Maguire return a boost for Westmeath ahead of league opener
Westmeath football manager Dessie Dolan has been handed a boost with the news that experienced defender Kevin Maguire will remain on for at least another season.
"We have Kevin Maguire back for another year, which is a great boost. He got married in November, himself and Josie. He thinks it’s important enough to come back and we respect that,” remarked Dolan regarding the influential Caulry player.
“Jack Smith will be back as well, so that’s important. While we are developing younger players, we still place a premium on senior players and the experience they bring. It’s about striking a balance. It’s a busy time of year with matches and preparation, but the players are working and there is good honesty in the camp.”
The manager confirmed David Lynch of St Malachy's remains part of the panel also. “He’s just away at the minute. I’d encourage players to take holidays at this stage of the year and they respect that. They commit to the year then, six or seven months with me and then it’s straight into club action. They don’t get holidays, so this is an ideal time for them to get a break.”
One player who won’t be part of the panel is midfielder Sam Duncan (Milltownpass). “We have lost Sam," said Dolan. "He sent a picture of himself on a beach in Australia yesterday; I don’t know if is he coming back anytime soon! He is a gem of a guy, such a nice fella. We won’t stop players enjoying life and the door will always be open for Sam,” Dolan remarked.
Dolan has insisted that the Allianz Football League opener against Offaly in Tullamore on January 28 is very much the primary focus following last Saturday’s O’Byrne Cup defeat against Longford in Pearse Park.
“We are preparing for that (Offaly) game, but in every game we play we want to perform to our maximum," said Dolan.
An experimental Lake County outfit, consisting largely of U20 players, lost to Longford by two points and they will now meet Louth in Kinnegad on Saturday (throw-in 1pm) in the O’Byrne Shield.
Precisely what team will line out on Saturday has not been decided, but it may well feature some of the more experienced players as Westmeath continue preparations for their Division 3 campaign.