Westmeath New York hurlers end 29-year wait for glory

New York Senior Hurling Final: Westmeath 3-22, Hoboken 3-18

The Westmeath NY Senior hurlers atoned for last year's final defeat by claiming this year's title with a hard-fought win over the Johnny Glynn led Hoboken in this year's final on Sunday. In doing so a 29-year gap was bridged since their 1996 success.

Meath's Nicky Potterton starred in this year's final and his late father Nicky Snr was a member of the ‘96 side. That provided a very special link to both teams.

A slow start in the blistering heat appeared ominous for the Westmeath men during which time two goals were conceded. Goals change games and a rasper of a shot, following a long solo run by the aforementioned Nicky Potterton, on the stroke of half-time, changed the trend. The team grew from strength to strength after the break and as the game wore on Westmeath's superior fitness shone through, and Westmeath emerged eventual winners on a scoreline of 3-22 to 3-18.

The four provinces of Ireland were represented in this year's Westmeath team such is the diversity of the NY GAA scene. The Westmeath connection was maintained by long-term club president, the ever-present Tom Nugent; sponsor and selector Mick Stones (MJS Development); sponsor and club Chairman, the former Cullion and St Loman’s dual-star Colin Whyte (CFW Contracting), and star player Adam Loughlin Stones, who defied a hand-injury received in the semi-final, and came on as a substitute and picked off a number of key scores.