Published: Wednesday, 3rd February, 2010 5:00pm

Sports Stars: Hall of Fame award for the late Christy Whelehan

Last June, a man who played an integral part in modernising Westmeath GAA passed to his reward. The Downs legend, Christy Whelehan, who dedicated his life to the GAA, was regarded as most of the most capable administrators of his time.

For more than forty years, between 1947 and 1989, Christy who was a native of Newdown, guided the fortunes of his beloved The Downs GAA club in his role as Secretary. His expertise was acknowledged at County level when he was appointed Minor Board Secretary in 1959, a post he relinquished eight years later.

It was during that period that Westmeath football enjoyed one of its famous hours when the minor side of 1963 captured the Leinster crown, before losing out to Kerry in the final.

As a selector, Christy played a major role in annexing that crown. he later served as a senior selector in the 1980s.

Christy's in-depth knowledge of the GAA rulebook meant he played a pivotal role in the formation of the Westmeath GAA Bye-Laws, regulations which have stood the test of time.

In Centenary Year, 1984, he received the signal honour of being selected as Westmeath's Clubman of the Year.

While the love of GAA coursed through his veins, Christy took more than a passing interest in soccer, boxing and indeed cricket.

One of his greatest passions was cycling and in the 1990s, he, along with his wife, Bernadette, participated in the North/South Maracycle.

Christy's memory will be forever etched in the folklore of Westmeath GAA.

It is fitting that the 2009 Hall of Fame Award is being presented posthumously to Christy Whelehan.