'This year is all about redemption for us' - Castletown captain

As anticipation builds for the Westmeath Senior 'A' Hurling Championship final, Castletown Geoghegan captain Aonghus Clarke has issued a rallying call, stating that his side is ready to reclaim the crown they lost in 2023.

The black-and-amber brigade are set to face familiar foes Lough Lene Gaels at TEG Cusack Park this Sunday (throw-in 3.30pm), in what promises to be a pulsating clash between two of the county’s top hurling forces.

“We were bitterly disappointed last year,” Clarke admitted. “To lose in the semi-final after coming into the campaign as defending champions was tough. Lough Lene Gaels deserved their win on the day – they were sharper and more clinical than we were. But we’ve used that as motivation all season. This year is all about redemption for us.”

The Castletown Geoghegan skipper, who has been one of Westmeath’s standout performers at inter-county level, stressed that his team has worked tirelessly throughout the year to get back to the final. “When you lose a championship like we did last year, you go back to basics. We’ve trained hard, looked at where we went wrong, and improved in key areas. Now it’s about performing on the big day.”

Clarke realises that Lough Lene Gaels, last year’s beaten finalists, will be just as eager to get their hands on the coveted title. “Lough Lene Gaels are a quality outfit. They came within a whisker of winning it last year, and they’ve been one of the most consistent teams in Westmeath hurling over the last few years. They beat us in last year’s semi-final, and that’s not something we’ve forgotten.”

The 2022 champions have shown flashes of brilliance this year, and Clarke believes his side is peaking at just the right time. “Our journey to the final hasn’t been without its challenges. We’ve had some tight games along the way, and there have been injuries to key players. But I’ve always said that when you face adversity, it brings a team closer together. We’ve had players stepping up when it mattered most, and that’s what you need to win championships.”

Clarke emphasised the importance of a fast start, aware that finals are often won and lost in the opening exchanges. “In big games like this, you need to hit the ground running. If you give a team like Lough Lene Gaels any time or space, they’ll punish you. We need to be physical, we need to be disciplined, and we need to set the tone early.”

With Castletown Geoghegan’s rich history of success, Clarke knows that expectation is high among the club’s supporters.

“Castletown Geoghegan has a proud tradition in Westmeath hurling. The support we get from the community is incredible. You can feel the buzz around the village. Bringing the title back to Castletown would mean everything to the people here. It’s not just about us, it’s about everyone who supports this team.

"We have a great mix of youth and experience. Lads like Jack Gallagher have been brilliant for us. But it’s the senior lads too - players like Niall O’Brien and Peter Clarke - they’ve been through these battles before, and that experience will be invaluable on Saturday.”

However, Clarke is well aware of the threat posed by Lough Lene Gaels, who have a potent forward line and are solid at the back. “They’re a well-balanced side, and they have match-winners all over the pitch. We saw last year how dangerous their forwards can be. We know what’s coming, but we’re ready for it.”

Looking ahead to the game, Clarke is confident that his team has what it takes to get over the line but knows that nothing can be taken for granted. “Finals are often decided by small margins. It’s about who makes the least mistakes and who takes their chances when they come. We’ve put ourselves in a position to win it, but we’ll need to be at our very best. There’s no room for complacency.”

The Castletown captain finished by reflecting on the significance of the match for both clubs. “This is what you play hurling for – to be involved in games like this. It’s the biggest day in Westmeath hurling, and we’re privileged to be a part of it. We’ll give it everything we have, and hopefully, it’s enough to bring the cup back to Castletown.”

With two of the county’s top teams going head-to-head, hurling fans across Westmeath can expect a thrilling spectacle on Saturday. Both sides will be desperate to lift the new Westmeath Examiner Cup, and if past encounters are anything to go by, this year’s final could be another classic.