Keith Quinn elected new county committee secretary

With Raharney’s Brendan Shaw stepping down as secretary of Westmeath GAA’s county committee, delegates did not have to travel far to find his successor. That man is the current assistant secretary, Killucan’s Keith Quinn, who was the only nominee for the role at last Monday week’s county committee meeting in the Mullingar Park Hotel.

“Brendan, unfortunately, had to step down from the position,” chairman Frank Mescall said of the hugely popular outgoing secretary, who tendered his resignation in recent weeks. “He had requested two months out, which of course was accommodated, and during that time, he expressed a wish to re-prioritise his affairs.

“He had a health scare, which thankfully he has overcome and he is in really good form. But he wants to give time to different priorities in life, and he has been released from his duties.

“I would like to pay tribute to him for his work as both assistant secretary and secretary, and of course for his lifetime commitment to his own club, Raharney. He has done a very progressive job out there and served them well, mainly as secretary.

“We respect Brendan’s decision and we move on from it. That is the way of life.”

Mr Quinn’s nomination as secretary was unanimously accepted by delegates, and in a statement on Tuesday last, management congratulated him on the appointment.

“Having served with dedication as assistant secretary for the past three years, Keith now steps into his new role with a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to the county,” the statement read.

“His dedication to Westmeath GAA has been second to none, consistently going above and beyond in every aspect of his work. We are confident that the organisation will continue to thrive under his leadership.

“Wishing Keith every success in this exciting new chapter!”

Now begins the task of recruiting Mr Quinn’s successor as assistant secretary.

“As you all know, this is a vital position,” said Mr Mescall.

“The assistant secretary is in charge of fixtures. So if there is somebody out there who would like to cut their teeth, join management and serve the county, you would be very welcome.

“Much of the heavy lifting for 2025 has been done. January, for the CCC and fixtures, is a really busy month and most of it has been done. Now is the time to come in and learn, and not start from scratch. It may suit somebody in that regard.”

The chairman appealed to clubs to think carefully about suitable candidates and revert with nominations within two weeks.

‘Smart sliotars’ to be mandatory for key club games

The GAA’s Central Council has decreed that so-called ‘smart’ sliotars are to be compulsory for all adult club hurling games from the semi-final stage of county championships, it was stated at last Monday week’s meeting of Westmeath GAA county board in the Mullingar Park Hotel.

Westmeath GAA chairman Frank Mescall, who deputised for Joe Daly at the recent Ard Chomhairle meeting, said that five suppliers - Bourke Sports, Cummins Sports, O’Meara’s, O’Neill’s and Green Fields - have been recognised as official suppliers by Croke Park.

A sliotar co-ordinator will be appointed in the county to approve the small balls, which, complete with microchip technology, will be used in county championship semi-finals at senior, intermediate and junior grades.

Mr Mescall said that about 13 other suppliers have been approved for supplying sliotars for underage games and league games. “I would urge clubs to take heed of this and maybe from the start of the championship, use the sliotar they will use in the semi-finals and finals,” he said. “That might be prudent.”

“So the GAA is telling clubs what sliotars they will have to use?” asked Martin Williams of the Lough Lene Gaels club. The chair replied that each club will get a letter from Croke Park in the next few weeks outlining the initiative.

“It is to ensure that we support the ethical manufacture of these sliotars and that we support local people,” said Mr Mescall.

It was pointed out by a delegate that none of the five approved suppliers are local to Westmeath. “They are Irish,” Mr Mescall responded. He explained that local suppliers such as Adrian Moran (Moran Hurleys, Whitehall) and KC Sports (Mullingar) are on the extended list and can supply sliotars for underage and league games, but are not among those approved to supply smart sliotars.

To the surprise of delegates, the chair said that the chip inserted into smart sliotars will neither record data from nor have a bearing on the adjudication of in-game action. “It couldn’t tell you whether it was wide or over the bar,” he said. “It says that it is an approved one and the GAA can stand over the manufacture of it.

“Most of these are made out in India and Pakistan anyway, but they will be made in ethically approved conditions.

“As a county we will have to implement that. Could we do without it? Yes, of course we could do without it, but we will be tasked with implementing it.”

Secretary Keith Quinn explained that this is the norm at inter-county level. “You come with your bag of 12 sliotars, there is a lad with a mobile phone who scans the ball, and if there is a chip in it, it’s good to go,” he said.

Mr Mescall reiterated that it is important that hurling clubs consider preparing for this long before the semi-final stages of championships.

South Westmeath club projects approved

Two clubs in south Westmeath were approved for key initiatives at last Monday week’s meeting of Westmeath GAA’s county committee.

Speaking in the Mullingar Park Hotel, chairman Frank Mescall said that the projects have already been sanctioned by management but required the approval of delegates.

Patrick Doherty, Westmeath GAA head of operations, told the meeting that Castledaly GAA sought approval to extend a lease put in place in 2012 with the local community playground group, where a playground was put in place on a piece of land owned by the club. The club has been overholding on the lease since its 10 years ran out in 2022, and now wishes to put a formal agreement in place with Castledaly Community Playground Group.

“Westmeath County Council is the insurer for the playground, and it’s a 10-year lease at a nominal rent,” Mr Doherty explained.

Secondly, Tubberclair GAA sought approval for a loan to purchase 18.8 acres of land adjacent to the club grounds.

“The agreed purchase price is €400,000 and the club has in place a letter of offer for €300,000, borrowing against that,” Mr Doherty explained. “It is twofold. The club is seeking agreement to purchase 18.8 acres of land and to borrow €300,000 to fund the purchase.”

Mr Mescall said that these were two very worthwhile ventures. “It’s great to see the playgrounds and co-operation between our GAA community and Westmeath County Council. Castledaly are to be congratulated on that,” he said. “It is the way forward, and it is really good.”