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Westmeath Football thread

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I would never have classified St Lomans as a defensive team. They have too much talent to need that in Westmeath. Kinnegad are just dour to watch and they wont progress with this style. Yes, you can be defensive but when you overturn the ball you need to attack at pace and have the forwards to be able to punish - this is where they fall down.

Meridian (Westmeath) - Posts: 640 - 03/07/2024 08:51:20    2556657

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Replying To Claretandblue:  "You're the only poster in the county I'd safely say who thinks that Loman's are as defensive as Kinnegad, there were hundreds in the park on Sunday who'd beg to differ, Last year's county final was defined by Kinnegad having fifteen behind the ball for the majority of the game and then hand passing the ball across the field. Paddy D is entitled to tighten his defence but there's no evidence based on scoreline s that Loman's can be remotely categorised in the same defensive bracket as Kinnegad"
There's a difference between a defensive set up when not in possession and how teams approach the game whilst they have the ball. That's the big difference between to two. Loman's will indeed get everyone to retreat when necessary; this is often the case. The difference is when they regain possession, have a kickout or a free in their own half. The focus is to move forward; play the ball through the foot and get players to advanced positions. Kinnegad play a risk adverse style. More possession focused, as was the style of Westmeath during the championship. This is a containment style (the one we all hate) and serves to limit the opposition - almost fearful. The reality is it also limits the attacking team. Wayne Fox (a stylish player) tried a few times on Sunday to deliver ball more directly and was chastised more than once by his management - I did not notice Loman's coaching team discouraging any effort to play direct ball.

fizzygravy (USA) - Posts: 163 - 03/07/2024 09:00:54    2556660

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Thoughts for championship winners/ dark horses.

Senior: Lomans winners hard to see past them, unless they have a few injuries and Kinnegad or the Downs play out of there skins.
Top Group interesting, i think Athlone will be relegated they have never kicked on at all, Tang will defo pick up one win from somewhere but dont know if it will be enough to stay in A group.
B Group: Malachys to get relegated, they really ground out an intermediate but i think they will struggle. Downs up easy.
Dark Horses: Shamrocks, they wont have enough to win it but i think Semi-final would be a big stepping stone for them. Moate could also do something, they have a confidence/arrogance which sometimes looks as a negative but they do play without much fear.

Intermediate:
Winners: Cannot call it

1 of 4: Garrycastle of course probably favourites but i think they mightnt have it easy one bit, thats a very tough group/
Milltown playing very well and very dogged but have been very poor in last few semi finals if everyone stays fit they have a big chance, Tubberclare have all the talent to win it but can they get there best 15 on the pitch at the one time, Miltownpass big physical side with Brandon kelly scoring chief, Duncan and Coyne big losses. Castledaly down to B.

B Group: I expect St.Marys and Ballymore to come out of that group.
Ballymore did well in div 2 with Maryland very hot and cold in Div 3 they same as Multy, St.marys had a turbulent league beating Garrycastle but then getting beat by Shamrocks second team and missing Ned Cully/Ajani Badly.
Dark Horses: Maryland to sneak out of group B
Relegation: Kilbeggan, as bad as Bal are going they win that one off game vs Kilbeggan.


Junior:
Winners: St.Lomans there second team is only getting stronger and winning div 3 is a big statement, i dont want to see it but if i was a betting man.
St.Joes i think will go very close but were undone the last 2 years, maybe have a bit more experience now.
CFCW could easily win it if get all the hurlers, They were decent the last 2 years in intermediate, there better than people think its just the unknown. The same goes for Ballycomoyle and Pauls. Buns legs are gone they have enough to maybe reach a final but Lomans would run them off the pitch.
I dont think the Downs 2nd team is what it was but could be wrong, Shamrocks might push also, the rest nowhere near it.

PowellJohn3 (Westmeath) - Posts: 46 - 03/07/2024 12:12:57    2556707

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In the Junior I would tip St Lomans. They came very close to winning it last year but for a late goal. In terms of sole junior clubs I think CFCW and St. Joseph's are the pick of the bunch.
CFCW had a very good league campaign albeit at a lower level compared with other clubs.
I think it's only a matter of time before Joes win junior. In the past couple of years they have fallen apart when it really matters. This was on show again in their final league game against bunbrosna where they threw away a 4 point lead with 10 minutes to go, to lose by 4.
I also wouldn't completely write off Bunbrosna just yet. They showed real fight and quality towards the end of the league to retain div 3 status. They have got a couple of lads back this year and for the first time in years they have 4/5 starters under the age of 23 who could provide some much needed legs to the team.
If the Downs get a good run and have the right players available they can cause problems for every team in the competition.

westmeathman99 (Westmeath) - Posts: 112 - 04/07/2024 14:28:37    2556912

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Replying To PowellJohn3:  "Thoughts for championship winners/ dark horses.

Senior: Lomans winners hard to see past them, unless they have a few injuries and Kinnegad or the Downs play out of there skins.
Top Group interesting, i think Athlone will be relegated they have never kicked on at all, Tang will defo pick up one win from somewhere but dont know if it will be enough to stay in A group.
B Group: Malachys to get relegated, they really ground out an intermediate but i think they will struggle. Downs up easy.
Dark Horses: Shamrocks, they wont have enough to win it but i think Semi-final would be a big stepping stone for them. Moate could also do something, they have a confidence/arrogance which sometimes looks as a negative but they do play without much fear.

Intermediate:
Winners: Cannot call it

1 of 4: Garrycastle of course probably favourites but i think they mightnt have it easy one bit, thats a very tough group/
Milltown playing very well and very dogged but have been very poor in last few semi finals if everyone stays fit they have a big chance, Tubberclare have all the talent to win it but can they get there best 15 on the pitch at the one time, Miltownpass big physical side with Brandon kelly scoring chief, Duncan and Coyne big losses. Castledaly down to B.

B Group: I expect St.Marys and Ballymore to come out of that group.
Ballymore did well in div 2 with Maryland very hot and cold in Div 3 they same as Multy, St.marys had a turbulent league beating Garrycastle but then getting beat by Shamrocks second team and missing Ned Cully/Ajani Badly.
Dark Horses: Maryland to sneak out of group B
Relegation: Kilbeggan, as bad as Bal are going they win that one off game vs Kilbeggan.


Junior:
Winners: St.Lomans there second team is only getting stronger and winning div 3 is a big statement, i dont want to see it but if i was a betting man.
St.Joes i think will go very close but were undone the last 2 years, maybe have a bit more experience now.
CFCW could easily win it if get all the hurlers, They were decent the last 2 years in intermediate, there better than people think its just the unknown. The same goes for Ballycomoyle and Pauls. Buns legs are gone they have enough to maybe reach a final but Lomans would run them off the pitch.
I dont think the Downs 2nd team is what it was but could be wrong, Shamrocks might push also, the rest nowhere near it."
Senior
Group A
1/2 Finalists - St. Lomans & Kinnegad
1/4 Finalists - Tyrellspass & Caulry
Demoted - Athlone & Tang

Group B
1/4 Finalists - The Downs & Shamrocks

Winners - St. Lomans
Relegated - St. Malachys

Intermediate
Group A
1/2 Finalists - Garrycastle & Milltown
1/4 Finalists - Tubberclair & Milltownpass
Demoted - Rosemount & Castledaly

Group B
1/4 Finalists - St. Marys & Multyfarnham

Winners - Garrycastle
Relegated - Ballynacargy

Junior
Group A
1/4 Finalists - St. Lomans, The Downs, Mullingar Shamrocks & Killucan

Group B
1/4 Finalists - St. Josephs, CFCW, Bunbrosna & Moate

Winners - CFCW
Relegated - Athlone

JakeWest (Westmeath) - Posts: 6 - 05/07/2024 13:13:49    2557056

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Replying To PowellJohn3:  "Thoughts for championship winners/ dark horses.

Senior: Lomans winners hard to see past them, unless they have a few injuries and Kinnegad or the Downs play out of there skins.
Top Group interesting, i think Athlone will be relegated they have never kicked on at all, Tang will defo pick up one win from somewhere but dont know if it will be enough to stay in A group.
B Group: Malachys to get relegated, they really ground out an intermediate but i think they will struggle. Downs up easy.
Dark Horses: Shamrocks, they wont have enough to win it but i think Semi-final would be a big stepping stone for them. Moate could also do something, they have a confidence/arrogance which sometimes looks as a negative but they do play without much fear.

Intermediate:
Winners: Cannot call it

1 of 4: Garrycastle of course probably favourites but i think they mightnt have it easy one bit, thats a very tough group/
Milltown playing very well and very dogged but have been very poor in last few semi finals if everyone stays fit they have a big chance, Tubberclare have all the talent to win it but can they get there best 15 on the pitch at the one time, Miltownpass big physical side with Brandon kelly scoring chief, Duncan and Coyne big losses. Castledaly down to B.

B Group: I expect St.Marys and Ballymore to come out of that group.
Ballymore did well in div 2 with Maryland very hot and cold in Div 3 they same as Multy, St.marys had a turbulent league beating Garrycastle but then getting beat by Shamrocks second team and missing Ned Cully/Ajani Badly.
Dark Horses: Maryland to sneak out of group B
Relegation: Kilbeggan, as bad as Bal are going they win that one off game vs Kilbeggan.


Junior:
Winners: St.Lomans there second team is only getting stronger and winning div 3 is a big statement, i dont want to see it but if i was a betting man.
St.Joes i think will go very close but were undone the last 2 years, maybe have a bit more experience now.
CFCW could easily win it if get all the hurlers, They were decent the last 2 years in intermediate, there better than people think its just the unknown. The same goes for Ballycomoyle and Pauls. Buns legs are gone they have enough to maybe reach a final but Lomans would run them off the pitch.
I dont think the Downs 2nd team is what it was but could be wrong, Shamrocks might push also, the rest nowhere near it."
Hard for dual teams but malachys are decent team bit unfair to say grind out intermediate they won every game hurling comes first but they could pick odd win but might not be enough

Gaaforlife2023 (Longford) - Posts: 436 - 05/07/2024 18:34:04    2557096

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Replying To Gaaforlife2023:  "Hard for dual teams but malachys are decent team bit unfair to say grind out intermediate they won every game hurling comes first but they could pick odd win but might not be enough"
David Lynch and Niall o brien are gone travelling. Malachys will suffer

westmeathgaa11 (Westmeath) - Posts: 269 - 06/07/2024 13:18:36    2557189

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Replying To westmeathgaa11:  "David Lynch and Niall o brien are gone travelling. Malachys will suffer"
Fair enough I was just saying they ain't bad team but have to focus hurling too they could win 1 or 2 section b or not just saying

Gaaforlife2023 (Longford) - Posts: 436 - 08/07/2024 15:03:18    2557716

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Replying To Gaaforlife2023:  "Fair enough I was just saying they ain't bad team but have to focus hurling too they could win 1 or 2 section b or not just saying"
If I was a betting man, I'd go to the bookies and put the wife and kids on malachys to go down. Even if they stayed up it's still a win win as I hate my wife. Awful to see for such nice club.

FarmerJohn (Westmeath) - Posts: 10 - 09/07/2024 08:07:29    2557921

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Replying To FarmerJohn:  "If I was a betting man, I'd go to the bookies and put the wife and kids on malachys to go down. Even if they stayed up it's still a win win as I hate my wife. Awful to see for such nice club."
well bet the wife then, not the kids!!!

Meridian (Westmeath) - Posts: 640 - 09/07/2024 11:18:26    2557975

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Replying To FarmerJohn:  "If I was a betting man, I'd go to the bookies and put the wife and kids on malachys to go down. Even if they stayed up it's still a win win as I hate my wife. Awful to see for such nice club."
Fair enough they have hurling out there anyway suppose loman's kinnegad and downs main contenders

Gaaforlife2023 (Longford) - Posts: 436 - 09/07/2024 13:01:25    2558008

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Replying To FarmerJohn:  "If I was a betting man, I'd go to the bookies and put the wife and kids on malachys to go down. Even if they stayed up it's still a win win as I hate my wife. Awful to see for such nice club."
Looks like you dont get a whole lot right in this life!

jobber (Westmeath) - Posts: 1549 - 09/07/2024 13:12:32    2558011

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Well done to the county board on the fantastic new app . I see the ticket prices are the same again. I normally get the weekend ticket for 35 € as the young lads will often go. People will give out about charging for kids but to me its reasonable value for myself alone if youre going to 4or 5 matches although I might skip the first weekend as there are no double headers that stand out . There must have been a mistake fixing Castledaly and Rosemount game for Cusack and Tang v Kinnegad for Moate on the Sunday evening?? Surely venues should be other way round. Bizarre decision , Castledaly and Rosemount (Garrycaslte ref) should be in Moate and would attract a better crowd in Hogan park instead of bringing Tang and Kinnegad (Killucan ref) out there for a 7 30 throw in on a Sunday evening.

A_Chairde (Westmeath) - Posts: 218 - 11/07/2024 12:58:51    2558368

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Replying To A_Chairde:  "Well done to the county board on the fantastic new app . I see the ticket prices are the same again. I normally get the weekend ticket for 35 € as the young lads will often go. People will give out about charging for kids but to me its reasonable value for myself alone if youre going to 4or 5 matches although I might skip the first weekend as there are no double headers that stand out . There must have been a mistake fixing Castledaly and Rosemount game for Cusack and Tang v Kinnegad for Moate on the Sunday evening?? Surely venues should be other way round. Bizarre decision , Castledaly and Rosemount (Garrycaslte ref) should be in Moate and would attract a better crowd in Hogan park instead of bringing Tang and Kinnegad (Killucan ref) out there for a 7 30 throw in on a Sunday evening."
how can i purchase those weekend tickets

mickcunningham (Westmeath) - Posts: 1859 - 11/07/2024 14:05:12    2558387

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Replying To mickcunningham:  "how can i purchase those weekend tickets"
https://www.universe.com/users/westmeath-gaa-KDL8BC

ExiledCuCu (Cavan) - Posts: 232 - 12/07/2024 15:16:43    2558581

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Armagh in the All Ireland final.After all the games we have had with our Orchard friends ovee the last few years ALL of us should be asking the question why them and not us and then think what are we going to do about it?

jobber (Westmeath) - Posts: 1549 - 14/07/2024 14:07:44    2558961

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Replying To jobber:  "Armagh in the All Ireland final.After all the games we have had with our Orchard friends ovee the last few years ALL of us should be asking the question why them and not us and then think what are we going to do about it?"
Armagh are streets ahead of us in terms of size, strength and ability.

Meridian (Westmeath) - Posts: 640 - 15/07/2024 08:59:42    2559190

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Replying To jobber:  "Armagh in the All Ireland final.After all the games we have had with our Orchard friends ovee the last few years ALL of us should be asking the question why them and not us and then think what are we going to do about it?"
The Armagh team trajectory is going upwards , unfortunately same cant be said for ours. You look at the age profile of this Armagh team. Rian O Neill, Mc Cambridge, Og Burns, McQuillan and Turbitt these lads are 23 or 24 . They were minors in 2016/17. How many players in those ages have we on our squad? We havent blooded enough players and will pay the price in the very near future. McGeeney has had 10 yrs to build too, a lack of continuity with management maybe hampered us in the past too.

A_Chairde (Westmeath) - Posts: 218 - 15/07/2024 09:33:27    2559200

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Replying To jobber:  "Armagh in the All Ireland final.After all the games we have had with our Orchard friends ovee the last few years ALL of us should be asking the question why them and not us and then think what are we going to do about it?"
Are you actually serious

CleanShoulder (Westmeath) - Posts: 318 - 15/07/2024 12:01:21    2559259

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Replying To A_Chairde:  "Well done to the county board on the fantastic new app . I see the ticket prices are the same again. I normally get the weekend ticket for 35 € as the young lads will often go. People will give out about charging for kids but to me its reasonable value for myself alone if youre going to 4or 5 matches although I might skip the first weekend as there are no double headers that stand out . There must have been a mistake fixing Castledaly and Rosemount game for Cusack and Tang v Kinnegad for Moate on the Sunday evening?? Surely venues should be other way round. Bizarre decision , Castledaly and Rosemount (Garrycaslte ref) should be in Moate and would attract a better crowd in Hogan park instead of bringing Tang and Kinnegad (Killucan ref) out there for a 7 30 throw in on a Sunday evening."
It's a great step forward and clicking through to get the tickets works quite well. Strange to see a lot of personal information required by clubspot/westmeathgaa when most people just read the news or click the links for tickets. Seems a bit overkill to me. Tbf for club versions of that app, those details are needed for verifying members/parents identities and managing memberships.

Hopefully they can do more with the app, it's early days and I'd be optimistic it will get more useful over time. Definitely a sign of progress.

gedupoutofit (Westmeath) - Posts: 170 - 15/07/2024 14:13:45    2559290

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