One of Westmeath’s most recognisable and experienced players, Gary Connaughton, has decided to call time on his inter-county career after over a decade as Westmeath number one. The affable Tubberclair man leaves a huge void, literally and metaphorically.
Gary won an u21 Leinster medal in 2000 and of course a Leinster senior in 2004 as well as an All-Star award in 2008.
He always wore his heart on his sleeve and never gave less than 100 per cent to the maroon and white cause. As well as being a great shot-stopper, saving points also became something of a trademark for Big Gar. He surely saved nearly as many points as Dessie scored at the other end! Westmeath’s loss is Tubberclair’s gain as he is sure to redouble his efforts to see his club win promotion to senior once again. I wish him well.
Whether the likes of Dessie decides to do likewise remains to be seen but I wouldn’t at all be surprised if one or two other greats call time in the coming months.
