More than 700 participate in Community Games finals

Fun in the sun last Sunday as we saw large attendances at the annual Westmeath Community Games Track and Field Finals which were held on May 18 in Mullingar Harriers AC, with 24 Areas taking part across a range of events during the day’s proceedings.

Over 700 children participated and they were a credit to their Areas and families with every child representing their Area with pride. Well done to all young competitors and every athlete and team is wished the very best at their next stages be it Regional or Nationals, (full details will be given to each area secretary to advise of dates and times, in the coming days).

Westmeath Community Games is very proud not only of the competitors but the large number of volunteers that work behind the scenes.

“I am very proud of all our Areas, their volunteers and athletes and in what has been a very busy year with many events across the county from swimming, art, gymnastics and this weekend with the county event at Track and Field. Westmeath Community Games is continuing to grow in popularity and that is testament to our hard-working volunteers in each area. I am particularly pleased to see many areas taking part in 2025”, Emily Wallace, Chairperson Westmeath Community Games.

"There are many people that we wish to acknowledge and thank, for their help and support was invaluable in ensuring that our County Finals day was a great day out for all our Area participants and their families.

"We thank Mullingar Harriers Athletic Club and their colunteers for all their hard work and the use of their lovely facilities. It was fantastic to welcome back Mullingar Town Band to lead our Areas in our opening parade before the official opening ceremony, in sunshine that lasted for the full day’s proceedings. Each child proudly wore their Area colours and flew their flags as they marched behind.

"We also thank Westmeath Civil Defence (an invaluable community resource) for their contribution on the day; An Garda Síochána Westmeath for their assistance with traffic and support. Many thanks to Kevin Mathews and Co Matthews Audio Visual Experience, who provided the PA system, and the Last Lap Cafe for being in attendance and looking after our Volunteers so well. Thank you to our areas that provided sandwiches and sweet treats to keep our volunteers going on the day! Thanks to Sean Liston, compare, and all those that set up and prepared the venue; to Carol and Clare for selling our hoodies and T-shirts, which are still available for purchase through your local Area; to Greg Duggan as our official starter and all in our call room, finish lines and recording areas.

"Thank you to our County Executive Committee and all our Westmeath Community Games, and Mullingar Harriers Volunteers, the day could not have run as smoothly as it did without your support and assistance."

"To Andrea Brady a previous competitor for her area at nationals in Community games for taking the end line shots, and also to Conor Reilly for capturing some action on the track and field through his drone footage. Well done to all our young athletes who took part, and we wish each child that goes forward to Regional and national finals the very best as they continue to practise and train to represent their area and county."