Duffy praised for role in footballers revival

Endurance athlete and motivational speaker Gerry Duffy has been hailed for his role in the recent upturn in fortunes of the Westmeath senior football team.

The Mullingar native, who sprang to national prominence in 2010 when he and fellow Lakesider Ken Whitelaw ran 32 marathons in 32 days, was drafted onto the footballers' backroom team when Tom Cribbin was appointed coach.

After an 18 month winless streak, the footballers have won four of their six matches during Cribbin's tenure. Speaking to the Irish Times, the manager praised Duffy for his contribution to the cause.

“He wouldn't do any specific coaching work, but is just there to help the players in whatever way he can, and to help me too. He has plenty of advice to offer, mentally and physically. Because he has dealt with it all. The lads have massive respect for him.”

Veteran goalkeeper Gary Connaughton, who recently came out of retirement and played a starring role in last Sunday's victory away to Kildare, told RTÉ Sport that Duffy has “been the biggest addition to the team”.

“He ran 32 marathons in 32 days and is an inspirational speaker. He's been a huge addition in getting players' minds and focus right off the pitch. A lot of sport is how mentally right you are going into game.”

“A lot of younger lads in the squad have never won anything with Westmeath so they perhaps lack belief that they can win things. In fairness to Gerry, he's been getting heads focussed.”