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Replying To 2maroonjerseys: "At least the county board is trying to do something. For years people cribbing about not having one and now it's going ahead people are cribbing about paying for it.
They can't win. Tis all me me me and nothing about improving Westmeath football as a whole sure as long as the big teams are winning it's the attitude sure we're fine and don't mind anyone else. Yer either supporting the county boards effort to improve hurling and football for all age groups or yer just worried about yer own club . Typical like all the auld lads at clubs down thru the years who wouldn't change anything because we've always done things this way.
There's no JP in Westmeath coming to save us. So shoulder to the wheel or we will still be here in 20yrs time." I'd suggest you do your homework before typing that stuff, there's several reasons why people feel skeptical where the funding will come from. The previous fundraiser for a COE was spent on other stuff that it wasn't advertised for. Now I'm pretty sure people who put their hand in their pocket for a COE were delighted the money was spent on expenses etc. Every club will benefit from it and I'm sure they'll gladly do so but a fundraiser has to be a strategic joint effort not throwing it at the clubs to fund shortfalls if they don't sell X amount of tickets.
DelaneyCup2026 (Westmeath) - Posts: 23 - 13/08/2026 17:10:28
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Replying To iarmhiabu: "There were no dead rubber games in the Senior A Championship last year, all 6 teams had something to play for going into the last round. Caulry could be effectively eliminated after just 3 games if they lose this weekend, having already lost their opening two rounds. But the Championship structure was a farce before a ball was kicked. The issue isn't simply that a team can be eliminated after 3 defeats, it's the imbalance between Section A and B. If Section A is supposed to be the elite section, how can 50% of its teams progress while 50% of Section B also progress? Historically, Section B teams have an extremely poor record when they come up against the leading Section A sides in the knockout stages. Sending 3 of them into the Quarter Finals (1 will make the Semis) while eliminating the 4th best team in the grade risks producing exactly what nobody wants at that stage of the Championship, one sided games. If there's one thing to take from this farcical Championship structure, it's the importance of Clubs having representation at Committee level. One Section B Club alone has 3 representatives on the Committee. Make of that what you will." From memory, Round 5 of senior championship last year:
Kinnegad Vs. Athlone - both teams needed to win to qualify
St. Lomans Vs. Tyrrellspass - St. Lomans needed to win to finish in the top 2, Tyrrellspass needed to win to qualify
The Downs Vs. Mullingar Shamrocks - The Downs already qualified for SF, Mullingar needed to win to qualify
St. Malachy's Vs. Killucan - St. Malachy's needed to win to avoid relegation play off. Killucan nothing to play for.
Caulry Vs. Moate - both teams needed to win to finish second
Tang Vs. Garrycastle - Tang needed to win to force a relegation play off. Garrycastle already qualified.
So in round 5, The Downs, Killucan & Garrycastle had nothing on the line. With Killucan being the only team knocked out.
It is likely that after Round 3 this year Caulry will have nothing to play for with essentially their last 2 games being dead rubbers. The same with Castledaly in intermediate section A. If the format was not changed that would not be the case.
WHLeinster2026 (Westmeath) - Posts: 5 - 13/08/2026 18:28:24
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Replying To 2maroonjerseys: "At least the county board is trying to do something. For years people cribbing about not having one and now it's going ahead people are cribbing about paying for it.
They can't win. Tis all me me me and nothing about improving Westmeath football as a whole sure as long as the big teams are winning it's the attitude sure we're fine and don't mind anyone else. Yer either supporting the county boards effort to improve hurling and football for all age groups or yer just worried about yer own club . Typical like all the auld lads at clubs down thru the years who wouldn't change anything because we've always done things this way.
There's no JP in Westmeath coming to save us. So shoulder to the wheel or we will still be here in 20yrs time." Do you not remember what went on with Cusack park? Clubs had to come up with cash every year for 10 years. On top of trying to run and improve their own facilities they had to fund what is now one of the poorest county grounds in the country. Do you know how much it costs to run a club?? Have you any clue?? Several clubs including my own almost went out of existence trying to pay for it and stay afloat. We were using jerseys that were 10 years or more on the go and wore out. Clubs were told they'd be put out of championships and not let play in Cusack park if they didn't come up with the cash every year. Clubs like Turin, Crookedwood and Clonkill, all in the same parish going to the same doors looking for money.
Chops (Westmeath) - Posts: 946 - 13/08/2026 19:29:47
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Replying To iarmhiabu: "There were no dead rubber games in the Senior A Championship last year, all 6 teams had something to play for going into the last round. Caulry could be effectively eliminated after just 3 games if they lose this weekend, having already lost their opening two rounds. But the Championship structure was a farce before a ball was kicked. The issue isn't simply that a team can be eliminated after 3 defeats, it's the imbalance between Section A and B. If Section A is supposed to be the elite section, how can 50% of its teams progress while 50% of Section B also progress? Historically, Section B teams have an extremely poor record when they come up against the leading Section A sides in the knockout stages. Sending 3 of them into the Quarter Finals (1 will make the Semis) while eliminating the 4th best team in the grade risks producing exactly what nobody wants at that stage of the Championship, one sided games. If there's one thing to take from this farcical Championship structure, it's the importance of Clubs having representation at Committee level. One Section B Club alone has 3 representatives on the Committee. Make of that what you will." Have to agree wholeheartedly here. It beggars belief that this format made it through and that it is actually underway. Did nobody shout stop? How on earth could any delegate vote for this structure?
Every structure has its flaws of course but this is the most ridiculous of any of the possible options. Farcical is indeed the best word for it. Obviously this will change for next years championship as it simply cannot continue.
I think we will end up with the best teams in the final but because of this madness anything can happen.
Iarmhisamhi (Westmeath) - Posts: 66 - 13/08/2026 20:15:40
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Anyone have any more details on the Tang game last weekend? How many players have they suspended and who got it? Bookies still have Moate at decent enough odds
Fighting-Cocks69 (Westmeath) - Posts: 215 - 14/08/2026 08:54:24
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Replying To Iarmhisamhi: "Have to agree wholeheartedly here. It beggars belief that this format made it through and that it is actually underway. Did nobody shout stop? How on earth could any delegate vote for this structure?
Every structure has its flaws of course but this is the most ridiculous of any of the possible options. Farcical is indeed the best word for it. Obviously this will change for next years championship as it simply cannot continue.
I think we will end up with the best teams in the final but because of this madness anything can happen." One of the reasons put forward for changing the championship structure in the first place was that under the old structure only 4 of the previous years 6 quarter finalists could make the quarter final the following year. Yet they voted in a structure where only 3 of the previous years quarter finalists can now make the quarter final!
WHLeinster2026 (Westmeath) - Posts: 5 - 14/08/2026 09:08:45
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Anyone have any more details on the Tang game last weekend? How many players have they suspended and who got it? Bookies still have Moate at decent enough odds
Fighting-Cocks69 (Westmeath) - Posts: 215 - 14/08/2026 09:52:57
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Replying To Iarmhisamhi: "Have to agree wholeheartedly here. It beggars belief that this format made it through and that it is actually underway. Did nobody shout stop? How on earth could any delegate vote for this structure?
Every structure has its flaws of course but this is the most ridiculous of any of the possible options. Farcical is indeed the best word for it. Obviously this will change for next years championship as it simply cannot continue.
I think we will end up with the best teams in the final but because of this madness anything can happen." There reality is that this change was passed following a vote - there were objections from the floor on the evening of the planning meeting. However, there wasn't enough support to retain the structure when it came to voting. The county board management have quite a lot of votes but not enough to get a majority by themselves. Many hurling clubs abstained from voting which is understandable; they had no skin in the game. Some football clubs didn't vote surprisingly and others voted in favour of change. All that meant that the proposed change was ratified and 2026 has a new qualification structure for Senior and Intermediate championships. The CCC is tasked with planning competitions. These plans need to be accepted at a management meeting and then proposed to clubs for acceptance. All due process was carried out. I agree it's flawed but there is nobody at fault except perhaps club delegates not representing their clubs and members better.
fizzygravy (USA) - Posts: 183 - 14/08/2026 09:55:46
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Replying To fizzygravy: "There reality is that this change was passed following a vote - there were objections from the floor on the evening of the planning meeting. However, there wasn't enough support to retain the structure when it came to voting. The county board management have quite a lot of votes but not enough to get a majority by themselves. Many hurling clubs abstained from voting which is understandable; they had no skin in the game. Some football clubs didn't vote surprisingly and others voted in favour of change. All that meant that the proposed change was ratified and 2026 has a new qualification structure for Senior and Intermediate championships. The CCC is tasked with planning competitions. These plans need to be accepted at a management meeting and then proposed to clubs for acceptance. All due process was carried out. I agree it's flawed but there is nobody at fault except perhaps club delegates not representing their clubs and members better." the county board have enough votes to make the difference. All clubs, naturally, voted for what suited their clubs in the coming year. So close to 50/50. County board votes tipped the balance. They wanted a different format , failed to ram it through, so used this as a stepping stone. If you want to remove something people like, make it worse first, and then they'll agree. The whole charade is bad faith.
Flawed is the wrong word to use. It's utterly farcical.
The club delegates are not at fault. The county board is. They are supposed to show leadership.
jamsie (Westmeath) - Posts: 525 - 14/08/2026 10:19:11
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Predictions for this weekend
Senior
Section A
The downs v Mullingar Shamrocks: Would expect the downs to win this but it should be a tight game. Loughlin to be the difference.
Kinnegad v Caulry: Only one winner here, kinnegad should win this with a bit to spare, they have been impressive so far and caulry struggling.
St Lomans v Garrycastle: Would expect lomans to register their first win of the campaign.
Garrycastle and Caulry a bit off the top 4 in this group and either the downs, lomans, kinnegad or shamrocks are going to be unlucky not to qualify for the knockouts.
Section B:
Tubberclair v Killucan: Tubberclair the form team in section B with maximum points and have been playing a nice brand of football. Killucan will be a different proposition to what they have played so far and will try and make it a physical contest. I think Tubberclair should have too much though and will have one foot in the knockout stages with a win here.
Moate v Tang: Moate showed improvement in their last game and should do enough to win this.
Athlone v Tpass: If Tpass have the same absentees as last game then there will only be one winner in this. Think Athlone should do enough even if Tpass have players returning.
Tubberclair setting the pace in this group and with Whittaker returning soon they will only get stronger. After them it is fairly tight and arguably any of the other 5 teams could claim the other two qualifying spots.
Intermediate
Section A
Castledaly v St Malachys: Malachys by however much they want. Castledaly extremely poor and lucky they are in Section A as can't be relegated.
Shandonagh v Multyfarnham: Haven't seen Multy play this year but they seem to be competitive in first half of games then fall off in the second half. If the form lines are anything to go by then Shandonagh should win comfortably.
Miltownpass v Miltown: The game of the weekend in the Intermediate, should be a great battle. Very hard game to call and no result would be a surprise but I think the men from Rathconrath might just about do enough. Conor Dillon and Brandon Kelly will be a great duel if it materializes.
Similar to the Senior Section A, one of Shandonagh, Mpass, Miltown and Malachys are going to be left disappointed to miss out on qualification.
Section B
St Marys v Maryland: Maryland still heavily reliant on Kieran Martin and Callum McCormack and I think St Marys have better footballers across the field. Would expect their fitness and speed to be too much for Maryland.
Rosemount v Ballinagore: Rosemount should win this easily to move a step closer to qualifying.
Ballymore v Castletown: Ballymore going well with 2 out of 2 and will be expecting to overcome Castletown.
Overall Rosemount, Ballymore and St Marys looking like the three most likely to qualify. Maryland and Castletown struggling and that could potentially be a relegation play off when the sides meet in round 5.
BadgerDog (Westmeath) - Posts: 7 - 14/08/2026 10:54:50
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Replying To jamsie: "the county board have enough votes to make the difference. All clubs, naturally, voted for what suited their clubs in the coming year. So close to 50/50. County board votes tipped the balance. They wanted a different format , failed to ram it through, so used this as a stepping stone. If you want to remove something people like, make it worse first, and then they'll agree. The whole charade is bad faith.
Flawed is the wrong word to use. It's utterly farcical.
The club delegates are not at fault. The county board is. They are supposed to show leadership." What's the ratio of a club vote to a county board delegate's vote? A county board delegate's vote is worth about 3 or 4 times a club vote, while a club only has one vote i think
Fighting-Cocks69 (Westmeath) - Posts: 215 - 14/08/2026 13:28:25
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Replying To jamsie: "the county board have enough votes to make the difference. All clubs, naturally, voted for what suited their clubs in the coming year. So close to 50/50. County board votes tipped the balance. They wanted a different format , failed to ram it through, so used this as a stepping stone. If you want to remove something people like, make it worse first, and then they'll agree. The whole charade is bad faith.
Flawed is the wrong word to use. It's utterly farcical.
The club delegates are not at fault. The county board is. They are supposed to show leadership." I couldn't have put this any better myself!
We had the best format possible. Every team was guaranteed five games against teams at similar level, and we consistently had the four best teams reaching the semi-finals every year. For some reason, a club that has struggled at senior level to reach the knockouts kicked up a fuss last year, claiming the structure was unfair. That same club has at least three members on the County Board.
Regarding the vote, it effectively pitted clubs against each other. Take Caulry and Moate, for example two massive rivals. Caulry beat Moate in Round 5 last year, which earned them a quarter-final spot and also secured their place in Section A for 2026. When the vote came around, it was obvious Moate would favour change because it gave them a better chance of qualifying, while Caulry knew that any changes would leave them with a much slimmer chance of qualification. Naturally, Caulry voted against the change.
After the vote, there was serious slagging going on in the pubs around Moate.
I've said it here before, but I'm not 100% sure how many votes the County Board gets I think it's somewhere between 15 and 20. The night before the vote, County Board delegates were apparently told that they had to vote for change. Some delegates even went against what their own club officials had voted for, simply to keep the top table happy.
Anyone who has gone against the top table within the County Board over the last two or three years has gradually been removed from their position.
Temple56 (Westmeath) - Posts: 661 - 14/08/2026 14:57:24
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Replying To Temple56: "I couldn't have put this any better myself!
We had the best format possible. Every team was guaranteed five games against teams at similar level, and we consistently had the four best teams reaching the semi-finals every year. For some reason, a club that has struggled at senior level to reach the knockouts kicked up a fuss last year, claiming the structure was unfair. That same club has at least three members on the County Board.
Regarding the vote, it effectively pitted clubs against each other. Take Caulry and Moate, for example two massive rivals. Caulry beat Moate in Round 5 last year, which earned them a quarter-final spot and also secured their place in Section A for 2026. When the vote came around, it was obvious Moate would favour change because it gave them a better chance of qualifying, while Caulry knew that any changes would leave them with a much slimmer chance of qualification. Naturally, Caulry voted against the change.
After the vote, there was serious slagging going on in the pubs around Moate.
I've said it here before, but I'm not 100% sure how many votes the County Board gets I think it's somewhere between 15 and 20. The night before the vote, County Board delegates were apparently told that they had to vote for change. Some delegates even went against what their own club officials had voted for, simply to keep the top table happy.
Anyone who has gone against the top table within the County Board over the last two or three years has gradually been removed from their position." Very good post. It is an absolute disgrace what is going on.
iarmhiabu (Westmeath) - Posts: 361 - 14/08/2026 15:13:18
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