Pictured (L-R) are Bernie Martyn, Sean Liston (Secretary), Emily Wallace (Chairperson), Peter Collins, Ciara Dillon, Catriona Collins and Karen Scott at the Westmeath Community Games AGM.

Community Games call - please get involved

Published: Thu 2 Feb 2023, 12:31 PM

Last updated: Thu 2 Feb 2023, 1:19 PM

There are many positive soundings from the annual general meeting of Westmeath Community Games, which was held in Community Games Headquarters, Mullingar on Monday, January 30.

There was a good attendance on the evening and there are currently 18 areas active for the coming year. Chairperson, Emily Wallace, is urging those areas which are currently idle to consider engaging once again for the year ahead.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to get involved. There are over 200 events to take part in and many people may not be aware of that. You can participate in a range of events, from drama to athletics, or football. There is a broad choice,” she explained.

Like many organisations, the Community Games found that covid had an impact and people are slower to re-engage, but the chairperson pointed out that once people do get involved, they really enjoy it.

“It’s obviously wonderful for our young people, but there is a great social outlet to it for parents also. Young people can participate from under five right up to age of 16. It provides a whole new dimension in many respects as it is often an amalgamation of areas, so children who are competing against each other in GAA, for example, can join forces for community games,” she explained.

LEGACY

To take part, all you need to do is register for any three of the events and have a chairperson, secretary, treasurer and children’s officer. There is a need to be Garda vetted, but there is assistance in this area and it is one-line.

“We are encouraging parents to get involved again. There is a large area of the county not active and we are keen to carry on the legacy of people like the great Johnny Crowley. When Westmeath compete at national level we are very strong and you can’t put a value on the work that is being done,” remarked Emily Wallace.

There is a deadline of February 30 for areas to join up as Westmeath will have to confirm everything in time for their draws. Those who are interested are welcome to contact any of the officers.

There are some new areas involved this year, including the Mullingar Dublin Road South Area, which is very welcome.

The following officers were elected at the Westmeath AGM. Chairperson: Emily Wallace. Secretary: Sean Liston. Treasurer: Ciara Dillon. Children’s Officer: Hillary Cunningham. NEAC Delegates: Sean Liston, Emily Wallace, Bernie Martyn, Gabriella Kelly, Hillary Cunningham.