Another blow for Westmeath as Maguire confirms retirement
Westmeath football has been dealt another blow for the 2025 season with the news that team captain Kevin Maguire has decided to retire from inter-county action.
The Caulry player has been a vital cog in the Westmeath defence for several years and he has fulfilled the role of captain since 2021. Maguire lifted the Tailteann Cup when Westmeath won the competition in its inaugural staging in 2022, and he also won two Allianz Football League Division 3 medals.
The accomplished defender was often the man chosen to mark the leading forwards in Gaelic football and his ability to read the game made him a hugely valuable asset to Westmeath.
Maguire's decision to retire from the inter-county scene follows that of Garrycastle's James Dolan, who confirmed he was bowing out in the aftermath of Westmeath's All-Ireland SFC exit at the hands of Derry in June.
In addition, David Lynch of St Malachy's and Rosemount's Andy McCormack are set to be unavailable next year as both will be based abroad.
Whoever is appointed as Westmeath manager in succession to the recently departed Dessie Dolan will certainly have many significant gaps to fill next year. Having secured promotion under Dolan earlier this year, Westmeath will operate in Division 2 in 2025 and retaining their place at that level looks an extremely tall order.
A son of Julie and Jim Maguire, Kevin has also won two Westmeath intermediate championship medals with Caulry and he was a key figure as the Mount Temple/Baylin side made an impact at senior level in recent years, reaching the semi-finals last year.
At TEG Cusack Park today (Sunday), Maguire helped Caulry to defeat Tang, thereby claiming their first win in Section A of this year's Westmeath SFC.
Westmeath GAA released a statement this evening paying tribute to Maguire's contribution over the years.
"All associated with Westmeath GAA would like to wish our captain Kevin Maguire the very best of luck for the future after he recently announced his retirement from inter-county football.
"The Caulry man has been one of our greatest players this millennium and will always be remembered as one of the best defenders in the country," said the statement.
"Maguire has played at inter-county level for 14 seasons and has captained the Maroon and White since 2021. He helped the Lake County to a Division 3 League and O'Byrne Cup title in 2019, Division 4 League title in 2017 as well as leading the 2022 victorious Tailteann Cup side and this year's Division 3 league winning team.
"Maguire will be forever remembered as one of our county's top footballers and most consistent performers. Thanks for everything Kevin," the statement continued.