Wallace part of an elite group of Westmeath players

Ronan Wallace joined an elite group of players when he became Westmeath’s fifth football All-Star at a gala event in the RDS, Dublin on Friday, October 30.

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 star is the county’s first All-Star winner since 2008, following in the footsteps of John Keane (2004 and 2008), Dessie Dolan (2004), Gary Connaughton (2008) and Rory O’Connell (2001).

“It’s a privilege to join such an elite group, the likes of Dessie Dolan, John Keane, Gary Connaughton and Rory O’Connell. They are all legendary names in Westmeath football and to be up there with them as an All-Star winner is a great honour,” remarked Wallace.

He saluted his team mates whose collective resolve shone through in a memorable Leinster SFC campaign this year which culminated in Westmeath winning the Delaney Cup for the first time in 22 years, and only the second time in the county’s history.

“It’s testament to what the team has achieved this year under Mark McHugh and the progress we have made,” he said, praising the former Donegal All-Ireland winner.

“We had a few retirements and players left the panel in recent years which hindered progress, but Mark McHugh took over at the start of the season and he has rejuvenated us. Hopefully we can now build on this.

These are exciting times and we want to push on,” he said.

Wallace, who joked that Donegal will hopefully keep their eyes of McHugh for another few years, recalled a memorable Leinster SFC campaign and the great games against Cavan (TEG Cusack Park) and Galway (Salthill) which brought out thousands of Westmeath supporters.

“We had a few massive games in Leinster against Meath, Kildare and Dublin, and after that we beat Cavan in Mullingar on a great evening after extra-time.

“We had some sloppy moments against Galway in Salthill on what was another great day and we feel we could have done better in that game,” he recalled.

“Injuries caught up with us in the end and I’m not using that as an excuse - we still had a great year. We are building for 2027 and everyone involved is looking forward to that.

“We have more players coming back into the panel who missed this year’s Leinster success and they will help to drive things forward,” he added.

Wallace played through the different age groups with Multyfarnham, 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 - a fellow Multyfarnham clubman - paid tribute to Ronan Wallace on his selection as the county’s sixth All-Star.

He described it as a major honour for both club and county and paid tribute to the other nominees. In addition to Wallace, Tubberclair’s Matthew Whittaker, Sam McCartan (St Loman's, Mullingar) and Brandon Kelly (Milltownpass) were all nominated for the prestigious awards.

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.

“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 was 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, and it can only inspire the younger players who really look up to Ronan Wallace.

“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.

The Multyfarnham was 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.

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.

Westmeath have just one hurling All-Star in David Kilcoyne of Ringtown, who picked up the award in 1986.