Sheil confirms interest in Westmeath hurling job

Stephen Sheil has thrown his hat into the ring to take over as Westmeath's new senior hurling manager.

A native of Carlow now living in the Boher/Streamstown area of Westmeath, Sheil stepped down as Sligo hurling manager last month after two years at the helm.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent, Sheil confirmed his interest in the role and said he has been working on putting together a management team.

While Sheil was understandably not prepared to mention names at this stage, it's understood he has lined up prominent figures from two different Liam MacCarthy Cup counties to be part of his potential backroom team.

He has also spoken to hurling clubs in Westmeath to take on board their views, and in a bid to sound out potential options as selectors.

Sheil has a varied range of experience, also managing the TUS Midlands hurling team in Athlone and Celbridge of Kildare.

A Carlow native who played for the Kildavin/Clonegal club, Sheil represented his home county in hurling at all levels.

Sheil has been involved with the St Joseph's club in various capacities since moving to the area, including as PRO. Stephen has two sons who play football for St Joseph's and hurling for Castletown Geoghegan.

Having previously worked with Kepak, Sheil now runs his own IT consultancy business.

Ringtown's Adrian Moran has already expressed his interest in the Westmeath job. Moran, also well known as a hurley maker, guided Westmeath to a famous victory over Kilkenny in the 2016 Leinster U21 championship, before going on to manage Longford for three years.

Interviews for the Westmeath hurling position are expected to take place early this coming week.

The position became vacant after Limerick native Seoirse Bulfin stepped down after one season in charge last month.

Westmeath were relegated to Division 2 of the Allianz Hurling League after just one win from six games in their 2025 Division 1B campaign. In the Joe McDonagh Cup, Westmeath suffered defeats to Laois and eventual winners Kildare, and a heavy loss to Carlow in the fourth round.

It remains to be seen if Westmeath-based options such as Moran and Sheil find favour with Westmeath officials and clubs, or if a candidate from outside the county is preferred.

The selection committee given the task of finding a new manager comprises Westmeath GAA chairman Frank Mescall, secretary Keith Quinn, hurling committee chairman Willie Murphy, Ian Corrigan (Castletown Geoghegan) and Cormac Boyle (Raharney).