Cassidy's Hotel Senior Hurling Championship Congratulations to Castlepollard who won the Senior hurling championship for the 14th time by virtue of a convincing 2-9 to 0-4 win over neighbours and great rivals, Lough Lene Gaels, on Saturday last in Cusack Park. Even Though Killian Cosgrove had the opening score for the Gaels, when he pointed a free, Castlepollard took command when Alfie Devine rifled a penalty to the roof of the Lough Lene Gaels net, and from then on they did not appear in any danger. Devine was to prove an inspirational figure all through and his dominance in the middle of the field saw an endless supply of quality ball to the 'Pollard forward line. One such attack coming close to the half-time break finished with Brendan Murphy scoring a tremendous goal to leave his side with an almost unassailable 2-5 to 0-2 lead at the break. The second half was played out to it's inevitable conclusion with the highlight being a magnificent point from a line ball from Lough Lene Gaels' Derek McNicholas. Castlepollard continued in command with veterans' Sean McLoughlin and Barry Kennedy both contributing two points during this period. The final score was Castlepollard 2-9; Lough Lene Gaels 0-4. After the final, County Chairman, Séamus Ó Faoláin, presented the Westmeath Examiner Cup to Castlepollard captain, John Paul Murray. AIB Leinster Club Senior Hurling Championship Castlepollard had very little time for celebrations as they took on Wicklow champions, Glenealy, in the first round of the Leinster Club hurling championship in Castletown Geoghegan on Sunday. Glenealy had the best of the first half, at the end of which they held a 1-10 to 0-2 lead. Unfortunately for 'Pollard, the goal for the Wicklow champions arrived just on the stroke of half-time. Aided by the wind in the second half Castlepollard put up a very brave fight and, at one stage, had closed the gap to five points. However Glenealy finished stronger and ran out winners by 2-14 to 1-10. Glenealy now take on Laois champions in the next round and I am sure all will join with me in wishing them the best of luck. Intermediate Football Championship Congratulations to Killucan who took the Intermediate Football championship on Sunday last on a 1-10 to 0-12 scoreline over a very brave Ballynacargy side. This was a magnificently contested match from the start and the large crowd were kept on the edge of their seats all through. Killucan played with the aid of the wind in the first half and got off to a promising start with points from Brian Smyth and Tony Doyle. However Ballynacargy stayed in touch with points from Gary Wallace and Dwayne Maher. After about twenty minutes Killucan hit a purple patch and points from Noel Lynch, James Nugent and Brendan McKeogh saw them into a three point lead. Further points from Brendan McKeogh and Paul Briody were cancelled out by ones from Maher and Wallace for Ballynacargy and the half-time score read 0-7 for Killucan to 0-4 for Ballyncargy. With the aid of the wind Ballynacargy set about reducing the deficit and this they did with points from substitute, Jason Wallace, Dwayne Maher and Willie Murtagh. However with their lead wiped out Killucan upped the ante and James Nugent scored a magnificent goal when he rose above the Ballynacargy defence to flick Padraig Leavy's free to the net. Fair play to Ballynacargy their heads did not drop and further points from Dwyane Maher and Gary Wallace kept them in touch (both finished with five points to their names). Killucan made an inspired substitution with about fifteen minutes left with the introduction of Paul Greville. Greville had dislocated his shoulder in New York last weekend and he showed great bravery in entering the fray. It proved a masterstroke as he scored three delightful points to ensure that Killucan return to Senior ranks. The final score was 1-10 to 0-12. After the final Football Board chairman, Denis Coyne presented the Peter Geraghty memorial Cup to winning Killucan captain, Barry Nea. Killucan play the first round of the Leinster Club championship this week when they take on the champions of Kildare. Leinster Club Senior Football Championship Best of luck to The Downs, who on Sunday next take on Mattock Rangers (Louth) in the first round of the Leinster club football championship. The Downs will be reasonably confident of taking the spoils following their excellent win over Garrycastle in the county final. However Mattock Rangers are a very strong side managed by Paddy Clarke and The Downs will have to be at their best if they are to progress. International Rules Following Ireland's disappointing performance in the two International Rules Tests over the past two Fridays, and the dubious tactics employed by the Australians in their pursuit of victory, I am sure that all Westmeath gaels will join with in welcoming Dessie Dolan home in one piece. Inter Provincial Football Congratulations to Michael Ennis, Damien Healy and Alan Mangan on their selection to play for Leinster in the Inter-Provincial win over Connacht on Saturday night last at Parnell Park. All three acquitted themselves well with Mangan scoring two points and both Ennis and Healy holding their direct opponents scoreless. Level 1 Coaching Participants in the Level 1 Football Coaching Course held earlier in the year in Rochfortbridge are reminded that they must return their completed Log Books to either Pat Casserly or Michael McHugh as soon as possible in order to qualify for certification this year. Minor Website There is a Minor Board website available which can be accessed at http:// westmeathminorgaa.com. Contact Again a reminder to all club P.R.O.'s that I can be contacted on 044/44567 or by e-mail to [email protected] with news and results. Tweet

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