Westmeath GAA All-Stars honoured by County Council

Westmeath GAA stars Gary Connaughton and John Keane were honoured by Westmeath County Council at a special reception which was held at Belvedere House and Gardens in Mullingar last week. On the evening County Council Chairman Joe Whelan lauded the successes of the Westmeath Football team, citing their win in Division 2 of the National League and the achievements of John Keane and Gary Connaughton who both attained national recognition and All Star status. 'We have John Keane who has been a key defender in the corner back position on the Westmeath county football team for a number of years. This year is when his performances identified him as one of the best backs in the country when he won his second All Star award and when he was marked out as a cornerstone of the Rosemount club.' 'Gary Connaughton of Tubberclair made history in 2008 being the first Westmeath man to be awarded an All Star in the goalkeeping position. It was third time lucky for Gary as he was nominated twice previously. This award was long overdue as he has been recognised as a top class goal keeper for many years.' Also honoured on the night were three Mullingar athletes who competed in the Beijing Olympics, John Joe Nevin, John Joe Joyce and Martin Fagan, Cathaoirleach Joe Whelan praised their 'unprecedented' achievement in qualifying for the world"s greatest sporting event. All five sporting stars will now have their achievements held in the county council"s official records. The official address read as follows: 'Now therefore, be it resolved by the Westmeath County Council to extend this Address of Recognition as a symbol of admiration and commendation to these athletes who represented this county and country at the and to the county"s two All Stars Gary Connaughton and John Keane. 'You can be proud of your achievements. Your exploits, victories and defeats have earned the respect and admiration of every citizen in the County Westmeath.'