Feast of GAA as championships reach climax

The final pairings are made and fans of Westmeath GAA are in line for great excitement as championship seasons reach their climax. Four county senior finals, four compelling contests and a feast of sporting prowess.

For the conclusion of the Men's Senior Football campaign, The Downs and St Loman’s Mullingar renew one of the county game’s great rivalries at Cusack Park this coming Sunday.

It's an intriguing clash and one with implications beyond the 60 minutes. With both clubs tied with 11 senior titles, the winner will take a step up the honours ladder and join Mullingar Shamrocks in second spot.

The Downs, incumbent champions, arrive after a powerful 5-17 to 2-13 semi-final win over Moate All Whites, with Luke Loughlin prominent. St Loman’s had a tougher challenge in their semi against Coralstown/Kinnegad. With John Heslin, Sam McCartan and Danny McCartan among the Loman’s leaders, and The Downs boasting attacking firepower, this promises to be a final decided by fine margins.

The following weekend the small ball takes centre stage at Cusack Park. Lough Lene Gaels earned another shot at the Westmeath Examiner Cup after finishing top of the Senior A group, with Raharney their final opponents.

The Gaels won all five group games and their most recent meeting with Raharney produced a thriller, a 2-22 to 1-23 victory. Raharney made their way to next Sunday's game having overcome the reigning champions Castletown Geoghegan in their semi-final on Sunday. Lough Lene's advantage is their recent final experience, but for Raharney their genuine scoring menace will make them a credible threat for the county crown.

On the Senior Ladies Football side of things, last week's draw between Milltown and St Loman’s brings the sides back together the weekend after next to conclude the saga. The closeness of the game is no surprise as this is the pairing's third Westmeath LGFA senior final in successive years. Milltown are defending champions after edging the 2025 decider, while St Loman’s took the honours in 2024.

A 2026 group stage meeting went St Loman’s way, but Milltown showed their character by surviving a tight semi-final against The Downs. For their part, St Loman’s came through their semi tie as convincing winners over Goldsmiths. With the sides so familiar with one another, tactical discipline and finishing could prove decisive.

Turning to Camogie, the Raharney versus Clonkill senior final on Saturday promises another heavyweight encounter. Clonkill are defending champions, having edged Raharney in last year’s final, while Raharney have been showing steady progression this year.

Their emphatic 4-15 to 1-6 semi-final win over Lough Lene Gaels underlined their attacking strength. Opponents Clonkill have shown their consistent quality throughout their campaign, including a comprehensive early-season win over Raharney. Supporters will expect a physical, skilful final in which possession could shape the outcome.

Across all four deciders, the common theme is familiarity: established rivals, recent history and very little between the contenders. The line up presents what is sure to be a memorable end to the busy Westmeath club championships.