Wallace: ‘This All-Star award is for the team’

Damien Maher

Westmeath’s newest All-Star, Ronan Wallace, said he accepts the award on behalf of a great group of players determined to build on this year’s Leinster SFC victory.

Wallace became the first Multyfarnham man to win an All-Star and the sixth Westmeath player to achieve one of the biggest honours in the game. He follows in the footsteps of David Kilcoyne, Rory O’Connell, John Keane (a two-time winner), Dessie Dolan and Gary Connaughton.

“It’s fantastic; I’m buzzing today, although it probably hasn’t fully sunk in just yet. I got the news last night; it’s a huge honour. It’s testament to what the team has achieved this year under Mark McHugh and the progress we have made,” he said.

“Everyone has been on, offering their congratulations, and there’s just a fantastic bond among us. It all feeds into a very positive set-up, and we are all buzzing about next season already – we just can’t wait to get back into it and to pull on that Westmeath jersey again, and build on this year’s success,” he added.

Wallace, who actually began his playing days in Bunbrosna, first started out as an U14 footballer with Multyfarnham and played through the different age groups, winning an U14 title with the club. He had a huge passion for rugby and played with Mullingar RFC, Leinster and Ireland (U18/19).

“That rugby background helped me moving forward into what is an elite level with Westmeath. I brought a lot with me, and we have a really tight group now in Westmeath, and there is a good age profile there. There is an exciting squad of players available, and it bodes well,” he said.

His Westmeath career began at U21 level when Emmet McDonnell - currently assistant manager alongside Mark McHugh - first selected him.

Westmeath GAA County Committee chairman Paddy Wallace paid tribute to Ronan Wallace on his selection as the county’s sixth All-Star.

Fellow Multyfarnham clubman, Paddy Wallace described it as a major honour for both club and county. He paid tribute to the other nominees: Matthew Whittaker, Sam McCartan and Brandon Kellyr.

“It’s a major honour for Ronan Wallace, for Westmeath football and, of course, for Multyfarnham GAA Club, where it all began. It’s a positive story, another indication of Westmeath’s progress under manager Mark McHugh and the impact he and his management team have had in their first year. We in Westmeath GAA are extremely proud,” he said.

In Multyfarnham, news of Ronan Wallace’s All-Star selection has been received with great gusto.

Club chairman David Kelly paid tribute to Ronan Wallace first of all and to the many volunteers who were involved in underage coaching over the last 15 years or more.

“We came from a position where we were struggling to field and, after a renewed focus on our underage, Multyfarnham have made great progress.

“Ronan Wallace played with us at underage level, and you could see his potential from an early stage: he was part of the first team to win an underage title at U16 level,” Club chairman Kelly said.

“There is a fantastic buzz around the club, the community and the village this morning.

“It’s a proud day for Ronan first of all, but for everyone in Multyfarnham GAA Club and for the parish. It’s an outstanding achievement, a richly deserved honour for a player who has been extremely dedicated,” he added.

An inspiring team captain, Wallace lifted the Delaney Cup as Westmeath memorably secured the county's second ever Leinster title, defeating Dublin in the final at Croke Park last May.

The Multyfarnham man has been selected at right half-back, though he operated in a centre-forward role for most of the campaign. In any case, his selection is a very proud moment for both his club and county.

In addition to Wallace, Tubberclair’s Matthew Whittaker, Sam McCartan (St Loman's, Mullingar) and Brandon Kelly (Milltownpass) were nominated for All-Stars.

Whittaker was actually selected on The Sunday Game Team of the Year at the conclusion of the championship, but it’s Wallace who has got the nod for an All-Star award.

Westmeath memorably marched to Leinster title glory this year with wins over Longford, Meath, Kildare and Dublin, the latter two victories coming after extra-time. And Wallace played an absolutely crucial role in the Leinster final over Dublin.

Mark McHugh's charges also defeated Cavan in the All-Ireland series before defeats to Galway and Monaghan ended their remarkable odyssey.