'An award for team effort' - Wallace

There is no 'i' in team. That was Ronan Wallace's immediate feeling when asked about the significance of his All-Star award.

The dashing wing-back, who played a lot of football from centre-forward this year, 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 fifth Westmeath footballer 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. Kilcoyne is Westmeath's only hurling All-Star.

“It’s fantastic; 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.

“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 Kelly.

“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.

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. 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.

Westmeath football is moving in the right direction and who knows what the future holds for a group of players who clearly believe anything is possible. Roll on 2027.