The strength of gaelic games in any area is largely dependent on the population of that region. To this end, Kilbeggan's hand should soon be strengthened considerably by the superb Abbeybrook development currently being carried out in the town by the trusty Midland Contractors Ltd. team. Hopes are high amongst the gaels of Kilbeggan that the local football club can regain its senior status in 2007. The Shamrocks start the '07 campaign as one of the favourites to annex the intermediate championship and there's no reason in the world why they can't make a genuine bid for silverware. But, even if they fail this year, it's surely only a matter of time before the Maroons book a return to the top table, such is their proud tradition and strong recent pedigree. In the medium- to long-term, the future of Kilbeggan GAA appears to be in safe hands. And the club's strength is set to be increased by the various developments taking place around the town, foremost of which is Abbeybrook - a stunning residential development of exceptionally spacious two, three and four bedroom houses at affordable prices. Launched in October 2006, Abbeybrook comprises a total of 97 units in its first phase and will include some 327 houses in total when the full scheme has been completed. Overseen by highly-regarded building developers Midland Contractors Ltd., this exclusive development is set to transform the face of Kilbeggan forever. And, by making the town a more attractive proposition, it should also have positive knock-on effects for the Kilbeggan Shamrocks GAA club. Traditionally a popular stopping place on the main Galway-Dublin Road, Kilbeggan has a number of strong selling points. Located midway between Athlone and Kinnegad, Kilbeggan is a developing town built on the River Brosna. Beside the new N6 dual carriageway that connects Athlone to Dublin (allowing convenient access to both the capital and the west), it is now just 55 minutes from the M50 and 15 minutes from Tullamore, with ten daily train services to Dublin. The town is ideally located at the centre of the gateway triangle of Athlone (20 miles), Mullingar (13 miles) and Tullamore (8 miles) and is only 57 miles from Dublin. Thus, Abbeybrook offers all the benefits of a more relaxed pace of life but within proximity of three major towns and the capital itself. In addition to the luxurious homes, the development will also include a crèche. Finished to the highest standard, the homes are built to a unique architectural design and will include gas-fired central heating as well as a choice of fitted wardrobes, painted walls and woodwork, master bedroom en suite, electric shower and fireplace allowance. The homes are all wired for alarms, with no stamp duty for owner occupiers as well as a purchase price pledge and ten-year structural guarantee from Homebond. Abbeybrook is being developed by Midlands Contractors Ltd., one of the most-renowned development companies operational in the midlands. The company was established as a building firm in Cortown, Kells, County Meath by Paddy Kerrigan in 1976. In the early years, Paddy concentrated mainly on contract work before branching into development. Today, the workload is split almost 50/50 between contract work and Midland Contractors' own developments. The work takes the company near and far. For example, recent sites have been secured in Castleblayney, County Monaghan and Lanesboro, County Roscommon while contract work has been taken up in Trim, County Meath and Kinnegad, County Westmeath. Perhaps of particular interest to readers of this publication is the fact that Midland Contractors is also carrying out work on the GAA pitches in Kinnegad. Indeed, the company is extremely active in both Kilbeggan and Kinnegad. In 2005, they completed a magnificent 130-house development called Manorfield in Kinnegad and they will be returning to the area in the near future as planning permission has already been secured for a 118-house development on another site in the town. Work began on Abbeybrook in December 2005, with 97 houses in the first phase, which is being carried out at present. Approximately half of these had already been released and sold at the time of writing [early January]. The first phase should keep Midland Contractors busy in Kilbeggan up until October 2007 and they will be in Abbeybrook for at least another two years thereafter in accordance with completion of the full scheme of 327 units. By providing better homes and a more sustainable environment, the Abbeybrook development will contribute to the overall well-being of the local community in Kilbeggan, including the GAA club. Kilbeggan Shamrocks is an inherent part of everyday life in the town and the locals will provide enthusiastic support throughout 2007 as the Maroons strive to get back to the top grade of Westmeath football. They safely negotiated the group phase in '06 before falling to Maryland by 0-15 to 1-9 in a thrilling semi-final. Clearly, they possess the talent to go at least one step further this year. With the Abbeybrook development coming on stream nicely, success for the footballers of Kilbeggan would provide a further boost for a Westmeath town going through exciting times of change. Tweet

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