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Westmeath Football thread

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Replying To BigSur:  "Must be a few Kinnegad fans on here stirring the pot about The Downs having an eye on Leinster. Such nonsense. Ye must never have been involved in adult teams to be peddling that rubbish. After last year's heartbreak they are not going to get distracted by looking too far ahead.
Having seen both semi's at the weekend Kinnegad for me have a great chance.
I see The Downs are contention for a clean sweep of U14, U16 and minor as well as the senior. Some going with U14 & U16 already in the bag. Didn't they win all 3 underage competitions back around 10 years ago with a lot of those players now back-boning the senior team ?"
Yeah they did. Think 2015 , or maybe 2014. To do 14,16,minor and senior in the same year would be an amazing achievement. u20 the only one they are not competitive at the business end.

jamsie (Westmeath) - Posts: 494 - 13/10/2025 16:37:38    2639809

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Replying To BigSur:  "Must be a few Kinnegad fans on here stirring the pot about The Downs having an eye on Leinster. Such nonsense. Ye must never have been involved in adult teams to be peddling that rubbish. After last year's heartbreak they are not going to get distracted by looking too far ahead.
Having seen both semi's at the weekend Kinnegad for me have a great chance.
I see The Downs are contention for a clean sweep of U14, U16 and minor as well as the senior. Some going with U14 & U16 already in the bag. Didn't they win all 3 underage competitions back around 10 years ago with a lot of those players now back-boning the senior team ?"
Completely agree, pure nonsense. The Downs will be favorites for sure but anything can happen in a final & I give C/K a great chance. The Downs underage looks good alright after u14 & u16 wins & also in the minor final but St Lomans, C/K, Shandonagh & Shamrocks are also very strong at all underage groups & will be very strong at senior for the next 10 years. As another poster has said there seems to be way more strength in clubs around the Mullingar area compared to Athlone. I tip The Downs to just about beat C/K, Tubberclair to win the intermediate & Ballinagore to take the junior.

Left Full (Westmeath) - Posts: 262 - 13/10/2025 16:56:33    2639815

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Replying To BigSur:  "Must be a few Kinnegad fans on here stirring the pot about The Downs having an eye on Leinster. Such nonsense. Ye must never have been involved in adult teams to be peddling that rubbish. After last year's heartbreak they are not going to get distracted by looking too far ahead.
Having seen both semi's at the weekend Kinnegad for me have a great chance.
I see The Downs are contention for a clean sweep of U14, U16 and minor as well as the senior. Some going with U14 & U16 already in the bag. Didn't they win all 3 underage competitions back around 10 years ago with a lot of those players now back-boning the senior team ?"
The Leinster is dangerous talk but its fair to say Downs are raging hot favourites , hope no Downs players read this forum. If Downs win they join Lomans on 11 titles. Kinnegad havent won one since 1996. No bookies odds but Downs 1 / 3 Kinnegad 3 / 1 fair reflection maybe? First final not involving a Lomans or Garrycastle team since 2007 when Tyrellspass done back to back against Shamrocks .

A_Chairde (Westmeath) - Posts: 328 - 13/10/2025 17:00:21    2639816

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I got to see most of the JFC semi final Ballinagore v Lomans game yesterday. I'm a neutral, I must say that some of the decisions that were given against Lomans were truly baffling to say the least, I could understand why Lomans supporters were fairly irate. Otherwise it was a great game and well done Ballinagore.

Anyone who states that clubs (who also have a senior side) shouldn't be allowed to participate in the JFC need to cop on. The JFC is a competition for teams of junior standard, and not for 'sole Junior clubs', it would be a fairly poor competition without the likes of Downs, Lomans & Shamrocks in it.

Well done to St Paul's in the J2 yesterday.

KooCullen (Westmeath) - Posts: 83 - 13/10/2025 17:09:43    2639818

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Replying To Claretandblue:  "If anyone seriously thinks that Dermot Power, Barry Conroy and Kevin Maguire are going to spend the next fortnight studying videos of Tullamore then they need to think again. What an assertion to make. Can you imagine Jack Cooney and Ken McNevin thinking this and using it as motivation? The Downs have won one senior championship in 20 years, they may win 3-4 of the next 5-6 but absolutely no guarantees. Aindrias O the former correspondent for the Examiner had a famous saying "there's many a slip between cup and lip""
Honestly, I think Ferbane will win the title. They put up a huge scoreline, completely hammering Edenderry. Belmont is in the hurling final, which has a significant crossover between the two clubs, so players are obviously in good form at the moment. Tullamore got away very lucky against Rhode, winning by just a point.

Fighting-Cocks69 (Westmeath) - Posts: 95 - 13/10/2025 21:25:59    2639851

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Replying To BigSur:  "Must be a few Kinnegad fans on here stirring the pot about The Downs having an eye on Leinster. Such nonsense. Ye must never have been involved in adult teams to be peddling that rubbish. After last year's heartbreak they are not going to get distracted by looking too far ahead.
Having seen both semi's at the weekend Kinnegad for me have a great chance.
I see The Downs are contention for a clean sweep of U14, U16 and minor as well as the senior. Some going with U14 & U16 already in the bag. Didn't they win all 3 underage competitions back around 10 years ago with a lot of those players now back-boning the senior team ?"
I have no connection to any of the Senior teams, it's not nonsense. In The Downs, greatness isn't an ambition - it's tradition. The County Final is a stepping stone, not the destination. When you have a driving force in Luke Loughlin, he understands the culture there, he has a winning mentality. He has the mentality that he's going to keep trying to get better. He is what David Clifford is to Kerry. I don't see any problem with setting goals to win a Leinster title, when they are tearing the County asunder at the moment. 9 points is their average winning margin for God's sake. I highly doubt there is any team in Leinster riding as high as The Downs. Kinnegad will come up with a plan, but they will be ate alive by The Downs again.

iarmhiabu (Westmeath) - Posts: 248 - 14/10/2025 08:35:55    2639874

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Replying To Fighting-Cocks69:  "Honestly, I think Ferbane will win the title. They put up a huge scoreline, completely hammering Edenderry. Belmont is in the hurling final, which has a significant crossover between the two clubs, so players are obviously in good form at the moment. Tullamore got away very lucky against Rhode, winning by just a point."
Think they've a good chance but Belmont aren't in the senior final of the hurling .

jiminycricket (Offaly) - Posts: 34 - 14/10/2025 08:50:12    2639878

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Anyone have an idea on why the Junior 1 and 2 finals are fixed for the weekend of 1/2 November. Only seem to be Intermediate on Bank holiday Saturday and Minor and Senior on the day after

Darragh (Westmeath) - Posts: 348 - 14/10/2025 10:42:01    2639898

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Replying To iarmhiabu:  "I have no connection to any of the Senior teams, it's not nonsense. In The Downs, greatness isn't an ambition - it's tradition. The County Final is a stepping stone, not the destination. When you have a driving force in Luke Loughlin, he understands the culture there, he has a winning mentality. He has the mentality that he's going to keep trying to get better. He is what David Clifford is to Kerry. I don't see any problem with setting goals to win a Leinster title, when they are tearing the County asunder at the moment. 9 points is their average winning margin for God's sake. I highly doubt there is any team in Leinster riding as high as The Downs. Kinnegad will come up with a plan, but they will be ate alive by The Downs again."
You're getting more than carried away but the Kinnegad lads will love your carry on. The Downs have one senior championship in last 20 years and three championships in the past 45 years so not sure if that's the definition of greatness, if they win 2 or 3 in a row like Loman's or Garrycastle or Tyrrellspass in the last 25 years then you're close to a great side

Claretandblue (Westmeath) - Posts: 2395 - 14/10/2025 11:35:32    2639913

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Have to give credit to Kinnegad, I didn't see that performance coming after seeing them earlier in the year. Think they have a right good shot in the final now, anything can happen on the day.
Thought The Downs were lacklustre enough in the first half, but when they turned it on in the second Shamrocks couldn't live with them. Seemed to me they were missing Kilmartin's driving runs, but Coughlan was impressive when introduced. Mitchell going off injured is a concern also.

Talk of a Leinster is premature and I'd be surprised if The Downs are looking that far ahead. Huge challenge ahead in the form of the Offaly champions for whoever comes out of the final. There is still Ballyboden, Na Fianna, Naas, Portarlington and others who would be fancying their chances left.

On that note, in the intermediate the Westmeath side are out against Mullinavat in the first round, and at home to Wexford side if they come through that. An opportunity for either of the sides to get a run of momentum going in Leinster there.

iarmhi_an_mhaith (Westmeath) - Posts: 287 - 14/10/2025 11:35:39    2639914

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Replying To iarmhiabu:  "I have no connection to any of the Senior teams, it's not nonsense. In The Downs, greatness isn't an ambition - it's tradition. The County Final is a stepping stone, not the destination. When you have a driving force in Luke Loughlin, he understands the culture there, he has a winning mentality. He has the mentality that he's going to keep trying to get better. He is what David Clifford is to Kerry. I don't see any problem with setting goals to win a Leinster title, when they are tearing the County asunder at the moment. 9 points is their average winning margin for God's sake. I highly doubt there is any team in Leinster riding as high as The Downs. Kinnegad will come up with a plan, but they will be ate alive by The Downs again."
naas winning with those margins except for one game.

Fighting-Cocks69 (Westmeath) - Posts: 95 - 14/10/2025 11:48:45    2639917

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Replying To iarmhi_an_mhaith:  "Have to give credit to Kinnegad, I didn't see that performance coming after seeing them earlier in the year. Think they have a right good shot in the final now, anything can happen on the day.
Thought The Downs were lacklustre enough in the first half, but when they turned it on in the second Shamrocks couldn't live with them. Seemed to me they were missing Kilmartin's driving runs, but Coughlan was impressive when introduced. Mitchell going off injured is a concern also.

Talk of a Leinster is premature and I'd be surprised if The Downs are looking that far ahead. Huge challenge ahead in the form of the Offaly champions for whoever comes out of the final. There is still Ballyboden, Na Fianna, Naas, Portarlington and others who would be fancying their chances left.

On that note, in the intermediate the Westmeath side are out against Mullinavat in the first round, and at home to Wexford side if they come through that. An opportunity for either of the sides to get a run of momentum going in Leinster there."
Mullinavat knocked Shandonagh out of Leinster in 2022 before themselves being knocked out by the Wexford champions that year. There's nothing particularly easy about that draw. There's very little between club standards from county to county.

Jack_Sparrow (Westmeath) - Posts: 1057 - 14/10/2025 12:45:24    2639930

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Replying To Claretandblue:  "You're getting more than carried away but the Kinnegad lads will love your carry on. The Downs have one senior championship in last 20 years and three championships in the past 45 years so not sure if that's the definition of greatness, if they win 2 or 3 in a row like Loman's or Garrycastle or Tyrrellspass in the last 25 years then you're close to a great side"
Boylesports Bookmakers have The Downs priced at 1/5, Kinnegad is 4/1. 9 point margin again. Are the bookmakers getting carried away too?

iarmhiabu (Westmeath) - Posts: 248 - 14/10/2025 14:01:30    2639947

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2025 Leinster Club SFC Odds: Ballyboden St Endas 13/8, Naas 7/2, The Downs 4/1, Na Fianna 9/2, Tullamore 10/1, Portarlington 12/1, Athy 16/1, Newtown Blues 16/1, Summerhill 16/1, Naomh Martin 25/1, Ferbane 25/1, Emmet Og 50/1, Castletown 50/1, Baltinglass 66/1, Kilanerin 66/1, Rathvilly 100/1, Old Leighlin 100/1, Courtwood 100/1.

iarmhiabu (Westmeath) - Posts: 248 - 14/10/2025 14:07:59    2639948

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Replying To A_Chairde:  "The carry on of supporters and actions of players in both Intermediate semi finals were disgraceful. The board should throw the book at the four clubs , its the only way to do it."
Why would they do that - we are not discussing Soccer here - two players behaved very badly - one on Saturday and one on Sunday - that's it - I did not see any other player from the 4 squads throw a punch or attempt to inflame and was close to both flashpoints. If you saw otherwise please elaborate.

johnnyh (Westmeath) - Posts: 22 - 14/10/2025 15:14:18    2639964

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Replying To iarmhiabu:  "Boylesports Bookmakers have The Downs priced at 1/5, Kinnegad is 4/1. 9 point margin again. Are the bookmakers getting carried away too?"
Definitely - Kinnegad dethroned the All-mighty Mount Temple side and should now be regarded as clear favourites.

Fighting-Cocks69 (Westmeath) - Posts: 95 - 14/10/2025 15:41:59    2639969

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Replying To johnnyh:  "Why would they do that - we are not discussing Soccer here - two players behaved very badly - one on Saturday and one on Sunday - that's it - I did not see any other player from the 4 squads throw a punch or attempt to inflame and was close to both flashpoints. If you saw otherwise please elaborate."
Not all but I think you are incorrect there was nore than one player involved in the end of game on Sunday but Saturday actions of going into the stand and the actions of one supporters shouting if they did to provoke also unacceptable

Gaaforlife2023 (Longford) - Posts: 1033 - 14/10/2025 15:45:05    2639970

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Replying To iarmhiabu:  "2025 Leinster Club SFC Odds: Ballyboden St Endas 13/8, Naas 7/2, The Downs 4/1, Na Fianna 9/2, Tullamore 10/1, Portarlington 12/1, Athy 16/1, Newtown Blues 16/1, Summerhill 16/1, Naomh Martin 25/1, Ferbane 25/1, Emmet Og 50/1, Castletown 50/1, Baltinglass 66/1, Kilanerin 66/1, Rathvilly 100/1, Old Leighlin 100/1, Courtwood 100/1."
What are Kinnegad's odds on wiining Leinster?

JoxerDaly (Westmeath) - Posts: 32 - 14/10/2025 15:45:23    2639971

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Replying To Gaaforlife2023:  "Not all but I think you are incorrect there was nore than one player involved in the end of game on Sunday but Saturday actions of going into the stand and the actions of one supporters shouting if they did to provoke also unacceptable"
Please read what I said and watch the footage. I thought all 4 squads behaved pretty well in very heated circumstances. Would you have expected the players to run to the other side of the pitch? The 2 protagonists will rightly be sanctioned but calls to throw the book at clubs and fine them is nonsense and, in my opinion, simplistic Soccer speak.

johnnyh (Westmeath) - Posts: 22 - 14/10/2025 16:32:10    2639981

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Replying To iarmhiabu:  "2025 Leinster Club SFC Odds: Ballyboden St Endas 13/8, Naas 7/2, The Downs 4/1, Na Fianna 9/2, Tullamore 10/1, Portarlington 12/1, Athy 16/1, Newtown Blues 16/1, Summerhill 16/1, Naomh Martin 25/1, Ferbane 25/1, Emmet Og 50/1, Castletown 50/1, Baltinglass 66/1, Kilanerin 66/1, Rathvilly 100/1, Old Leighlin 100/1, Courtwood 100/1."
Kinnegad not in the betting? I see finalists from other counties eg Tullamore & Ferbane in Offaly, Boden & Na Fianna in Dublin, Naas & Athy in Kildare. Disrespectful to Kinnegad.

gaelicgab (USA) - Posts: 881 - 14/10/2025 16:32:36    2639982

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