Joining the dots: Dolan enthused as future stars given chance

Westmeath manager Dessie Dolan was satisfied the decision to play a second string side in Saturday's O'Byrne Cup opener against Longford at Pearse Park was the correct one.

Speaking afterwards, he said players too often don't get the opportunity to play a full competitive game at senior level and it can be difficult for them to make an impression.

"The players are training in the gym all the time. But I think a lot of time, players coming into panels, don’t get opportunities to play a proper competitive game. It’s not really fair on them: they play just 10 or 15 minutes at the end of a game. I felt this was a proper opportunity, at an inter county venue. There were 12 débutantes on the starting team: I just want to develop players for Westmeath and it’s a long-term view," he remarked.

Working in conjunction with U20 manager Damien Gavin, Dolan gave some future stars an opportunity at senior level and some players who made an impact for their club in 2023 were also selected.

"I have six under 20 players on the squad at present and it will have to be cut. We watch all the club games, junior and intermediate. If I was to pick an intermediate player of the year (in 2023), I would have said Shane Corcoran, who was exceptional. It’s nice to see him being rewarded," said Dolan.

The manager feels exposing players to the requirements at senior level is also important for the future.

"Players get to see best practice and the best habits: we have the expertise as well, like Joe Nangle in Wolfhound Fitness. If you’re in the dressing room against Tyrone, Armagh or Galway, the one thing you will be struck by is the physicality of the players. It takes time nowadays: back in my day, talent got the job done. Now you have to understand what the requirements are to be an inter county players, in terms of tactics and structures, and you need to be physically able to play the game," he said.

"This is what’s required. Coming here today, I was nervous, but I felt the players would acquit themselves well and I think they did. It was a risky strategy, but it will benefit players."

With no Philly McGuinness Cup competition for U20 players this year, it was important to give the younger members a competitive match, the manager felt.

Dolan said working closely with an U20 squad can help provide a smoother transition for young players breaking on to senior panels.

"Damien Gavin has done the U20 job for seven years and it’s a significant body of work. He deserves credit. He is very familiar with all the younger players. I think we need to start joining the dots a little bit and this is just an exercise in that," he added.