Fixtures anomaly makes league task harder as Westmeath name ladies panel
Westmeath LGFA has named their senior county panel ahead of the Lidl NFL Division 2 opening round game against Tyrone this Sunday.
Sunday's game takes place in Naomh Eoghan GAA, Newtownstewart (throw-in 2pm).
With Ciara Blundell stepping away from the panel for this season, goalkeeper Lauren McCormack of Mullingar Shamrocks has been chosen as the team captain.
In addition to Blundell, Westmeath will also be without the services of Garrycastle's Aoife Connolly, who is abroad. Another talented forward, Sarah Dillon is out at present with a shoulder injury.
Westmeath are now managed by Ballyhaunis man Frank Browne, who has previously managed his native Mayo as well as having plenty of experience with other teams.
Browne, who was appointed as Michael Finneran's successor last November, is joined in the management team by Dermot Power (The Downs) and Damien Molloy (Coralstown/Kinnegad).
There is a a youthful look to the 36-strong Westmeath panel with players from clubs like Athlone, Loughnavalley, Goldsmiths and St Loman's Mullingar rewarded for their performances in last year's club championships. Senior county champions Milltown have six players on the squad including the three Dillon sisters.
Westmeath's task in Division 2 has been made more difficult by being handed five away games out of seven - a peculiar fixtures anomaly which has struck a number of counties in recent years.
All-Ireland intermediate champions Kildare are also in Division 2, along with Cavan, Tipperary, Monaghan, Laois and Donegal.
Westmeath LGFA senior panel 2024:
Aoife Temple (Athlone)
Aoife O'Donnell (Killucan)
Anna Jones (Mullingar Shamrocks)
Ashley Ruane (Loughnavalley)
Aine Ditullo (Athlone)
Ayesha Roche (Kilbeggan)
Becky Nolan (St Mary's Rochfortbridge)
Caoimhe Clarke McMahon (Loughnavalley)
Caoimhe Kilmurray (St Loman's Mullingar)
Chloe Kelly (Tyrrellspass)
Chloe Moran (Moate)
Fiona Coyle (St Mary's Rochfortbridge)
Jemma Seery (Kilbeggan)
Joyce Conway (St Joseph's)
Karen Hegarty (Mullingar Shamrocks)
Keelie Mulderry (St Loman's Mullingar)
Kelly Boyce Jordan (Milltown)
Leanne Slevin (Milltown)
Lauren McCormack (Mullingar Shamrocks)
Lucy Power (The Downs)
Lucy McCartan (St Loman's Mullingar)
Lara McCartan (St Loman's Mullingar)
Laura Kiernan (Milltown)
Meadbh Monaghan (Killucan)
Mairead Newman (Mullingar Shamrocks)
Melek Fagan (Mullingar Shamrocks)
Philippa Ruane (Loughnavalley)
Rachel Dillon (Milltown)
Rebecca Higgins (Goldsmiths)
Sarah Dillon (Milltown)
Susanna Buckley (Mullingar Shamrocks)
Sadhbh Gorman (Milltownpass)
Sinead Seery (Goldsmiths)
Tracey Dillon (Milltown)
Tori Coyne (Coralstown/Kinnegad)
Vicky Carr (St Loman's Mullingar).
Vicky Carr (St Loman's Mullingar).