Westmeath senior football champions celebrate glory year

By Damien Maher

The current Westmeath senior football champions, The Downs celebrated a memorable year when they convened for the club’s Dinner Dance in Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar last Saturday evening.

There were 300 people in attendance for what proved a wonderful community event.

Frank Mescall and Brendan Shaw, County Committee chairman and secretary, were the guests of honour on the evening.

The main highlight of the night was the presentation of the league and championship medals to the successful senior team of last year.

There was also a significant presentation to outstanding club man Brian Murtagh, who was honoured with a Lifetime Service Award. Aiden McGuire made the presentation.

Brian Murtagh has given over 60 years of service as a player, administrator, county board delegate and county selector. He is a former club chairman and development officer, and has been involved as a player or a selector in eight of the 10 senior championship successes The Downs have enjoyed.

Brian played adult football with The Downs from 1968 to ‘74. He won a Cumann na mBunscol title in 1958, and was a runner-up in ‘57 and ‘59. From these beginnings as a young player he developed into a senior footballer, serving The Downs with distinction for many years.

It was a very seminal moment in the night’s proceedings and Brian and his wife Mary got a terrific reception which they both deserved. Brian is also a link to the Leinster final team of 1972/’73.

Christy Corroon, a former Westmeath great, was also present from that team. He was a substitute on the Railway Cup teams back in the day.

There was also a presentation to Joe Connaire for his great exploits in ensuring that the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann homecoming in Mullingar last year was a tremendous success. Joe is a club man of The Downs and a former player with the club.

PASSION

County Chairman, Frank Mescall addressed the gathering and he presented the medals to the successful senior teams. He acknowledged the club's wonderful progress and the key role they have played in Westmeath GAA over the years. "An iconic night for an iconic club," he remarked.

The Downs' Chairman, Aiden McGuire also addressed the gathering.

The Downs not only had a brilliant year in Westmeath, they went all the way to the Leinster Club final in Croke Park and enjoyed two memorable days at headquarters, defeating Meath’s Ratoath in the semi-final before being denied by eventual All-Ireland champions, Kilmacud Crokes. They certainly represented Westmeath superbly, bringing great colour and passion to the famous Jones Road venue.

The senior team management and the backroom team were honoured: manager Lar Wall and his selectors Barry Conroy and Dermot Power were recognised for their great contribution last year. Back room team members, Alan Money, Mark Cunningham, O’Neill Harte and Joe Lynam were also honoured.

Above anything, this was a great community event and a great success. The Downs received great feedback from all who attended and the venue was superb. They are very grateful to Bloomfield House Hotel and Murray Bus Hire for sponsoring some great prizes on the night.

There were two one-year gym memberships and two six-month membership packages up for grabs, as well as prizes of afternoon team and spa delights at the Bloomfield House Hotel.

Fear an Tí was Westmeath GAA’s Head of Operations, Patrick Doherty and he interviewed Lar Wall, the senior manager and other members of the management team. He did a superb job and kept it moving.

The Downs are also very grateful to photographer John McCauley, who attended for the Westmeath Examiner to record the memorable moments.