Culture of abuse will be difficult to change - Mescall

Chairman, Frank Mescall has criticised a winning captain for making “ungracious” comments regarding a referee in his acceptance speech.

Considering the year the GAA has endured, the chairman felt the remarks, following the presentation of a cup, were inappropriate and he admitted being shocked at the level of abuse referees (and all match officials) have to endure. He feels the GAA is facing a major challenge to change a culture.

“Culture is one of the most difficult things to break down; look at psychology, physiology and all of that. However, we have to start somewhere,” he remarked.

The chairman recalled sitting beside family members of a referee in TEG Cusack Park, having asked for respect for officials, and being shocked at what they had to endure. “I was beside the ref’s family and it was awful,” he remarked.

The chairman urged all clubs to make a renewed effort to ensure referees get the respect their position deserves.

Gerry Farrelly of Ballycomoyle agreed and felt the abuse linesmen have to endure is also disgraceful.

COUNTY BOARD BRIEFS

TEG Cusack Park closed to club games

Delegates were informed that TEG Cusack Park is not available for club fixtures at present. Killucan’s Paul Briody was clearly unimpressed, pointing out that club grounds are being used while the county grounds are closed to club fixtures.

However, Chairman, Frank Mescall reminded delegates that while most clubs have two pitches, there is only one TEG Cusack Park, which will be in demand for the Leinster Club Championships. He explained that the county ground had, on average, catered for four games per weekend in recent times.

Pat Reilly, Secretary, explained that TEG Cusack Park has been destroyed by supporters coming on to the pitch on wet days to celebrate with their team. No matter how often people were asked to remain off the pitch, they refused to do so. “We don’t force people to stay off, but we do ask. No matter how often the P.A. person asks, supporters still come on to the pitch in bad weather and that destroys it,” he said.

Schools coaches’ shortage

Gerry Farrelly (Ballycomoyle) raised the issue of a lack of schools coaches in north Westmeath. There are four schools without coaches, he explained.

Frank Mescall explained that there are major changes in relation to the schools coaching system. Some coaches have retired, while one is travelling and another is involved in statistics work with county teams.

Coaching Officer, Niall O’Brien said that schools which have been left out of the current block of coaching will be included in the next block after the Hallowe’en school break. He explained there will be an update on schools coaching in due course as there are major changes afoot.

Major medal presentation night ahead

Westmeath GAA will hold a big night of celebration on Friday December 2 in the Mullingar Park Hotel. Tickets are being sold for the event and clubs are being asked to purchase tables at a cost of €1,000. The event will cost approximately €30,000 and the aim is that it will be cost neutral.

Chairman, Frank Mescall said he hopes it will attract a bumper crowd of around 700 people. There are a lot of medals to present, dating right back to 2008. The highlight will be the Tailteann Cup winners and the Joe McDonagh Cup winners.

Tailteann Cup winners celebrate with holiday

The Westmeath senior footballers are in sunny Cancun of Mexico this week for a team holiday to celebrate their Tailteann Cup success. They raised €29,000, through a Golf Classic in Athlone, towards the cost of the holiday, which includes partners. Picture frames are still on sale and this will continue up to Christmas.

Westmeath travelled on Saturday October 29 and will return next Sunday November 6. Some players will return early to play in the Leinster Club Championship. All were wished well by chairman, Frank Mescall.

Meanwhile, the Tailteann All Stars were revealed last Friday week and Westmeath had six players included, while Ronan O’Toole picked up the Player of The Year Award. Frank Mescall congratulated all players, while county hurler Killian Doyle was congratulated on his nomination for a hurling All Star.

Up for The Game a success

The Westmeath Public Relations team, led by PRO Marie Lynagh, were praised for their part in the Up For The Game initiative this year, which was staged before each of the adult finals, hurling and football.

Held on the Friday prior to county finals, it proved a very popular show and Chairman, Frank Mescall thanked all involved, including the PR team and Tomás Mount, who put a significant amount of work into the project.

He called on all clubs to get behind the event next year. “It is something that will take off, but we need more support,” he remarked.

Central Council to return to traditional date for Scór

Central Council Delegate, Tom Hunt advised delegates that the return to collective training for inter county teams is 24 November. There is one collective gathering allowed prior to that in order to introduce the panel and plan for the season.

Meanwhile, the GAA’s Ard Chomhairle has decided that score difference will now be used between the teams involved only, not all the teams.

Westmeath raised the issue of the timing of Scór and Central Council have advised that it will return to its traditional date (later in the year) in due course. It is currently at an earlier time and this is having an adverse effect on club participation as it clashes with the playing season.

Dr Hunt advised that there was no discussion on the GAA’s new TV rights as they were not on the agenda at the time. St Loman’s, Mullingar delegate, Tony Robinson asked if the matter had been raised at Central Council level.

Since the Central Council meeting, the GAA has ended its nine-year deal with Sky Sports. The two sides were keen to extend the deal until 2027, but no agreement could be reached.

Dr Hunt also reported that Central Council has also decided against the idea of abolishing the National League finals.