Westmeath Community Games notes

On the last two Sundays, up to forty soccer teams took part in a five-a-side soccer blitz in the Mullingar Athletic F.C. in Gainstown to whom we are most grateful.On the first Sunday we had the Under 15 boys and girls competitions and on last Sunday it was the turn of the boys and girls Under 13 to take the field.Following two days of top class competitions, Mount Temple/Baylin brought off a great double with their boys Under 15 and girls Under 13 taking gold.The Downs under 15 girls brought home gold while the boys Under 13 from Moate also emerged county champions. The above county champions will now travel to play the Offaly champions in the first round and Laois winners in the second round.Our thanksThe success of the above competitions was due mainly to the generosity of all the officials who gave of their time and expertise to officiate at these games. They were Oliver Holmes, Tony Hoctor, Tom Ryder, Liam Boggs, Donal O"Keeffe and co-ordinator Mick Brick.We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to all the team managers and players for their help and co-operation in the successful running of the above competitions and wish continued success to the winners in Leinster and National.Closing DatesSummer Team Games (i.e. Gaelic, Soccer, Camogie, Hockey, Tennis etc.) - Closing date March 16.Don"t forget that March 31 is the closing date for entries for the following competitions: Art & Model Making, Choirs, Projects, Recitation, Culture Corner, Comedy Sketch. Solo Modern Dance, Set Dancing/Trad. Irish, Modern Dance Group, Group Singing, Under 14 Quiz, Cross Country, Sports Induction. Only panel forms received by 31st will be included in draw.Basketball CompetitionIn the boys and girls Basketball competition, we would ask all team managers to ensure that the finals are played on or before 31st March. The first rounds to be played on or before 1st March. Second Rounds by 8th. Semi-Finals and Finals by 31st March.Winning Team Manager MUST tel. results immediately after match to: Mick Brick at 085-1743409, or Kay O"Connell at 0906-472873 with signature sheets from game to be sent to office immediately after each game for checking.Please ensure that all games are played in a friendly and sporting manner. In preliminary rounds - first named teams have home advantage and are responsible for officials and venue. Winning teams must send in a copy of their birth/baptismal certificate immediately after the final.National Finals - VolunteersWe are moving quickly towards the first National Finals Weekend in Athlone Institute of Technoloy from May 22 to 24 and we in Westmeath (the host county) are hoping to play our part by requesting volunteers to assist with the smooth, safe and successful running of this weekend.With a new venue there are some changes and challenges which will have some impact on how and what we are planning to do during the weekends. Some of those who volunteer will need to attend a special training event, yet to be confirmed but expected to be during the day on one of the Saturdays in April. This event will apply to all Security and Stewarding/Car Parking personnel..Volunteers are required in administration and event management: Security, Stewarding and Car-parking, Finnance/gate; Reception and Information Desk; Results and Accommodation Office; PR Office; Hospitality.Event Officials (judges/referees/adjudicators/co-ordinators/assistants/timekeepers) for: Dance (modern, traditional Irish and contemporary); Art/Projects; Handball; Choir/Group singing/Solo music; Indoor Soccer; Chess/Draughts; Table Quiz; Athletics (relays/cross country) and Presentations.Please indicate which of the above roles you are interested in becoming involved at our May Festival weekend and wish to carry out. and contact your Area Secretary or call our County Secretary direct as the deadline is March 16.Dates for your diarySummer Team Games (i.e. Gaelic, Camogie, hockey, Soccer, Tennis etc.) - Closing date 16th MarchClosing date March 31st. for Quiz, Choirs, Culture Corner, Projects, Singing, Dancing, etc. - County Quiz Final - (Provisional) Friday, 10th April.Swimming - Closing date 31st March, (County Final, 26th April, 12.30 p.m.).Art & Model Making - Closing date 31st March. County Final (Provisional) Saturday, 18th AprilGymnastics - Closing date - 31st. March. County Final to be announced.Closing date for winter programme teams to Leinster is the 15th February.First Rounds - 1st to 8th March. Second Round - 11th to 18th March.Semi-finals and finals - Sunday, 29th March in Carlow.First Weekend in Athlone A.I.T. - Fri., Sat., Sun. 22nd, 23rd and 24th May.Closing date for summer programme teams to Leinster is the 15th May.First Rounds - 3rd to 10th June. Second Round - 17th to 24th June. Semi-finals and finals - 11th July in Carlow.Athletic County Finals - (Provisional) Sunday, 14th June. Field Events Monday, 15th June.Closing date for entries, Saturday, 31st May.National Finals in Athlone A.I.T. - 2nd Weekend - August 14th/16th. Third Weekend - August 21st / 23rd.Copy of Birth/Baptismal Certs should accompany panel forms.Only panel forms received by the closing date will be accepted - No Late Entries.Progressive 25Our thanks to all our card playing friends who turn out every Monday night to support the Community Games. The winners on Monday last were: Peter Whelan, Jack Doolin, Tom Smith, Martin Wall. See you all on Monday night at 9 p.m.