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Westmeath Football thread - 4 Like(s)
Replying To Claretandblue: "We missed nothing, Harte's right hand man Gavin Devlin gone to Louth in a full time role, his coaching was lauded by all in Louth and in Derry, Offaly will get a good O' Byrne Cup run but that's all" Id take Harte in a heartbeat. 34 or 35 years coaching county teams, 6 all Ireland titles between minor, u21 and senior. He has been around the block and is arguably the greatest football manager. Kelly has a similar role to Devlin in Offaly overseeing development squads, he turned down the Offaly senior job before because of work commitments so maybe he himself feels he needs support to combine all. I dont see how it would undermine him. Offaly have a problem with some of their best players not committing to the jersey. If this doesnt motivate them then nothing will. One thing Louth and Offaly both have is great leadership from the top in chairmen like Peter Fitzpatrick and Michael Duignan. Louth were in division 4 when Harte came and look where they are now, a new stadium in the pipeline too. Offaly have won u20 football and u21 hurling All Irelands in space of 4 years. We cant even bring through players to play senior but hey we missed nothing here move on .
A_Chairde (National) - 20/08/2024 11:42:27
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Westmeath Football thread - 3 Like(s)
Replying To ear2ground: "David Geoghan what an inspiring appointment for u17 county manager. After the last management team which by all accounts was very weak and full of excuses, wouldn you think the county board would try headhunt someone with some pedigree. His experience at adult level is carrying water bottles for Lomans. Anyway with that said best i do wish them luck we need to start been competitive again at this level." Im not familiar with the new u17 manager but is there any need for the water bottles comment
A_Chairde (National) - 25/08/2024 21:22:03
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Westmeath Hurling thread - 3 Like(s)
Replying To jobber: "If you look at practically all of our clubs they were at one time or another founded as amalgamations of two or more clubs.Population numbers in rural Ireland fell for over a century so they were inevitable.Some clubs were able to adapt to these realities and became successful whilst others kept their heads in the sand and kept going only with bitterness for their neighbours." 100% jobber (very fitting username!) The Ringtown HC story for example is truly interesting, as they were formally known as Ringtown Cricket Club! Westmeath was once a cricketing stronghold, even amongst the working class people, particularly in the north of the county. But as you know the growth of cultural nationalism and the resurgence of gaelic games during the early 1900s changed the landscape of sport in this country forever. Thus Ringtown CC was renamed Ringtown Myles O'Reillys. I have heard that Ringtown is a townland but the correct name for the townload is Ringstown. The club had disbanded during the 50s/60s but rose again to win the championship in 1980. This Ringtown revival came in the aftermath of a Land Commission transfer of familes from Co Mayo. An influx of new families ( Kilcoynes, Corrigans and Burkes ) into the locality gave the club a new lease of life. If you look at the Ringtown team that won the 1980 championship two third are made up of Kilcoynes, Corrigans and Burkes. The Ringtown team to this day remain backboned by the same families.
A_Chairde (National) - 16/11/2023 16:03:44
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Westmeath Football thread - 3 Like(s)
Replying To mickcunningham: "what hope would it give" Westmeath putting in a heroic performance to beat Wexford in their own backyard gives a lot of hope to the underdog. We dont all have the loser attitude like yourself Mick
A_Chairde (National) - 22/05/2023 14:17:18
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Westmeath Hurling thread - 2 Like(s)
Replying To Claretandblue: "In a predominantly football area traditionally it's a great achievement. Carping about their size hardly fair. Southern Gaels have Athlone's population. It's not easy promoting hurling where other sports are traditionally strong. Brian McCabe, Sean Smyth, Denis O' Rourke, Spike McCormack and couple of others keeping things going. Compared to what other hurling clubs? Castletown have a huge pick and Clonkill's pick in last 25 years is renowned for how far it stretches." I agree its a great achievement for a club in a football area but Fr Daltons are not a small club. The small clubs are Turin, Crookedwood, Ringtown and Brownstown.
A_Chairde (National) - 15/09/2025 17:17:47
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Westmeath Football thread - 2 Like(s)
Replying To Claretandblue: "Game versus Kildare called off after Kildare withdrew. Disappointing although given current weather getting a pitch might have been an issue." Dont enter a competition if youre not going to fulfil fixtures. Hope Leinster GAA throw the book at Louth and Kildare
A_Chairde (National) - 10/01/2023 12:57:31
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Westmeath Football thread - 2 Like(s)
Replying To Upforthegame23: "Brilliant result for u20s in terrible conditions. Whittaker excellent. Baker, scahill, killian, Daly and Cooney all stood up tonight. Hopefully leech will get back soon. Great credit to damien gavin and his backroom. I think top two qualify from this group so westmeath in a great position now. That kildare team were fancied for an all ireland considering Naas school recent success. They will still be in the mix. I'd expect to see some of the u20s that are on snr panel to feature against Tipp" I was at the game and felt ten foot tall going back up the road after seeing a gritty and determind performance from Westmeath in what must be said horrendous conditions. Whittaker was immense but every one of them stood out even Shane Corcoran when he came on and laid off a score . I think the Armagh game really stood to us going into last night. Id encourage everyone to get out and support this team. A bye in round 2 then home to Wexford on April 4th. Well done to Damien Gavin , his players and backroom.
A_Chairde (National) - 22/03/2023 10:59:11
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Westmeath Football thread - 2 Like(s)
Excellent win for the minors tonight., played some really good football. Loads of talent in this team to go further , the win guarantees a preliminary quarter final against Carlow, Wicklow or Wexford, correct me if Im wrong. Of course if we beat Kildare away next week were straight to a quarter final. A great confidence booster going to Newbridge either way. The Westmeath scorers tonight-W Scahill 2-4, J Duignan 1-4 D Kelly 0-3, S Whittaker 0-2 R McCaul 0-1 D Burke 0-1
A_Chairde (National) - 10/04/2025 21:20:57
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Westmeath Football thread - 2 Like(s)
Mc Hugh is taking the job. Great news that Mark will be appointed tonight
A_Chairde (National) - 09/09/2025 08:56:58
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Westmeath Football thread - 1 Like(s)
What a win for Marist College in extra time. Hopefully CBS can make it an all Westmeath final
A_Chairde (National) - 14/01/2026 15:09:57
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Westmeath Football thread - 1 Like(s)
Replying To mintyfresh: "Maughan didn't bring Tomas O Se into Offaly. Michael Duignan did that like he has brought Mickey Harte in with Declan Kelly already in place. The hope there was for O Se to take over from Maughan the following year but O Se walked after the first year when he was expected to take over as manager after Maughan was forced out. In fairness to Maughan he did a good job there, qualifying them from Division 3 into 2 in his first season. He was treated badly in the end and it backfired on Offaly when O Se didn't take over from him." Ok it didnt work out for O Se there, Maughan left Offaly in a better than when he took over, brought them to Div 2 as you said
A_Chairde (National) - 23/08/2024 13:29:43
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Westmeath Football thread - 1 Like(s)
Replying To johnnyh: "The conditions today suited the Claremorris side better. Without wishing to detract from their well-earned victory I think a pretty waterlogged pitch suited them as a physically bigger side. The Mayo school had certainly done some homework and were very strong up the middle. In reality most matches at this level are won here. Scored 4 Goals and possibly could have had one or two more in the second half on the break. Credit to a fantastic effort from the Colaiste Mhuire lads, they kept at it when little went their way. A super group of footballers coached by guys still playing themselves at a high level. Great Achievement for Westmeath to be there while certainly also, perhaps, a missed opportunity. I would not be in the least surprised to see them back at this fixture in 12 months." Well put, Claremorris had there homework done as you say, a good few of there players looked stronger than any of the CBS lads. Darragh Beirne was playing in the Mayo senior championship last year. Not to be today but Colaiste Mhuire can be very proud of their efforts and achievements.
A_Chairde (National) - 22/02/2025 21:18:03
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Senior Football Championship 2024 - 1 Like(s)
Well done Armagh . Strength in depth is crucial for any thats going to be successful.
A_Chairde (National) - 13/07/2024 20:06:15
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Westmeath Football thread - 1 Like(s)
Replying To Claretandblue: "Brilliant game, fantastic advertisement for the grade and the new rules, credit to Kenny Mc and his management who clearly focused on the competition after being beaten by Dubs, really good preparation for those lads as they prepare for adult inter county next year, in some cases this year's Tailteann cup based on displays. Seven championship matches is great grounding and to win a competition builds confidence and team spirit. Lots of players stood up, Jack Duncan, Tadhg Baker, Adam Keane, Finn Duffy's goal was vital, Ronan Murray's crucial two pointer, Shane Ormsby must be close to Dermot McCabe's thinking for TC involvement based on his displays for this side, he was immense last night, real leadership throughout. The likes of Gareth Mullanniff, Billy Moffet, Oisin Shortall, Seani Bracken will benefit greatly from this and their club sides will benefit too." Its a fantastic achievement , credit to Kenny Mc Kinley and his management team. These successes are rare especially All Irelands and are hugely important stepping stones that build confidence for the future. The 1995 minor win spawned the success of the U21 teams of 1999 and 2000 and provided many of the senior team that made the breakthrough in Leinster in 2004. Hopefully we see plenty of this crop breakthrough to the senior team in the years to come. Definitely a few of them not far away.
A_Chairde (National) - 22/05/2025 14:37:15
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Westmeath Football thread - 1 Like(s)
Replying To jobber: "Its official Westmeath GAA announce the retirement of John Heslin.The Lomans man has been a great servant to the county and gave us some great days." What a player and gentleman to boot. His experience will be greatly missed this year . Thanks for everything John
A_Chairde (National) - 04/01/2025 20:05:27
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Westmeath Football thread - 1 Like(s)
Replying To Temple56: "Proud Westmeath man Yesterday!
A kick away from making it to the knockout stages. Who would have thought that when the draw was made. Heslin kicks that free 99 times out of 100.
Dessie and the players proved a lot of people wrong over the last few weeks.
Now onto the club championship, need younger players to have good championships and put their hands up for Dessie next year. As seen with Senan Baker (our best underage player since Heslin) it takes a lot of time to adjust to intercounty football he looked out of his depth in all of the last 3 games. Some people on this forum wanted younger players to be just put into the team but its not that easy at this level.
To the 2 or 3 players that played their last game for Westmeath yesterday they will go down as legends of Westmeath Football for what they have done over the last 10/15 years" Not sure why you feel the need to have a pop at Senan Baker, he has acquitted himself very well in his breakthrough year. We need as many younger players as possible exposed to this level and Senan has already showed he has what it takes. He is arguably pound for pound the best forward in the county even at his young age and one of the nicest lads youll meet. Well done as well to Andy McCormack, an excellent debut season for the Rosemount man at 27/28.
A_Chairde (National) - 19/06/2023 14:36:25
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Westmeath Football thread - 1 Like(s)
Absolutely proud of the players for another wholehearted performance against a Division 1 team. We have shown in this All Ireland series that we can mix it with the best of them. Clear progress has been made on the back of winning the Tailteann so well done to all involved . Stength conditioning coach Joe Nagle deserves a lot of credit also. Promotion from Division 3 is paramount next year if we are to keep building. John Heslin will bounce back like all great players do.
A_Chairde (National) - 19/06/2023 14:24:40
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Westmeath Football thread - 1 Like(s)
Replying To Temple56: "Brilliant for 45 mins before red card. They were streets ahead of a poor Louth team. Inside forward line of McHugh, Lough and Scahill very impressive. Adam Smyth of Maryland/Tang was also very impressive however he picked up a red in injury time and he will miss next game.
Silly red card after 45 mins changed the game and Louth pinned Westmeath into there own half for the rest of the game and came from 5 points behind with the help of a strong wind. Thought the ref was poor overall for both teams but he got the 1st red card right. Ref never let the game flow and was pulling players for over carrying and fouling the ball on the ground way too much! 2nd red card was very harsh and the Louth player tricked the referee with a jump to the ground. Hopefully Westmeath appeal it.
Thought in after 45 mins it was one of the best minor performances over the last 10 years unfortunately things seem to collapse after that. They will have to go back to the drawing board now and need a win against either Meath or Kildare to get out of the group" Well summed up. That red card really killed us, absolutely threw the game away
A_Chairde (National) - 27/03/2024 23:17:27
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Westmeath Football thread - 1 Like(s)
Thank you bear. Class in abundance and sheer strength. Kieran loved going for the jugular. We all remember the goals he got in Croker to beat Meath and Cavan. Would the Bear be our highest goal scorer in the last decade? I seem to remember him getting plenty of goals. He scored goals against Wexford and Louth in the championship also. Longford, Monaghan and Tipperary in the league.
A_Chairde (National) - 21/11/2025 19:02:59
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Westmeath Football thread - 1 Like(s)
Replying To Bettyboo22: "Thought it was a Great Game to watch Two fantastic teams" It was a great game to watch. Ok no scores in first quarter. Kinnegad got their match ups right on Baker and Malinn. Younger Baker is a super footballer but Cruise was the difference
A_Chairde (National) - 25/10/2022 12:37:08
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