Blow for Westmeath as Keane confirms retirement plans

Westmeath's dual All-Star John Keane has confirmed his intention to retire from inter-county football. Speaking to the Westmeath Independent, he said he took the decision because of persistent injury problems in recent years. "I am just finding it harder to recover after matches and I don't feel I'd be up to the level required for next year. Keane stressed his decision was nothing to do with the appointment of a new manger. He said he had informed county chairman Tom Farrell of his intention a couple of months ago. The shock news will come as a major blow to new Westmeath supremo Brendan Hackett who had hoping to convince some of the county's more experienced stars - including John Keane - to stay on with the senior team for at least another campaign. Hackett was a somewhat surprise appointment as the Lake County's new supremo last week. Speaking to this paper, Hackett said: "At this particular moment in time I haven't had the opportunity to speak with John Keane or any other Westmeath player but that will happen in due course. However, I would say that the Westmeath club championships are still underway at the minute and clubs and players have their minds on other matters for the moment," said Hackett. "I haven't asked the county board about specific individuals but obviously it's very important we speak to any player, senior or otherwise, if they have concerns or are considering their future. I will be very open to the job of speaking to such players and taking their points on board. I can perhaps imagine and understand that certain players, maybe some of the more experienced campaigners, might possibly be thinking about getting out of inter-county football after a disappointing year last time out. Nothing is concrete in relation to John's future with the team and we'll see how it develops in the future," he added. Despite some Westmeath followers reacting with scepticism to his appointment, Hackett said the welcome he's received in the county has been "excellent". "I received a very warm welcome at Cusack Park last Sunday. It's fair to say my appointment was a surprise to many people and that people are waiting to see what I come up with and where I plan to take things. I think there's a lot of ambition and talent in Westmeath and it's a job I really wanted. I begin the job with serious motivation and look forward to the challenges ahead," said Hackett, who attended one of last Saturday's Westmeath IFC semi-finals and also two senior football championship matches in Cusack Park on Sunday. Hackett also revealed his first Westmeath panel will not be named until after the senior football championship final on October 4.