McGrath senses mood is right to make progress

By Damien Maher

After a turbulent year in 2022, the Westmeath camogie side swing back into action next weekend as they make the long journey to Kerry to take on the kingdom in the opening round of the National Camogie League (Division 2A).

Last year it all ended in bizarre circumstances as Westmeath’s campaign was brought to a premature end by what seemed a very draconian punishment when they were docked crucial points following a game against Dublin and despite their efforts with an appeal, the Lake County were forced to lick their wounds.

The 2019 intermediate champions were confined to mere spectators as the quarter finals went ahead without them after Laois scored an equalising point deep in injury-time to break Westmeath hearts.

Despite that setback, they are back determined to make amends this season, with Tipperary man Diarmuid Cahill still at the helm. Cahill only took over in May last year and spent much of the season trying to familiarise himself with both the players and the set-up in the county, but he has certainly warmed to the task and there is a feel good factor in the air as the start of the league approaches.

Encouraging displays in recent challenge games against the likes of Kildare and Kilkenny have only served to boost morale in the camp. Delvin’s Denise McGrath, now an experienced member of the side, is one of those relishing the challenge that lies ahead.

“After the disappointment of last year, we are really looking forward to this season. It was just so unfortunate that we failed to progress last year and the circumstances surrounding our exit left everyone frustrated. We are certainly determined to bounce back,” she said.

Denise hailed the positive influence Diarmuid Cahill has brought.

“It has been very enjoyable and there is a great environment now for the players, which really helps. He has brought in major changes in areas like strength and conditioning, and nutrition and he’s very much focused on pushing the county on,” she remarked.

“His dad, Dinny Cahill (a well-known hurling coach), actually took a few of the training sessions last year and it really brought us on. Before Christmas, we had GPS systems introduced, for example, and that’s the first time a lot of the girls would have experienced it.

“There has been great support also from the County Board and that’s important. Karen Goldrick and Laura Heffernan are involved and they are always present, taking great interest in us and ensuring we have everything we need.

“There’s a real positive vibe about the place and I get the sense it’s going to be a good year.”

FANTASTIC

The league campaign will provide an opportunity for new faces to make an impression, Denise expects and she is delighted to see players making a return to the squad. Julie McLoughlin returns, while players like Megan Dowdall, Sheila McGrath, Fiona Keating and Aoife Newman are expected to feature prominently.

Also returning is Aoife Doherty, while Áine Newman has progressed from minor level, as has Amelia Shaw, a player Denise expects to make a big impression.

“Amelia plays such a big role for Raharney and is a fantastic player,” she noted.

Denise has been playing with Westmeath for the past 16 years and she has never seen such a strong level of interest.

“I was just remarking to Karen Goldrick that it’s fantastic to stand on a pitch in January and February and see 38 Westmeath players competing for places. It’s massive; traditionally we would not have those kind of numbers,” she observed.

Facing Kerry on Saturday next will be no easy assignment, however and Denise is very familiar with the threat they pose. Last year, the Lake County prevailed by five points when the sides met in the intermediate championship (2-6 to 0-7), with two McGrath goals a big factor.

“Look, it’s going to be a tough game for us. The Kerry players are very well conditioned and they come from proud hurling families. We only narrowly beat them last year and I expect it to be every bit as close again,” she said.

“It’s a great game to be starting with as it will really test where we are at, given that it’s away from home and all of that.”

It’s a competitive Division 2A, with the likes of Derry, Meath, Laois and Cavan all involved. However, it’s potentially very exciting and there’s a nice sequence of games to look forward to. Home matches against Derry Meath will be key to how the division pans out.

“We know we are capable of doing really well if we bring our best form into it. I just get the feeling it’s going to be a good year by the way the players are responding: the attitude is good, the mood is right and there’s a very good environment,” remarked Denise.

READY

Westmeath will also be keen to get one over on Laois after that draw last year which ultimately cost them a place in the quarter-finals.

“It was just so frustrating how it ended up: Meath got to the All-Ireland semi-final and everyone was kind of wondering where we were gone! It was strange in that sense, obviously controversial, but we had to accept it in the end,” said Denise.

“We knew our appeal would most likely fail because the quarter-finals had already been scheduled before we got an opportunity to put our case forward.”

With that episode firmly in the past, Westmeath are looking forward to brighter times in 2023 and next Saturday could be the start of a great journey.

“It’s all systems go. We are in a really good place, I feel, fully ready and intent on putting that disappointment behind us,” added Denise.