Westmeath GAA Jottings: hurlers win Ring Cup opener

In Cusack Park last Saturday Westmeath senior hurlers got their 2010 Christy Ring Cup campaign off to a winning start when they overcame a strong Derry side. This was a poor performance from Westmeath and despite getting the start everyone wanted (a goal after 25 seconds) it could be seen that Westmeath were going to struggle with this tie as we were second to every ball for most of the match.Derry looked hungrier and sharper and particularly during the first half we were outclassed in nearly every sectors of the field and in truth, probably should have been further than six points behind at the break but for the fact that Brendan Murtagh crashed home a brilliant goal from a forty meter free. Westmeath started the second half better and as time moved on they were coming more into the game, both sides were guilty of missed chances, and an accurately pointed 65 by Andrew Mitchell brought the sides level and into extra time.Both sides introduced a number of substitutes for the resumption and when within four minutes two of the Westmeath substitutes had found the Derry net things looked a little better. Derry continue to try hard and found the net themselves minutes later as the ball went all the way in from a long range free. A brace of points from Stephen Bardon and one from Enda Loughlin pushed Westmeath over the line in the end on a final score of 5-15 to 3-16.Following last Sunday's success,Westmeath will have to travel to Kerry for their next Christy Ring Cup match next weekend. This will be a hard battle as a win for both sides is essential for progression in this year's competition, and the possibility of playing in the McCarthy Cup competition next year.A major improvement will be needed in Westmeath's performance if they are to have any chance of success. The time has come when we need to step our hurling up a gear if we are to have any hopes of ever competing in the Leinster championship proper, this will require some leadership from some of the more experiences lads in the Team. Kerry on the other hand will be tough opponents and will need sharp shooter Shane Brick back to full fitness but John Myler will have these lads full of hurling after their win over Down last weekend. This is a tough one to call but I feel Westmeath should progress.Under 14 Hurling DevelopmentOur Under 14 hurling development squad hosted North Tipperary last Saturday morning in Kilbeggan. A total of 35 players assembled for what was to be a good test of the team's progression. The first 30 minutes were played at an intense pace with Robbie Gillen playing well in goals behind the outstanding Ciaran Fagan at full-back. Darragh Clinton dominated the midfield exchanges and Shane Clavin was superb at full forward.Tipp led 1-5 to 1-4 after this period.The following 45 minute "half" allowed both teams to run in players and Tipp finished winners on a scoreline of 3-10 to 2-9. Other players to shine included Alan Kincaid, Liam Cassidy, Ronan Wallace, Micheal Daly, Warren Casserly and Ian Kilcoyne.Westmeath Feile Skills CompetitionThe following people took part in the skills competition, Robbie Gillen (Cullion), Jack Galvin (Cullion), Brian Reilly (Cullion), Michael Daly (Lough Lene Gaels), Niall Mitchell (Clonkill), Conor O'Brien (St. Oliver Plunketts), Conor Burke (St. Oliver Plunketts), Ryan Purcell (St. Oliver Plunketts), Patrick Lynam (St. Oliver Plunketts), Darren Carter (St. Oliver Plunketts), Darragh Clinton (Delvin), and Ian Kilcoyne (Ringtown) with the overall winner being Niall Mitchell (Clonkill).The level of skill on display from these up and coming stars was a joy to watch and the future of Westmeath hurling looks bright. Niall will go on to represent Westmeath in the National Feile Skill Competition, congratulations to Niall and well done to all who took part.Summary of Playing Rule changesThe GAA Congress 2010 passed a number of playing rule changes relevant to football and hurling which will come into effect in all games played on or after May 15th 2010. In total there are six changes specific to football only and three specific to hurling, while a further six changes affect both codes, A summary of the changes is as follows:Football Only:1.Handpass - If a player handpasses the ball using the open hand, there must be a definite underhand striking action.2.Penalty Kicks - All penalty kicks will now be taken from 11 metres out3.Kick Outs - All kick outs will now be from the 13 metre line4.Sideline kicks - Line balls must be kicked from outside the boundary line5.Illegal Charge - It is illegal for a charge to be made on a player kicking the ball.6.Definition of bounce - The redefinition of the bounce has the effect that the "Basketball Type", bounce, per se, is not a foul.Hurling only:1.Puck Outs - The penalty for taking a puck-out from outside the small rectangle is changed from the award of a 65m free to the opposition to a throw in the ball on the defenders' 20m line.2.Handpass - The ball must be released and struck with a definite striking action of the hand3.Penalties - Both attackers and defenders must remain outside the 20m line and the arc until the ball is struck from a penalty and the three defenders on the line must not move off the line until the ball is struck.Both Hurling and Football:1.Restarting Play - If play is stopped by the referee to enable a seriously injured player to be treated, play will now resume with a free to the team that had possession. However it will not be permitted to score from such a free (if neither team is "in possession", play shall re-start with a throw in)2.Throw ins - when the play is being restarted by a throw-in, this must take place a minimum of 13 metres from the sideline3.Advantage - A referee will now signal that advantage is being played by raising his arm4.Extra Time - Extra time consists of 10 minutes per half only. The provision for two additional periods of 5 minutes per half has been removed5.Boundary Lines - The penalty for a player deliberately going outside the boundary lines of the pitch to gain an advantage has changed from a caution to a free.6.Charge - A charge is now defined as "shoulder to shoulder" rather than "side to side"Poc Fada anc Kick Fada competitionsAs part of Westmeath County Council 'Destination Sports Mullingar' week running from June 12 - 20, Westmeath Coaching and Games Development Committee are planning to run Poc Fada and Kick Fada competitions in the Belvedere Estate on Monday evening, June 14. There will be four separate competitions:-- Minor Hurling, Adult Hurling- Minor Football, Adult Footballwith the hurling running from 6.30pm - 8pm and the football running from 8pm - 9.30pm. The competition will be run over a distance of approximately 2km with the winner being the person who completes the course in the least number of shots/kicks in each section.If you have any query, feel free to contact: Noel Delaney (087 - 2456147) or James Heffernan (087 - 6460030)Minute's SilenceOn foot of a request from the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Mr. Pat Carey T.D., it has been agreed that a minute of silent reflection should be observed at all GAA events on Sunday, May 16 in memory of those who suffered loss during the Great Famine.Westmeath GAA DevelopmentLottoThe numbers drawn last week were 9, 11, 21, 30. There was no jackpot winner. Two entrants matched three numbers and each received €160: Tyrrellspass Ladies GAA. Derek Delaney C/O Delvin GAAResultsGreville Arms SHC (Prelim Round): Lough Lene Gaels 1-17 St. Brigid's 0-11K.C. Sports JFC Sect B: Garrycastle 1-9 The Downs 1-7ACFL Div 5: Tubberclair 1-9 Bunbrosna 2-6.ACFL Divi 6: St Malachys 0-14, Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall 1-9; Rosemount 2-7, Maryland 0-13.ACFL Div 7A: Moate All Whites 2-16, St. Josephs 1-7; Garrycastle 6-11, Ballinagore 1-6; Tang 2-7, St. Loman's, Mullingar 2-6.ACFL Div 7B: Mullingar Shamrocks 2-18, St. Mary's, Rochfortbridge 1-7; The Downs 3-17, Ballycomoyle 0-2SHL Div 4A: Raharney 1-12, Lough Lene Gaels 0-9.SHL Div 4C: Crookedwood 3-16, Delvin 2-3; Cullion 4-6 Turin 1-10.Websitehttp://www.westmeathgaa.ieContactI can be contacted by phone on 044 9666476, 087 2777987 or by email on pro.westmeath@gaa.iePat Reilly, Westmeath GAA PRO