Senior hurlers lacked focus against Kerry - secretary

Westmeath County Committee Secretary Brendan Shaw admitted that Kerry were more focused than Westmeath when the counties clashed in a crucial Joe McDonagh Cup first round game at TEG Cusack Park last year.

In his report to the County Convention, Mr Shaw admitted that the early exit from the McDonagh Cup represented a major disappointment for Joe Fortune’s troops, who failed to fire in the championship. While they finished with a couple of victories, it was far from what was expected.

Joe Fortune has since departed and is replaced by Limerick man Seoirse Bulfin and Mr Shaw feels that blooding young players was one of the most positive aspects of Fortune’s final year in charge.

“After the deflating end to the league, hopes were high that Westmeath would bounce back and achieve the target of reaching the Joe McDonagh final. In the first-round tie against Kerry it was very evident from the start of the game that the Kerry team was fully focused and intent on victory. Westmeath struggled to get going and were deservedly beaten by six points,” he states.

“The game against Offaly would turn out to be the pivotal game of the year and in a very high-quality game, Offaly just edged out Westmeath after a very tight contest. Down provided stern opposition in Ballycran in round 3, Westmeath were fortunate to come out of the game with a draw. With a final appearance now almost out of reach, Westmeath recorded facile victories over Meath and Laois.

“This was a very disappointing end to the year for this group of players, one would hope these players can re-group under the guidance of Seoirse Bulfin in 2025. On a positive note, Joe Fortune and his management deserve great credit for introducing a number of U20 players to the senior ranks in 2024, this injection of youth bodes well for the future.”