Bank of Ireland Leinster S.F.C. Westmeath's reign as Leinster champions came to a disappointing end on Sunday 29th May when Kildare ran out winners by 0-14 to 0-11 in the quarter final clash. Westmeath started the match very brightly and in the first five minutes had four points on the board from Fergal Wilson, Alan Mangan and two from Dessie Dolan. At this stage, however, Kildare started to come into the game and points from John Doyle, Tadhg Fennin and Ronan Sweeney kept them in touch. Dessie Dolan continued to be a thorn in Kildare's side and he scored Westmeath's other three points of the half and at the break Westmeath held a slender 0-7 to 0-6 lead. On the restart Kildare took command and opened up a two point lead before points from Patrick Mulvihill and Des Dolan drew the sides level again. However at this stage of the match Kildare were in control and John Doyle scored three second half points to see his side through to a Leinster semi final clash V. Laois. Westmeath face a first round All-Ireland qualifier clash on June 18th and I am sure that Páidí Ó Sé and the other members of the management team will ensure that the players re-group and focus on having a long run in the All-Ireland series. Good to see Sean Carroll in action as a linesman in the Offaly/Laois quarter final on Sunday. Well done, Sean. Cumann na mBunscol At half-time in the Westmeath V. Kildare Leinster championship match on Sunday last eleven Primary school pupils represented Westmeath in the Cumann na mBunscol Mini-Game. The eleven who did themselves, their families and schools proud are: Peppe Orlandi (Curraghmore N.S.), Philip Bell (All Saints N.S., Mullingar), Kelvin O'Reilly (Taughmon N.S.), Patrick Somers (Milltown N.S.), Michael Connell (Sonna N.S.), Cathal Burke (Ballynacargy N.S.), Conor Gilsenan (St. Colman's N.S., Mullingar), Jake Byrne (Rochfortbridge N.S.), Daniel Fitzpatrick (Baylin N.S.), Kevin Smullen (The Downs N.S.), John Kiernan (St. Mary's C.B.S., Mullingar). Well done also to mentors, Davy Gavin (Milltownpass) and Derek Butler (The Downs). Westmeath G.A.A. Club Development Lotto Match 3 winners in the Lotto draw held on 24th May were: Kevin Williams c/o Delvin G.A.A. Sean Claffey, Ballinagore Conor Farrell, Drumraney, Tang Ciara Moore, 3 Brookfield, Mullingar Celine Geraghty c/o St. Loman's, Mullingar G.A.A. Fergal Reynolds, 65 Greenpark, Mullingar Bernard Bracken c/o Delvin G.A.A. Noel Daly c/o An Post, Mullingar G. Taggert c/o Mullingar Shamrocks G.A.A. Tony Gorman c/o St. Loman's, Mullingar G.A.A. Mary Ivory, St. Mary's Hospital, Mullingar Leo Irwin c/o St. Loman's, Mullingar G.A.A. Brendan Mulligan c/o St. Loman's, Mullingar G.A.A. Sean Finnegan c.o Mullingar Shamrocks G.A.A. Paddy Gray c/o Delvin G.A.A. Ann McDaniel, Ballinagore The jackpot for the draw to be held on May 31st is ?5,660. Playing Rule Amendments The following are the playing rule changes which came into effect on Saturday, May 14th: Use of Hurling Helmets: In all hurling games and training sessions, it shall be mandatory for all players up to and including Minor (under 18) grade to wear a helmet with a facial guard. Penalty: Rule 1.1 Powers of the referee: (viii) To terminate a game, having first given a three minute warning to the captain or official in charge of the team or the players involved, in any of the following circumstances:- (a) a player refusing to leave the field when ordered off, or having been ordered off, rejoins the game; (b) a team or player(s) leaving the field either without the referee's permission, or refusing to continue playing; (c) a player refusing to wear a helmet with a facial guard in any game up to and including Minor (under 18) grade. (Please note that the implementation of the above rule for the under 21 grade has been postponed until January 1st. 2006) Rule 5 - Aggressive Fouls: To pull or take hold of a face guard, or any other part, of an opponent's helmet; Penalty: (1) Caution offender; order off for second cautionable offence foul. (2) Free puck from where the foul occurred except as provided under Exceptions of Rule 2.2 Playing Rules of Gaelic Football: (Rule 2.7) Kick out with Tee: The player taking the Kick Out after the ball goes wide or a score, shall have the option of using a tee. Challenge Games Clubs are asked to note that five days notice to the relevant authority must be given when arranging challenge games. Also the referee for challenge games must be neutral and from the official list. Playstation Leinster G.A.A. Summer Camps It's that time of year again when we turn our thoughts to the Playstation Leinster G.A.A. Summer Camps. Venues and dates for this year's camps are: Hurling: 4th - 7th July Ringtown Páirc Chiaráin, Athlone 11th - 14th July Collinstown (Junior Camp) 18th - 21st July St. Oliver Plunkett's 25th - 28th July Delvin Football: 4th - 7th July Kinnegad St. Loman's, Mullingar 11th - 14th July Páirc Chiaráin, Athlone St. Mary's, Rochfortbridge 18th - 21st July Hogan Park, Moate Ballynacargy 25th - 28th July Kilbeggan Shamrocks Rosemount 2nd - 5th August Multyfarnham Clonmellon Páirc Chiaráin, Athlone (Junior Camp) St. Loman's, Mullingar (Junior Camp) For further information please contact Michael McHugh, c/o Cusack Park, Mullingar. Minor Website There is a Minor Board website available which can be accessed at http:// westmeathminorgaa.com. Contact Again a reminder to all club P.R.O.'s that I can be contacted on 044/44567 or by e-mail to [email protected] with news and results. Tweet

Most Read Stories