Wallace the new Westmeath GAA chairperson as Finan takes vice-chair role

By Paul Hughes

A number of elections were expected as Westmeath GAA formed its county executive for 2026 as last Wednesday night’s convention but, in the end, only one went ahead, with Multyfarnham’s Paddy Wallace chosen by clubs to succeed Frank Mescall as chairman.

Mr Wallace, the outgoing vice-chairman, defeated Castledaly’s Paula Finan by an undisclosed but “pretty emphatic” margin, bringing to a close an historic campaign where Ms Finan, if she had won, would have become the first ever female cathaoirleach in the history of Westmeath GAA.

Ms Finan described being nominated for the chair as “a huge honour”.

“I really enjoyed the past couple of weeks speaking to the clubs and getting their feedback on everything,” she said. “I wish Paddy the very best in the world and he will have my support going forward.”

As it turned out, some history was made when Ms Finan succeeded Mr Wallace as vice-chairperson of the county board, following the surprise withdrawal of Joe Daly.

Mr Daly of Tyrrellspass acknowledged that “in the interest of democracy and fair play,” given that Ms Finan had “put her head on the line” and stayed in the race, he had decided to step back from the race.

“I thank everybody who put me forward for the role of vice-chair. I’d also like to acknowledge the huge amount of trust and support I got," said Mr Daly, who added that he didn’t do any canvassing.

With Ms Finan deemed elected to the role of vice-chair, attention turned to the role of treasurer, with Garrycastle’s Michael Mannion nominated to challenge the incumbent, Aidan Walsh (St Joseph’s).

However, Mr Mannion withdrew his name from the race, thanking those who nominated him and wishing Mr Walsh the best of luck.

Elsewhere, Marie Lynagh (Kilbeggan Shamrocks) stepped down from the role of PRO/communications officer after a five-year stint, and is succeeded by Sinéad Kiernan (St Malachy’s), the only nominee.

Secretary Keith Quinn paid tribute to Ms Lynagh: “Her impact has been immense: professional communication, strong promotion of our games, improved digital presence, and consistently high standards.”

Another new addition to the board are Peter Collins (Lough Lene Gaels), who succeeds John Cunningham in the always daunting role of assistant secretary with responsibility for fixtures, but he will be armed with the experience of having served as a very efficient minor board secretary.

The full county executive for 2026 is as follows. Chairman: Paddy Wallace (Multyfarnham); vice-chairperson: Paula Finan (Castledaly); secretary: Keith Quinn (Killucan); assistant secretary: Peter Collins (Lough Lene Gaels); treasurer: Aidan Walsh (St Joseph’s); assistant treasurer: Des Briody (Killucan); PRO: Sinéad Kiernan (St Malachy’s); coaching officer: Ronan Farrell (Maryland); Central Council delegate: Joe Daly (Tyrrellspass); Leinster Council delegates: Pat Reilly (Brownstown), Des Maguire (Mullingar Shamrocks); Congress delegates: Tom Hunt (Mullingar Shamrocks), Patrick Doherty (The Downs), Seán Sheridan (Tyrrellspass).

Other officers ratified on the night included Des Cawley (Bunbrosna, Irish officer), Irene Connell (Maryland, children’s officer), Marie Lynagh (Kilbeggan Shamrocks, planning and training officer), Niall O’Brien (Shandonagh, football club representative) and Tom Conlon (Tang, health and well-being officer). The positions of hurling club, LGFA and camogie representatives and demographics officer have yet to be filled.

Leading the line

In closing Wednesday’s convention in the Mullingar Park Hotel and accepting his election as Westmeath GAA chairman, Paddy Wallace paid tribute to his competitor, Paula Finan, for ensuring that competition, accountability and transparency - the “cornerstones of Westmeath GAA” - remained to the fore.

“I thank the clubs for exercising their right to vote on this occasion, trusting me to lead the line in our county going forward,” Paddy told a packed audience with representatives from all clubs, with special reference to his own club of Multyfarnham.

“In the run-up to this convention, clubs got the chance to have conversations with the candidates that might not otherwise have been heard. Suggestions raised during these discussions will be addressed at a future date with you all.

“I look forward to working with each and every one of you in an open, transparent and listening fashion.”

Mr Wallace said that he looked forward to working with clubs to advance integration and to drive on Westmeath GAA’s ambitious plans for a centre of excellence in Mullingar.

He paid tribute to outgoing chairman Frank Mescall and two other outgoing committee members, Ann Gavin (St Mary’s, Rochfortbridge, former health and well-being officer) and Willie Murphy (Delvin, former hurling club representative) for their service.

“Without the support of family, nights like this wouldn’t be possible and, therefore, I would like to thank my wife Noelle and our children, Paddy and Meadhbh, for their endless support and encouragement,” Paddy added, before being presented with the chairman’s medal by his predecessor, Frank Mescall.