Fortune ratified as Westmeath await Dolan decision
Joe Fortune was this evening ratified as Westmeath senior hurling manager for 2024.
The matter came up for discussion at the County Committee meeting in the Mullingar Park Hotel.
However, senior football manager Dessie Dolan is taking more time to consider his future. Chairman Frank Mescall confirmed he has spoken to Dolan, who has yet to make a final decision on next year.
"Despite what's gone out on social media, that we would be looking for the ratification of Dessie (Dolan) tonight, I'm not looking for that that - not tonight. Is there anything sinister in that? No. Basically, he hasn't got back to me yet," said Mr Mescall.
"He was just checking a few things and talking to players, and when he is ready, he will be in touch with me. I'm going to give him that time: the exact same applied to Joe Fortune."
Mr Mescall said Joe Fortune was anxious to get the matter cleared and into the public domain to prevent him being linked with the hurling vacancy in his native Wexford.
"Dessie is entitled to that space; if you ask me, I think he will continue. And I hope he will, but he is entitled to the space and he will let his views be known. I'm happy with that," the chairman added.