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Westmeath Hurling thread

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Replying To jobber:  "If its true which I doubt it would be great news.OBrien led us to Joe Mcdonagh then managed Dubln to the Leinster under 20 final in which they almost should have won.

I heard from Dublin sources he should have got the Dublin senior job so tell me why would he take a number 2 job in Westmeath?
iI find your news more like fake news from a board incapable of appointing anyone in either code!"
It's true. Confirmed this morning. Corcoran also joining as coach too. Meeting various players throughout week to try get on board. Glennon has committed to next season. Big boost

Greenandgoldie (Westmeath) - Posts: 154 - 19/09/2024 08:48:38    2570666

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Davy Fitzgerald has come out and encouraged Westmeath supporters to get behind Bulfin, that he worked with him for a long time and he always demands 110%. I would be more confident now knowing he's putting together a decent backroom team and news of a lot of our top players in the county planning on committing.

Dheen (Westmeath) - Posts: 933 - 19/09/2024 09:52:57    2570680

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Replying To Greenandgoldie:  "It's true. Confirmed this morning. Corcoran also joining as coach too. Meeting various players throughout week to try get on board. Glennon has committed to next season. Big boost"
Fair play you got it right.This is a very positive development.O Brien was top notch with us and after his experience with Dublin can only have improved.This should settle the doubts supporters,Clubs, and above all the players have had. Lets hope the board give them the support they need and perhaps give O Brien the under 20s as well but that might be too much to hope for.

jobber (Westmeath) - Posts: 1585 - 19/09/2024 14:00:46    2570758

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Replying To jobber:  "Fair play you got it right.This is a very positive development.O Brien was top notch with us and after his experience with Dublin can only have improved.This should settle the doubts supporters,Clubs, and above all the players have had. Lets hope the board give them the support they need and perhaps give O Brien the under 20s as well but that might be too much to hope for."
How can they give Kevin O' B the under 20 job when he resigned after not getting the senior job? The under 20 job was his if he wanted it for another year but he was unhappy over being overlooked for the senior role and quit.

Claretandblue (Westmeath) - Posts: 1892 - 19/09/2024 14:54:24    2570776

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Replying To Claretandblue:  "How can they give Kevin O' B the under 20 job when he resigned after not getting the senior job? The under 20 job was his if he wanted it for another year but he was unhappy over being overlooked for the senior role and quit."
Think he means Shane O'Brien

Dheen (Westmeath) - Posts: 933 - 19/09/2024 15:09:37    2570780

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Replying To Dheen:  "Think he means Shane O'Brien"
Exactly.The Aston Villa supporter so eager to criticize might think just occasionally before jumping into the ring.

jobber (Westmeath) - Posts: 1585 - 19/09/2024 16:14:06    2570800

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I'd say mine was a simple mistake Jobber but if you care to reread any of my posts on both codes there's very little criticism whereas you're constantly carping about our hurlers commitment, the county board, our footballers and sundry other details. Maybe things are done better in our neighbouring county.

Claretandblue (Westmeath) - Posts: 1892 - 19/09/2024 16:32:33    2570813

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Replying To jobber:  "If its true which I doubt it would be great news.OBrien led us to Joe Mcdonagh then managed Dubln to the Leinster under 20 final in which they almost should have won.

I heard from Dublin sources he should have got the Dublin senior job so tell me why would he take a number 2 job in Westmeath?
iI find your news more like fake news from a board incapable of appointing anyone in either code!"
Eager to jump in Jobber and seek the pessimistic route!!! The irony

Claretandblue (Westmeath) - Posts: 1892 - 19/09/2024 16:34:10    2570814

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Replying To Claretandblue:  "I'd say mine was a simple mistake Jobber but if you care to reread any of my posts on both codes there's very little criticism whereas you're constantly carping about our hurlers commitment, the county board, our footballers and sundry other details. Maybe things are done better in our neighbouring county."
When I am wrong I admit it and shut up maybe you could do with a bit of humility as well.As for criticism only constructive in my opinion.We have great people working in both codes but bad decisions are that and need to be called out.

Going back to my original point I think Shane O Brien in charge of the 20s would be a great move.Might be a bit challenging to Bulfin but he would bring huge authority to the role.

jobber (Westmeath) - Posts: 1585 - 19/09/2024 22:16:40    2570871

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There is no way Shane O'Brien would take the 20s

It's very simple

He's annoyed with Dublin for not giving him the seniors so he left at first opportunity

He's looking at Westmeath and thinks with all the turmoil Bulfin won't last more than a season

Then hey presto new senior manager, Shane O'Brien

Bookmark this post

LockLeanGayl (Westmeath) - Posts: 257 - 20/09/2024 11:23:09    2570937

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Replying To LockLeanGayl:  "There is no way Shane O'Brien would take the 20s

It's very simple

He's annoyed with Dublin for not giving him the seniors so he left at first opportunity

He's looking at Westmeath and thinks with all the turmoil Bulfin won't last more than a season

Then hey presto new senior manager, Shane O'Brien

Bookmark this post"
I dont agree All very cynical.
I think if he sees he can do something with the group and Bulfin agrees he might do it.
Only time will tell.

jobber (Westmeath) - Posts: 1585 - 20/09/2024 13:45:46    2570978

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I read this forum on and off but don't post. Lot of comments recently about the new manager. It's not clear if it's the person or process most posters have issues with. At the end of the day it's performances that count so I think we can only judge once the team is up and running. I will say this and I acknowledge Wikipedia is no semaphore but Seoirse Bulfin has a very decent intercounty and third level coaching experience. In fact IMHO more and better than some of the other managers I have seen mentioned here and thats not a slight on them, because sometimes it's about been in the right place at right time when the bus comes along.

Sometimes you need to get behind appointee rather than throw stones. We can all see how punditry and managing have differ sides from Colm ORourkes experiences and we are all pundits I think. What I think is that (1) Westmeath needs to focus on underage structures and create a pipeline or the manager at senior (2) If the club championship has only 4 possible winners and the champions are only somewhat competitive in Leinster Club then the manager no matter who is not going to be able to deliver huge results because that's just a limit on talent and what young people can afford to put in in time and commitment. (3) My proposal to you all is to set fair objectives here for Seoirse Bulfin and measure his results against them. (4) leave the county board alone, from your comments you don't seem to have any clue what's involved, the challenges, the commitment required etc. and (5) if you do and still feel up to the challenge run for office and make a change.

And now I'll await the shooting party.

Iveagh (Westmeath) - Posts: 6 - 21/09/2024 09:37:43    2571103

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Replying To Iveagh:  "I read this forum on and off but don't post. Lot of comments recently about the new manager. It's not clear if it's the person or process most posters have issues with. At the end of the day it's performances that count so I think we can only judge once the team is up and running. I will say this and I acknowledge Wikipedia is no semaphore but Seoirse Bulfin has a very decent intercounty and third level coaching experience. In fact IMHO more and better than some of the other managers I have seen mentioned here and thats not a slight on them, because sometimes it's about been in the right place at right time when the bus comes along.

Sometimes you need to get behind appointee rather than throw stones. We can all see how punditry and managing have differ sides from Colm ORourkes experiences and we are all pundits I think. What I think is that (1) Westmeath needs to focus on underage structures and create a pipeline or the manager at senior (2) If the club championship has only 4 possible winners and the champions are only somewhat competitive in Leinster Club then the manager no matter who is not going to be able to deliver huge results because that's just a limit on talent and what young people can afford to put in in time and commitment. (3) My proposal to you all is to set fair objectives here for Seoirse Bulfin and measure his results against them. (4) leave the county board alone, from your comments you don't seem to have any clue what's involved, the challenges, the commitment required etc. and (5) if you do and still feel up to the challenge run for office and make a change.

And now I'll await the shooting party."
No shooting party everyone is entitled to their opinion

Just his record doesn't stand up to the UV light

He claims to be Clare's All Ireland winning coach. Paul Kinnerk was the coach

He said in an interview on Midlands radio that he managed Wexford for 4 games - He wore the because Davy was suspended. He was also not the coach in Wexford

He has been Davys Maor Foirne, everything he has achieved has been as Davys Maor Foirne not the coach

He went and managed Meath and won a tap in of a Christy Ring and was then ousted the following year

And went and managed a Charleville team who had been in a quarter final the year before to a relegation final in Cork

So where is this incredible record you speak of? Big difference between being involved and being committed

Being 'involved' is that great GAA word for a lad hanging around the place but not really doing anything

LockLeanGayl (Westmeath) - Posts: 257 - 21/09/2024 12:08:31    2571131

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Replying To Iveagh:  "I read this forum on and off but don't post. Lot of comments recently about the new manager. It's not clear if it's the person or process most posters have issues with. At the end of the day it's performances that count so I think we can only judge once the team is up and running. I will say this and I acknowledge Wikipedia is no semaphore but Seoirse Bulfin has a very decent intercounty and third level coaching experience. In fact IMHO more and better than some of the other managers I have seen mentioned here and thats not a slight on them, because sometimes it's about been in the right place at right time when the bus comes along.

Sometimes you need to get behind appointee rather than throw stones. We can all see how punditry and managing have differ sides from Colm ORourkes experiences and we are all pundits I think. What I think is that (1) Westmeath needs to focus on underage structures and create a pipeline or the manager at senior (2) If the club championship has only 4 possible winners and the champions are only somewhat competitive in Leinster Club then the manager no matter who is not going to be able to deliver huge results because that's just a limit on talent and what young people can afford to put in in time and commitment. (3) My proposal to you all is to set fair objectives here for Seoirse Bulfin and measure his results against them. (4) leave the county board alone, from your comments you don't seem to have any clue what's involved, the challenges, the commitment required etc. and (5) if you do and still feel up to the challenge run for office and make a change.

And now I'll await the shooting party."
I agree with some what you say but people comment probably have westmeath best interest at heart.

But equally a lot tells yes only have certain amount potential senior winners but still other good players how to get all best players is what people to see or much as possible there are still good players some years don't go in maybe all pottneitla and talent go and give year see westmeath will be much different force in mcdonagh cup.

Some criticism over top some is valid though and people should be able express stopping that cause at times it maybe critical wouldn't do any good.

That said I do agree there always some who will be negative no matter what.
Whatis fair objective don't thi k westmeath winning mc Donagh isn't not achievable that's what lot want

Gaaforlife2023 (Longford) - Posts: 508 - 21/09/2024 12:22:18    2571135

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Interesting points, if Bulfin definitely has Shane O' Brien on board and possibly another highly respected Dublin coach in Niall then it's a strong coaching ticket and should do well. An interesting fact about the local championships is that some of the most prominent footballers are inter county hurlers, Niall Mitchell, Peter Clarke, David O' Reilly and each of those would be gladly welcomed by the new football management. Important that those lads commit to hurling.

Claretandblue (Westmeath) - Posts: 1892 - 21/09/2024 12:37:16    2571138

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Replying To Iveagh:  "I read this forum on and off but don't post. Lot of comments recently about the new manager. It's not clear if it's the person or process most posters have issues with. At the end of the day it's performances that count so I think we can only judge once the team is up and running. I will say this and I acknowledge Wikipedia is no semaphore but Seoirse Bulfin has a very decent intercounty and third level coaching experience. In fact IMHO more and better than some of the other managers I have seen mentioned here and thats not a slight on them, because sometimes it's about been in the right place at right time when the bus comes along.

Sometimes you need to get behind appointee rather than throw stones. We can all see how punditry and managing have differ sides from Colm ORourkes experiences and we are all pundits I think. What I think is that (1) Westmeath needs to focus on underage structures and create a pipeline or the manager at senior (2) If the club championship has only 4 possible winners and the champions are only somewhat competitive in Leinster Club then the manager no matter who is not going to be able to deliver huge results because that's just a limit on talent and what young people can afford to put in in time and commitment. (3) My proposal to you all is to set fair objectives here for Seoirse Bulfin and measure his results against them. (4) leave the county board alone, from your comments you don't seem to have any clue what's involved, the challenges, the commitment required etc. and (5) if you do and still feel up to the challenge run for office and make a change.

And now I'll await the shooting party."
No shooting party here either.I felt we needed someone with more experience and more local knowledge.Also the new manager was not popular in Meath but I accept their players may have something to do with it.
Nevertheless water under the bridge.All Westmeath hurling fans,players and clubs need to get behind the team and management.Appointing Shane O Brien as head coach is a hugely positive move and suggests Bulfin has humility, so onwards and upwards.

jobber (Westmeath) - Posts: 1585 - 21/09/2024 12:39:34    2571140

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Back to the playing field for the weekend. Senior A is basically null & void for the final round, the only interesting thing is how The Gaels & Clonkill will line out.
Senior B has once again thrown up a great final round with every team having something to play for. Cullion should have enough to get over CTG, but the threat of relegation will add pressure to Cullion.
With the other 4 teams, Ringtown are the only ones who are sure of a semi spot at least, but if they win they go straight to the final. None of the other 3 teams are through yet. If Daltons beat Ringtown and Delvin beat the Wood then Delvin go straight to final and Ringtown & Daltons play again in the semi. If Daltons & The Wood win then Daltons go straight to final and The Wood play Ringtown in the semi. If Ringtown & The Wood win then Daltons go out and Delvin play The Wood again, but if the Wood are beat they are out (which is probably the most likely thing), and the result of Daltons/Ringtown game decides final placings. I'd like to see 2 semis in Senior B, reckon they could throw up great games.
I take Daltons to beat Ringtown and Delvin to beat the Wood, but these teams are so closely matched that anything can happen.
In the Intermediate, Brownstown, Raharney and Southern Gaels are already in the semis, Brigid's & Turin game decides the last spot.
Again these are closely matched teams but there have been upsets too.
Brownstown to beat Raharney and cement top spot and Turin to just get over Brigid's to get 4th spot.
Southern Gaels should beat Clonkill.

stonemadbeany (USA) - Posts: 590 - 21/09/2024 12:46:21    2571142

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Replying To Claretandblue:  "Interesting points, if Bulfin definitely has Shane O' Brien on board and possibly another highly respected Dublin coach in Niall then it's a strong coaching ticket and should do well. An interesting fact about the local championships is that some of the most prominent footballers are inter county hurlers, Niall Mitchell, Peter Clarke, David O' Reilly and each of those would be gladly welcomed by the new football management. Important that those lads commit to hurling."
Yes it's important although those 3 named players are gifted at both but also hurling mad so I'd be surprised if they didn't join the hurling panel for next season. Bulfin getting Shane O'Brien in is definitely a boost and then of course the next thing is trying to get as many of the best players in as possible, from what I hear their is some good buy in already although early days.
If I was Bulfin I'd be trying to add Liam Varley, Niall O'Brien, Shane Williams, David Hickey, Eamon Cuneen, Darragh McCormack etc to what's already there. Luke Loughlin has been flirting with the idea of playing both, hopefully Bulfin has him in mind too at least.
We should be aiming to win the Joe Mcdonagh and nothing less for next season, the hurlers are there if they can be encouraged in. I know above I've mentioned all Senior A players but the likes of Luke Moore of Ringtown, Dean Ennis of Delvin, Aughey and Leech of Turin have been standing out in the lower divisions as well. If we could get a complete buy in for next season it'd be interesting to see how we'd go in league and championship considering next year's league is more our level as well.

Dheen (Westmeath) - Posts: 933 - 21/09/2024 13:05:39    2571146

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Brigid's possibly intermediate contenders after blitzing Turin in a must win game.

Claretandblue (Westmeath) - Posts: 1892 - 21/09/2024 17:19:33    2571183

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Replying To Claretandblue:  "Brigid's possibly intermediate contenders after blitzing Turin in a must win game."
Without a doubt now its Brigids v Southern Gaels and Brownstown v Raharney.Brownstown at times look too good for this division but again today they struggled.2 good semi finals in prpspect and hard to predict

jobber (Westmeath) - Posts: 1585 - 21/09/2024 23:20:49    2571227

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