Pic of the Week: GAA captains mark unique moment in history

Athlone witnessed a unique piece of Gaelic games history recently with the captains of the reigning Leinster and Connacht senior football champions coming together on the town's Mary O’Rourke Bridge — which connects the Leinster and Connacht sides of the town.

Ronan Wallace, captain of the Westmeath senior football team, and Diarmuid Murtagh, captain of the Roscommon senior football team, joined together in Athlone with the Delaney Cup and Nestor Cup respectively, marking the first time that Roscommon and Westmeath have simultaneously held the titles of Connacht and Leinster Senior Football Champions.

Roscommon have enjoyed considerable success in Connacht over the years, while Westmeath have now won the Leinster Senior Football Championship twice, in 2004 and again in 2026.

Cllr Aengus O'Rourke, who organised an historic photograph, said, "For Athlone, this year’s provincial successes represent something particularly special. Athlone is a town that proudly straddles two provinces, with the River Shannon and the bridge marking the historic divide between Leinster and Connacht. Both sides of the town have strong GAA traditions, and people throughout Athlone have long supported and celebrated Gaelic Games on both sides of the Shannon."

"I felt it was important to mark this unique moment in our sporting history and to bring both captains, together with their provincial trophies, to the Mary O’Rourke Bridge for a photograph that captures what makes Athlone such a special place. The image of the two captains standing side by side, with the Delaney Cup representing Leinster and the Nestor Cup representing Connacht, is a wonderful visual representation of Athlone’s unique position at the heart of both provinces."

Cllr O'Rourke went on to say, "The victories by Westmeath and Roscommon are a fantastic boost for Gaelic Games across both provinces, but particularly for Athlone, where we proudly boast our connections to and support for both counties.

"I want to sincerely thank Ronan and Diarmuid for taking the time to come to Athlone and participate in this special occasion. Both men were extremely accommodating and professional, and I am delighted that we were able to capture what I believe, and what many others will recognise, as an important piece of sporting history for Athlone.

"Both Ronan and Diarmuid are exceptional role models for young aspiring Gaelic footballers across Westmeath, Roscommon and beyond. They represent the very best qualities of our games — modesty, professionalism, commitment and pride in their clubs and counties."

Cllr O'Rourke concluded, "Who knows when we will see it happen again? I certainly hope we do. Whether it is likely to happen again anytime soon is another question — it may take a while! But for 2026, Athlone can proudly say that it sits between the reigning champions of both Leinster and Connacht, and I am delighted that we have been able to mark this unique moment."