Delaney Cup success formally recognised by Westmeath County Council
Comhairle Chontae na hIarmhí, Westmeath County Council, formally recognised the county’s senior footballers for their success in the 2026 Leinster championship with an Address of Recognition last week.
The ceremony took place at Áras an Chontae, guided by John Jackson of corporate services, and organised by a council team working with Pat Doherty, head of operations, Westmeath GAA.
An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Bill Collentine, performed the honours and presented the Scrolls of Recognition to each members of the panel who was present, as well as to the backroom team and manager Mark McHugh.
Addressing the gathering, Cllr Collentine said the footballers were outstanding, that the whole community are proud of them, and that their achievement will live long in the memory.
Mr Jackson did the important task of reading the address into the permanent record of Westmeath County Council, summarised here: ‘That Westmeath County Council, at its meeting held in the council chamber, Áras an Chontae, Mullingar, on Monday 29 June 2026, resolved that this Scroll of Recognition be conferred on Westmeath Senior Football Team 2026 in recognition of winning the Leinster Senior Football Championship 2026 defeating Dublin by 2-28 to 0-26 after extra time at Croke Park on17 May 2026 and bringing the Delaney Cup home to Westmeath for the first time since 2004.’
Paddy Wallace, chairperson of Westmeath GAA, said it was his privilege to be present at the ceremony representing the organisation. Outlining the essential work the county council do for the area, he praised the staff who work there, and went on to thank and praise everyone involved in the Leinster title success.
Barry Kehoe, chief executive of the council, added his congratulations to the footballers and said he is looking forward to enjoying their continued success.
The formal part of the evening, before guests took time to socialise over refreshments, ended after Mark McHugh, the winning manager spoke.
His Donegal drawl as clear as ever, Mark expressed thanks for making me an honorary Westmeath man”, and looking towards Mr Kehoe, said he and his wife might apply for planning here.
It was meant as a joke, but given the time Mark spends on the road thanks to his commitment to Westmeath GAA, it might not be a bad idea.
He acknowledged the council for the Address of Recognition, thanked his colleagues on the backroom team, thanked the players for work they put in, and reiterated comments he had made during the season, that he came in after an O’Byrne Cup game when there were a few hundred spectators. He asked people to support the team and said they know they had to do something to get that support.
Well, they did something brilliant, and the fans responded with their support. Now everyone is looking forward to next year.