Player struck in ugly post match incident

Indiscipline on the field of play and on the sidelines is doing little to promote the positive contribution of the GAA to the local community, according to Westmeath GAA chairman Frank Mescall.

The chairman was speaking after a controversial weekend in the county, with disturbing incidents at games in Moynihan Park, Ballynacargy and TEG Cusack Park. On Saturday in Moynihan Park, the Junior Football Championship game involving Kilbeggan Shamrocks and Bunbrosna had just ended when a player sustained a blow which resulted in an injury to the mouth.

It is understood a red card was issued following the ugly incident and the matter will be dealt with by the Competitions Control Committee (CCC). Kilbeggan Shamrocks were 2-11 to 1-13 winners in wet conditions.

At TEG Cusack Park on the same evening, the alleged incident occurred as tempers boiled over during the first half of the Tyrrellspass versus St Loman’s, Mullingar encounter. It is understood those involved were non players. Tensions were running high at half-time, but the second half passed off without any further incident.

Whether the CCC can investigate what took place could not be confirmed.

Mr Mescall condemned the incidents and called on clubs to take a firm hand.

“We very much regret these incidents. They were nasty and have no part in our games. Clubs will look to us, but ultimately they are responsible and will have to lead the line in dealing with this,” he said.

“There is a huge amount of positive work going on and many volunteers giving so much of their time, but then we have these incidents which only serve to drag us down. It’s really disappointing.”

There was also an issue regarding match officials as only one linesman was on duty at the Tyrrellspass versus St Loman's SFC encounter.

Clubs were advised to adhere to the match regulations in advance of the round three fixtures and there was potential for added tension as the championship moved to a crucial phase. St Loman’s, Mullingar emerged comfortable winners (1-15 to 0-9) and now lead the way in Section A, while Tyrrellspass are in fourth place and now face defending champions The Downs in a key round four encounter.

The latter have just one point on the board after three rounds and could exit the championship if they don’t rediscover their winning form. It comes after Coralstown/Kinnegad proved too strong in Saturday’s second game at headquarters, Pascal Kelleghan’s winning by six points in the end, 1-12 to 1-6. They currently sit second behind St Loman’s on score difference.

The remaining game in the top group saw Caulry defeat Killucan in Shandonagh on Saturday, Shane Curran’s men winning by three points (0-11 to 0-8) in difficult conditions. The Mount Temple side are in line for a quarter-final place ahead of their round four clash against St Loman’s.

In Section B, Tang lead the way following their narrow victory over Moate All Whites on Sunday (1-9 to 1-8). Elsewhere, Mullingar Shamrocks enjoyed a five-point victory over Garrycastle and move into second place alongside Moate All Whites. Garrycastle are still searching for their first win and face a battle to fend off relegation ahead of games against Tang and Athlone.

The Shannonsiders enjoyed a crucial win (0-10 to 0-9) over Shandonagh on Sunday evening, their first of the campaign, but they will be keen to add to this when they face Mullingar Shamrocks in the penultimate round. Defeat means Athlone and Garrycastle could be battling it out for survival, although Shandonagh are also under real pressure when they face Moate All Whites in round four.

There’s still plenty to play for at either end of this intriguing group, with just two qualifying places on offer: Tang are in pole position, but who joins them in the quarter-final is the issue, with Mullingar Shamrocks, Moate All Whites and Shandonagh still in with chances.

Meanwhile, in the Intermediate Football Championship, Tubberclair, Castledaly, Ballymore and Milltown are in line to take the four qualifying places in Section A. Tubberclair remain unbeaten following their victory over Rosemount, while Castledaly denied Milltown and Ballymore edged out St Mary’s, Rochfortbridge who have lost their three opening games.

Section B sees St Malachy’s and Ballynacargy in line to qualify: their round three meeting was postponed to Monday evening following a bereavement in the Ballynacargy club, but Milltownpass defeated Multyfarnham and Maryland overcame CFCW.