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National Forum

Westmeath Football thread

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Replying To Claretandblue:  "There wasn't a whole lot wrong overall but the championship display versus Kildare in Cusack Park surely signalled the end for that management group. The first half display was shambolic and if you add in the display against Louth then it's a lot of damning evidence against the management."
Have to agree, fairly hammered against Louth (no defensive structure), steadied against a poor Wexford side. Good win over the Dubs might have glossed the year a bit. Then the Kildare was desperate, no tactics, kickouts were just boot it long, game was over after 20 mins and that shouldn't happen with the talent that was in that team. let Kildare pass it around for the whole 2nd half until they walked the ball over the bar.

Lakeman93 (Westmeath) - Posts: 29 - 14/09/2026 09:09:46    2693724

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Tubberclair were so unlucky yesterday they play a great brand of football always looking for the kick pass inside and going for the 2 pointer when it's on
I've no doubt in 3 or 4 years they'll be one of the top 2 teams in Westmeath if they can keep everyone going
McCabe hit a huge 2 pointer and tom Kelleher was superb even though he wouldn't be one of their bigger names I feel McHugh could definitely take a look at him
Heslin was unbelievable some of his scores were immense and winning the kickout on the last play was huge they're so lucky to have him
Felt for Fred Kelleher at the end he had the chance to win it with the last kick but it just slipped off the boot definitely the game of the championship so far

TheWagonWheel-N91Y529 (Westmeath) - Posts: 25 - 14/09/2026 09:54:06    2693728

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Replying To Undertheroad:  "Moate looking like serious contenders for championship at this stage full of goals and we'll organised."
Not sure what you were watching, Athlone beat themselves, poor defending for the goals, wasteful 2 point kicking in the last 5 mins, and for most of the game Moate were second best.
Shane Allen gave an exhibition of football, the 2 pointer in the second half from the sideline was magnificat.

Tubberclair should have had a QF against one of Moate or Athlone as a result of topping the group, for them to get the 3rd place from Group 1 was dreadful.

They should at least refer back to the previous system, Garrycastle can be well annoyed that they lost out on a QF place.

Corofin123 (Westmeath) - Posts: 36 - 14/09/2026 11:09:24    2693745

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Replying To Bluelake:  "Today further highlights this ridiculous format. Tubberclair, Garrycastle and Mullingar Shamrocks are all much better teams than Moate. Kinnegad should be the ones to play the "easier" semi-final , they got no reward compared to the downs despite finishing above them. It's a complete joke. It won't matter as the downs will win the championship comfortably. They will slaughter Moate in the semi-final. If Moate keep it below ten they've had a great day."
It was peculiar that the QF wasn't seeded with Athlone v Loman's and Moate v Tubberclair being the fairest draw. Tubberclair topped the group and then had to meet Loman's, Kinnegad and The Downs were they to win it.

Hopefully they fix these areas next year. Shandonagh with a huge win that'll benefit them less than a hard training session.

DelaneyCup2026 (Westmeath) - Posts: 52 - 14/09/2026 11:23:41    2693750

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Replying To Lakeman93:  "Have to agree, fairly hammered against Louth (no defensive structure), steadied against a poor Wexford side. Good win over the Dubs might have glossed the year a bit. Then the Kildare was desperate, no tactics, kickouts were just boot it long, game was over after 20 mins and that shouldn't happen with the talent that was in that team. let Kildare pass it around for the whole 2nd half until they walked the ball over the bar."
Bit harsh yes wasnt great but no set pitch or setup doesnt help either but not allowed mention that?

Gaaforlife2023 (Longford) - Posts: 1350 - 14/09/2026 11:39:19    2693754

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Shane Lowry showed his class last night.. with that sing song. The league game should be good fun in the new year! Hopefully it's in Offaly and we give them a nice hammering in Tullamore!

Matthew (None) - Posts: 1125 - 14/09/2026 13:09:26    2693779

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Replying To Bluelake:  "Today further highlights this ridiculous format. Tubberclair, Garrycastle and Mullingar Shamrocks are all much better teams than Moate. Kinnegad should be the ones to play the "easier" semi-final , they got no reward compared to the downs despite finishing above them. It's a complete joke. It won't matter as the downs will win the championship comfortably. They will slaughter Moate in the semi-final. If Moate keep it below ten they've had a great day."
Or did it highlight that the gap that people think there is between the top 6 and the bottom 6 isn't as big as people think?
I'd agree there should have been seeding so Tubberclair should have played Athlone and Moate Lomans but lots of people have written about how far ahead the top group of 6 are ahead of Tubberclair, Athlone etc. when apart from the downs and probably Tang there is probably very little of a gap

CasKD (Westmeath) - Posts: 55 - 14/09/2026 13:45:38    2693788

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Replying To Matthew:  "Shane Lowry showed his class last night.. with that sing song. The league game should be good fun in the new year! Hopefully it's in Offaly and we give them a nice hammering in Tullamore!"
Nothing new from Shane there, its a regular theme for him. Hopefully plenty of Westmeath people see it and we give him a little payback in the league

Darragh (Westmeath) - Posts: 376 - 14/09/2026 14:29:28    2693794

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any word on whcih semi finals are on the Sat/Sun yet?

martyW (Westmeath) - Posts: 366 - 14/09/2026 16:03:42    2693803

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Replying To Undertheroad:  "Moate looking like serious contenders for championship at this stage full of goals and we'll organised."
Does anyone know whats going on with james mitchell and ronan murray 2 great young footballers for Moate who havent appeared much this year

TheBreakingBall412 (Westmeath) - Posts: 1 - 14/09/2026 16:16:44    2693805

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Replying To TheBreakingBall412:  "Does anyone know whats going on with james mitchell and ronan murray 2 great young footballers for Moate who havent appeared much this year"
Mitchell it seems is injured while Murray has only featured sporadically but looking at the forward line I don't see who he would start ahead of either.

DelaneyCup2026 (Westmeath) - Posts: 52 - 14/09/2026 17:43:44    2693828

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Replying To Matthew:  "Shane Lowry showed his class last night.. with that sing song. The league game should be good fun in the new year! Hopefully it's in Offaly and we give them a nice hammering in Tullamore!"
They will play Division 4 in Tullamore,
They will play Division 4 for evermore,
They will play Division 4
They will play for evermore,
They will play Division 4 in Tullamore.

kingfixer1 (Westmeath) - Posts: 9 - 14/09/2026 17:57:02    2693829

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Replying To CasKD:  "Or did it highlight that the gap that people think there is between the top 6 and the bottom 6 isn't as big as people think?
I'd agree there should have been seeding so Tubberclair should have played Athlone and Moate Lomans but lots of people have written about how far ahead the top group of 6 are ahead of Tubberclair, Athlone etc. when apart from the downs and probably Tang there is probably very little of a gap"
There is a gap between the top 3 and the other teams. There isn't a discernible difference though between most of the other teams. Tubberclair showed yesterday that they are probably the best of the rest and this game will bring them on another notch. If any of the others played each other on a given day, the result wouldn't be a given.

Iarmhisamhi (Westmeath) - Posts: 76 - 14/09/2026 18:56:11    2693837

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Replying To CasKD:  "Or did it highlight that the gap that people think there is between the top 6 and the bottom 6 isn't as big as people think?
I'd agree there should have been seeding so Tubberclair should have played Athlone and Moate Lomans but lots of people have written about how far ahead the top group of 6 are ahead of Tubberclair, Athlone etc. when apart from the downs and probably Tang there is probably very little of a gap"
I don't think the gap is major at all, The Downs and Kinnegad are strong but they certainly aren't superstars, possible that they are just slightly ahead of other teams but I think this years structure if seeded may have been ok as it turned out. The intermediate gap is certainly bigger than the senior. Maybe Tubberclair running Loman's all the way will justify it for another year but in all fairness it should be back to the 4 and 2. Or else seed the top 3 in each group and revert back to a relegation playoff between the bottom two. Being exempt from relation for a year is letting a lot of average teams of the hook. You only have to look at this years relegation playoff in Roscommon to see a big gun can go on a given year.

DelaneyCup2026 (Westmeath) - Posts: 52 - 14/09/2026 20:10:10    2693841

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Replying To DelaneyCup2026:  "Mitchell it seems is injured while Murray has only featured sporadically but looking at the forward line I don't see who he would start ahead of either."
Mitchell is getting surgery on a quad injury I believe, he played rd 1 for Moate at wing back and had a fine game. Adam buckley from shamrocks is an up and coming talent would definitely fill in for James in are senior squad early in the season. Aodhan Curran named on the bench for Moate also a fine footballer. Murray didn't feature at all on Saturday didn't leave his seat in the stand bar at halftime - possibly nurturing an injury can't see why he wouldn't feature otherwise.

Blackandamber25 (Westmeath) - Posts: 4 - 14/09/2026 22:54:35    2693854

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Replying To DelaneyCup2026:  "I don't think the gap is major at all, The Downs and Kinnegad are strong but they certainly aren't superstars, possible that they are just slightly ahead of other teams but I think this years structure if seeded may have been ok as it turned out. The intermediate gap is certainly bigger than the senior. Maybe Tubberclair running Loman's all the way will justify it for another year but in all fairness it should be back to the 4 and 2. Or else seed the top 3 in each group and revert back to a relegation playoff between the bottom two. Being exempt from relation for a year is letting a lot of average teams of the hook. You only have to look at this years relegation playoff in Roscommon to see a big gun can go on a given year."
Tubberclair are an anomaly. Backboned by loads of minor and under 20 teams. If the structure made sense they'd have played Athlone not Lomans which is another joke. Moate are bang average, as are Athlone. Garrycastle and shamrocks would beat moate easily. They need to either go back to the old format or seed both groups evenly, with top in each going to semi's, second and third going to quarters. The only good thing is killucan didn't get through after they dreamed up this ridiculous structure

Bluelake (Westmeath) - Posts: 370 - 15/09/2026 08:50:18    2693868

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Replying To BadgerDog:  "Some good contests to look forward to this weekend, Saturday in particular with 2 local derbies.
Senior
Athlone v Moate: Huge opportunity for both teams to get to a county semi final, probably won't get a better chance than this year as I would say the format will change next year. Local derby and tough one to call, Moate won when they met in the group but I think Athlone have improved since then. Gonna go for Athlone to win narrowly.
St Lomans v Tubberclair: Actually give Tubberclair a good chance in this. Lomans have been poor this year compared to their usual high standards. Weren't overly impressive in beating Caulry but got the job done. However, they are still unbeaten this year and they are extremely hard to beat in knockout games, in the last 10 years they have only lost 4 games in Westmeath in knockout football. Tubberclair have impressed so far and have a good youthful team but I think they may have too many fires to put out in terms of the match winners Lomans have. Lomans to stumble over the line.
Inter
Shandonagh v Ballinagore: Ballinagore deserve all the credit they get this year, they have been brilliant and fair play to them for getting through to the quarter final. Ennis getting a serious tune out of them and McDaniels being back has been a major help too. I do think this will be a step too far for them as Shandonagh were impressive at the weekend. I think they have the backs to shut down McDaniels and if he isn't firing they will struggle. Shandonagh to win by 10+.
Ballymore v Rosemount: Local derby and expecting this to be tight. Big opportunity for both of these teams, I think Rosemount may just get over the line but wouldn't rule out Ballymore by any means."
Entertaining weekend by all accounts, all games bar Shandonagh Ballinagore were well contested. Lomans found a way to creep over the line but Tubberclair pushed them all the way in fairness. Moate have been the big winners from the new format, came 3rd in Section B and are now in a semi final while the other 2 section B teams are out, but that's not their fault. Huge progress from them as I don't think they ever made it out of the group since they first came up to Senior in 2021. They'll be confident ahead of a one off game with The Downs but very hard to see them winning, just think they may be undercooked going into this having not played a Section A team, there is a big step up from Section B to Section A apart from Tubberclair.
In fairness I would have said there was a big gap between the big 3 and the rest but based on the weekend Tubberclair aren't too far off and will only improve as the years go on.
I do think its inevitable that the format will be changed for next year, when you do stop and think about it is farcical that Moate could get to a county semi final this year and technically be relegated next year.

BadgerDog (Westmeath) - Posts: 57 - 15/09/2026 10:22:40    2693877

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Replying To Bluelake:  "Tubberclair are an anomaly. Backboned by loads of minor and under 20 teams. If the structure made sense they'd have played Athlone not Lomans which is another joke. Moate are bang average, as are Athlone. Garrycastle and shamrocks would beat moate easily. They need to either go back to the old format or seed both groups evenly, with top in each going to semi's, second and third going to quarters. The only good thing is killucan didn't get through after they dreamed up this ridiculous structure"
Yeah I would agree with this statement. How they could have an open draw for quarter finals was farcical. Tubberclair were better off finishing 3rd, would be in a semi final and would get the benefit of going through Section B group again next year.

BadgerDog (Westmeath) - Posts: 57 - 15/09/2026 10:32:38    2693879

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Replying To Blackandamber25:  "Mitchell is getting surgery on a quad injury I believe, he played rd 1 for Moate at wing back and had a fine game. Adam buckley from shamrocks is an up and coming talent would definitely fill in for James in are senior squad early in the season. Aodhan Curran named on the bench for Moate also a fine footballer. Murray didn't feature at all on Saturday didn't leave his seat in the stand bar at halftime - possibly nurturing an injury can't see why he wouldn't feature otherwise."
I was in the stand on Saturday for the Moate game, and from listening to the Moate supporters around me, there was plenty of frustration that they weren't playing their strongest team, with names like Murray, Whitney, Fanning, etc. being mentioned.

In fairness, Athlone were poor enough on the day, and they were still in the game right until the end. A few of the Moate supporters were asking why more of the lads who won the U20s two years ago weren't getting a chance.

It was noticeable that some of the older moate players are struggling to keep up with the pace now. A few of them looked to be really struggling to stay with the Athlone players. You'd imagine the younger lads would bring a bit more pace and energy to the team, especially against the better sides.

Tosserhead13 (Westmeath) - Posts: 5 - 15/09/2026 11:46:39    2693887

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Replying To Overthebar85:  "Ronan was one of Kenny McKinley's batch of u20s as well as one of moates main men the last few years. Don't think those comments are fair on a young man of his callibre."
What's the issue? I don't see who he starts ahead of and the Moate management obviously agree. He's a good young player if you want me to add that.

DelaneyCup2026 (Westmeath) - Posts: 52 - 15/09/2026 13:41:11    2693900

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