Bunbrosna call for Senior 'B' football to return

There is disquiet among clubs operating in the junior grade regarding second string senior teams playing in the junior football championship.

Bunbrosna's JP Reynolds, proposing a motion to this year's County Convention, called on Westmeath GAA to reintroduce a Senior 'B' football championship for senior clubs. He argued that, under rule 6.11, the county committee had authority to do so. Small rural clubs are facing renewed pressure from the bigger urban clubs and the likes of Delvin, Loughnavalley and Ballycomoyle are battling to stave off relegation to junior 2.

The motion stated: "Junior Championship to be played by Junior clubs only. Senior 'B' championship to be reintroduced for second teams of Senior clubs. Intermediate and Junior Clubs with a second team to play in Junior 2 Championship. Promotion/relegation between Junior and Intermediate. Promotion/relegation between Senior 'B' and Junior 2."

Same format as Intermediate and Senior

Meanwhile, Killucan prosed a restructuring of the junior football championship to reflect the structures of the intermediate and senior championship. Delegate Derek Heffernan moved the motion at convention.

"We propose the CCC (Competitions Control Committee) pick the “top” six teams and the “bottom” six teams based on results over the last three years," it stated.

Outgoing chairman Frank Mescall said the motion made sense as it keeps the junior championship in line with intermediate and senior. He pointed out that Westmeath GAA had protected the junior clubs, even though some would say they don't do anything for them.

Derek Heffernan said three junior clubs have been relegated despite CCC efforts. He felt the same system as the intermediate and senior would be of benefit. Both motions were referred to planning.