Westmeath GAA notes
June 08, 2010
Westmeath G A A Notes By Pat Reilly Westmeath P R O.
HURLERS REACH RING CUP FINAL AS FOOTBALLERS
QUALIFY FOR SEMI-FINAL
LEINSTER SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP:
Last Sunday at O' Connor Park Tullamore Westmeath senior footballers recorded a narrow win over Wicklow in the Leinster Championship Qtr Final. This was an exciting encounter with both sides vying for a place in the semi-final against Louth. Wicklow started the brighter of the two sides and had had notched the first point within a minute, but Westmeath settled well and points from Greville, Flanagan, and captain Michael Ennis saw Westmeath take a three point lead. This could have been cancelled out in the twelfth minute but for a brilliant save from Connaughton. It was all of twenty minutes before Wicklow scored and this seemed to lift them as they scored three unanswered points to go in just one behing ant the break 0-05 to 0-04.
Westmeath started the sharper on the resumption and points from Greville and Lynam split with one from Sean Fulrong the Wicklow full forward extended the lead to two. The introduction of Dessie Dolan for Westmeath brought a great cheer from the crowd, however the conceding of harmless frees and some loose marking allowed Wicklow back into the match with fine scores from the boot of Tony Hannon and Paul Earls brought the sides level in the twentieth minute. Westmeath responded with a point, which steadied the side and further points from Lynam and Dolan opened up a three-point lead but the dismissal of Gaffey and Duffy for second yellow card offences didn't help the cause heading into the last five minutes. Wicklow laid siege on the Westmeath Goal and were eventually rewarded when Paul Earls crashed the ball into the net in the seventy first minute to level the match and extra time looked on the cards. Westmeath worked the ball up the field from the kick out and Glennon's last-gasp point swung it for Westmeath, and we now go on to face Louth in the Semi-final on the 26th June.
CHRISTY RING CUP:
Páirc Tailteann Navan turned out to be a happy hunting ground yet again for Westmeath Hurlers when they overcame a fancied Kildare side to reach the 2010 Christy Ring Cup final. An explosive start by Westmeath laid the foundations with
Goals from Blain Leharte and Brendan Murtagh Westmeath shot into an early 2-03 to no score lead. Kildare came into the game more before the break but were behind on a 2-09 to 0-04 scoreline at the break.
Kildare started the second half brighter and a brace of points from Martin Fitzgerald who ended the match with a nine points haul brought the deficit back to five before
Andrew Dermody added a third goal for Westmeath and the game was over as a contest, Westmeath continued to press on and further points from Carthy, Murtagh and Stephen Bardon sealed a good convincing win for Westmeath but not before Pat Burke was called into action when he saved the second Kildare penalty of the day.the final score was 3-19 to 0-18 and Westmeath will now play Kerry in the final, with the prize of a place in the Leinster championship proper at stake.
CO COMMITTEE MEETING:
At the County Committee meeting held in Cusack Park last week County Chairman Tom Farrell told the meeting of the good news that the St.Lomans and Westmeath GAA project for the development of a full size floodlit 3G all weather pitch had got the green light from Croke Park and that it was hoped that work would commence as soon as possible on this. He paid tribute to all parties involved at various stages during the project and said this was a wonderful development for the county. St. Lomans Chairman Ken Eades thanked the County Board, Leinster Council Delegates, Central Council Delegates his own club for the time and effort spent on this project to get it over the line. He said it was great to see it happen as the Late Pierce Butler had initiated it.
Tom Farrell also told the meeting that the AIT were developing an all weather pitch at the collage and said that the county board will be entering into an agreement with them as well which will allow us use the facilities for training and development.
Coaching and Games Officer Billy Foley updated the meeting in relation to all underage development issues and stressed the importance of all clubs getting involved in the upcoming Designation Sports Week, which is being organised by the County Council.
Chairman Tom Farrell expressed the thanks of the county board to all personnel involved in the recent injuries which occurred at GAA matches in Cusack Park and Rochfortbridge, he also expressed concerns at the possibility of the county hospital being downgraded stating that over the years Westmeath GAA have obtained a wonderful level of service from the hospital.
Both the St. Mary's and Castletown Finea Delegates also thanked all involved and wished both players a speedy recovery.
The chairman wished both the county hurlers and footballers the best of luck in their upcoming games at the weekend.
FOOTBALL BOARD FUNDRAISER:
The Westmeath Football board launched their Fundraiser for the Players Training Fund last week.
This incorporates an evening at the races in Kilbeggan on Monday the 21st June, (first race 6pm).
There will be a raffle on the evening with numerous prizes on offer with the top prize being a Mediterranean Cruise for 2 with €500 spending money.
Tickets are €20 which includes entry to the races.
DESTINATION SPORTS WEEK MULLINGAR:
As part of Westmeath County Council 'Destination Sports Mullingar' week running from June 12th - 20th, Westmeath Coaching and Games Development Committee are planning to run Poc Fada and Kick Fada competitions in the Belvedere Estate on Monday evening, June 14th. There will be four separate competitions:-
- Minor Hurling
- Adult Hurling
- Minor Football
- Adult Football
- with the hurling running from 6.30pm - 8.00pm and the football running from 8.00pm - 9.30pm. The competition will be run over a distance of approximately 2km with the winner being the person who completes the course in least number of shots/kicks in each section.
The competition is open to all clubs in Westmeath and with Lá na gClub this Sunday, Clubs may wish to incorporate this type of activity into their day as a means of selecting players to take part in the Belvedere competition.
Entries giving name, club and a contact number to James Heffernan by Tuesday, June 8th (one minor entrant per club per competition)
James Heffernan (Games Development Administrator) Mobile: 087 - 6460030
E.mail:
[email protected] WESTMEATH GAA DEVELOPMENT LOTTO: (Results 1st June)
NO JACKPOT WINENER: WINNING NO'S: 11, 14, 22, 30.
NEXT WEEKS JACKPOT €8,220
3 MATCH 3 WINNERS @ €106 EACH:
Richie O' Donoghue C/O St. Mullingar Shamrocks GAA
Chris Kennedy C/O St. Oliver Plunketts GAA
Johnny Marron C/O St. Oliver Plunketts GAA
NEXT DRAW DATE: TUESDAY 8th June 2010.
GAA PLAYING GEAR RULES CLARIFICATION:
We have had a number of queries from clubs who have been approached by unlicensed companies offering to supply playing gear to GAA teams, and claiming it is not in breach of GAA rules to do so.
GAA Rule 1.17 states that all jerseys used in official matches must display the GAA's official logo and that any team in breach of this rule may be liable to disqualification and/or loss of expenses.
Following the withdrawal of Gaelic Gear's license only the following companies are licensed to supply official GAA playing gear:
O' Neills 01 4293500; Azzurri 051 850066; Masita 046 9241595; Intosport 056 4441652.
UNDER-12 GAMES MOTION PASSED AT CONGRESS:
The 2010 Congress passed a motion to ensure a "child centred" Games programme for children in the U12 and younger age grades. The motion requires all U12 Games to facilitate full participation for all players and to be a maximum of 11-a-side from January 2011.
Specifically the motion means games for all age groups up to and including U11 must be organised exclusively on the Go Games model.
The Go Games Model is defined by the following criteria:
• There is full participation for all players
• Games are organised in a non competitive way i.e. results are not recorded
• Games are small-sided (Max 11-a-side)
• Playing rules/equipment are modified to suit the developmental stages of the children
At U12 level Mini-League Competitions are organised to provide and support a gradual exposure to the challenges of competitively organised games programmes.
The motion aims to promote a philosophy of children first, winning second. It in no way rules out competition, but emphasises a quality introduction to Gaelic games which ensures that all children get a fair opportunity to participate and provides greater opportunity for skill development and enjoyment, ultimately helping to build a mass of players to progress and continue to play with their club.
GAA MUSEUM NEWS:
New Look GAA Museum: The GAA Museum recently unveiled an exciting refurbishment which includes a magnificent new trophy display area for the Sam Maguire and Liam MacCarthy All-Ireland trophies, updated match footage, a new temporary exhibition area, a new museum café, a new Club Wall and a new activity room. Also, the museum's popular games area received a significant upgrade using the latest technology for visitors to test their hurling and football skills.
New Exhibition:
The Fighting Irishmen: Celebrating Celtic Prizefighters 1820 to Present! In association with the Irish Arts Center in New York, this exhibition tells the story of Irish emigration and assimilation to eventual success and world wide acclaim through the sport of boxing. It features an array of robes, gloves, boxing bags, prints, photographs, paintings and film footage of Celtic prizefighters from 1820 to the present day, ends August 31st.
GAA Club Special Offer:
€5 Visit to GAA Museum and Croke Park Stadium Tour! GAA clubs will follow in the footsteps of GAA Legends on All-Ireland Final Day as they explore the dressing rooms, players lounge, pitch side & media centre of the fourth largest stadium in Western Europe. Instil further the pride and passion of the game in your players as they discover the unique history & heritage of Gaelic Games and the GAA. Why not organise your club prize giving ceremony at the Presentation Stand in Hogan Stand of Croke Park during your visit!
VHI GAA CÚL CAMPS:
An all time high figure of more than 1,000 VHI Cúl Camps will be staged across the country in the coming weeks as juvenile footballers and hurlers mark the end of the school year by working on their skills in a fun, friendly and sporting environment.
An extensive list of top ambassadors will visit the camps passing on tips and skills and 300 lucky children will also get the chance to take part in a VHÍ Cúl Day out which will bring them to Croke Park for an action packed activity day and a run out on the Croke Park pitch.
These camps will cater for Football, Hurling and Camogie so everyone come out and enjoy
Full details about camps in your area can be accessed through the Cúl Camps website from the home page of gaa.ie or by contacting the county Co-ordinator Michael Mc Hugh on 044 9341313.
WESTMEATH GAA RESULTS WEEKENDING 06-06-10:
K.C. Sports JFC Sect B: Tyrrellspass 2-9, Garrycastle 2-7;
ACFL Div 4: Ballycomoyle 1-16, Castledaly 1-14; Mullingar Shamrocks 3-21, St Josephs 1-9; Ballynacargy 2-6, St Lomans Mullingar 0-10;
SHL Div 4A: Clonkill 2-9, St Oliver Plunketts 0-11;
Slevins Coaches JHC "A": Castletown Geoghegan W/O, St Oliver Plunketts Scratch; Raharney (P) Lough Lene Gaels (P);
Slevins Coaches JHC "B": Cullion 0-10, Southern Gaels 2-4; Turin 0-18, Fr Daltons 1-7; Crookedwood 1-20, Delvin 1-3;
ACFL Division 7A: St Lomans Mullingar 0-10, St Josephs 1-6;
• I can be contacted by phone on 044 9666476, 087 2777987 or by email on
[email protected]
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