New Westmeath senior football manager Mark McHugh pictured earlier this year when he was a coach/selector with the Westmeath squad. Photo: Stephen Marken/Sportsfile.

McHugh confirmed as Westmeath manager as backroom team is revealed

Kieran Galvin

Published: Wed 10 Sep 2025, 10:44 AM

Last updated: Wed 10 Sep 2025, 10:45 AM

Mark McHugh was confirmed as Westmeath's new senior football manager last night (Tuesday) and his backroom team has also been revealed.

Former Donegal star McHugh was ratified at last night's Westmeath County Board meeting and he succeeds Dermot McCabe, after the latter left to take over as manager of his native Cavan.

McHugh was a key part of McCabe's management team in 2025 so his appointment ensures continuity, and it's believed the Kilcar native developed a good rapport with the Westmeath players last season.

Having previously been involved with Roscommon under Davy Burke, McHugh now takes on his first manager role at inter-county level with Westmeath.

Emmet McDonnell will fulfil the role of assistant manager/selector. The Kinnegad native has a wide range of experience, having managed the Offaly senior footballers and Westmeath at U21 level.

McDonnell guided St Mary's SS, Edenderry to Hogan Cup success back in 2012 and he is currently principal of the school. He was also previously part of the Westmeath senior management team during Tom Cribbin's time in charge - a period which saw the Lake County contest two Leinster senior finals (2015 and 2016).

The appointment of Jamie Gonoud as a selector suggests that his time as a Westmeath player has come to an end. The Tyrrrellspass man has given great service and has been a key member of the Westmeath defence for several years.

There are two Tyrone men in the backroom team with Ryan Daly appointed as head coach/selector and Stephen 'Archie' Beattie also one of the coaches.

The Ulster influence continues with Armagh's Tom Gribben who is taking on the role of head of performance along with overseeing strength & conditioning.

McHugh hails from a famous football family which has had involvement in all of Donegal's All-Ireland senior final appearances. Mark won an All-Ireland medal in 2012 when Donegal, managed by Jim McGuinness, defeated Mayo in the final.

His father Martin and uncle James were on the Donegal team which famously beat a fancied Dublin team in the 1992 All-Ireland football final. Mark's brother Ryan played in this year's All-Ireland decider where Donegal lost out to Kerry.

"We wish Mark and his team every success as they lead Westmeath into the season ahead," Westmeath GAA posted online.