Burke targets Leinster glory after 15th Westmeath Poc Fada title

Earlier this month the ancient slopes of the Hill of Uisneach echoed to the sound of ash striking leather as competitors participated in the annual Westmeath Poc Fada, one of the county's most distinctive and demanding GAA competitions.

Held each year on the historic landmark near Loughnavalley, the event tests a very different set of hurling skills than those required on the playing field. Accuracy, power, concentration and tactical awareness are all brought to the fore as competitors attempt to complete a long-distance course in the fewest possible pucks.

This year's competition produced another familiar winner in the senior men's category, with Ringtown's Pat Burke claiming an extraordinary 15th Westmeath Poc Fada title. Meanwhile, Brownstown's Conor Raleigh secured the Under-16 crown, adding to a growing reputation that already includes an All-Ireland U16 Poc Fada title.

The event, facilitated by the Clarke family and hosted on the scenic terrain of Uisneach, continues to attract some of the county's most accomplished strikers of a sliotar. Typically, clubs are permitted to enter one competitor per grade, ensuring a strong representative field from across Westmeath.

For Burke, however, success on the Poc Fada course has become almost routine.

The veteran goalkeeper traces his expertise back to his early playing days between the posts for both Ringtown and Westmeath.

“I started by winning my first one in 2004,” he recalled, “I was in goals for Ringtown and Westmeath for a long time, so I was getting lots of practice at the long puck.”

That experience has translated into a remarkable record at county level and several near misses on the provincial and national stage.

“I went on to participate in the Leinster competition for a good few years and came second and third. I was very close to winning Leinster there for a few years and I came second or third in the All-Ireland as well.”

Despite fifteen county titles, an All-Ireland medal has so far eluded him: “I was only the puck of a couple of yards away from winning it,” he said.

Following his latest county success, Burke now turns his attention to the Leinster Final on Mount Leinster in Carlow, where a formidable field awaits.

“This year it's going to be very competitive. Cillian Kiley from Offaly is in it, Killian Phelan is there, and Owen Reilly from Laois. They're top-class competitors and there are two All-Ireland champions among them.”

While many hurling supporters are familiar with the spectacle of Poc Fada, few appreciate the challenges involved.

Unlike conventional hurling, where players strike from relatively flat and predictable surfaces, Poc Fada competitors face steep hillsides, rough terrain and constantly changing weather conditions.

“There is a difference in every course,” Burke explained, “The Hill of Uisneach is mainly over fields, but Mount Leinster is a five-kilometre course where you have to go up and then come back down in the least amount of pucks.”

The All-Ireland Final presents an even sterner examination: “When you go to the Cooley Mountains for the All-Ireland, it's a different ball game altogether. It's really tough.”

Competitors are issued three sliotars at the start of the event. Losing all three results in immediate disqualification, a prospect made more likely by the rugged landscape.

“You're talking about heather, gorse, long grass and mountain terrain,” Burke said, “We use a yellow sliotar because it's easier to spot, but once it goes into a clump of moss or a gorse bush it can still be very hard to find.”

To assist in locating balls, competitors are accompanied by spotters who move ahead along the course, often travelling more than 130 yards in front of the player.

Each shot demands a delicate balance between power and control. While the objective is to cover as much distance as possible, competitors must also remain within the marked route.

“You're basically hitting it as far as you can go, but the course is marked with goals all the way along and you're trying to keep it within that radar,"”Burke explained.

Weather can often determine success or failure: “When you're up on these mountains it's very windy. You're waiting for the wind to die down. Sometimes you're waiting for the right moment because a gust can add 30 or 40 yards to a shot.”

That tactical element has often prompted comparisons with golf, a similarity Burke readily acknowledges: “It does seem more like golf. The difference is that nobody is coming along to tackle you while you're taking your shot.”

The challenge is made even greater by the fact that competitors must strike from a standing position: “Sometimes you could be landing it 100 yards, other times 140. You can't really get a run at it on these mountains. It's all upper body strength and technique.”

Yet Burke insists that physical size alone is no guarantee of success: “I've seen huge men come to competitions and people think they'll drive it to the edge of the mountain, but they don't. Then a smaller lad comes along and drives it much better. It's about hitting the sweet spot at the right time. It's pure concentration.”

That concentration extends to visualising each shot before it is struck: “I'd always have a point in mind. You have to plan it out in your head. You're taking into account the wind, the weather, whether you're going uphill or downhill. But of course sometimes it still goes awry.”

His tactical awareness paid dividends at this year's county final on Uisneach: “There was one shot where I waited for the wind to die down and it worked out. You have to play tactical.”

While Burke continues to pursue provincial and national honours, he believes the competition deserves a higher profile within Westmeath.

“It's a great competition but not enough is made of it here. Other counties are really promoting it and pushing it on. We could do more,” he told the Examiner.

The county champion hopes younger players will embrace the challenge, particularly talented prospects such as Conor Raleigh, who will bid to add another All-Ireland title to his collection later this year: “Conor has a great chance. He's a very talented hurler.”

For this year's Westmeath representative on Mount Leinster the appeal of Poc Fada remains as strong as ever after more than two decades of competition.

“It's a great honour to represent your county in the Leinster Final and potentially the All-Ireland. It's a big event.”

As he prepares for another assault on Mount Leinster, Westmeath's most successful Poc Fada competitor knows the margins remain fine. A favourable breeze, a well-executed strike or a moment of perfect concentration could yet bring the All-Ireland title that has so narrowly escaped him.

After fifteen county crowns, few would bet against him.