Westmeath must plan without some experienced players next season

Westmeath manager Dessie Dolan will have to plan without some of the county's most experienced footballers for next season.

Already James Dolan has announced his retirement from the inter county scene and he will be joined by David Lynch, who is leaving for Australia and will not be available for selection. Lynch captained the side in the absence of Kevin Maguire when Westmeath overcame Offaly at Tullamore in the league this year.

Maguire has yet to confirm his intentions for the 2025 season, but the Caulry star may well have played his final season for the Lake County and should he follow Dolan into retirement, it means Westmeath will have a couple of significant positions to fill in defence. Maguire again won many plaudits for his display against Derry, earning a place on the GAA's Team of The Week.

Experienced Tyrrellspass defender Jamie Gonoud is another who may consider his future with the county’s senior footballers.

There is also speculation about the inter-county future of Kieran Martin, who was a very late substitution in the recent Sam Maguire Cup clash against Derry.

Dessie Dolan has served two seasons in charge of Westmeath since taking up the reins following the departure of Jack Cooney, who led the county to Tailteann Cup glory in 2022.

Meanwhile, club championship now becomes the focus in Westmeath: the hurling gets things underway on the weekend of July 12, with football action on the weekend of July 19.