Westmeath Ladies’ football team scooped the county’s first Intermediate football title this year, rounding off a historic journey that saw them win the All-Ireland, the NFL Division 4 title, and the Leinster title in a matter of months.
Now, this journey has been recorded forever as a new book entitled A Journey of Dreams - Westmeath Ladies’ Road to Croker will be launched in the heart of the Lake County, Mullingar tonight, Friday December 9.
The book, written by 26-year-old journalist, Mary McGuire, tracks the Westmeath Ladies’ glorious year from their first league game win against Derry in Kinnegad to their emphatic Leinster title win over Longford and continuing on through a superb championship campaign that ultimately led them to the hallowed grounds of Croke Park.
The book goes behind the scenes with the 30 strong panel and backroom team, with in-depth interviews, match analysis for each of the games and more than 200 photographs that bring to life this emotional and historic journey.
A Journey of Dreams also goes back to the roots of Westmeath Ladies’ GAA, travelling back to 1995 which saw the Lake County win their first ever All-Ireland title as they scooped the Senior B cup. It rewinds even further to 1987, when Westmeath had to settle for second best against a dominant Kerry in the All-Ireland final at Croke Park.
The book also follows this year’s underage teams in the county, highlighting the level of sporting talent coming up through the county and will be a must-read for any sports lover or indeed, anyone who wants to learn the power of self-belief, teamwork and an unwavering faith.
The book will be launched by Iron Man/32 marathon man, Gerry Duffy, in the Belvedere Suite in the Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar on Friday December 9 at 8pm and will be available to buy on the night for just €10 before becoming available to purchase in all good bookshops.
