Westmeath GAA holds development squad launch in Athlone
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U14 hurling players, Colm Clinton Mullingar Shamrocks, Tommy Murray Delvin, Daragh Daly St. Oliver Plunkett’s, Josh Scahill Shandonagh, Odhrán Devine Castlepollard and Ruairí Heffernan Na Piarsaigh, at the launch of the Westmeath GAA 2024 development panels in TUS last Thursday.Image 2 of 6
Development coaches, David Geoghean, St. Loman’s, Paul Keena, Ballinacargy, Pat Webb, Shandonagh, Ger Behan, Cullion, Martin Geary, Southern Gaels, Tom Brennan. Seated: Ronan Farrell Maryland, Darragh Fleming Raharney/Kinnegad with sponsors Mike and James Stones, MJS Building and Development New York and Frank Mescall, chairman, at the launch of the Westmeath GAA 2024 development panels in TUS last Thursday.Image 3 of 6
Sponsors Mike Stones and James Stones, MJS Building and Development New York with coaches and players at the launch of the Westmeath GAA 2024 development panels in TUS, Athlone last Thursday. Photos Paul Molloy.Image 4 of 6
Tyrellspass players, Shane Carey, Cillian Clarke, Mike Devine, James Tierney. Missing from photo: Ross Maxwell. They are pictured at the launch of the Westmeath GAA 2024 development panels in TUS last Thursday.Image 5 of 6
St. Brigid’s players, Rory Keogh, Liam Brogan, Sean Gavin, Evan Dunbarr and Dean Kelly. Missing from photo is Ciaran Berry. They are pictured at the launch of the Westmeath GAA 2024 development panels in TUS last Thursday.Image 6 of 6
Milltownpass players, Thomás O’Donoghue, Liam O’Brien, Ben Loran and Dean Kelly at the launch of the Westmeath GAA 2024 development panels in TUS last Thursday.Westmeath Development Squads held their launch night for 2024 last Thursday in TUS, Athlone. Players from all of the squads received their gear, including half zips, training tops, shorts and socks.
The gear has been kindly sponsored by MJS Building & Development New York and made by KC Sports, with Mike and James Stones from MJS in attendance. Mike Stones spoke on why MJS are backing Westmeath GAA and encouraged the players to wear the gear with pride and have high ambitions for Westmeath.
Players and parents were also given a presentation on the development squad structures and plans from Games Manager Darren Magee. Thanks to TUS Athlone for hosting, to our staff and coaches for organising the event, and to all who attended.
Coaching Officer seminar
Westmeath Coaching and Games will host a Club Coaching Officer Seminar this Thursday (April 25) in Clonkill at 7:30. The event is open to all coaching officers in the county and will help them in performing their role.
Celtic Challenge: Donegal 3-12, Westmeath 2-11
Westmeath U16 hurlers continued their Celtic Challenge campaign last Saturday, taking on the Donegal minor team in Castlepollard. Ultimately, the Ulster men's ability to convert their goal chances proved the difference, with Westmeath counting the cost of missing three major opportunities in either half (including one square ball).
Despite a rocky start, Westmeath rallied in the second quarter to trail by 1-6 to 1-4 at half time. The second half followed a similar pattern as Donegal notched an early 1-2 to lead by seven. Westmeath rattled off four points reduce the gap before a speculative Donegal shot went all the way to the net. The Lake men finished the game stronger with a late goal but time ran out on the maroons.
Squad: Austin O'Grady (St. Vincents), Paddy McCabe (Clan na Gael), Cillian Walsh (St. Oliver Plunketts), Aaron Hardiman (Southern Gaels), Enda Moran (Clonkill), Conor Walsh (St. Oliver Plunketts), Gearoid McCabe (Clan na Gael), Sean Byrne (St. Oliver Plunketts), Jack Duignan (Raharney), Cian O'Mara (St. Vincents), Conor Maleady (Clonkill), Brian O'Rourke (Na Piarsaigh), Mikey Devine (Castletown-Geoghegan), James Slevin (Fr. Daltons), Oran Smith (Raharney), Ruairi Keogh (St. Brigids), Sean Flynn (Clonkill), Adam Walsh (Cullion), Jack Whyte (Fr. Daltons), Eoin McGrath (Na Piarsaigh), Liam Heffernan (Na Piarsaigh), Tommy Smyth (Raharney), Will Scahill (St. Oliver Plunketts)
The team round up the group stage of the Celtic Challenge with an away trip to face Mayo minors. The game will take place in Tooreen on Saturday April 27 at 12:00.
Development squads
It was a busy weekend for the rest of the development squads. The U16 footballer continued their Ted Webb Cup preparation with a challenge game against Clare on Saturday in Athlone; 24 players each got over a half hours' football in a 0-15 to 0-11 win. The U15 and U14 footballers both trained in TUS Athlone.
The U15 hurlers took on Dublin in Cullion in a challenge game and learned plenty in a 2-17 to 2-11 loss. Meanwhile the U14 hurlers were victorious in a challenge game with Offaly held in Clonkill. Thanks to all venues who hosted matches and training, and to coaches and staff for organising.
Development squad fixtures
This weekend is the first weekend of official fixtures for hurling development squads. All games take place on Saturday April 27, with the first team at home.
U16: Celtic Challenge, Mayo vs Westmeath, Tooreen, 12:00
U15: John Doyle Cup Group 4, Westmeath vs Tipperary, Raharney, 12:00
U14: Forrestal/Walsh Cup - Two Westmeath teams in a blitz with Meath, Kerry and Wicklow in Abbottstown.
Primary teacher summer courses
Westmeath are among the seven counties that have signed up to offer primary teacher summer courses in "Leading Gaelic Games in Primary Schools". The course will take place in-person in TUS Athlone 1st and 2nd of July between 9:30 and 2:00 with a further three days online. Please check www.athloneeducationcentre.com