Westmeath GAA set to launch new website as league kick off looms

Westmeath GAA is gearing up to launch its new website tonight (Thursday), January 25.

The launch will take place at O’Brien's Renault, Mullingar and there will be a host of guests from both Westmeath football and hurling present on the night. Renault are the current sponsors of Westmeath GAA teams at adult level.

As part of the event, there will be a discussion on the upcoming league campaigns as well as light refreshments and all are welcome to attend on the night. The Westmeath GAA website can be viewed by clicking on the following link - http://www.westmeathgaa.ie/ 

National Leagues 
For Westmeath, all roads lead to Derry and Carlow for the opening rounds of the football and hurling leagues this Sunday. Westmeath face tough opposition in the form of Derry (Celtic Park, throw-in 2.30pm) in their Allianz Football League Division 3 opener, though they have had good preparation with their run in the O’Byrne Cup. The hurlers have a difficult task with a trip to Carlow (Netwatch Cullen Park, 2pm) in Division 2A, but they will be looking to get off to a winning start. 

O’Byrne Cup Final
Due to adverse weather conditions, almost all GAA fixtures - including the Bord na Mona O'Byrne final between Westmeath and Meath - fell foul of the heavy rain last Saturday night. It's expected that the O’Byrne Cup final will now take place on the weekend of February 17/18. 

Westmeath Independent Sports Awards 
A number of sporting stars with connections to Westmeath GAA have been chosen as monthly winners in the 2017 Westmeath Independent Sports Awards. John Gilligan (Fr Dalton's and Westmeath hurler), Laura Brennan (Garrycastle and Westmeath ladies footballer) and Athlone minor players Kieran Colclough & Shane Allen are among the winners and are nominees for the overall award. 
To vote for Laura, Text INDO 5 to 57199.
To vote for John, Text INDO 9 to 57199.
To vote for Kieran & Shane, Text INDO 12 to 57199.

The awards night will take place in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone this Friday, January 26 at 7.30pm. Tickets for the awards night are on sale at the Westmeath Independent offices in Athlone (phone: 090 6434300). Tickets are priced at €45 each but a special offer is in place whereby people receive two free tickets when purchasing four tickets.

Referees Course
The foundation level dates are as follows for a three-night course in TEG Cusack Park at 8pm - Thursday, January 25; Monday, January 29; and Monday February 5. It is important that you register with referees co-ordinator Michael Gordon at mhgordon@eircom.net as soon as possible.