Crossbar Senior Hurling Championship On Sunday 15th October, in a very exciting final to the Crossbar Senior Hurling final, Castletown Geoghegan and Raharney played out a 1-9 each draw. Castletown Geoghegan opened brighter and led through two points from an Alan Mangan '65 and Robbie Jackson from play. Raharney's John Shaw and Alan Mangan swapped frees before two points from play from Francis Boyle and John Shaw brought the sides level at 0-3 each. Castletown then hit a purple patch and moved three points clear as Mangan's accuracy from frees ensured two of them and a delightful point from Joseph Clarke from near the side line at the terrace side of the ground. Brian Connaughton proved supremely accurate from long distance frees as he reduced the margin to two. Then came the score of the match as a brilliant tackle by John Greville, was followed by a magnificent pass by John Shaw to Niall Flanagan, who drilled the sliothar over the bar from 30 metres out on the left of goals. An Alan Mangan '65 and another excellent free from Brian Connaughton left reduced the margin to the minimum once more. With the final action of the half, Raharney's Stephen Morley finished to the net to leave his side leading 1-6 to 0-7 at the break. Scores were hard to come-by in the second half, two frees from Alan Mangan and a '65 and free from Brian Connaughton meant the Deelsiders continued to hold a two point lead. When Alan Giles shot over a lovely point with less than five minutes remaining it appeared that the Westmeath Examiner Cup was destined for Raharney once more. However Castletown Geoghegan proved to be doughty fighters and Alan Mangan's last gasp goal ensured that the sides must meet again. With the Westmeath winners scheduled to play the Wexford champions in the Leinster Intermediate Hurling championship on 29th October, it would appear that the replay may be scheduled for Saturday 28th. However, this date is not finalised as yet. Lagan Cement Senior Football Championship Final Sunday next at Cusack Park sees the conclusion of the Lagan Cement Senior Football Championship when Tyrrellspass and Castledaly meet to decide the destination of the Flanagan Cup for 2006. Tyrrellspass overcame the challenge of Killucan in their semi final while Castledaly defeated Garrycastle by one point to reach the final. Both teams have a potent mix of youth and experience and I expect that it will be a very well-fought and close final. National Irish Bank Minor Hurling Championship Final The curtain-raiser on Sunday next is the final of the National Irish Bank Minor Hurling championship final. Raharney reached the final following good wins over Castletown Geoghegan, Crookedwood and St. Oliver Plunkett's in the semi final. Their opponents on Sunday are Clonkill, who reached the final with impressive wins over Castlepollard and Southern Gaels/Fr. Dalton's. Clonkill are holders of the Ben Kelly Memorial Cup and they will be doing all in their power to retain the title but Raharney will go into the final in a determined mood following the excellent performance of their Seniors on Sunday last. Westmeath G.A.A. Club Development Lotto There was no jackpot winner in the Westmeath G.A.A. Club Development Lotto draw held on Tuesday last. Match 3 winners were: Jane Geoghegan, c/o St. Oliver Plunkett's G.A.A. Liz Cornally, c/o St. Loman's, Mullingar G.A.A. Peter T. Cunningham, c/o Maryland G.A.A. Vinnie Glynn, c/o Ballymore G.A.A. Mick Clune, c/o Delvin G.A.A. Patsy McDonnell, c/o Delvin G.A.A. Pat Davis, c/o Delvin G.A.A. Martha Sheridan, c/o Delvin G.A.A. Christoir Ennis, c/o Ballinagore G.A.A. Caitriona Ennis, c/o Ballinagore G.A.A. Fergal Gaffney, c/o Delvin G.A.A Noel McManus, c/o Ballymore G.A.A. H. Tillman, c/o Ballymore G.A.A. Brendan Cocoman, c/o Mullingar Shamrocks G.A.A. Brian, Darren, c/o Mullingar Shamrocks G.A.A. Frank McCabe, c/o St. Oliver Plunkett's G.A.A. Denis O'Sullivan, c/o Southern Gaels G.A.A. J & F & L, c/o Detty Cornally, c/o Mullingar Shamrocks G.A.A. The jackpot in the draw to be held on 17th October is €5,020. Bernie Comaskey Congratulations and best wishes to Westmeath G.A.A. supporter Bernie Comaskey, whose book - "If Ever a Man Suffered" was launched on Friday evening last in the Greville Arms Hotel. It is a brilliant and entertaining read and comes highly recommended by many experts. Best of luck, Bernie. Coaching Matters Westmeath/Offaly Hurling Development committee together with Coiste na nÓg are currently organising Foundation level courses. It is important that all Hurling Clubs would avail of this opportunity and forward Names of those within their Club who would be interested in taking part (It is hoped that each Club would send at least ten to take part). The course itself will be run over two sessions. Session (1) will involve one evening (theory) with Session (2) taking place outdoors involving a morning (practical). Commencing on February 2nd, 2007 is a Level 1 Hurling Coaching Course, being held in Westmeath. Interested Coaches with Foundation Certificate are asked to contact Pat Casserly or Michael McHugh if they are interested in taking part. Level 1 Football Courses are to be held in Wicklow (16/10/06), Dublin (6/11/06), Meath (13/11/06), Kildare (8/1/07) and Dublin (15/1/07). Again coaches interested in taking part should contact Pat Casserly or Michael McHugh. VHI Cúl Camps Following the recent VHI Cúl Camps there is some excess gear of Jersey, Shorts, Socks, Bag and Bottle. Anybody interested in purchasing this gear can contact Michael McHugh. Contact I can be contacted with any news and results on 044/9344567 or by e-mail to [email protected] Tweet

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