Hurling final replays to boost Westmeath coffers
Westmeath GAA is set for a major financial boost with replays needed in both the Senior ‘A’ and Senior ‘B’ hurling finals.
Saturday’s Senior ‘B’ decider between Delvin and St Oliver Plunketts ended all square and the replay is set for tonight (Tuesday, 8pm) under lights at Lakepoint Park, Mullingar, with the winners out in Leinster club action this coming weekend.
Sunday’s Senior ‘A’ final, a pulsating clash, saw Castletown Geoghegan earn a draw against Lough Lene Gaels, who looked set to end a 23-year wait after a superb second half display. The replay is on next Monday, October 27 at TEG Cusack Park (2pm).
Goals from Tommy Doyle and David Williams put the Collinstown men on course for victory, but they were pegged back by a gritty Castletown Geoghegan side, determined to retain the Westmeath Examiner Cup for the first time in 67 years.
“We’re lucky to have a second bite at the cherry; the Gaels were the better team in the second half, but that game will stand to us,” admitted Castletown Geoghegan boss Alan Mangan.
Lough Lene Gaels manager Joey Williams was reeling at the potential loss of Daire Daly for the replay and the fact that his player didn’t receive a free for a robust challenge which forced him to retire near the end.
“Daire Daly got a bad belt to the hand; a couple of fingers (injured). He’s in doubt for the replay. But that’s the nature of it; we have players who put their bodies on the line.
“Any other day that would have been a free to us. But I'm not going to complain about the referee,” he said.
The final ended Castletown 1-23 Lough Lough Gaels 2-20. The Gaels were thwarted by the concession of an own goal when heroic goalkeeper Noel Conaty somehow lost his balance and accidentally booted the ball over his own goal line in a frantic second half.
“We should have cleared it; Micheál Daly should have had the ball gone out of there,” rued Williams.
Castletown Geoghegan’s lengthy lay-off left them vulnerable, but they battled for a late equaliser from a Niall O’Brien free.
“We haven’t played a competitive game in five weeks and we know Lough Lene Gaels will bring that massive heart and determination again. We just have to match it,” added Mangan.
The two replays will provide a welcome cash boost for Westmeath GAA before the end of the year, with plans for a new Centre of Excellence adding to their financial commitments.
Barry Nea will take charge of the replay having refereed Sunday's final in what is a break with tradition. James McGrath is unavailable, while experienced referee Barry Kelly was overlooked. Alfie Devine comes in as stand-by referee and Caymon Flynn, a very capable referee at this level, hasn't been involved for most of the season.
Meanwhile, there was criticism as the Minor Division 1 hurling final between St Oliver Plunketts and Clonkill was cancelled on Sunday morning after heavy rain on Saturday night.
Some club sources criticised Westmeath GAA for denying future players their opportunity to play on the big stage, but Westmeath GAA officials were adamant they had little choice after inclement weather.
A major problem is the hundreds of supporters who spill on to the pitch after finals which impacts severely on the condition of the pitch at a busy time of the season.
In case, the Minor decider has been rearranged for Sunday, November 2 at TEG Cusack Park (12.00) so, all going to plan, the young players of Clonkill and St Oliver Plunketts will have the chance to perform at Westmeath GAA HQ.