Historic Leinster Poc Fada success for Pat Burke

Last Saturday saw an historic double for Westmeath GAA, as Ringtown's Pat Burke took the Senior Hurling crown along with Brownstown's Conor Raleigh retaining his U16 title to complete a two in-a-row. The results also mean both qualify for the All-Ireland Finals on 3rd of August on the Cooley Mountains in Louth.

Conor was first into action on the Nine Steps course on Mount Leinster in Carlow on Saturday morning and showed his ability to manage the inclement weather conditions in completing the course in 28 pucks and 41 yards. This saw him well clear of the field, with James Doherty of Laois finishing second with 33 pucks and 77 yards.

The Senior Hurling kicked off in the afternoon, with a crowded field including a number of former winners. After a number of near misses in previous years (including second place last year), Pat Burke came out on top with a score of 33 pucks ahead of Eoin Reilly of Laois in second place.

This is a fantastic achievement for Pat, who has been a stalwart of the event in Westmeath in claiming 15 titles since 2004. He becomes the first Westmeath Senior Hurling winner since 2018 and will hope to follow on this performance with another strong showing in the All-Ireland Final. In the Camogie editions, Grace Reilly of Drumraney finished in second place of the U16 event, losing out by one puck to Eloise McCann of Kildare. Sarah Coote of Southern Gaels took part in the senior Camogie, which saw Sophie Brennan of Dublin finish in second and Orla Duggan of Kilkenny finish in first.

Well done to all the county participants and their spotters, and best wishes to both Pat and Conor in the All-Ireland's on 3rd August. Conor will look to retain the title won last year, whilst Pat will be aiming to be the first Westmeath winner of the Senior Hurling crown.

Coaching Officer Seminar

Westmeath GAA hosted a coaching officer seminar last Wednesday evening in St. Joseph's Secondary School Rochfortbridge, with Stephen Lavin of Limerick being the main speaker at the event. Stephen focussed on the use of games to develop skill levels amongst players from ages 8 to 12, providing practical examples of how to implement this in training sessions. Many thanks to all who attended, with coaches from LGFA and Camogie taking part also, and to St. Joseph's for hosting.

Development Squads

Our hurling squads are back in action this coming Saturday, with both the U16s and U15s in home action. After an opening day win over Meath, Westmeath U16s face a round 2 clash this Saturday at home to Antrim, who also won their opening game against Dublin.

The game in St. Paul's will throw in at 12:00.

The U15s are also at home this Saturday, hosting Limerick in Collinstown at 12:00. Both teams have defeated Dublin so far in the competition and Saturday's game will have a big bearing on who finishes second in the group behind Clare.

Our U14 hurlers have two teams headed in separate directions. One team will travel to Dunganny to play Meath in a game whilst the other teams will be going to Kilkenny to take part in a blitz with teams from Kilkenny and Carlow.

U15 Football Challenge Game

Westmeath 4-19 New York 5-13

Westmeath U15 footballers hosted their counterparts from New York in Shandonagh last night in a challenge game. The team from the Big Apple were preparing for their Connacht Competition last weekend and a competitive affair ensued. Many thanks to referee Eoghan Darcy and to Shandonagh for hosting and helping feed the players after. After the game, Shandonagh Chair Sean Reilly & Secretary Sonya Webb were presented with a New York jersey by Ballycomoyle native and New York mentor Jim Geoghegan.