Goldsmiths LFGA celebrates a year to remember
"These girls are a credit to themselves, their families and to the dedication of our coaches at underage level; I’ve no doubt that they are laying the foundation of a bright future for Goldsmiths LGFA". Those were the words of Goldsmiths LGFA club chairman Tom Lennon as he welcomed club members to last Sunday evening's medal presentation function at The Villager in Glasson.
Those present were certainly optimistic of a bright future for Goldsmiths LGFA as they celebrated county championship success at Under-14 Division 2, Under-14 Division 5 and at Minor Division 3 levels.
Guest of honour on the evening was President Elect of the LGFA, Moate woman Trina Murray, who expressed her delight at being present for the occasion.
The evening was a well-deserved celebration of the club's recent successes. Their two Under-14 teams defeated The Downs in the Divisions 2 and 5 finals to clinch championship titles, while the Goldsmiths LGFA minor team had a hard-fought campaign with victory over Killucan in their Division 3 Final.
The championship winning U-14 team featured four Westmeath U-14 team members with Chloe O’Connor, Chloe Madden, Niamh Murray and Rachel Goulding all wearing the Westmeath colours with pride last season. This trend has continued for Goldsmiths this year with another four rising stars included in the recently announced 2025 Westmeath Under 14 panel: Holly Fahy, Emma Whittaker, Layla Martin and Grace Reilly.
From the championship winning minor team, four of players have been selected on the recently announced Westmeath Under-16 panel; Ciara Gardiner, Erica Higgins, Niamh Purtill and Mya Russell.
The club also enjoyed success at adult level this year with the Goldsmiths junior team winning the Westmeath LGFA Junior Championship (the club's first adult title). Indeed, they were only narrowly defeated in the Leinster Junior Championship semi-final after a successful county championship campaign.
A relatively young club, Goldsmiths LGFA was formed in 2012 with the amalgamation of the parishes of Tubberclair and Tang to provide a dedicated ladies football club. This was further expanded in recent years to include the parish of Drumraney. From a modest beginning with just 78 members registered in 2012, the club now proudly boasts 262 members.
Registration for the 2025 season will get underway shortly. Goldsmiths LFGA are also encouraging additional volunteers to get involved at all levels within the club. Anyone interested should get in touch with a member of the Goldsmith LGFA committee or contact the club directly on 087 366 9602.
*See more photos in this week's Westmeath Independent.