County players making serious effort

Keith Quinn, County Committee assistant secretary with responsibility for fixtures, has called on all clubs in Westmeath to support the county’s senior teams as players are making huge sacrifices.

Speaking the recent County Committee meeting, Mr Quinn felt it was easy to be critical in the wake of the defeat by Louth in the Leinster championship, or following defeats suffered by the county’s senior hurlers.

“The footballers – they didn’t go out to capitulate at half-time and throw away a nine-point lead. They train five nights a week out of seven, between gym sessions and grass sessions," he said.

He urged every club to encourage young players and parents to support Westmeath in upcoming matches.

“I would urge you to give the players the support because they put in a tremendous effort to wear a jersey for their county: a serious effort, for very little reward. It’s very easy to say that Dessie (Dolan, senior football manager) got it wrong and Joe Fortune (senior hurling manager) got it wrong: they didn’t really get it wrong, it just didn’t happen on the day.

“So, I would urge everyone to go back to their clubs and throw their (full) shoulders behind the wheel.”

Safeguarding up to date

All clubs were thanked for their work in getting their child safeguarding in order. Irene Connell, children’s officer, put in huge work, Frank Mescall, chairman, acknowledged, while the cooperation of the clubs was noted.