Dessie Dolan departs as Westmeath manager
Dessie Dolan has decided to step down as Westmeath senior football manager after two years at the helm.
It's understood that Westmeath GAA officials were somewhat taken by surprise at Dolan's decision as there were hopes that he would remain in charge for at least another season.
Dolan guided Westmeath to promotion from Division 3 of the Allianz Football League earlier this year and the midlanders were competitive in their three group games in the Sam Maguire Cup.
Despite being drawn in a group with eventual All-Ireland finalists Armagh and Galway, along with Division 1 league champions Derry, Westmeath certainly did not look out of their depth in any of the games.
The key target of the 2024 season was surely promotion from Division 3 and this was achieved, with Westmeath going on to claim the third flight league crown by beating Down in the final at Croke Park.
The most disappointing aspect of Dolan's tenure was that Westmeath were unable to achieve a championship win during the two years. This year's surprise Leinster championship defeat to Wicklow, a week after the Division 3 league final - on a day when injuries to key players took their toll - is the game that really sticks out in this regard.
But Westmeath produced admirable performances in this year's All-Ireland SFC, following on from a similarly laudable showing last year when Westmeath lost narrowly to Armagh and drew with Tyrone, either side of a competitive display at home to Galway. Indeed, Westmeath could have eliminated 2001 All-Ireland champions Tyrone last year had John Heslin's last-gasp free not tailed just wide.
Undoubtedly one of Westmeath's greatest ever footballers, Dolan was a key figure on the historic Leinster championship winning team of 2004, a year which saw the Garrycastle attacker deservedly chosen for an All Star award.
Dolan was part of Jack Cooney's management team when Westmeath won the inaugural Tailteann Cup in 2022, before going on to succeed Cooney as manager. Rosemount's John Keane, also a Westmeath All Star winner in 2004, was part of Dolan's backroom team, as was former Dublin forward Jason Sherlock.
A statement confirming Dessie's decision to step down as Westmeath manager is expected to be issued later. Westmeath GAA officials will then begin the process of seeking a new manager.
Westmeath will operate in Division 2 next year and a key objective for whoever succeeds Dolan will be to retain the county's place at that level in what promises to be a difficult challenge.
Dolan released a statement on Friday afternoon confirming his departure and thanking the players for their great commitment while also acknowledging the level of support he received within the county.
"I will not be seeking reappointment for the season 2024/2025 with Westmeath senior footballers. I have completed three years- one as a selector and two years as senior football manager. Being a part of the Tailteann Cup success and gaining promotion to Division 2 this year are two significant occasions for our footballers, which I was proud to be a part of.
"We as a management team worked extremely hard to maintain the highest of standards for our footballers and I believe our performances in the All-Ireland series give a lot of optimism for the quality of players within the county.
"I would like to thank our sponsors during my years in charge O’Brien's Renault Garage, Mullingar for their constant support of the players and management in every respect.
"A sincere thank you to the Westmeath GAA Chairman Frank Mescall, Secretary Brendan Shaw and PRO Marie Lynagh. I would also acknowledge the support of Patrick Doherty, Operations Manager. Liam Daly, as team co-ordinator, was simply the heart beat of everything that we did and worked tirelessly to ensure the players’ every need was met.
"I would like to thank my management team and all the backroom team that have been involved in the past two seasons - John Keane, Mick Dillon, Jason Sherlock and Cathal Mullin. I would particularly like to thank Joe and Katie Nangle S&C, Paddy Walsh and Mark Samuels and Tomas Mount who led the analysis team, ably assisted by Ashley Cahill. To Donie Malone for media obligations and goalkeeping coach Andy Meares.
"A particular word of thanks to the medical team lead by Jerry O'Flynn for his constant support along with physios Vivien Mulryan and Dermot Claffey.
"I always appreciated the great support from the Westmeath supporters. I hope we have given you some enjoyment and happy memories over the last three years.
"Finally, to the players, I greatly appreciated the dedication and time you sacrificed for the opportunity to play for Westmeath. I wish you all every success in your future endeavours," the statement read.
The search is now officially underway and immediately speculation will turn to the likes of John Keane and Damien Gavin from within the county. However, an external appointment is perhaps more likely and it will be interesting to see if legendary Tyrone man, Mickey Harte - who has managed Louth and Derry in recent years - will emerge as a candidate.
Jason Sherlock, who was part of Dolan's backroom team, is another potential candidate and his fellow Dublin team mate, Paddy Christie, who managed Longford for two years, may also come in for consideration. There will also be speculation around former Leitrim supremo Andy Moran. The Mayo man certainly made an impression during his three years in charge of the Connacht side.
The Westmeath position is an attractive one as the team prepares to compete in Division 2 of the National Football League next year.
There is a process involved in appointing a new manager and the first step will be setting up a committee to find interested candidates. That will happen at the August meeting of the Westmeath County Committee.