Quinn to join Westmeath set-up as physical trainer

Clara football star Joe Quinn is set to join the Westmeath backroom team as physical trainer for next season. Quinn, who runs the sports conditioning business Aspire in Clara, has represented Offaly at senior level. In his new role, he will link up with fellow Clara man and Westmeath football manager Pat Flanagan. In 2009, Quinn recovered from a life-threatening illness - his heart stopped beating for 15 minutes after being suddenly struck down by illness in May of that year. And after Clara won the Offaly senior championship in 2009, then team manager Pat Flanagan dedicated the success to Quinn, recalling how the defensive ace had been "fighting for his life" earlier in the year. Thankfully, the Clara man made a full recovery from his illness and he played in the 2010 and 2011 Offaly senior football finals, in which Clara were narrowly defeated by Rhode and Edenderry respectively. Quinn has previously been a fitness advisor to the Leinster rugby team, and Aspire has hosted a number of high-profile teams for training weekends, including the Tipperary senior hurlers. Westmeath Football Board chairman Liam Gavin said he was "delighted" that Quinn has agreed to join the county's set-up for 2012. Gavin acknowledged that there was considerable concern about Westmeath's fitness levels in last year's championship campaign. "That's why it's great to have a man like Joe on board," said Gavin. The St Mary's, Rochfortbridge clubman said that Quinn has indicated that he will not be part of the Offaly county panel for next season, so that will be able to concentrate on his role with Westmeath. It has also been confirmed that Rosemount's Tom Darcy will be staying on as one of Pat Flanagan's selectors. At least one more selector will be appointed but Gavin said "nothing is confirmed" in relation to who will occupy this role. Gavin added that it is hoped to have the backroom finalised for the next county board meeting, which is scheduled to take place next week. Meanwhile, Westmeath are set to begin their 2012 Allianz Football League Division 2 campaign against Louth, who have proved a bogey team for the Lake County in recent years. At present, the fixtures are in draft form as venues have yet to be confirmed, but the provisional list has been revealed - with Westmeath away to Louth in the opening round on Sunday, February 5. The fact that Westmeath have been drawn against Louth in the first round of the 2012 Leinster SFC will gave the league opener added significance. Westmeath's record against Louth in recent years has been very disappointing. Louth won the 2010 Leinster semi-final between the counties. Westmeath lost twice to Louth during the 2011 league campaign, suffering a heavy defeat in the opening round, and the Wee County men also emerged as winners when the teams met again in the Division 3 final. Considering that Westmeath travelled to Hackettstown for the 2011 league opener, it's somewhat surprising that Louth will have home advantage when the sides meet again early next year. In total, however, Westmeath have four home games next year - something which will be welcomed given the high calibre opposition in Division 2. Westmeath's second game in the 2012 league is at home to old rivals Meath (February 12) and this will be followed by the visit of Galway. Their fourth game is away to Tyrone on Saturday, March 10, and this will be followed by another clash against Ulster opposition, with Monaghan the visitors to Cusack Park on Sunday, March 18. The penultimate round will see Westmeath travel to face Kildare and Pat Flanagan's side will complete their programme with a home game against 2011 Ulster finalists Derry on Sunday, April 8. Meanwhile, the Westmeath hurlers will begin their Division 2A campaign with a home clash against Kerry on Sunday, February 26. Westmeath defeated Kerry in the 2012 Christy Ring Cup final but the Kingdom were victorious when the sides met in this year's All-Ireland U21 'B' final. Westmeath's other opponents in the six-team Division 2A are Derry, Carlow, Wicklow and Down.