Westmeath Hurling Success 

Congratulations to the Westmeath Senior Hurlers on their great win over Antrim in the Keogh Cup last Saturday afternoon. This added to the great win by the Senior Footballers against Dublin in the O’Byrne Cup on the previous night. Gaelic games are well set up for the forthcoming year with both codes in rude health. It is hoped that shortly Southern Gaels hurlers will again be in contention for a starting place on the county senior team with our growing contributions to the various underage squads.   

O’Keeffe appointed to U17/Minor Coaching Squad 

Southern Gaels stalwart Tony O’ Keeffe has been appointed as a selector for the Westmeath U17/Minor squad recently in what is a recognition of his ability as a hurler and his commitment to the county over the years despite hailing from the Treaty County. Between the appointment of Joe Quaid and now of his county man, the success in Limerick hurling will no doubt seep into the Lake County achievements shortly! Not only has Tony been appointed, representing Southern Gaels, but four of our hurlers at this level have been selected to join the panel – Tomak Idowski, Cian McCarthy, Eoin Pillion and Cullen Dowd – and well deserved for their skill levels. Hopefully it won’t be long before they can challenge for Keogh Cup glory too! Well done lads, you do us proud! 

Volley Hurling Hits Off 

First out of the traps for the 2019 are the U16s and U14s with a great session of Volley Hurling in the Marist Hall last Sunday from 5-6pm with coach Martin Geary. Volley Hurling is an indoor adaptation whereby scores are only allowed on the volley which adds an extra level of difficulty and limits point blank shooting as the goalie has a protected zone also. Nothing beats it for high skill at high tempo and it’s a great hour’s exercise. This will run until the weather improves and the hurling moves outdoors. Of course, it should be mentioned that, as with Tony O’Keeffe, Martin Geary is a Westmeath selector for the U15 team, while Enda Dowd is manager of the U16 squad – another two feathers in the cap for this great club! 

Stay Healthy Stay Hurling Returns 

Next Sunday the 27th will see the return of Stay Healthy Stay Hurling for the U12s and U10s in the Regional Sports Centre from 5-6pm. This was extremely popular before Xmas and enquiries regarding its return have been flooding in. Pat O’Neill, Jason Bradley and Michael Cahill will be the coaches involved in this great hurling opportunity until we go back on grass. 

County Arrangements Forthcoming 

We await with impatience for the decision from the county board on the arrangements for the forthcoming year with a decision to be made on the age grades to be made shortly. Up for resolution is whether we remain at the U12, U14, U16 age groupings or whether we follow most other counties and switch to U13, U15, U17 groupings. A decision is also being awaited regarding the structure of the senior hurling leagues and championships. Updates will be available here when they become known. 

New Manager Needed 

Southern Gaels are looking for a new manager for their senior team. If you are interested in gaining invaluable coaching and management experience, then this is a golden opportunity. With a panel of more than 20 committed players on board the club is in a great position to develop further under the right manager. Enquiries should be addressed to the chairman of the club Martin Geary at [email protected] 

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