Brendan Killian (right) in action for TUS Midlands in their recent Trench Cup win over SETU, Waterford. TUS are due to contest the final today (Wednesday). Photo: Paul Molloy.

Westmeath contingent plays prominent role as TUS reach Trench Cup final

Published: Wed 15 Feb 2023, 11:05 AM

Last updated: Wed 15 Feb 2023, 12:56 PM

Leading Westmeath under-20 and senior football players will play a key role on the TUS Midlands side, Athlone, in the Trench Cup final against Dundalk IT, at at the SETU Arena in Waterford today (Wednesday, throw-in 5pm).

They tasted victory over TUS Midwest yesterday at the same venue and players such as Ronan Wallace (Multyfarnham), Brandon Kelly (Milltownpass) and Brían Cooney (Coralstown-Kinnegad) were all part of the side.

Athlone stars Shane Allen, Kieran Colclough; Tubberclair's Matthew Whittaker and Jamie Corcoran (Tyrrellspass) were also part of the winning side. Other players involved included Brendan Killian (Shandonagh), Devin Hill (Killucan), Jason Nugent (Garrycastle) and James Bracken (Moate All Whites).

Whittaker, Killian and Cooney are all part of the Westmeath U20 football side, while Wallace is a prominent player on Dessie Dolan’s senior team, regularly taking the centre back slot.

There was also a strong Westmeath connection on the management team, with selectors Seamus Mitchell (Athlone) and Richie Murray (Garrycastle) involved. Westmeath GAA Development Officer Kieran Martin of Maryland was also part of the management team.

The team manager is former Galway player John Donnellan, who has managed Westmeath clubs Castledaly and Garrycastle.

TUS Midlands lost their group game to Dundalk IT but will be hoping to oveturn the result in the final.

The Trench Cup is the second tier Gaelic football competition for third level education colleges, institutes of technology and universities.