New Westmeath GAA headquarters "put on hold", chairman reveals

The development of a new headquarters for Westmeath GAA has been put on hold, it was revealed at last weekend"s annual county board convention in Ballymore. But the county board are confident of making a positive statement regarding the development of a training centre early in the New Year. Delivering his first address as Westmeath GAA chairman at last Saturday night"s annual convention, Tang"s Tom Farrell stated that the building of a new Westmeath GAA headquarters has been put 'on hold', but he hopes that there will a progress on the development of a new training centre in the New Year. 'It"s no small wonder in these recessionary times that the relocating of Cusack Park has been put on hold. However, it is hoped that Part 1 of the development, namely the Training Centre, is a possibility. There will be an announcement early in 2009. Any decision on this matter will be decided by you, the clubs of Westmeath. It"s essential we provide a training centre of Westmeath GAA on a permanent basis in the not too distant future,' said Farrell. Meanwhile, Sean Sheridan (Tyrrellspass) and Joe Martin (Ballymore) were elected as Westmeath"s Leinster Council delegates, with outgoing delegate Tony Robinson (Ballinagore) losing out. The only other contests on the night were for the Congress delegate positions (two), Leinster Convention delegates (five) and under-21 Congress delegate (one). Although there were 12 nominees as Congress delegates, only six let their names go forward on the night, with Aidan McGuire (The Downs) and Eugene Dolan (St Paul"s) the ones elected. There were seven candidates for the five Leinster Convention delegate positions. Richard Browne, Liam Gavin (St Mary"s, Rochfortbridge), Albert Lowry (Tubberclair), Sean O"Brien (Delvin) and Michael McHugh (St Loman"s, Mullingar) claimed the positions. Kieran Martin (Maryland) defeated Seamus Savage (Crookedwood) for the under-21 Congress delegate position. Aidan Walsh had been nominated along with Pat Reilly (Brownstown) for the position of PRO but Walsh withdrew his name, which meant Reilly retained the position without a vote. It was a similar situation regarding the position of development officer, with Martin Carey (Southern Gaels) withdrawing, leaving the way clear for former county secretary Paddy Collins. Speaking on the night, Westmeath county chairman Tom Farrell urged the GAA to keep the gates of Croke Park open to other sports beyond the end of 2009. Farrell said: 'Croke Park closes its gates to other sports at the end of 2009. The question is "should it remain open to other sporting bodies who are prepared to pay us". The projected income from these outside events (for) 2009 will be in the region of €10 million. In these recessionary times finding €10 million will be difficult with our gates shut. My attitude to this is very simple, "if you can"t do a good turn, don"t do a bad one". I would support the campaign to keep Croke Park open.' Farrell issued a stern warning to clubs that they will face sanctions if they play under-16 players in adult competitions, in contravention of the GAA"s Official Guide. Describing this practice as 'completely wrong', Farrell highlighted the insurance implications if under-16 players sustain serious injuries while playing in adult games. 'The practice of underage players (16-18 year-olds) playing adult games in both hurling and football to the detriment of their under age competitions is not a practice to be encouraged. Players should be encouraged to play firstly at their own underage level to help their development and ensure their long term participation in our games. Of late a practice has developed whereby under-16 players are participating in adult competitions which is contrary to the official guide. Any clubs engaging in this practice are risking the player"s long term future and endangering their injury entitlements, and also the future of his team"s participation in the competition would be at risk. We as a County Board will be monitoring this very closely in the coming year and action will be taken if this practice is proved.'