Athlone ladies captain Eimear O’Rourke pictured with men’s team captains,Shane Allen (senior), and Colin O’Leary (second team) earlier this year. Photo Padraig Devaney.

Athlone and St Joseph’s among teams bidding for LGFA final glory

Kieran Galvin

Published: Wed 11 Oct 2023, 3:11 PM

Last updated: Wed 11 Oct 2023, 3:12 PM

The Westmeath LGFA adult championship finals take place this weekend, with St Joseph’s and Athlone among the teams bidding for county titles.

St Joseph’s will face Coralstown/Kinnegad in the Intermediate Championship final after their emphatic semi-final win over Caulry (3-12 to 1-3). For their part, the Kinnegad outfit needed extra-time to overcome Loughnavalley in their exciting semi-final (6-10 to 3-8).

Last year, St Joseph’s defeated Cill Óige in the junior final which attracted a very large crowd to Garrycastle, and the Streamstown/Horseleap club also had plenty of their support at their recent semi-final as they look to build on their 2022 success.

There is also no shortage of excitement as the Athlone ladies prepare for their county final, with plenty of blue and white flags evident around Páirc Chiaráin.

Having defeated Shandonagh by two points at the semi-final stage (1-6 to 1-4), Athlone will meet Milltownpass in the Junior Championship decider. Milltownpass overcame Goldsmiths by 3-9 to 1-8 in the penultimate round.

The Senior Championship final will see defending champions Milltown take on The Downs. Milltown were impressive winners over Garrycastle in their semi-final, while The Downs booked their place in the decider by overcoming neighbours St Loman’s Mullingar.

With the Dillon sisters and plenty of inter-county experience in their ranks, Milltown will be favourites to retain their title against a Downs outfit who will be aiming to spring a surprise.

The Downs captain Aoife Rowan (left) and Milltown counterpart Rachel Dillon. Photo: Conor Brennan.

In preparation for the adult county finals, Westmeath LGFA will host an ‘Up for the Game’ preview event this Friday night, October 13 in The Village Barn, Tyrrellspass.

The intermediate and senior finals will form a double header on Sunday at TEG Cusack, with the junior and junior B finals slated for Kinnegad on Saturday.

The Westmeath LGFA final fixtures are as follows below.

Saturday, October 14

Wright Windows Junior B Championship final: Kinnegad (12.30), Ballycomoyle v St Paul’s Delvin.

Wright Windows Junior Championship final: Kinnegad (2.30), Athlone v Milltownpass.

Sunday, October 15

Eoin Clarke & Co. Solicitors Intermediate Championship final: TEG Cusack Park (1pm), Coralstown/Kinnegad v St Joseph’s.

The Village Barn Senior Championship final: TEG Cusack Park (3pm), Milltown v The Downs.