St Joseph's proud to welcome Leinster champions
Image 1 of 8
Marie Palmer, Ted and Tessa Fallon, Vinuli De Silva, and Savini Ruwanpura at last Tuesday’s event in St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge.Image 2 of 8
Roisin Leonard, Elva McDonnell, Amelie Kelly and Kate Thornton Sleator.Image 3 of 8
Ciaran Daly, Devin Hill and Brandon Kelly, with Luke Dempsey and Damien Rushe, both of whom led the questions and answers segment.Image 4 of 8
Alan, Archie and Charlie Healy at the event in St Joseph’s Secondary School to recognise the Westmeath senior footballers.Image 5 of 8
Mark McHugh, Westmeath senior football manager, receives a special presentation from Aoife Irvine, St Joseph’s Secondary School student.Image 6 of 8
Right: Westmeath senior footballer Brían Cooney and Charlie Healy pictured with the Delaney Cup.Image 7 of 8
Harry Brady with Westmeath senior football selector Jamie Gonoud and the Delaney Cup.Image 8 of 8
Westmeath footballer Brandon Kelly, a former St Joseph’s SS student, chats with teacher Helena Heduan.St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge, welcomed some very special visitors on Tuesday evening as members of the Westmeath senior football panel returned to their former school to celebrate a memorable summer for the Lake County.
The event provided an opportunity to recognise the achievements of the Westmeath footballers, including past pupils such as Brandon Kelly, Brían Cooney, Devin Hill and Ciaran Daly, who played their part in a campaign that brought great pride to the county. Westmeath manager Mark McHugh was also in attendance, along with Emmet McDonnell, Jamie Gonoud and Fergal Dardis.
The evening featured a question-and-answer session hosted by former Westmeath senior football manager and St Joseph’s teacher Luke Dempsey, alongside his colleague Damien Rushe, who played football with Garrycastle. The pair guided the discussion as the players shared their experiences of the journey to success and reflected on their time at the school.
There was plenty of reminiscing as the players spoke openly about the highs and lows of their football careers, the importance of hard work and the need to do their best and leave nothing to chance. Their stories provided an insight into the dedication and commitment required to reach the highest level and offered an inspiring message to the students in attendance.
The school described the occasion as one that would remain in the memory of the community for many years: "It was a privilege to welcome back our homegrown heroes; our past pupils, players and management, who have played such a pivotal role in bringing glory to Westmeath this summer and making dreams come true. It was also a pleasure to welcome Mark McHugh to our school, a man who is held in such high esteem and someone our students look up to.”
The event was organised with the assistance of the school’s Future Leaders, who were praised for their meticulous planning. Students enjoyed opportunities to meet the players, pose for photographs and have jerseys signed, making for a memorable evening. The school was particularly pleased to hear the players speak so fondly of their time in Rochfortbridge and the lasting connections they maintain with the community.
The players spoke about that special feeling you get when you walk through the doors of our school and how St Joseph’s is a unique community where we build each other up and support one another. The school extended its thanks to the players and management for taking the time to return and meet the students, while also acknowledging the contribution of the Future Leaders in bringing the event together.
The former pupils spoke warmly of St Joseph's Secondary School, while there was great admiration shown the current teaching staff and pupils. It was a fitting celebration of Westmeath football, the players’ achievements and the lasting bonds forged during their school days.