Ladies secretary to challenge for top job

Westmeath GAA chairman Frank Mescall is coming towards the end of his five-year term and two candidates are emerging to challenge for the top job.

Paddy Wallace of Multyfarnham, the current vice-chairman, is set to be challenged by Paula Finan, Westmeath LGFA secretary. There has never been a woman cathaoirleach of Westmeath GAA since it became established 1891, but the growth of LGFA in Westmeath has been steady over the past number of years and it is significant that a candidate has emerged.

Nominations closed on Monday, November 10, and the Westmeath GAA County Convention is scheduled for Wednesday, December 10, in the Mullingar Park Hotel.

Westmeath GAA are currently in plans to build a new Centre of Excellence, which is set to cost in the region of €15m, to be built on a phased basis over the a number of years. It is a major project for the sporting body.

There is also a vacancy for the position of PRO as Marie Lynagh’s five-year term ends and Sinead Kiernan of St Malachy’s is being linked with the position.

Speaking on his hopes for the next five years in the build-up to football final weekend, Frank Mescall said he would like to see the planned Centre of Excellence up and running.

“We have seen plans for buildings for the first time, so that stage of it is progressing. I hope to see a couple of pitches in operation, and a gym. These facilities are needed for our county teams - senior, under 20 and minor especially. It has been difficult begging for a gym and begging for pitches from our clubs, so to finally have our own would be an achievement,” he remarked.

“We have the players to compete in the Sam Maguire Cup in football and Liam MacCarthy Cup in hurling. We have only won one Delaney Cup and I think it’s a realistic goal to target a second Leinster (senior football) title in the next five years.”