Footballers and hurlers outclassed in League ties
Westmeath footballers made the long trip to Derry last weekend for the second round of this year"s National League. On a cold dry day the Derry recorded an easy win against Westmeath at Ballinascreen.Westmeath battled hard in the early stages keeping close tabs on the home side but the Derry dominance grew and they led by 0-9 to 0-5 at the interval.The second half was slightly different and when the Bradley boys (Eoin and Paddy) opened up and started to orchestrate the Derry attacks, things looked ominous for Westmeath and when Eoin Brown scored the only goal of the game which really secured the win for Damien Cassidy"s side, the writing was on the wall for Westmeath with Eoin Bradley and substitute Paul Bradley ended up with five points apiece, The final score was Derry 1-18 Westmeath 0-8.National Hurling LeagueWestmeath hurlers played their first fixture in this year"s National League last Sunday in Cusack Park. This was a good lively game of hurling and the final score does not at all reflect the match as Westmeath were well in contention for three quarters of the match and the game only changed when we were reduced to fourteen men after Andrew Mitchell was on the receiving end of a harsh red card.The game flowed from end to end in the first half with fine scores from both sets of forwards and with twenty minutes of the game gone there only was a single point between the sides, when Offaly struck the first of their three goals only to follow up with a second minutes later to leave the half time score 2-7 to 0-10.The introduction of Derek McNicholas to the side brought an extra spark and he ended up with a fine tally of 1-3. Westmeath were guilty of some simple mistakes in defence and these cost them dearly as the sharp shooting Shane Dooley duly punished them. Offaly finished the stronger and added four points without reply to run out winners on a final scoreline of 3-22 to 1-17.Note for clubsAs next weekend sees the start of the 2009 domestic football scene with the commencement of the ACLs, I am requesting that every club make the effort to text/phone in the results of their matches to either myself or James Savage (Fixture Secretary) on time.Scór na nÓg FinalsThe All-Ireland Finals of Scór na nÓg take place next Saturday in Athlon. Westmeath will be represented in two categories Solo Singing (Kathryn Nea) and in the Novelty Act, with both being from the St. Malachy"s club and we would like to extend good wishes to all concerned.A magnificent evening"s entertainment is guaranteed so everyone is asked to go out and attend and make this a wonderful occasion for Westmeath GAA.Best WishesWestmeath GAA would like to extend get well wishes to Rob Cornally who is on the road to recovery at the moment. Rob is a noted referee within the county having taken charge of last year"s county hurling final.GAA to make Croke Park availableGAA to make Croke Park availableThe GAA can confirm that following a request from the IRFU, the GAA"s Central Council has made a decision to allow Croke Park Stadium to be used for the possible playing of the semi-final of the Heinekin Cup involving Munster v. Leinster or Munster v Harlequins on May 2/3 next.Memory Wall LaunchThis year the GAA celebrates its 125th anniversary. In conjunction with this milestone the GAA Museum will launch a Memory Wall before the end of February where visitors can add their memories of the GAA throughout the year. For booking or more information please contact - Selina O"Regan. GAA Museum Education OfficerTel - 01 8192361. Email - soregan@crokepark.ieClub WebsitesIf any GAA club is interested in a GAA.ie Hosted Site under the official GAA banner e.g. clubname@countyname.gaa.ie please note the following procedure:1. Send a email to site-request@gaa.ie, SUBJECT 'Site Request'2. Enclose the following - name of adult officer, club crest in JPEG, club contact details, club colours.3. The email should be sent by the secretary or another authorised club official. Websites will only be provided through the control of an adult club officer and not directly to an unauthorised club member without county level authorisation.The IT Contact is Declan Fanning at Croke Park. For more information - dfanning@admingaa.ie There have been no charges to date for website hosting over the past five years.The GAA sites are being upgraded and all info on the current ones will be migrated across.Westmeath GAA Development LottoThe numbers drawn last week were 6, 20, 21, 23.There were two Match 3 winners who each received €160: Veronica Garry C/O St. Mullingar Shamrocks GAA andDavid Moran C/O Delvin GAA.ResultsAllianz National Hurling League: Offaly 3-22 Westmeath 1-17Allianz National Football League: Derry 1-17 Westmeath 0-8Intermediate Cup Football Quarter-Finals: Kilbeggan Shamrocks 2-14 Shandonagh 0-5Intermediate Cup Football Semi- Final: Maryland 2-8 Rosemount 1-9WebsitesSenior: http://www.westmeathgaa.ie/Minor: http://coistenanog.westmeath.gaa.ieContactI can be contacted by phone on 044 9666476, 087 2777987 or by email on paddreilly@eircom.net