Moate native plays for Clare against Westmeath

Much has been said and written about Westmeath's dramatic league victory over Clare last Sunday week. Westmeath's stirring comeback which clinched a one-point win - following an insipid display for long spells - and the controversial disallowing of a late Clare goal have garnered plenty of attention.

But what might have gone unnoticed was the fact that former Moate All Whites and Westmeath player Gavin Murray started the Division 3 game for Clare.

Murray represented Westmeath up to under-21 level and was also a senior panellist. Now playing club football for Éire Óg in Ennis, Gavin works as as an air traffic control officer. He made his Allianz Football League debut for Clare against Sligo and retained his midfield place for the clash with his native Westmeath.

A winner of a Westmeath intermediate championship medal with Moate All Whites in 2020, Gavin lined out at wing-back in the county final victory over Tang.

Gavin is a son of Maura and Pat Murray, who achieved All-Ireland success with Carmelite College, Moate and went on to play for Westmeath at senior level.

Gavin's uncle John is also a former Moate and Westmeath player. Both Pat and John won Westmeath senior championship medals with Moate All Whites.

John has been active in coaching various teams and he was assistant manager of the St Brigid's team which won the Connacht club title late last year. The Kiltoom outfit went agonisingly close to lifting the Andy Merrigan Cup only to be denied by Derry champions Glen in the All-Ireland decider.

In addition to his home club in Moate, John has been involved with a number of club teams such as Ballycumber, Castledaly and St Brigid's. Another of John's nephews, Ruaidhrí Fallon has been one of the stars of the recent success enjoyed by St Brigid's, and he is currently a member of the Roscommon senior panel.