On a wet October evening in 2021, a group of coaches and club members came together for a meeting with the proposition of reintroducing adult hurling and establishing a senior camogie team at Garda Westmanstown Gaels.

At that meeting club chairperson, James King, spoke of the importance of providing a clear pathway for every player in the club from Nursery right up to Senior level in both codes. Quoting the Gaelic Games Player Pathway mantra;- “As many as possible for as long as possible.”

The club is blessed with a rich legacy of hurling successes, having won 5 Dublin Senior Hurling finals back to back in the 20s and 30s, this legacy has also been a burden that has stood silent ‘in memorium’, reminding us that our greatest achievements with the ‘small ball’ felt resigned to the annals of time.

The decision was made and the plan was agreed, Senior Hurling and Camogie was starting in Westmanstown in 2022. Which nicely coincides with the club celebrating 100 years.

Over the last 4 months, under the guidance of George Kyne, conversations were had (and hints were dropped), calls were made, signage went up, articles were published and gradually the names on lists and the expressions of interest grew, and, of course, the ever-busy WhatsApp groups have been building momentum. So, on Friday, 28th January at 8.30pm, Senior Hurling returned to Westmanstown.

Club President, Jim Murphy, was there to mark the occasion and the training session was expertly handled by Vincent Teehan. Before training commenced, Club Chairman, James King, reiterated the point that this new team is not about club history, it is about the club’s future. Creating a platform that younger players can aspire to, playing hurling and camogie with their friends.

For the next hour, Vinny put the lads through their paces, resulting in a most enjoyable training session, the challenge set was matched with determination and ability.

A new story has started at Westmanstown, it involves everyone. If you would like to get involved, now is the perfect time to do so. It’s an opportunity to make friends, keep fit and play ‘stick ball’…. What more could you ask for?

The very best of luck to the new Senior Hurling team. Next up is the Senior Camogie team.

The transition of winter into spring brings growth and hope, and the Gaels are on the up!