Baker's key role as U-20 success gives Westmeath hope for future
Westmeath Independent Community & Sports Awards in association with Westmeath County Council
Tadhg Baker: Young Sportsperson of the Year finalist
Tadhg Baker captained Westmeath to All-Ireland U-20 'B' football success earlier this year. It was a significant boost for Westmeath football considering the county has been starved of success at underage level since a Leinster minor and U-21 double in 2000.
Caulry player Baker lifted the Liam Connor Cup on behalf of the Westmeath team after a thrilling victory over Monaghan in the All-Ireland final last May. Even extra-time couldn't separate the sides in an enthralling battle, with penalties required to decide the outcome at Kingspan Breffni Park.
Baker formed a strong midfield partnership with Shane Ormsby throughout Westmeath's U-20 campaign.
In the Leinster championship, Westmeath overcame Offaly in the opening round, but defeats to Meath and Dublin ended their hopes of progression. However, Kenny McKinley’s charges put that disappointment behind them and went on to win the Leinster and All-Ireland 'B' titles in impressive fashion.
After wins over Longford and Laois, Westmeath claimed another victory over Offaly, this time in the Andrew Corden Cup (Leinster 'B') final. A win over Leitrim in the All-Ireland 'B' semi-final set up the aforementioned decider against Monaghan.
In addition to his key role with the Westmeath U20 team, Baker was also part of the senior county squad in 2025, featuring in this year's Tailteann Cup campaign.
At club level, Baker helped Caulry to reach this year's Westmeath senior championship quarter-finals.
A student at Dublin City University, Tadhg was captain of the DCU team which reached the Freshers 'A' Football Championship final early this year in which they were edged out by UCD.
During his time as a student in Marist College, Baker was a prominent figure on football teams from the Athlone school.
Tadhg is a son of Michelle and Ollie Baker, who won All-Ireland senior hurling medals with Clare in 1995 and 1997. Since the family moved to the Baylin area, they have immersed themselves in local sport, with Michelle closely involved with Caulry LGFA. In addition to his involvement at underage level with Caulry and Southern Gaels, Ollie has managed a number of hurling teams and is part of the current Westmeath senior hurling management team.
Tadhg's older brother Senan is also a talented footballer and has represented Westmeath at all levels. Senan and Tadhg have a younger brother, Aengus and a sister, Muirne, both of whom are also active in sport.
The Young Sportsperson of the Year category is sponsored by the Shamrock Lodge Hotel.