Westmeath hurlers bid to start with a victory against Laois

Westmeath senior hurling manager Seoirse Bulfin feels Saturday’s Joe McDonagh Cup game against Laois is a key one for his team.

The Lake County travel to Portlaoise for the 3pm start and they will be aiming to put a tough league campaign behind them. Westmeath suffered relegation to Division 2A having won just one of their six games in the top flight.

Killian Doyle and Niall Mitchell are both named on the starting team having missed most of the league campaign and the presence of these two experienced players can boost Westmeath’s chances against the O’Moore County. Another vastly experience performer, Tommy Doyle, lines out at full back.

Seoirse Bulfin, in his first season at the helm, will be hoping for a big run in this championship.

“It’s like any competition - your first game out is always important to win. But win, lose or draw, you have to regroup on Saturday evening and start getting ready for Kildare the following week,” he said.

“But obviously it would be important to win the first game; it takes a little bit of pressure off straight away and it will really help us to focus on the second round.”