Heslin returns to Westmeath team for league opener

John Heslin will make his first appearance of the year for Westmeath when they open their National Football League Division 1 campaign against Cork at Pairc Ui Rinn on Sunday (2pm).

The St Loman’s player is expected to line out at full-forward against the Rebels. Heslin was unable to help the Westmeath cause in the recent O’Byrne Cup campaign due to his involvement with UCD.

Heslin scored seven points as UCD defeated Athlone IT in the Sigerson Cup yesterday (Tuesday).

Also lining out in that match were Ger Egan, James Dolan and Kieran Martin for Athlone IT, and all three will start for the Lake County at the weekend.

The experienced David Duffy lines up alongside Denis Corroon at midfield, while Athlone’s John Egan leads the attack from centre forward. Other locals included in the side for Sunday are Kevin Maguire (Caulry) and James Dolan (Garrycastle). Westmeath should have a strong substitutes’ bench that includes Kieran Gavin, Dessie Dolan, Denis Glennon and Callum McCormack.

Westmeath team v Cork: Darren Quinn; Steven Gilmore, Kevin Maguire, Damien Dolan; James Dolan, John Gilligan, Jamie Gonoud; David Duffy, Denis Corroon; Ger Egan, John Egan, Paul Sharry (capt); Kieran Martin, John Heslin, Alan Giles. Subs: Stephen Gallagher, Kieran Gavin, Shane Flynn, Gavin Hoey, Dessie Dolan, Ray Connellan, Dean McNicholas, Seanie Daly, Denis Glennon, David McCormack, Callum McCormack.