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Westmeath Football thread

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Replying To Mick1234:  "Was in Wexford very disappointed I said it before we are leaking too many goals. We are very good going forward but our defence is terrible. It looks like our backs are scoring more than our forward, centre, very poor as well we are not winning our own kick outs our decision making in the last few minutes was terrible, we are giving away too many frees I don't think Wexford giveaway one free against us. I hope we can beat Longford"
Ye will be favourite but we are coming in on a high of promotion it will be good game local derby anything can happen ye will be favourites and need rrsponse and we cpming in on high after promotion

Gaaforlife2023 (Longford) - Posts: 1247 - 24/03/2026 10:05:03    2662757

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Fair play to Alan and the commentary team last night - good to hear them calling out the poor management of some of our younger lads being taken off early all year, especially a few of the forwards. Delighted they mentioned how it can hit confidence going forward. Good to hear Pat O'Brien just saying it as it is too, no sugar-coating. Podcast was a great listen, very honest and properly critical.

Fighting-Cocks69 (Westmeath) - Posts: 157 - 24/03/2026 10:21:41    2662765

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As bad as ye feel lads and its devastating to lose like that after controlling the game gor so long . Games are nt over until the final whistle.
Can you imagine how we felt when we lost to ye in hurling in 2023 after being 17pts up at half time .
Don't think we ve fully recovered to this day .
Ye will have better days and learn from it .

Formertownie (Wexford) - Posts: 558 - 24/03/2026 10:38:45    2662775

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Replying To Fighting-Cocks69:  "Fair play to Alan and the commentary team last night - good to hear them calling out the poor management of some of our younger lads being taken off early all year, especially a few of the forwards. Delighted they mentioned how it can hit confidence going forward. Good to hear Pat O'Brien just saying it as it is too, no sugar-coating. Podcast was a great listen, very honest and properly critical."
Still curious why Shane Donoghue has been removed from the podcast. Is it because he spoke up for the clubs at the last county board meeting regarding the championship structure? He was excellent on the podcast always honest and unafraid to share his views, even when they differed from others on the county board.

Temple56 (Westmeath) - Posts: 637 - 24/03/2026 11:48:58    2662804

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Replying To Formertownie:  "As bad as ye feel lads and its devastating to lose like that after controlling the game gor so long . Games are nt over until the final whistle.
Can you imagine how we felt when we lost to ye in hurling in 2023 after being 17pts up at half time .
Don't think we ve fully recovered to this day .
Ye will have better days and learn from it ."
Westmeath football feels like it's in a very dark place right now. It's hard to see how we recover from this anytime soon, and at the moment there are very few positives. We seem to think we're a Sam Maguire level side, yet we're struggling to beat teams like Laois, Wexford, or Limerick. Just four or five years ago we were on par with Louth and Meath, look at where they are now compared to us. Even a Tailteann Cup win this year doesn't look likely.

There are deeper issues too. We still don't have a Centre of Excellence. There's little visible fundraising. Trust between the clubs and the county board has eroded significantly. Cusack Park, unfortunately, is considered one of the poorer grounds in the country.

There was hope that the new chairperson might rebuild some of that trust, but the first major decision was to overhaul the club championship a change that few were calling for. The new format has been widely criticised and rather than being admired as it once was, it's now being ridiculed by others.

At underage level, both minor and U20 teams have underperformed for well over 10 years, which only adds to the concern about the future.

The only recent bright spot has been the CBS win last week, though it's worth noting that Westmeath GAA wasn't directly involved. Hopefully, the minor and U20 teams can provide something positive in the next day or so.

Temple56 (Westmeath) - Posts: 637 - 24/03/2026 12:08:21    2662817

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i said this on Longford page back in december, but longford have a great chance in first round. they will be licking their lips at the prospect of playing westmeath now. very confident and in good form.

dickie10 (UK) - Posts: 913 - 24/03/2026 12:27:57    2662825

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Replying To Temple56:  "Still curious why Shane Donoghue has been removed from the podcast. Is it because he spoke up for the clubs at the last county board meeting regarding the championship structure? He was excellent on the podcast always honest and unafraid to share his views, even when they differed from others on the county board."
Is that podcast funded by Westmeath GAA or do the people involved do it voluntarily?

westmeathfan25 (Westmeath) - Posts: 5 - 24/03/2026 12:33:01    2662828

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Replying To Temple56:  "Westmeath football feels like it's in a very dark place right now. It's hard to see how we recover from this anytime soon, and at the moment there are very few positives. We seem to think we're a Sam Maguire level side, yet we're struggling to beat teams like Laois, Wexford, or Limerick. Just four or five years ago we were on par with Louth and Meath, look at where they are now compared to us. Even a Tailteann Cup win this year doesn't look likely.

There are deeper issues too. We still don't have a Centre of Excellence. There's little visible fundraising. Trust between the clubs and the county board has eroded significantly. Cusack Park, unfortunately, is considered one of the poorer grounds in the country.

There was hope that the new chairperson might rebuild some of that trust, but the first major decision was to overhaul the club championship a change that few were calling for. The new format has been widely criticised and rather than being admired as it once was, it's now being ridiculed by others.

At underage level, both minor and U20 teams have underperformed for well over 10 years, which only adds to the concern about the future.

The only recent bright spot has been the CBS win last week, though it's worth noting that Westmeath GAA wasn't directly involved. Hopefully, the minor and U20 teams can provide something positive in the next day or so."
Agreed. We instantly assume we'll win a Tailteann despite failing in Division 3 and losing to Division 4 opposition last year. Probably part of the mentality in general. I think there's a serious need for an injection of youth and perseverance with them over the next 3-4 years. I cannot see McHugh having the patience for that due to the external factors and conditions we operate within.

OverTheHill85 (Westmeath) - Posts: 261 - 24/03/2026 12:49:57    2662835

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It's an Official Westmeath GAA initiative alright but doubt there's many getting paid save for the tech people if even.

BigSur (Westmeath) - Posts: 1246 - 24/03/2026 14:01:46    2662866

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Replying To Temple56:  "Westmeath football feels like it's in a very dark place right now. It's hard to see how we recover from this anytime soon, and at the moment there are very few positives. We seem to think we're a Sam Maguire level side, yet we're struggling to beat teams like Laois, Wexford, or Limerick. Just four or five years ago we were on par with Louth and Meath, look at where they are now compared to us. Even a Tailteann Cup win this year doesn't look likely.

There are deeper issues too. We still don't have a Centre of Excellence. There's little visible fundraising. Trust between the clubs and the county board has eroded significantly. Cusack Park, unfortunately, is considered one of the poorer grounds in the country.

There was hope that the new chairperson might rebuild some of that trust, but the first major decision was to overhaul the club championship a change that few were calling for. The new format has been widely criticised and rather than being admired as it once was, it's now being ridiculed by others.

At underage level, both minor and U20 teams have underperformed for well over 10 years, which only adds to the concern about the future.

The only recent bright spot has been the CBS win last week, though it's worth noting that Westmeath GAA wasn't directly involved. Hopefully, the minor and U20 teams can provide something positive in the next day or so."
Sounds like ye have lot of problems to solve.
But bear in mind our footballers have progressed in spite of rather than because of support within the county . I m not saying co board aren't supportive but so many within the county would nt lift a finger to help the footballers .
Football success in mid/late 2000s inc u21 leinster win senior leinster finals and all ireland senior semi final was met with Lord this cant be allowed to continue. And slowly over the years different obstacles have been put in place .
Everything was thrown at hurling . Dont get me wrong I love hurling too .
In last couple years dual underage players are nt permitted . Our underage football squads are less endowed with talent than they should be .
The pretence being its been promoted subtly that u be better off being no 45 on hurling dev squad than in panel of 24 of football. . Imo this is partially a ploy to try stop any underage football success or progress. I hope the buzz now created by seniors will make young lads wake up and see maybe football is nt so bad after all rather than ge an also ram in hurling . If yiu are good enough the opportunity will game back around rather than sitting on ur backside watching others be parrt of something tangible .
Even our hurling championship was changed to ensure more hurling than football even after 1 year everyone knew it needed changing snd had nt worked but stayed as the hurling first men could nt admit it was a mistake. No jeopardy in the round Robin series. . . But it was a disaster to be frank but will never be admitted .
I m not sure how yours runs but if its not right for ye stand up and get it changed sooner rather than later .
My final point is. To me i hope your lads regroup as team/panel/management and realise they are good enough just need to take control of their own destiny . Yes they need support but toughness and resilience comes from within .
You never know we may cross paths also in a tailteann Cup final would nt that be some day .
Revenge or consolidation

Formertownie (Wexford) - Posts: 558 - 24/03/2026 14:25:55    2662878

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Replying To Formertownie:  "Sounds like ye have lot of problems to solve.
But bear in mind our footballers have progressed in spite of rather than because of support within the county . I m not saying co board aren't supportive but so many within the county would nt lift a finger to help the footballers .
Football success in mid/late 2000s inc u21 leinster win senior leinster finals and all ireland senior semi final was met with Lord this cant be allowed to continue. And slowly over the years different obstacles have been put in place .
Everything was thrown at hurling . Dont get me wrong I love hurling too .
In last couple years dual underage players are nt permitted . Our underage football squads are less endowed with talent than they should be .
The pretence being its been promoted subtly that u be better off being no 45 on hurling dev squad than in panel of 24 of football. . Imo this is partially a ploy to try stop any underage football success or progress. I hope the buzz now created by seniors will make young lads wake up and see maybe football is nt so bad after all rather than ge an also ram in hurling . If yiu are good enough the opportunity will game back around rather than sitting on ur backside watching others be parrt of something tangible .
Even our hurling championship was changed to ensure more hurling than football even after 1 year everyone knew it needed changing snd had nt worked but stayed as the hurling first men could nt admit it was a mistake. No jeopardy in the round Robin series. . . But it was a disaster to be frank but will never be admitted .
I m not sure how yours runs but if its not right for ye stand up and get it changed sooner rather than later .
My final point is. To me i hope your lads regroup as team/panel/management and realise they are good enough just need to take control of their own destiny . Yes they need support but toughness and resilience comes from within .
You never know we may cross paths also in a tailteann Cup final would nt that be some day .
Revenge or consolidation"
The Football and Hurling underage panels have been the same size for a few years now. I think its unfair to people involved in coaching and games and CnO to be perpetuating myths.
The problem with having dual players is that they dont get the same number of coaching contacts as they do if they pick one or the other. Which is the way it is at club level for most players here in Wexford, underage and adult. A few chose Football rather than Hurling the last 2 years that I know of, but most who had the option of both chose Hurling. Thats really their decision at the end of the day.
My eldest young lad wouldve been brought to as many Football games as Hurling ones, club and county, hes seen us play Westmeath in both codes, but I actually had to bribe him to play Football when he started secondary school.
As regards our club championships the Hurling set up was a disaster from day one, thankfully its been changed now.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 18921 - 24/03/2026 17:42:25    2662928

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Fair play to Alan and the commentary team last night - good to hear them calling out the poor management of some of our younger lads being taken off early all year, especially a few of the forwards. Delighted they mentioned how it can hit confidence going forward. Good to hear Pat O'Brien just saying it as it is too, no sugar-coating. Podcast was a great listen, very honest and properly critical.

Fighting-Cocks69 (Westmeath) - Posts: 157 - 24/03/2026 19:26:38    2662952

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Yes viking the dual intercounty player is a non starter nowadays I do believe up to u16 it couod easily be accommodated.
I ve been around a while and been involved with both codes and I talk from experience when I say the hurling men only will put the boot into football progress and try degrade it at every opportunity seeing ot as any progress made will be to the detrement of hurling .
They would rather see a chap languishing on the line getting very little hurling snd eventuallly walk away from it than have them thriw their lot in with footballers where they might just get up to intercounty pace abd ebmventuslly might make an intercounty footballer or hurler .
They ridicule and look diwn upon the big ball as well u kniw .
For comparison there are prob 10 hurling first counties treat football this way . But there are twice as many football first countries who possibly treat hurling the same way .
How will hurling progress in other counties if there is this constant us v them attitude . .
In fairness munster teams now see us as hurling also fans too .

Formertownie (Wexford) - Posts: 558 - 24/03/2026 19:48:47    2662959

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Westmeath constantly fail to deliver in tight games.

Have lost to 6 Leinster teams in important matches in a season and a half - none of those 6 being against Dublin.

Louth, Meath, Kildare, Wicklow, Laois and Wexford have all turned us over.

One Leinster team in division 4 and they've us twice in the championship in 2 years.

It's devastating to be honest. It's hard to know where to go now.

Westmeath have some nice, technical, honest players but I'm not sure if we have the bite and nasty streak needed to actually win big games of importance with severe consequences for losing.

St. Mary's a credit to Westmeath football, with teamwork, selflessness and making the correct decisions for the greater good of the group a key factor in their phenomenal All Ireland success.

Blackjack (Westmeath) - Posts: 60 - 25/03/2026 08:42:02    2663008

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I know the Wexford game is disappointing but we do overlook how inexperienced the team is and it's definitely part of the reason we have not been winning these tight games! Nearly 90% of the team is under 25/26 and hopefully with some more underage success like beating Louth tonight we can be very positive going forward. The season is not over and a good minor, u20 and senior championship and this year can still be seen as a massive success.

Westmeath25 (Westmeath) - Posts: 12 - 25/03/2026 12:48:25    2663071

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Replying To Formertownie:  "Yes viking the dual intercounty player is a non starter nowadays I do believe up to u16 it couod easily be accommodated.
I ve been around a while and been involved with both codes and I talk from experience when I say the hurling men only will put the boot into football progress and try degrade it at every opportunity seeing ot as any progress made will be to the detrement of hurling .
They would rather see a chap languishing on the line getting very little hurling snd eventuallly walk away from it than have them thriw their lot in with footballers where they might just get up to intercounty pace abd ebmventuslly might make an intercounty footballer or hurler .
They ridicule and look diwn upon the big ball as well u kniw .
For comparison there are prob 10 hurling first counties treat football this way . But there are twice as many football first countries who possibly treat hurling the same way .
How will hurling progress in other counties if there is this constant us v them attitude . .
In fairness munster teams now see us as hurling also fans too ."
You can't ride two horses. For the betterment of both hurling and football young lads should be asked to choose one or the other, the demands on young lads even at u14 playing both is too much. With club and development squads placing fierce demands on time. You can't demand that from young players adults can't do it.
There's nothing to be gained investing in dual players and then at 16 they choose football over hurling or vise versa. I know of one instance where a young lad (turning 15) wasn't asked to keep going with the hurling development panel at u16 he was devastated. A few weeks later the call came for him to rejoin the group, he wouldn't go back, because the reason he was asked back was most who had left the panel choose football at that age group. So not only was the time invested in him wasted but also the young lads who choose the football at that start.
Identify the footballers and the hurlers and develop them individually in either code. It's saves a lot of hassle down the line.

2maroonjerseys (Galway) - Posts: 137 - 25/03/2026 13:25:18    2663080

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Huge setback for momentum etc but League tables don't lie. We are only Div 3 standard at the moment. A young team that will get better. They need support right now, not a kicking. Yes we did put ourselves in with a chance for promotion but a lot of our matches have been very close or won by the brilliance of 1 or 2 players (Wallace in particular). The 2 teams above us both beat us so more luck to them.

A lot of new young players found who will have benefitted from playing at this level and the manager will have learned a lot too. We'll likely end up in the Tailteann but so be it.

Meridian (Westmeath) - Posts: 723 - 25/03/2026 14:17:44    2663091

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Replying To Westmeath25:  "I know the Wexford game is disappointing but we do overlook how inexperienced the team is and it's definitely part of the reason we have not been winning these tight games! Nearly 90% of the team is under 25/26 and hopefully with some more underage success like beating Louth tonight we can be very positive going forward. The season is not over and a good minor, u20 and senior championship and this year can still be seen as a massive success."
U/20 match off 2nite pitch waterlogged

GCCABU (Westmeath) - Posts: 25 - 25/03/2026 14:22:18    2663099

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We tend to accept mediocrity. We have real potential and very committed players but we don't do it.

In 2023 we were millimetres away from knocking Tyrone out of the championship.

3 years later we are losing very important games to Wexford, Wicklow and Laois.

Blackjack (Westmeath) - Posts: 60 - 25/03/2026 15:27:56    2663128

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Replying To 2maroonjerseys:  "You can't ride two horses. For the betterment of both hurling and football young lads should be asked to choose one or the other, the demands on young lads even at u14 playing both is too much. With club and development squads placing fierce demands on time. You can't demand that from young players adults can't do it.
There's nothing to be gained investing in dual players and then at 16 they choose football over hurling or vise versa. I know of one instance where a young lad (turning 15) wasn't asked to keep going with the hurling development panel at u16 he was devastated. A few weeks later the call came for him to rejoin the group, he wouldn't go back, because the reason he was asked back was most who had left the panel choose football at that age group. So not only was the time invested in him wasted but also the young lads who choose the football at that start.
Identify the footballers and the hurlers and develop them individually in either code. It's saves a lot of hassle down the line."
International studies and even GAA studies have shown that specialising in a sport from 15 years of age or younger should be discouraged. Single sport specialisation results in more injuries, increased mental exhaustion, burnout, less enjoyment and much higher drop outs etc., which also shows what is to be gained from investing in dual players.

It is the workloads that need to be managed and I think Westmeath GAA are doing a good job on this at the minute from what I can see. I don't see the development squads putting fierce pressure on the 14/15 year olds as they alternate football and hurling each week and have shared gym sessions.

For sure, some individual club coaches, in particular, are putting way too much pressure on kids but we should be training and informing the coaches rather that taking away the enjoyment and benefits of multi-sports activities from the kids.

And if someone says they can distinguish between a future county senior footballer and a hurler at 14 then be sure to ask them for the lotto numbers as well.

Maroooned (Westmeath) - Posts: 7 - 25/03/2026 15:46:57    2663136

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