrycastle which undoubtedly will be a factor, however, manager Pat Flanagan has been trying new players during the O' Byrne Cup and it's fair to say that a number of them will certainly merit inclusion for the league, perhaps the time has come when some of our U-21's need to step up to the mark as we go through the process of re-building the team. Louth will field a strong side with players like Ray and Dessie Finnegan in defence while up front Derek Crilly, and Ronan Holcroft will pose a big threat. This is going to be a tough battle but Westmeath need to come away with a win.
BORD NA MONA WALSH CUP
Westmeath Hurlers travel to Kilkenny next weekend where they face up to last years All Ireland Champions in the semi-final of this competition. Westmeath had a good win in the opening round against Offaly and it is only playing at this level that Westmeath hurling can progress. I expect a number of new faces in from the last day in next weekend's team as manager Brian Hanley builds his team for the League. Kilkenny also will be trying out new talent and a number of the more established players will probably sit this one out, that being said a good competitive match with any Kilkenny side will be wonderful preparation for Westmeath, and do not rule out a Westmeath win. (strange as it may seem)
CHAMPIONSHIP DRAWS 2012
The draws for the first round of this year's championships took place last week the process was overseen by James Savage - Rúnaí CCC, Liam Gavin & Willie Murphy, and are as follows
Senior Hurling Championship Intermediate Hurling Championship
St. Oliver Plunketts v St. Brigids Clonkill v Raharney
Clonkill v Raharney Crookedwood v Fr. Daltons
Delvin v Castlepollard Brownstown v Turin
Castletown Geoghegan v Lough Lene Gaels Cullion v Ringtown
Junior Hurling A Championship Junior Hurling B Championship (6 Teams)
St. Oliver Plunketts v Delvin Fr. Daltons v Turin
Castletown Geoghegan v Clonkill Crookedwood v Cullion
St. Brigids v Lough Lene Gaels Ringtown v Southern Gaels Castlepollard v Raharney
Senior Football Championship (Sect A) Senior Football Championship (Sect B)
Garrycastle v Tyrrellspass Athlone v The Downs
Bunbrosna v Coralstown/Kinnegad Mullingar Shamrocks v St. Lomans
Killucan v Castledaly Maryland v St. Malachys
Intermediate Football Championship (Sect A) Intermediate Football Championship (Sect B)
Ballynacarrgy v Caulry St. Mary's v Castletown Finea/C/W
Milltownpass v Garrycastle Rosemount v Shandonagh
Tubberclair v Tang Ballinagore v Ballymore
Junior Football Championship (Sect A) Junior Football Championship (Sect B)
St. Paul's v Ballycomoyle Athlone v The Downs
Multyfarnham v Delvin St.Marys Rochfortbridge v Mullingar Shamrocks
Loughnavalley v St. Joseph's Coralstown/Kinnegad v Tyrrellspass
Milltown v Kilbeggan Shamrocks St. Lomans v Caulry
Moate All Whites BYE
COUNTY COMMITTEE MEETIING
At late weeks county committee meeting the following were approved as members of the Hearings Committee for 2012 Alan Duffy, Tom Hunt, Tom Keegan, James Farrelly, Nollaig McEnteggart, Sean Rice, John Julian.
The reports from the Transfers and Regradings Committee were read and approved with number of late Transfers & Regradings discussed and referred to the relevant Committees.
County Secretary Pat Lynagh made the delegates aware of the GAA Amateur Status & Payments to Managers document, which will be discussed at the upcoming Officer Training Night.
County Chairman Tom Farrell wished Garrycastle well in the All Ireland Club Semi Final on February 18th 2012.
Aidan McGuire delegate for The Downs requested the County panels sent to the Clubs, and he also felt it was important that the Co. Manager would be in constant contact with the Clubs regarding players.
REFEREE TRAINING
A training course for new referees is being scheduled for February to be held in Cusack Park, Clubs are requested to send in names of members/individuals who may wish to take up the whistle. Please send the names into Cusack Park marked F.A.O Referees coordinator Liam McDaniel.
MATCH DAY STEWARDS
Westmeath GAA have to commence training of new match day Stewards - County Secretary Pat Lynagh appealed to every Club in the county to submit some names of people who may be interested in availing of this course. In order to continue to have Inter County matches in Cusack Park - we are required to have an adequate number of trained Stewards - so it is important that we have as many as possible available.
CLUB OFFICER TRAINING
On Wednesday February 8th at 7.30pm in the Annebrook House Hotel the Club Officer training night takes place. The format this year is a bit different from previous years. The Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and PRO from each Club will be expected to attend, and each Officer have their own workshop from 8.15pm. From 7.30 to 8,.15 all Officers meet and discuss the Padraig Duffy document on Managers expenses etc. Each Club has a copy of the document, and are asked to discuss it before the night. It is important that this debate takes place in the Club, and that when the Officers are at the meeting it is a Club view that is expressed.
PRÍOMH TICKET EXCHANGE MEMBER
With a New Season upon us it's back to business Croke Park are delighted once again to be
working closely with our county boards to achieve the utmost in standards and efficiency
across the 32 Counties.
This season they are delighted to offer our members and county supporters the opportunity to become Príomh Ticket Exchange Members.
For just €75 Príomh Ticket Exchange Membership gives you the opportunity to purchase
Premium level tickets for GAA matches and the chance to enjoy all the comfort and facilities
premium level has to offer. Membership is ideal for avid GAA fans.
Being a Príomh Ticket Exchange member entitles you to the option of purchasing a
maximum of 4 tickets per match if available. These tickets can be purchased online through
the secure member's site and can be paid with a credit card online. You download and print
off paper tickets at home.
You also receive a Welcome pack, monthly newsletters and there are monthly competitions
for members.
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It's easy, and, 12 months membership only costs €75! If you wish to become a member, or
to find out more information about the scheme, please email [email protected]
Please note Membership does not guarantee tickets for all GAA matches. Membership is limited and sold on first come first serve basis. There is also information on our website
http://www.crokepark.ie/priomh/ticketexchangemembers
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