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Westmeath Football thread

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At least it's clear now that we had seven wing forwards and no wing backs based on what match some lads here were watching. Nigel Harte has become the most versatile player in the history of the association in just one game. Full back, wing backs, wing forward. Maybe the tv pictures are misleading for posters. He was wing back to anyone in Newbridge

Claretandblue (Westmeath) - Posts: 2129 - 15/04/2025 12:22:38    2602030

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any word on Luke Nicholson i saw Eoin Doran is starting and Adam Buckley was brought into the panel?

Fighting-Cocks69 (Westmeath) - Posts: 76 - 16/04/2025 15:11:57    2602252

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Replying To loughree:  "I sometimes wonder are people realistic where Westmeath football is concerned . The last time Westmeath won a Leinster senior football championship game was in April 2022 when we beat Longford . Since then we have lost to Kildare ( twice ) , Louth and Wicklow . Our under 20's have been competitive but our minors win over Longford recently was the first since 2022 . We have been competitive in the All Ireland qualifier series but our record shows five defeats and one draw from six games . We lost twice to Galway and Armagh once to Derry and drew with Tyrone. The team which played Kildare last Saturday had eleven changes from the team that lost to Armagh two years ago. Westmeath are not competing with Dublin , Kildare and Meath consistently at under age . They don't have the depth of talent of talent required to compete. The current team and management are doing well in the circumstances . Westmeath supporters need a bit more realism and patience."
Agree to a certain extent. I don't agree with you about the player pool. As you said 11 changes from two years ago on the senior team, so obviously players able to step up to intercounty. I think against kildare we brought on two players who hadn't played a game of football in 8 plus weeks, both good players but what did management expect them to do, match sharpness was way off. The player pool at underage is also obviously there. Look at schools football, westmeath teams all featuring in latter stages of championships, the county board are the ones letting players down. There is a terrible s+c programme for underage teams, no structures in place re development, most of the coaches are parents of players as no incentive to get involved. All counties around us have got their acts together. Appointment of coaches, providing a good worthwhile s + c programme. Westmeath are overachieving considering where the development is coming from

Upforthegame23 (Westmeath) - Posts: 144 - 17/04/2025 09:24:53    2602367

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Replying To Fighting-Cocks69:  "any word on Luke Nicholson i saw Eoin Doran is starting and Adam Buckley was brought into the panel?"
Poor outing by the 20s yesterday evening. Moffat was strong in the middle. Aodhan Curran another strong performance along with Murray. Need Nicholson back in goal from what I saw last night in clonguish I presume it's something with the knee as he was strapped in kinnegad. Slevin was reckless when he came on. If they get a better performance together no reason why they can't do well in the B competition again this year.

Joecarthy3 (Westmeath) - Posts: 3 - 17/04/2025 10:11:20    2602372

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20s had a poor outing last night. Moffat was very strong in the middle and baker. Good games from Curran and Murray again. We need Nicholson back in goal from what I saw in clonguish last night. Still believe they can do well in this B competition if they get it together soon.

Joecarthy3 (Westmeath) - Posts: 3 - 17/04/2025 10:22:48    2602375

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Replying To Upforthegame23:  "Agree to a certain extent. I don't agree with you about the player pool. As you said 11 changes from two years ago on the senior team, so obviously players able to step up to intercounty. I think against kildare we brought on two players who hadn't played a game of football in 8 plus weeks, both good players but what did management expect them to do, match sharpness was way off. The player pool at underage is also obviously there. Look at schools football, westmeath teams all featuring in latter stages of championships, the county board are the ones letting players down. There is a terrible s+c programme for underage teams, no structures in place re development, most of the coaches are parents of players as no incentive to get involved. All counties around us have got their acts together. Appointment of coaches, providing a good worthwhile s + c programme. Westmeath are overachieving considering where the development is coming from"
100%, a decent current U17 county player may not be seen by the county again until he is U20. Whereas they should all be sent to Wolfhound etc. for assessment, given a plan and testing every 5-6 months, then we will have teams physically able to compete by U20. No way will the county board invest this money required.

OverTheHill85 (Westmeath) - Posts: 67 - 17/04/2025 12:19:02    2602404

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Invest the money required? Have you been to convention ever? Have you any idea of our financial situation? S and C programmes are laudable but extremely costly. Check out price for wolfhound membership, it's far and away most expensive gym in area, obviously well regarded by members and popular but costly. We don't have a sugar daddy like Mulryan in Roscommon or Glennon's in Longford, that's the reality, look at apathy towards tickets for fundraising draw, it's not for the county board but for future generations and yet badly supported, not easy to hear but we are poor supporters of county teams and poor supporters financially

Claretandblue (Westmeath) - Posts: 2129 - 17/04/2025 13:56:41    2602425

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nicolson was injured, wasnt a great performance especially in the first half, some players in there last year and dont seem up to it or dont look like there going to be playing senior county any time soon, would the B comp not be better to develop the younger players who have another year next year if its a toss of a coin. Galway and Monaghan look likely to be in B comp this year.

PowellJohn3 (Westmeath) - Posts: 77 - 17/04/2025 15:54:37    2602443

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Replying To Claretandblue:  "Invest the money required? Have you been to convention ever? Have you any idea of our financial situation? S and C programmes are laudable but extremely costly. Check out price for wolfhound membership, it's far and away most expensive gym in area, obviously well regarded by members and popular but costly. We don't have a sugar daddy like Mulryan in Roscommon or Glennon's in Longford, that's the reality, look at apathy towards tickets for fundraising draw, it's not for the county board but for future generations and yet badly supported, not easy to hear but we are poor supporters of county teams and poor supporters financially"
But then we can't wonder why we aren't getting better, it's as simple as that. Off course S&C is expensive, but the reality is it's left to clubs to develop these players and some don't have the means to do that. I only used Wolfhound as an example as they are the senior S&C. Surely then link up with TUS get some of the Sports Science students to link in in sure it would be great experience for them, but to have no S&C is crazy. I'm pretty certain this year's 20s don't have any gym access; which is just unheard of at that level in 2025. And on the other post I thought the B might be ideal for next year's team, a lot of the lads in their last year won it last year so maybe blood some of next year's team.

OverTheHill85 (Westmeath) - Posts: 67 - 17/04/2025 16:22:18    2602451

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Replying To Claretandblue:  "Invest the money required? Have you been to convention ever? Have you any idea of our financial situation? S and C programmes are laudable but extremely costly. Check out price for wolfhound membership, it's far and away most expensive gym in area, obviously well regarded by members and popular but costly. We don't have a sugar daddy like Mulryan in Roscommon or Glennon's in Longford, that's the reality, look at apathy towards tickets for fundraising draw, it's not for the county board but for future generations and yet badly supported, not easy to hear but we are poor supporters of county teams and poor supporters financially"
Here we go again..... Mouthing about support. Not everyone has €100 to spend on 1 chance to win 1 prize. You need to realize that €100 can be a big pill for some to swallow. Look at Oosch, RKings or McKinney competitions pages, they can sell 50,000-60,000 €20 tickets in 3-4 days when they have a house draw and have chances of other prizes aswell. Roscommon sell a power of tickets to the diaspora in UK and States. Roscommons last draw had 61% of sales outside the county.

Why is my Facebook page not being bombarded with Bressie or Niall Horan or other local celebrities selling the hell out of it?? There was a marketing team hired to do this yet not seeing much drive for it. I'm getting at least triple the amount of ads for Tipperarys draw on my timeline.

Chops (Westmeath) - Posts: 798 - 17/04/2025 16:38:15    2602458

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Replying To PowellJohn3:  "nicolson was injured, wasnt a great performance especially in the first half, some players in there last year and dont seem up to it or dont look like there going to be playing senior county any time soon, would the B comp not be better to develop the younger players who have another year next year if its a toss of a coin. Galway and Monaghan look likely to be in B comp this year."
'd be of the same opinion-if there's any lad on the extended panel with another year or two left, I think it's vital they're brought onto the matchday squad to get experience and minutes in these kinds of games. I know it might be harsh on the lads in their last year, but if they're not starting and are only borderline for getting a run, I honestly think the younger lad should get the opportunity. I know that might not sit well with some on here, but we should be using this competition to grow players for next year too.

Fighting-Cocks69 (Westmeath) - Posts: 76 - 17/04/2025 18:44:00    2602480

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Honest performance from the minors in defeat tonight. 10 down early in second half and got it back down to 3 before losing by 6.

A_Chairde (Westmeath) - Posts: 293 - 17/04/2025 21:13:32    2602495

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Just wondering is there going be any inter county match down the South off the county this year at all every game up the North. Both the Hurling & football all league home games in Mullingar could the Roscommon match not off been down in Athlone or somewhere down south would off been a big crowd at it compared to knowone in Cusack Westmeath where all ready relegated so would off been a great chance to play it outside off Cusack Park. How are you meant to grow the game down south when every game is in Mullingar or Kinnegad?? U20 games & Minor championship matches for Westmeath all up in Kinnegad aswell.

Manutd1993 (Longford) - Posts: 6 - 18/04/2025 00:16:22    2602516

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Replying To Manutd1993:  "Just wondering is there going be any inter county match down the South off the county this year at all every game up the North. Both the Hurling & football all league home games in Mullingar could the Roscommon match not off been down in Athlone or somewhere down south would off been a big crowd at it compared to knowone in Cusack Westmeath where all ready relegated so would off been a great chance to play it outside off Cusack Park. How are you meant to grow the game down south when every game is in Mullingar or Kinnegad?? U20 games & Minor championship matches for Westmeath all up in Kinnegad aswell."
Our U20s are in a B competition and play Laois next, you'd like to think they could play this in Athlone, TUS, Garrycastle or Tubberclair. All of whom have lights and could cater for the smaller crowd easily. But it's doubtful we will see this, you know they might even sell some of their win a home in Spain tickets at these grounds if it was shared around.

OverTheHill85 (Westmeath) - Posts: 67 - 18/04/2025 10:58:05    2602552

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Replying To Manutd1993:  "Just wondering is there going be any inter county match down the South off the county this year at all every game up the North. Both the Hurling & football all league home games in Mullingar could the Roscommon match not off been down in Athlone or somewhere down south would off been a big crowd at it compared to knowone in Cusack Westmeath where all ready relegated so would off been a great chance to play it outside off Cusack Park. How are you meant to grow the game down south when every game is in Mullingar or Kinnegad?? U20 games & Minor championship matches for Westmeath all up in Kinnegad aswell."
Geography lesson reguired on this forum: Mullingar in not in North Westmeath its pretty much in the centre of the County. Finnea, Fore, Killua Clonmellon, are all North Westmeath, All of the places listed are MORE than a hours drive to Athlone.Many of these places are more than 90km from Athlone.
Westmeath as a county is disavantaged by the nature of its road network and the easy of transport to a central location.
If Westmeath Gaa is to be succesfully grow the game it neds to happen North South East and West.

BarrRst (Westmeath) - Posts: 37 - 18/04/2025 12:59:06    2602579

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Replying To OverTheHill85:  "Our U20s are in a B competition and play Laois next, you'd like to think they could play this in Athlone, TUS, Garrycastle or Tubberclair. All of whom have lights and could cater for the smaller crowd easily. But it's doubtful we will see this, you know they might even sell some of their win a home in Spain tickets at these grounds if it was shared around."
Very poor viewing facilities for fans as regards stands/seating at those venues-no stand at all in Athlone-concrete steps and gravel bank -has not changed since the 70s-impossible to view in TUS.Tubberclaire probably best but parking might be a problem.All the venues have good playing surfaces but not very facilatating supporter wise

Bruno@1 (Westmeath) - Posts: 256 - 18/04/2025 13:38:38    2602592

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Replying To Chops:  "Here we go again..... Mouthing about support. Not everyone has €100 to spend on 1 chance to win 1 prize. You need to realize that €100 can be a big pill for some to swallow. Look at Oosch, RKings or McKinney competitions pages, they can sell 50,000-60,000 €20 tickets in 3-4 days when they have a house draw and have chances of other prizes aswell. Roscommon sell a power of tickets to the diaspora in UK and States. Roscommons last draw had 61% of sales outside the county.

Why is my Facebook page not being bombarded with Bressie or Niall Horan or other local celebrities selling the hell out of it?? There was a marketing team hired to do this yet not seeing much drive for it. I'm getting at least triple the amount of ads for Tipperarys draw on my timeline."
The marketing campaign has been a total disaster as far as I can see. The Tipperary draw last week was for a 4 bed house in Cashel or €300,000 cash alternative, more appealing for the average Joe than an apartment in Spain. It will be the fault of all the clubs of course, the clubs are being blamed already.

iarmhiabu (Westmeath) - Posts: 150 - 18/04/2025 14:18:50    2602602

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Replying To Fighting-Cocks69:  "'d be of the same opinion-if there's any lad on the extended panel with another year or two left, I think it's vital they're brought onto the matchday squad to get experience and minutes in these kinds of games. I know it might be harsh on the lads in their last year, but if they're not starting and are only borderline for getting a run, I honestly think the younger lad should get the opportunity. I know that might not sit well with some on here, but we should be using this competition to grow players for next year too."
Agreed. I think not giving the younger lads opportunities will lead to lads that are underage next year stepping away. Think the 20s have only about 4 starters underage next year. Anyone know what strong players are underage next year ?

Joecarthy3 (Westmeath) - Posts: 3 - 18/04/2025 17:59:34    2602633

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Replying To Manutd1993:  "Just wondering is there going be any inter county match down the South off the county this year at all every game up the North. Both the Hurling & football all league home games in Mullingar could the Roscommon match not off been down in Athlone or somewhere down south would off been a big crowd at it compared to knowone in Cusack Westmeath where all ready relegated so would off been a great chance to play it outside off Cusack Park. How are you meant to grow the game down south when every game is in Mullingar or Kinnegad?? U20 games & Minor championship matches for Westmeath all up in Kinnegad aswell."
Why? Mullingar is the county town. Apart from Galway (Tuam, Salhill and sometimes Ballinasloe for hurling), and maybe Kerry (Tralee and Killarney) what other county alternates between 2 towns for league and championship games?? Athlone stadium is very dilapidated and unsuitable for county games. Roscommon is a long county from north to south and it has all matches in the Hyde Padraig Pearses to Boyle is 80km nobody complaining that games should be either end of the county instaed of the middle. Cork use Pairc Ui Caoimh and Pairc Ui Rinn which are in Cork city only couple of kilometers apart. Laois play all counhty games in Portlaoise, Longford use Pearse park and nowhere else. Why should Westmeath do any different?

Chops (Westmeath) - Posts: 798 - 18/04/2025 18:17:07    2602635

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Replying To BarrRst:  "Geography lesson reguired on this forum: Mullingar in not in North Westmeath its pretty much in the centre of the County. Finnea, Fore, Killua Clonmellon, are all North Westmeath, All of the places listed are MORE than a hours drive to Athlone.Many of these places are more than 90km from Athlone.
Westmeath as a county is disavantaged by the nature of its road network and the easy of transport to a central location.
If Westmeath Gaa is to be succesfully grow the game it neds to happen North South East and West."
Most off them area's you have mentioned are hurling. I'm really talking about football here if your telling me Kinnegad or Mullingar is not north off Westmeath football well then you don't know much. I don't think there has been a championship match down south off the county for u20 or minor for at least 15 year's or more. As for senior's it could be longer. You do know there is football down south off Westmeath not everything has to be play in Mullingar or Kinnegad it's just handy for whoever is over the fixtures up there in county board. Rosemount, Tubberclair or, Tang would be well able to facilitate a U20 or Minor championship match with plenty off parking in all & it would draw a crowd down south no wonder Westmeath support is one off the worst in Ireland.

Manutd1993 (Longford) - Posts: 6 - 18/04/2025 18:25:20    2602637

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