Big night for Westmeath GFC in New York
April 19, 2013
The Westmeath team that won the 1961 New York Junior Football Championship (the final was played in 1962). Back row (left to right): Bernie Fox (Moate, RIP), Jim Ennis (Coralstown, RIP), Tony Green (Mayo), John Leavy (Knockmant), John Flannery (Carrickmacross), Pete Jones (Carrickmacross), Paddy McManus (Tubber), Brendan Conway (Galway), Tom Murray (Castledaly), Peter Keady (Galway, RIP), Mick Fox (Moate, RIP), Pat McGough (Carrickmacross), Fr Egerton (Oldcastle), Pat Moran (The Downs), Fr. Dunican (Moate, RIP), Pat Leavy (Knockmant, RIP). Front row: Tom Crinnigan (Moyvore, RIP), Kevin McAleer (Tyrone), Peter McAleer (Tyrone), Mickey Connelly (Carrickmacross), Mick Duggan (The Pidgeons, RIP), Paddy Nolan (The Downs, RIP), Andy Carr (Raharney), Mick Costello (Galway), Tom Corroon (Curraghmore), Tom McManus (Tubber, RIP), John Moran (The Downs), Tom Shiels (Edmonton), Jim Fallon (Castletown-Geoghegan), Jimmy McDonnell (Kilbeggan).
Legendary GAA commentator Micheal O Muircheartaigh will be Special Guest on a night when New York-based Westmeath players from past and present will be honoured. The Guests of Honour will be the 1961 Westmeath Junior Football Championship winning team, while last year's Junior Football League winning team will also be presented with their medals.
In addition, Tyrrellspass native Keith Scally and Tubberclair's Jeffrey Farrell - who have represented Westmeath on both sides of the Atlantic - will be presented with their Player of the Year awards, while Deirdre Cummins-Stones will receive the Club Person of the Year Award.
A special journal is being compiled to mark the occasion. Tickets for the event cost $75. Further details are available from Michael Stones on 001 914 357 0749.
The highlight of the night promises to be the reunion for surviving members of the 1961 team which defeated Cork to win the Junior Football Championship (the final was actually played in 1962). The team featured players from all over the Lake County and was managed by Tom Crinnigan (Moyvore), Fr. Dunican (Moate), Bernie Fox (Moate), Paddy Leavy (Knockmant) and Jimmy Ennis (Coralstown), who are all sadly deceased.
Another highlight will be the presentation of medals to last year's Junior League winning team. Westmeath defeated Cavan by 3-15 to 1-17 after extra-time in the final at Gaelic Park on October 21 last with Jeffrey Farrell and St. Loman's ex-county star Conor Lynam scoring 1-7 and 1-6 respectively.
That success came just two years after the Westmeath club was reformed after a five-year break from competition. It made up for the disappointment of losing to Celtics in the Junior Football Championship semi-final, which Westmeath have their sights set on winning this year. Tweet
