Castletown Geoghegan celebrate senior success

Castletown Geoghegan Hurling Club celebrated a special achievement on Saturday as the 2025 Westmeath Senior Hurling champions were honoured at the club’s Dinner Dance. Chairman Ian Corrigan said the occasion was made all the more significant by the achievement of back-to-back titles.

“We’re celebrating our championship year in 2025 as winners of the Westmeath Senior Hurling Championship. It’s a special year, really. We were lucky enough to be able to do the two in-a-row. That’s why tonight’s a little bit special for us. It’s a credit to the lads for the effort that they’ve put in over the last two years really,” he remarked.

He paid tribute to manager Alan Mangan and his backroom team of Pat Clarke, Joe Clarke and Damian McLoughlin, along with Brendan Hogg, John Cassidy, Dorrie Mangan, Annette Bennett, Ann Fagan and Aidan Maloney, noting that “there’s a big, big supporting unit”.

Special guests on the night included Joe Canning from Galway and Waterford's Michael Ryan, while Westmeath County Board chairman Paddy Wallace and his wife were also in attendance.

Ian thanked the club’s sponsors, describing their support over the past two years as “unbelievable”: Eamon Clarke Electrical, Andrew Drake of Drake’s Pub, Michael and James Stones, Rhona McCarty from Centre and Kilbeggan, Gerard Dalton of Groovy Grub, Eddie Casey of KC Sports, Claffley’s Pub, Jimmy and Catherine Maloney, Bloomfield House Hotel and The Greville Arms. He also gave a special mention to Jonathan Acton of Atlantic Care, whose support has helped the club progress works and improve facilities.

Behind the scenes, he acknowledged the work of Michelle Kirby, Conor Daly and Deirdre Clarke for their efforts in securing grants, as well as the fundraising committees who “month on month” raise funds which are pumped straight back into teams from underage through to senior level.

Volunteers were also recognised for maintaining the club grounds, with special mention to Jimmy Maloney, who donates plant machinery when required, and to the parents and players who help out.

Ian highlighted the club’s underage growth, with numbers increasing from 130 to nearly 200 children in recent years, crediting Ger Linnane, the club’s youth club officer and welfare officer, and the large group of coaches and volunteers driving standards and culture.

He also praised the commitment of the senior panel, who train three times a week and devote additional hours to planning and preparation, while also giving back by assisting with underage coaching.

“They’re great role models for our kids in the area. As a community we’re lucky to have such a good group of lads and young men around that are actually returning and giving back to the club,” he said, adding that the executive committee continues to grow, with new people joining and helping to regenerate the club.