Sean Sheridan: respects 'democratic decision' of clubs despite embarrassing defeat for the county board

Clubs reject leahy proposal as ryan takes the westmeath hurling reins

Westmeath GAA's county board has been plunged into crisis after its proposal for Paul Bealin's successor as Westmeath senior football manager was sensationally rejected by clubs in Cusack Park tonight.

As revealed by the Westmeath Independent yesterday, chairman Sean Sheridan announced that St Malachy's manager Peter Leahy – who steered Westmeath ladies to an All-Ireland IFC title in 2011 – would be recommended by the five-man committee tasked with finding a new manager.

However, the board's recommendation was defeated 24-19 when thrown open to the floor, meaning that the committee will go back to square one in its search, either to find a new candidate, or to recommend one of the other five interviewees.

Delegates were told that Leahy would bring with him a backroom team including Mayo All Star Liam McHale, who recently assisted Kevin McStay in taking St Brigid's of Roscommon to an All-Ireland club SFC title.

Leahy's team would have also included, as selectors, The Downs' Tommy Kelly, and Leahy's former selector with the Westmeath ladies setup, Mick Reynolds.

However, mixed views were expressed about Leahy's proposed appointment, with several delegates asking for a resumé of his senior inter-county track record before the crucial vote took place.

The latest development now places former Coralstown/Kinnegad boss Jack Cooney – who was a selector alongside Páidí Ó Sé when the Lake County won a Leinster title in 2004 – as the firm favourite to step into the role.

There are reports that Cooney's proposed backroom team would include current Westmeath ladies manager and Tyrrellspass footballer Martin Flanagan, as well as former Westmeath defender and double All Star John Keane.

The interview committee – which includes former Westmeath star Alan Mangan as a recently retired county player – is expected to get back to delegates with a new proposal in the very near future.

Meanwhile, in stark contrast, the proposal of former Waterford bainisteoir Michael Ryan as the new Westmeath senior hurling manager was almost unanimously accepted.

Ryan succeeds Brian Hanley in the role on a three-year basis, with a review at the end of the second year.

The Fourmilewater man – who has enjoyed tremendous success as a manager of various inter-county ladies football teams – led Waterford to a Munster final in 2012 and Munster to an inter-provincial crown in 2007. On the club front, he steered De La Salle to a Munster club SHC title in 2010.

Details of Ryan's management team have not yet been revealed.