Hurlers off to a flyer in Division 2

Westmeath Senior Hurlers made the best possible start to Division 2A of the Allianz Hurling league with a comprehensive 2-20 to 1-8 win over London at Cusack Park on Sunday 15th February.  In the equivalent fixture at Ruislip last season, Westmeath were fortunate to escape with a point courtesy of a less than inspiring 0-13 draw. Sunday's game was a complete contrast. Though behind by 1-1 to 0-1 in the opening stages, Westmeath moved 0-8 to 1-2 ahead by the 20th minute`with Robbie Greville grabbing the first of his two goals and led by a ten point margin at half time when ahead by 1-12 to 1-2. His second goal allied with Eoin Prices livewire display helped  sealed the issue and the Lake County can look forward to their next game away to Derry on Sunday 23rd February in Ownbeg. Going on the results from the opening weekend, Division 2A will be very competitive and Westmeath will need to maintain momentum built from this win to progress to the business end of the Division in a few weeks time.

Double All Ireland Success at Scór na nÓg Finals:

There was plenty of joy for Westmeath competitors at the Scór na nÓg All Ireland finals held in Citywest on Saturday 14th February.  Three clubs were representing the County at the final with Ballinagore, Moate All Whites and The Downs involved at the highest level of this years competition. While there was no joy for Ballinagore Quiz team or The Downs figure dancers; both The Downs in Leiriu and Moate All Whites in Ballad Group claimed ultimate honours. The large and enthusiastic Westmeath support were delighted at the latest successes for clubs at this stage as it continues a great run of success at All Ireland level in recent seasons for the County. Attention turns to Senior Scór next weekend with the Quiz final on Friday 20th February in Streamstown and the Main finals in The Downs on Saturday 21st February. 
Leinster Minor Football League

REPORT OF UNDERAGE REVIEW COMMITTEE

The committee reviewed the situation with Football and Hurling clubs throughout the County and found that there are serious difficulties as a result of changing population trends. These demographic changes will have a very serious impact on Westmeath GAA and with that in mind, the committee was very conscious of providing meaningful competition for all players, with a view to them reaching their true potential.
Football Report
In football, the committee found that the following clubs are in a position to continue on their own:-
Athlone, Garrycastle, Caulry, Moate All Whites, Multyfarnham,
Shandonagh, Mullingar Shamrocks, St Loman's Mullingar, The Downs,
Coralstown/Kinnegad, St Mary's Rochfortbridge.

Castledaly have agreed to cede players to Rosemount (at all Grades from U14 to U18).

The committee proposes the following amalgamations.

Milltownpass and Tyrrellspass (Clann Braonain)

St Malachy's, Ballinagore and Loughnavalley (Lilliput Gaels)

Ballynacargy and Millmore Gaels (St Patrick's)

Maryland/Tang and Tubberclair (Shannon Gaels)

St Paul's/Delvin (St Earnan's)

Inny Shamrocks/Ballycomoyle (St Michael's)

Kilbeggan/St Joseph's

Hurling Clubs

The following clubs are in a position to field at premier grade 15 aside competitions at under 14s, under 16 and minor level:~

Castlepollard, Clonkill, Cullion, Raharney, Castletown~Geoghegan, and Delvin at U14 and U16 level

For the past number of years clubs have been facilitated through the provision of 11 aside and 13 aside competitions to ensure games for their players.

It is the recommendation of the Underage Review Committee that the structure of the underage competitions for hurling in Westmeath be substantially altered through the amalgamation of clubs with a view to having 10 teams competing in premier grade competitions at under 14, under 16 and minor level. 

The amalgamations which were discussed and which are being proposed are as follows: ~

1. Lough Lene Gaels/Brownstown

2. Ringtown/Crookedwood/Turin. Delvin will be asked to cede any minor players aged 17/18 to this amalgamation for the minor championship.

3. St. Bridget's/St. Oliver Plunkett's

4. Southern Gaels/Fr. Dalton's

General Recommendations

In relation to amalgamated teams it is this Committee's recommendation that the clubs amalgamating form a new Committee which does not draw on personnel serving as officers of the existing clubs and that an agreement be entered into in advance by the parent clubs regarding the funding and operation of the amalgamated teams. We will also recommend that new committees be formed to ensure there is a strong emphasis on building and developing relations between the clubs. The County Board will delegate personnel to meet with the clubs concerned to provide assistance in this regard. 

The Committee recommends that the amalgamations be for a period of 5 years with a review after 3 years.

This Committee recommends that the Minor Board run a 10 team, (2 divisions of 5) league championship at 14, 16 and 18 grades.

Separately, the Board could consider whether amalgamations could submit multiple 11 aside teams or 13 aside teams into a knock-out competition in order to facilitate the maintenance of parent club identity within the amalgamation. 

This Review Committee also recommend that the clubs be asked for a deposit for entry into the under 14, 16 and 18 competitions to be refunded on completion of fixtures.

Under the proposed amalgamations, the committee recommends that no transfer is granted for a period of three years after the players have completed the minor grade, unless there is agreement among both clubs.

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