Wallace appointed chairperson as Kelly switches role

Paddy Wallace has been confirmed as the new Westmeath GAA Coiste na nÓg chairperson, with previous incumbent Barry Kelly taking over as secretary.

The appointment of Wallace, in addition to the change of role for Kelly, was confirmed at last Wednesday night's Westmeath GAA County Committee meeting held in the Mullingar Park Hotel.

Wallace is the current vice-chairman of Westmeath GAA and the Multyfarnham man now has the extra responsibility of being Coiste na nÓg chairperson.

With the secretary position encompassing the prime role in organising underage fixtures, it's a very challenging position but Kelly has plenty of experience in various aspects of the GAA.

Heavily involved with the Mullingar Shamrocks and St Oliver Plunkett's clubs, Kelly is renowned as a referee and has taken charge of the All-Ireland senior hurling final on four occasions.

Kelly succeeds Peter Collins (Lough Lene Gaels), who resigned from the position of secretary last year.

Westmeath GAA chairman Frank Mescall expressed his gratitude to Wallace and Kelly for taking on these roles.

"It's difficult to fill these positions, especially the secretary position, there is a huge workload in it," Mescall said.

Mescall also expressed confidence that Wallace would do a fine job as Coiste na nÓg chairperson, describing him as "a seasoned campaigner".