Tubberclair's Matthew Whittaker in action during last year's Westmeath IFC versus Castledaly. Whittaker has been selected on the Westmeath team for the clash with Louth. Photo: Paul Molloy.

Westmeath football team named for league opener

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An unfamiliar Westmeath team will take to the field for the Allianz Football League Division 2 clash against Louth at TEG Cusack Park tomorrow (Sunday), throw-in 2pm.

The game with Louth is Dermot McCabe's first as Westmeath senior football manager, and the new rules suggested by the Football Review Committee will be in operation.

With a plethora of first choice players from last year unavailable, Enda Gaffney, Brian Guerin, Matthew Whittaker and Fionn O'Hara have been handed their first league starts.

A notable innovation in the team is the selection of Conor McCormack in goals. The Caulry player, who usually operates in attack, played as the goalkeeper in a recent challenge match against Clare.

Kevin Maguire, John Heslin, James Dolan, Ronan O'Toole, David Lynch and Andy McCormack are all unavailable this year, while Jack Smith and Jonathan Lynam are also not in the squad for the Louth match.

In addition, Senan Baker, who picked up an injury in the aforementioned match against Clare, is not in the match-day squad.

The fact that so many key players are missing leaves Westmeath short on quality and experience, with many supporters feeling a sense of trepidation ahead of the league campaign.

Meanwhile, Louth manager Ger Brennan has named a strong team which includes such players as 2024 All Star Craig Lennon, Tommy Durnin, Sam Mulroy, Ciaran Downey and Ryan Burns.

Tickets for the Westmeath vs Louth match can be obtained via the following link - https://am.ticketmaster.com/gaa/allianzfootballleague

Westmeath team (vs Louth):

1. Conor McCormack (Caulry)

2. Jamie Gonoud (Tyrrellspass)

3. Charlie Drumm (The Downs)

4. David Giles (Coralstown/Kinnegad)

5. Enda Gaffney (St Loman's, Mullingar)

6. Ronan Wallace (Multyfarnham)

7. Sam McCartan (St Loman's)

8. Ray Connellan (Athlone)

9. Brian Guerin (Mullingar Shamrocks)

10. Matthew Whittaker (Tubberclair)

11. Fionn O'Hara (St Loman's)

12. Conor Dillon (Milltown)

13. Stephen Smith (Skerries Harps)

14. Luke Loughlin (The Downs)

15. Robbie Forde (Moate All Whites).

Subs: Jason Daly (St Loman's), Kevin O'Sullivan (The Downs), Brían Cooney (Coralstown/Kinnegad), Danny Scahill (Shandonagh), Jack Geoghegan (St Loman's), Eoghan McCabe (Tubberclair), Kieran Martin (Maryland), Danny McCartan (St Loman's), Marc Eivers (Mullingar Shamrocks), Lorcan Dolan (Castledaly), Joe Moran (The Downs).

Kieran Galvin
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