Clubs briefed on progress with work on Cusack Park

Westmeath GAA chairman Frank Mescall briefed club delegates on the latest situation regarding planned upgrades to TEG Cusack Park, at last Wednesday night’s meeting of Westmeath GAA county committee, held online.

Mr Mescall said that Westmeath officials had held “informal” talks with Pat Teehan and Michael Reynolds of Leinster Council, and Tom Ryan and Ger Mulryan from Croke Park.

The chairman explained that both bodies were informed of Westmeath GAA’s plans to carry out extensive, phased upgrades to Cusack Park, and approval was granted.

“Now, did they offer us a million euro towards the works? No they did not,” Mr Mescall continued. “We knew that they wouldn’t be in a position to do that, but as soon as they have the money, it will be forthcoming for us.”

The Ballynacargy clubman said that Westmeath GAA’s management committee took a week off recently, but will be meeting again this week to discuss the commencement of works at the Friars Mill Road venue, to agree a programme of works and review prices.

He said that work cannot be undertaken on the erection of new ball-stop nets. “This has to be left to the end of the year. We don’t want to close Cusack Park at any stage,” he continued. “But the rest of the works can go ahead, and they will go ahead, especially while there’s no attendance at games. And we will keep you informed on those

Meanwhile, Mr Mescall also confirmed that funds raised from the Lake County Movathon initiative, part of which will go towards the works on Cusack Park, had reached over €143,000 (at the time of press, they have exceeded the €144,000 mark).