‘There’s no place like home’ - Stones thrilled to support Lake County
Westmeath native Michael J Stones returned to his roots this week with a heartfelt address to the county’s underage development squads, reaffirming his and his brother’s long-term commitment to the future of Westmeath GAA.
Speaking at a presentation of gear to Westmeath development squad players in TEG Cusack Park on Friday, the Kilbeggan native, now based in New York, reflected on his journey, his ongoing involvement with the GAA community in the United States, and his pride in supporting Westmeath’s underage structures through the family business, MJS Building and Development. Over 70 footballers and hurlers received gear on the evening.
“My name is Mick Stones, I'm from Kilbeggan originally. I played football with Kilbeggan Shamrocks. I played hurling with Castletown Geoghegan," he told the gathering, formally introducing himself.
"And I retired from hurling with Clonkill,” he joked, to the amusement of the development squad players and their parents.
“MJS Building and Development is a company run by myself and my brother James. And we're based in New York; 22 years ago, we both had a break to America. When we got to New York, the GAA community and the Westmeath club, hurling and football club of New York, was there to meet us. And I'm heavily involved in the Westmeath Hurling and Football Club of New York.”
Michael, whose ties to the Westmeath footballing diaspora remain strong, pointed to senior county footballer Luke Loughlin, sitting nearby, as a recent player to don the maroon of Westmeath in both Ireland and the Big Apple. “Luke spent some time in New York and played football with Westmeath, and he also represented New York footballers.”
He credited his late mother for instilling in him the values of giving back. “When the opportunity came to give back, my late mother used to always say, don't forget your roots. And when Frank Mescall (Westmeath GAA chairman) had a trip over to New York in 2022, we had an opportunity to sit down and talk to him.”
That meeting proved pivotal to a new deal. “A conversation came up about sponsoring ball nets, first of all. And we said, well, what else can we do? And then he said, well, how about sponsoring the underage development squads? And we didn't have to be asked a second time. We jumped at the opportunity.”
Since then, the Stones brothers have kept a close eye on the progress within Westmeath’s underage ranks.
“Over the last couple of years, James and I have been over and back at different underage games, seeing progress. And I certainly have seen progress. And it doesn't happen overnight. It's going to take time. And you have to look back at the under-20s that won the All-Ireland 'B' Championship.
“They all came from under 16, under 17. So that's what you guys here have to be aiming for, nights like that.”
Although he just missed out on witnessing that victory in person, Stones remains deeply invested.
“Unfortunately, I wasn't here for that. I landed on Thursday morning. But MJS is absolutely thrilled to continue our sponsorship with Westmeath County Board and the Westmeath Minor Board. And everything else; the hurling and football championships and leagues.”
Despite two decades abroad, his loyalty to home remains unwavering. “Westmeath is great; to me, there's no place like home. And after 22 years living in New York, I still class Westmeath as my home.”
That sense of home was particularly meaningful at the weekend. “Tomorrow, I'll be here with a feather in my cap with the New York senior hurlers. I'll be proud to say that my son, Adam, will be playing with them. It's great for me to be home here in this venue. Playing here in my home county pitch in the Lory Meagher semi-final. Some people might not want us here, but we're here. And we're hoping to get the job done. And the main thing is we're hoping to get to Croke Park next Saturday.”
As things transpired, New York defeated Monaghan, 1-29 to 2-13, to reach the Lory Meagher Cup final and it was a proud day for Michael and his son, Adam, a former dual star with Clonkill and The Downs.
Michael concluded with a call for support from the local community and a message about the unity that underpins the GAA spirit.
"The GAA is a great community. And what we need is we need to support each other. And support the GAA community. Hurling and football. We're going to do the best that we can. We want to have a continuation, and long may it continue, between Westmeath, New York, and Westmeath here.
“As long as I'm involved with Westmeath, New York, there will always be a bridge that's there. And I know that we, MJS, are behind this, the future of Westmeath, underage development, for many years to come.
“Enjoy your year. Listen to your coaches. Listen to your parents. And the very best of luck for the rest of the season.”