Westmeath GAA takes ‘first step’ towards centre of excellence

Westmeath GAA clubs have given approval for the purchase of 49 acres near Mullingar in order to establish a centre of excellence.

A special Westmeath County Board meeting was convened last night (Thursday) to put the proposal to club delegates.

It’s the first meaningful step in Westmeath GAA’s ambition to develop top class training facilities for county teams.

It has been an objective for quite some time but progress on the issue had been frustratingly slow.

A press release from Westmeath GAA said club delegates debated the purchase of lands, close to the Delvin Road, Mullingar, and gave their agreement to the proposed purchase.

Speaking after the meeting, Westmeath GAA chairman Frank Mescall said: “I want to thank all the delegates who have agreed with the proposed purchase tonight. I know that this purchase will strengthen Westmeath GAA for future generations.

“The new grounds will bring a great boost to our GAA community and provide a centre of excellence for up and coming Westmeath players to flourish.”

He continued: “Tonight’s agreement is the first step in what we expect to be a long process. We will present the purchase proposal to Croke Park in the coming days and await their decision to proceed with the proposed purchase.”

The news comes after a club delegate proposed at a recent county board meeting for the €1m donation from businessman JP McManus to go towards the planned centre of excellence. However, this proposal did not receive sufficient support to go any further.