Leinster Poc FadaLast Saturday saw a historic double for Westmeath GAA, as Ringtown’s Pat Burke took the Senior Hurling crown along with Brownstown’s Conor Raleigh retaining his U16 title to complete a two in a row. The results also mean both qualify for the All Ireland Finals on 3rd of August on the Cooley Mountains in Louth.
Conor was first into action on the Nine Steps course on Mount Leinster in Carlow on Saturday morning and showed his ability to manage the inclement weather conditions in completing the course in 28 pucks and 41 yards. This saw him well clear of the field, with James Doherty of Laois finishing second with 33 pucks and 77 yards.
The Senior Hurling kicked off in the afternoon, with a crowded field including a number of former winners. After a number of near misses in previous years (including second place last year), Pat Burke came out on top with a score of 33 pucks ahead of Eoin Reilly of Laois in second place.
This is a fantastic achievement for Pat, who has been a stalwart of the event in Westmeath in claiming 15 titles since 2004. He becomes the first Westmeath Senior Hurling winner since 2018 and will hope to follow on this performance with another strong showing in the All Ireland Final.
In the Camogie editions, Grace Reilly of Drumraney finished in second place of the U16 event, losing out by one puck to Eloise McCann of Kildare. Sarah Coote of Southern Gaels took part in the senior Camogie, which saw Sophie Brennan of Dublin finish in second and Orla Duggan of Kilkenny finish in first.
Well done to all the county participants and their spotters, and best wishes to both Pat and Conor in the All Ireland’s on 3rd August. Conor will look to retain the title won last year, whilst Pat will be aiming to be the first Westmeath winner of the Senior Hurling crown.
By westmeathpro
Sun 28th Jun
