O’Brien expected to return as senior hurling boss

Westmeath senior hurling manager, Kevin O’Brien, is set to return for a second year. He endured a challenging first season in charge and the team struggled to find its best form in the Joe McDonagh Cup.

Galway’s Damien Coleman and former Clare All-Ireland winner Ollie Baker, were part of this year’s set-up, while former Clonkill and Westmeath forward Brendan Murtagh lent his invaluable experience to the attack. Niall Stack of Offaly (sports psychologist), Alan Kenna, Raharney (pitch coordinator) and Barry Whelan, Castletown Geoghegan (stats) were involved.

However, it remains to be seen who will be part of the backroom team for next year.

“We are in transition, but there is a lot of quality there and I saw that when I worked as U20 manager. There is talent in the county and unfortunately they are not hurling with Westmeath, so we need to put that right,” he said following his appointment.

Westmeath pressed ahead without a lot of experienced players and appeared to struggle in that regard in some of the games.

They finished third in Division 2 behind Laois and Kerry. They enjoyed victories over Meath, London, Derry and Mayo.

In the Joe McDonagh Cup, they had a round one win against London in Ruislip, but found Carlow, Laois, Antrim and Down too strong. Westmeath finished fifth, just above London, who were relegated.

Kildare’s return to the competition next year adds to the challenge ahead.

U20 managers

Elsewhere, it is expected that new U20 football and hurling managers will be confirmed at a County Committee meeting this week. There is speculation that Jamie Gonoud and Emmet McDonnell, who are part of Mark McHugh’s senior football backroom team, will play prominent roles with the U20s following the departure of this year’s manager, Kenny McKinley.

There will be a new U20 hurling manager also as Jody Murray’s term came to an end after one season in charge.

It’s understood Noel Conaty is a leading contender for the position, although Kevin O’Brien may wish to have a stronger link between the U20 and senior set-up.

The County Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday in the Mullingar Park Hotel (7.30pm).