Westmeath GAA Notes by Aidan Walsh (County PRO)
Leinster Senior Club Football Championship:
St Lomans Mullingar entertained the Dublin Champions St Vincents at Cusack Park on Sunday 10th November and unfortunately lost out narrowly by 0-11 to 0-9 in a keenly contested match. The large crowd that came to Mullingar were expecting a good contest and certainly they got value for money in an interesting encounter. The game started with St Lomans first off the mark through John Heslin in the opening minute. Tomas Quinn levelled matters through a free a minute later but the games first major talking point came as early as the sixth minute when St Vincents Captain Ger Brennan was red carded by referee Damian Brazil following an off the ball incident. St Lomans had a great goal chance in the fourth minute but the opportunity went awry. St Vincents though down to 14 men made little of that handicap and by the 23rd minute led by 0-6 to 0-2. Two unanswered points from St Lomans, the pick being from Willie Mc Govern saw the home side trail by 0-6 to 0-4 at half time. Both teams struggled in the early stages of the second period to make any impact on the scoreboard but gradually St Lomans gained momentum firing over three points to lead by 0-7 to 0-6 fourteen minutes into the half. St Vincents replied through a Quinn free in the 48th minute of the game but Lomans regained the lead through Kelvin Reilly. The Visitors fired over three successive points to move 0-10 to 0-8 ahead with two minutes remaining before John Heslin reduced arrears to a single score as the game headed towards a conclusion. However, Ruairi Treanor ensured that the Dublin Champions advanced to the next round with the final score of the game ensuring a two point victory for the Marino men. Declan Rowleys charges certainly will feel a bit disappointed not to have claimed this result but maybe a little inexperience at this level cost them scores at vital times. The margins were tight throughout the game and St Lomans Mullingar can feel very proud of their maiden year in the Leinster club championship.
Leinster Intermediate Football Championship:
St Malachys played Geraldines(Louth) on Sunday 10th November in Haggardstown in the Quarter final of the Leinster Intermediate Football Championship. St Malachys were the better team early on as the raced into a three point lead. However, the pattern of the game changed midway through the opening half when Geraldines scored the first of their three goals and this helped them to a 1-4 to 0-4 lead at half time. St Malachys did open the scoring in the second half with an early point but the concession of two second half goals cost the Westmeath team as the home side were impressive 3-11 to 1-9 winners in the end.
Leinster Special Junior Hurling Championship:
Southern Gaels made the journey to Mountmellick Co Laois to play the local side in the Leinster Special Junior Hurling semi final. The home side had the better of the opening half and led by 0-6 to 0-2 at the break. Southern Gaels roared back into the game in the second half and looked the more likely winners as they levelled scores at 0-7 apiece as the game headed into the final ten minutes. However, Mountmellick regained the initiative and ran out two point winners in the end by 0-10 to 0-8.
The Downs GAA Play
The Downs are hosting the Seamus O'Rourke play The Quare Land on Saturday 23rd November. This is the latest play by the renowned Leitrim playwright and as always with the production last year, it is advisable for people to book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets may be booked by ringing 0872206875
Referees Recruitment Initiative.
Westmeath GAA are launching a recruitment drive for new referees in early 2014 which is aimed at encouraging new people to take up the task within our county. In order for our games to continue to be run, it is vital that there is a constant supply of people willing to take on the task of refereeing. For those who are interested in participating please contact
Westmeath GAA Referee's Coordinator Michael Gordon at mhgordon@eircom.net
County Convention
This years County convention will be on Monday 9th December in the Annebrook House Hotel.
Rule Changes for 2014:
With the 2013 season entering its final weeks, the focus turns to the new year and with 2014 just around the corner, it is no harm to look at the rule changes that will apply for the new year.
Here are a number of common questions and detailed answers players, supporters and officials may find beneficial in gaining an understanding of the impending changes.
- The new rules sees the introduction of “Black Card Infractions”, in addition to the existing Yellow and Red Cards. Do we have an actual black card?
No, we will be using the Referee’s Black Notebook as the “Black Card”. - If a player who is black carded is being replaced by a substitute, when may that substitution occur?
At a break in play, subject to there being no delay to the game. - Does the limit of three Black Card subs extend into extra-time?
Yes, the maximum number of subs allowed for black cards is three over the course of a full game, including extra time. To recap; in the course of the game the max number is six, with three more permitted in extra time, the total number of Black Card replacements allowed is three. - Can a team make six substitutions, even though none of their players has received a Black Card?
Yes, the maximum number of subs which a team may use is increased to six; this is not subject to any of them being for Black Cards. - Six substitutes have been used by a team, two of them for a Black Card, when a third player receives a Black Card. May he be replaced?
No, the overall limit of six has been reached. - A player who has been Yellow carded, and later in the game receives a Black Card and is, therefore, dismissed on a Red; does such a scenario count towards the number of players who may be replaced?
No. three players who receive “straight” black cards may be replaced, subject to the total of six subs. - County and Provincial Club Championships will be played prior to Christmas with the All-Ireland series being played in early 2014. Can you confirm if the “new” rules will be used in those competitions in 2014.
Yes, all games which are played on or after the 1 January 2014 will be played under the “new rules”. - In an Allianz League and Senior Championship a player is suspended for one game where he has already received three black cards. Is his slate wiped clean at this stage?
Yes, once he has served his suspension he starts again from scratch. - What is the penalty, at club level, for a player who receives a number of black cards?
Currently a player is dismissed for receiving a Black Card. He does not suffer any suspension for cumulative Black Cards. However if he receives a second Double Yellow or Yellow + Black within 48 weeks he is liable to a two week suspension. - Can a player who is sent off on a Black Card have a Hearing?
Yes, there is no change to a Player’s right to a Hearing following the introduction of the Black Card rule. - Where can Players, Officials, Administrators and Supporters get more information?
All of this information, and more, will be available on the GAA website at www.gaa.ie/rules
I can be contacted at 086 3992403 or pro.westmeath@gaa.ie