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Westmeath Football thread

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Replying To iarmhi_an_mhaith:  "An all time rant from Frank Mescall last night on the house draw live stream.

Blame put on clubs for not selling tickets and individuals for not buying them.
Accusing people of having a "million excuses of what we are doing wrong". Perhaps they could have listened to the people and taken feedback on why the tickets weren't selling.
He says they will get the buy in from the clubs "by hook or by crook". Some way of talking about all of the volunteers from the clubs around the county, everyone is trying to keep their own club afloat.

Reckons for once that we have "surpassed the Rossies" in regards to the amount raised (they raised 300k from most recent draw). There was surely an opportunity to get some advice from our Shannonside neighbours as they have great expertise in running these sorts of events.

It's not difficult to imagine why people were slow to drop 100 euro per ticket for this draw. There is a cost of living crisis not to mention a housing crisis. A house in Ireland would have been a better prize IMO, and there could have been more prizes on offer if you're asking people to give up that sum of money.

I appreciate that it is all volunteers who were running the draw, but the whole situation, including absolving themselves of blame and putting it all on the clubs, seems amateurishly done."
He took the gloss off any good will on the night with his remarks and the way he went about saying them. He seemed to take any criticism that went towards the county board leading up to this very personal and was very emotional in how he portrayed his frustrations.

He was always very quick to blame clubs but you would have to question a lot of the decision making at county board level in relation to this draw, the planned centre of excellence itself and a lot of other issues in general.

The draw itself selling the tickets it did was successful considering the poor uptake early on. There was a massive push in the last week or so and getting the likes of Conor Moore and Jarlath Burns to help promote should have been done a lot earlier. Even the videos with various players promoting it were in the last month or so after they announced the draw date being pushed back. The only promotional video for months was the one with the chairman on the beach in Spain and it had a bit of a Kilinascully feel to it. Niall Horan, Michael O'Leary, Robbie Henshaw & Bressie are some very well known international figures I'm sure wouldn't have minded doing promotional videos. Even our former players, managers (ie, 2004 era) that would be well known both locally and nationally. Were they even asked?

I think the promotional company didn't cover themselves in glory and the chairman even had a dig at them in his rant. You see the one Armagh are advertising and there is a lot more effort put into promoting it with their various videos and interviews with relatable people that may entice people to buy tickets. I think with all the criticism going around it shows Westmeath people do care about our games given the money raised. Sure, more could be raised considering the population out there but I think this should be an eye opener for certain members of the county board how they involve our clubs and treat them going forward.

mintyfresh (Westmeath) - Posts: 259 - 01/07/2025 23:55:17    2623031

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I'd agree with a lot of what you'd say, good points, some of the local celebrities you mentioned however would need to be very well recompensed if they were asked to do any promotional work. I'm not referring to the airline supremo who quietly often contributes to causes without fuss.

Claretandblue (Westmeath) - Posts: 2236 - 02/07/2025 12:02:33    2623106

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Replying To mintyfresh:  "He took the gloss off any good will on the night with his remarks and the way he went about saying them. He seemed to take any criticism that went towards the county board leading up to this very personal and was very emotional in how he portrayed his frustrations.

He was always very quick to blame clubs but you would have to question a lot of the decision making at county board level in relation to this draw, the planned centre of excellence itself and a lot of other issues in general.

The draw itself selling the tickets it did was successful considering the poor uptake early on. There was a massive push in the last week or so and getting the likes of Conor Moore and Jarlath Burns to help promote should have been done a lot earlier. Even the videos with various players promoting it were in the last month or so after they announced the draw date being pushed back. The only promotional video for months was the one with the chairman on the beach in Spain and it had a bit of a Kilinascully feel to it. Niall Horan, Michael O'Leary, Robbie Henshaw & Bressie are some very well known international figures I'm sure wouldn't have minded doing promotional videos. Even our former players, managers (ie, 2004 era) that would be well known both locally and nationally. Were they even asked?

I think the promotional company didn't cover themselves in glory and the chairman even had a dig at them in his rant. You see the one Armagh are advertising and there is a lot more effort put into promoting it with their various videos and interviews with relatable people that may entice people to buy tickets. I think with all the criticism going around it shows Westmeath people do care about our games given the money raised. Sure, more could be raised considering the population out there but I think this should be an eye opener for certain members of the county board how they involve our clubs and treat them going forward."
Well said, unfortunately on forums like this a lot of people seem to take any criticism personal rather than actually taking it on board and listening to genuinely concerns or grievances people have on certain topics. For instance playing club championship matches on All Ireland Final day or at least a direct clash with the games is a massive issue for clubs; reasons like this can put a lot of them off giving a bit back, some people can disagree with this but I know for sure it's a genuine annoyance that wasn't listened to. Putting an U20 and Junior B Championship directly at the same time as an adult championship where some players have three games in five days doesn't seem to be listened to either; and then the chairman comes out and throws everyone under the bus despite raising nearly €1m; and in all fairness if they had their house in order on day one it would have been a lot more. So he can air his grievances but the clubs must put up and shut up; certainly not a democracy by any means. There was threats made to remove home venues from clubs with no referees also at one stage; crazy stuff. So maybe they can learn from this but highly unlikely.

OverTheHill85 (Westmeath) - Posts: 99 - 02/07/2025 12:11:38    2623112

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Why was the profit from the draw only 500K? I understood the house was valued between 200K and 250K, plus the 50K prize money. With over 9,000 tickets sold at 100 euros each, that's a significant amount of money raised. I realize there were costs involved in organizing the draw, but what happened to the remaining 350K-400K? I hope it didn't all go to the marketing firm. Also, how much did it cost to fly Frank and the marketing team to Spain for just a two-minute video?

Has it been confirmed that this money will be ring-fenced for the COE? I wouldn't be surprised if the funds get diverted elsewhere.

That said, well done to everyone involved, the fundraising committees, the clubs, and Frank himself. It's all over now. Would I call it a success? Making a 500K profit is definitely a success. However, as a Westmeath GAA supporter, I felt disappointed by Frank's comments about the clubs on Monday evening. He seems unable to accept that the way he and the CB approached the clubs regarding the draw was flawed. Now, some clubs are saying they won't support CB fundraisers anytime soon. Frank needs to issue a statement apologizing to the people and the clubs of Westmeath.

For anyone who hasn't seen his remarks, the video of the live stream is still available on YouTube. Also, well done to Ray Gavin he did a great job presenting the draw and managed to stay composed despite Frank's comments.

Temple56 (Westmeath) - Posts: 559 - 02/07/2025 12:22:07    2623116

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Replying To Temple56:  "Why was the profit from the draw only 500K? I understood the house was valued between 200K and 250K, plus the 50K prize money. With over 9,000 tickets sold at 100 euros each, that's a significant amount of money raised. I realize there were costs involved in organizing the draw, but what happened to the remaining 350K-400K? I hope it didn't all go to the marketing firm. Also, how much did it cost to fly Frank and the marketing team to Spain for just a two-minute video?

Has it been confirmed that this money will be ring-fenced for the COE? I wouldn't be surprised if the funds get diverted elsewhere.

That said, well done to everyone involved, the fundraising committees, the clubs, and Frank himself. It's all over now. Would I call it a success? Making a 500K profit is definitely a success. However, as a Westmeath GAA supporter, I felt disappointed by Frank's comments about the clubs on Monday evening. He seems unable to accept that the way he and the CB approached the clubs regarding the draw was flawed. Now, some clubs are saying they won't support CB fundraisers anytime soon. Frank needs to issue a statement apologizing to the people and the clubs of Westmeath.

For anyone who hasn't seen his remarks, the video of the live stream is still available on YouTube. Also, well done to Ray Gavin he did a great job presenting the draw and managed to stay composed despite Frank's comments."
There was talk of about 100K for marketing. Clubs are busy maintaining and upgrading their own infrastructure. The clubs are the foundations of where players are developed. Without the clubs and the work they do a COE is a waste of time. Player development begins at 7 or 8 years of age down the local pitch and school.

Chops (Westmeath) - Posts: 835 - 02/07/2025 13:17:51    2623135

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Replying To Chops:  "There was talk of about 100K for marketing. Clubs are busy maintaining and upgrading their own infrastructure. The clubs are the foundations of where players are developed. Without the clubs and the work they do a COE is a waste of time. Player development begins at 7 or 8 years of age down the local pitch and school."
If that 100k figure is even half correct that should be a resigning issue. It was raised in County Board meetings but figure was not discussed. I am from a club that has a field rented off a local farmer where we threw up goals and carried on. That carries a ladies club and men's club and all the underage training. Every penny is minded and then when we do all give our hard earned money for tickets we get lambasted for not doing more. Beyond a joke now

Darragh (Westmeath) - Posts: 331 - 02/07/2025 13:38:43    2623140

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On the recent draw. It is a success with 9028 tickets purchased (number announced on livestream) so by any means the first hurdle of getting a significant amount of funds has been achieved. Chairman's speech has left a sour taste with many who did purchase tickets furious with the tone of what was said. Though he did make some valid points, it was the wrong time to air them. It leaves whoever takes over County Chair in less than 6 months time a more difficult task in organising the next fundraising event. Certainly putting a deliberate blame on clubs is silly stuff. It only hardens opinion against further fundraising. A real foot in mouth episode.

Greengrass1 (Westmeath) - Posts: 24 - 02/07/2025 14:23:31    2623161

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Replying To OverTheHill85:  "Just an observation from watching the games on tele over the weekend is the level of physicality that is allowed compared to club level; almost every attempt at tackling or doubling up on attackers seems to lead to a free or advantage from the referees at club level. They seem to spend more time playing advantage than anything else with a hand in the air. Will be interesting does it carry onto the championship in the summer; free takers will be delighted."
Would free takers not be delighted if no advantage is played? Watching the same games and 50 50 will have opposing views. Some want more physicality others want less. Look at social media after any tv game and you will see a divide. Same with hurling

Westmeath2024 (Westmeath) - Posts: 7 - 02/07/2025 16:24:38    2623203

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Agreed those comments should not have been made. There seems to be a disconnect between the cb and clubs/supporters. Well done to those who worked hard to raise what they did

Westmeath2024 (Westmeath) - Posts: 7 - 02/07/2025 16:26:00    2623206

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Replying To Greengrass1:  "On the recent draw. It is a success with 9028 tickets purchased (number announced on livestream) so by any means the first hurdle of getting a significant amount of funds has been achieved. Chairman's speech has left a sour taste with many who did purchase tickets furious with the tone of what was said. Though he did make some valid points, it was the wrong time to air them. It leaves whoever takes over County Chair in less than 6 months time a more difficult task in organising the next fundraising event. Certainly putting a deliberate blame on clubs is silly stuff. It only hardens opinion against further fundraising. A real foot in mouth episode."
I have been to enough County Board meetings to know this was not a one off. Any criticism or even suggestion to go in a different direction is met with this kind of stuff. We deserve far better

Darragh (Westmeath) - Posts: 331 - 02/07/2025 16:49:01    2623212

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Replying To OverTheHill85:  "Well said, unfortunately on forums like this a lot of people seem to take any criticism personal rather than actually taking it on board and listening to genuinely concerns or grievances people have on certain topics. For instance playing club championship matches on All Ireland Final day or at least a direct clash with the games is a massive issue for clubs; reasons like this can put a lot of them off giving a bit back, some people can disagree with this but I know for sure it's a genuine annoyance that wasn't listened to. Putting an U20 and Junior B Championship directly at the same time as an adult championship where some players have three games in five days doesn't seem to be listened to either; and then the chairman comes out and throws everyone under the bus despite raising nearly €1m; and in all fairness if they had their house in order on day one it would have been a lot more. So he can air his grievances but the clubs must put up and shut up; certainly not a democracy by any means. There was threats made to remove home venues from clubs with no referees also at one stage; crazy stuff. So maybe they can learn from this but highly unlikely."
The idea of removing home games from clubs without referees is very much on the cards. What's wrong with it? Other counties use it and it works. There are clubs without referees for years, why shouldn't they contribute in some way, otherwise no games happen. There was never a club championship match that directly clashed with an All Ireland final, there was the odd game fixed for the actual day of the final but in the morning.

Claretandblue (Westmeath) - Posts: 2236 - 02/07/2025 16:50:14    2623213

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The draw raised 903,000, house cost €200,000, cash prize €50,000, not sure about marketing firm but rumours of €40,000, sundry expenses probably close to €25,000, these things add up quickly, profit therefore between €550,000-€575,000. Nothing confirmed yet

Claretandblue (Westmeath) - Posts: 2236 - 02/07/2025 16:54:39    2623214

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Replying To Claretandblue:  "The idea of removing home games from clubs without referees is very much on the cards. What's wrong with it? Other counties use it and it works. There are clubs without referees for years, why shouldn't they contribute in some way, otherwise no games happen. There was never a club championship match that directly clashed with an All Ireland final, there was the odd game fixed for the actual day of the final but in the morning."
You can't apply the same rule to clubs who are vastly different in size. Just picking clubs at random but if say Loughnavalley had no ref surely that cannot be treated the same as Athlone having no ref. The one size fits all way of treating clubs in Westmeath is not good and only hurts the smallest ones

Darragh (Westmeath) - Posts: 331 - 02/07/2025 17:23:05    2623230

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Replying To Claretandblue:  "The draw raised 903,000, house cost €200,000, cash prize €50,000, not sure about marketing firm but rumours of €40,000, sundry expenses probably close to €25,000, these things add up quickly, profit therefore between €550,000-€575,000. Nothing confirmed yet"
A full audit of the draw and how money was managed needs to happen. Far too much speculation and now the draw is done it should be easy to show everyone the details

Darragh (Westmeath) - Posts: 331 - 02/07/2025 17:24:34    2623231

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Replying To Darragh:  "If that 100k figure is even half correct that should be a resigning issue. It was raised in County Board meetings but figure was not discussed. I am from a club that has a field rented off a local farmer where we threw up goals and carried on. That carries a ladies club and men's club and all the underage training. Every penny is minded and then when we do all give our hard earned money for tickets we get lambasted for not doing more. Beyond a joke now"
Roscommon spent about 100k on digital advertising and marketing on their Win a house in Kildare competition I'd imagine it would have been similar here.

Chops (Westmeath) - Posts: 835 - 02/07/2025 18:23:53    2623247

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Replying To Claretandblue:  "The idea of removing home games from clubs without referees is very much on the cards. What's wrong with it? Other counties use it and it works. There are clubs without referees for years, why shouldn't they contribute in some way, otherwise no games happen. There was never a club championship match that directly clashed with an All Ireland final, there was the odd game fixed for the actual day of the final but in the morning."
Maybe air meetings not on live stream events don't know full story yes maybe clubs some could have done more but maybe also county board themselves could have incentives better.
But you never ever seem to question anything county or are people not allowed

Gaaforlife2023 (Longford) - Posts: 766 - 02/07/2025 18:27:18    2623249

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Replying To Claretandblue:  "The idea of removing home games from clubs without referees is very much on the cards. What's wrong with it? Other counties use it and it works. There are clubs without referees for years, why shouldn't they contribute in some way, otherwise no games happen. There was never a club championship match that directly clashed with an All Ireland final, there was the odd game fixed for the actual day of the final but in the morning."
There's everything wrong with it; will the county board still look to use the clubs who they've banned home fixtures from as training pitches for their minors, U20s and seniors? Asking for big trouble and again out of touch; again a club cannot force someone to referee; many clubs are trying and cannot succeed in convincing people to referee; what happens if two clubs with no referee are playing each other? Neutral venue? And you are categorically wrong; Moate hosted a championship fixture last year clashing directly with the Armagh/Galway AI Final. Do your homework before spouting wrongs.

OverTheHill85 (Westmeath) - Posts: 99 - 02/07/2025 19:32:06    2623259

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Replying To Claretandblue:  "The idea of removing home games from clubs without referees is very much on the cards. What's wrong with it? Other counties use it and it works. There are clubs without referees for years, why shouldn't they contribute in some way, otherwise no games happen. There was never a club championship match that directly clashed with an All Ireland final, there was the odd game fixed for the actual day of the final but in the morning."
Contribute? I know of one club with no referee but sold over 60 tickets for the draw and also provide their facilities for our county teams to train; so if you feel they should be banned from having home games you're more out of touch than I thought. They also provide a venue for many championship games during the summer.

OverTheHill85 (Westmeath) - Posts: 99 - 02/07/2025 19:33:55    2623260

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Replying To Westmeath2024:  "Would free takers not be delighted if no advantage is played? Watching the same games and 50 50 will have opposing views. Some want more physicality others want less. Look at social media after any tv game and you will see a divide. Same with hurling"
Well at the end of every advantage is a free; so I think free takers will be happy. Westmeath referees broadly allow no physicality, blowing the whistle for every tackle from what I see.

OverTheHill85 (Westmeath) - Posts: 99 - 02/07/2025 19:36:20    2623261

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