Westmeath’s Kevin Maguire gets to the ball ahead of Evan O’Carroll during the 2020 Allianz FL game against Laois. PHOTO: JOHN MCCAULEY

New Westmeath football captain chosen for 2021 season

The Westmeath senior footballers will have a new captain for the 2021 season, with Kevin Maguire given the honour of leading the team.

The Caulry man has been a key figure in the Westmeath defence for several years. Maguire, who played in the Leinster senior finals of 2015 and 2016, is regularly tasked with marking some of the leading forwards in the game.

Maguire succeeds Kieran Martin as Westmeath captain, with the Maryland man having fulfilled the role for the past two years.

Both Caulry GAA club and Westmeath GAA have congratulated Maguire on being chosen as Westmeath skipper.

Caulry GAA posted online: "Congratulations to our very own Kevin Maguire who was appointed as captain of the Westmeath senior team this year, becoming the first Caulry man to hold the position. Well done Kevin & the very best of luck for the coming year!"

Maguire has won two Westmeath intermediate championship medals with Caulry (2014 and 2019). The Mount Temple/Baylin side will compete in this year Westmeath's senior championship under the management of Shane Curran.

Both of Kevin's parents, Jim and Julie, are fitness enthusiasts, with Jim actively involved in the Athlone-based Shannonside Cycling Club, while Julie is well known in running circles. Kevin's brother John also plays for Caulry, while their sister Rachel plays for Caulry LGFA.

Westmeath begin their Allianz Football League Division 2 North campaign this Sunday against Meath at Páirc Tailteann, Navan (throw-in 3.45pm). Ironically, the new Westmeath captain lived in Dunboyne, Co. Meath for a few years as a child.