Bulfin’s bold plan to unearth new Westmeath hurling talent
Newly appointed Westmeath senior hurling manager Seoirse Bulfin is wasting no time in setting ambitious goals for the county. In a bold and innovative move, the Clare native is spearheading a pre-season competition aimed at identifying fresh hurling talent across Westmeath. This competition is specifically tailored for players who are not currently part of the Lake County senior panel, with the ultimate objective of finding new players capable of stepping up to inter-county level.
Meeting with club hurling representatives at TEG Cusack Park last Sunday, just before the Westmeath SHC semi-final between Lough Lene Gaels and Clonkill, Bulfin outlined his vision for the competition. The goal is to form a Westmeath All-Star selection made up of emerging talents, who will take on the current senior panel next January in a high-profile challenge match, once inter-county action resumes after the closed season.
"This initiative has worked successfully in other counties, and I’m confident we can replicate that success here in Westmeath," Bulfin told attendees at the briefing. His focus is on expanding the talent pool, particularly among those without senior inter-county experience. Players like David O'Reilly, Peter Clarke (Castletown Geoghegan), and David Williams (Lough Lene Gaels) have already shown great promise in recent years, and Bulfin is keen to discover more such talents.
The games will be regionalised and clubs will combine in order to make up teams, with club hurling coaches or those people with the hurling knowledge to slot in as management teams on the day of games, ensuring players are selected and changes are made where necessary.
The initiative is a clear indication of Bulfin’s determination to leave his mark on Westmeath hurling. By engaging with hurling people from different clubs, he is not only seeking to identify individual talent but also to foster stronger connections across the county, ensuring a collective effort towards success at senior level.
Joining Bulfin at the briefing were members of his backroom team, including his brother David Bulfin (goalkeeping coach) and Clonkill's David O'Reilly (coach and selector). Both will play a key role in supporting Bulfin’s plans, and it is anticipated that the management team will be further bolstered in the coming weeks, ensuring Westmeath is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
As Bulfin builds towards the upcoming season, this pre-season competition represents a significant opportunity for players across the county. It offers a clear pathway for untested talent to highlight their abilities and stake a claim for a place on the senior panel. With the eyes of the management team firmly on those with potential, the competition could be an exciting new chapter for Westmeath hurling.
With such a strong commitment to talent development and a keen eye for unearthing future stars, Seoirse Bulfin’s tenure as Westmeath manager is already shaping up to be one of ambition, innovation, and opportunity. The county’s hurling future looks bright, and the journey to success has already begun.