Westmeath without Heslin for Offaly clash

Westmeath manager Dessie Dolan will be without the services of talisman John Heslin and defensive ace Kevin Maguire for Sunday’s midlands derby against Offaly in Tullamore.

The absence of both Heslin and Maguire - the team captain in recent years - are significant blows to the Lake County’s chances and Sunday’s game is seen as crucial in terms of gaining early momentum in a very competitive Division 3.

On the plus side, Ronan Wallace returns to centre half back, with Ray Connellan at midfield alongside Rosemount’s Andy McCormack. The latter is replacing Sam Duncan who is abroad for the season.

In attack, Ronan O’Toole, Heslin’s St Loman’s Mullingar club mate, leads the line, with Caulry’s Senan Baker selected at full forward. Luke Loughlin and Jonathan Lynam (The Downs) are other members of an attack that includes the versatile David Lynch.

Westmeath have an experienced defence on duty, featuring James Dolan and Jamie Gonoud, while Sam McCartan and Charlie Drumm line out at wing back and full back respectively.

Matthew Whittaker, Nigel Harte, Daniel Scahill, Sean Leech and the experienced Kieran Martin are among the subs.

Of course, Heslin’s absence offers other Westmeath players a golden opportunity to step up to the mark and supporters will await with anticipation in that regard. However, Offaly manager Declan Kelly will be slightly relieved not to see his former club star’s name on the team sheet as he makes his league debut with the county’s senior side.

Westmeath team: Jason Daly; Jack Smith, Charlie Drumm, Jamie Gonoud; James Dolan, Ronan Wallace, Sam McCartan; Ray Connellan, Andy McCormack; David Lynch, Ronan O'Toole, Jonathan Lynam; Luke Loughlin, Senan Baker, Stephen Smith. Subs: Trevor Martin, David Giles, Kieran Martin, Matthew Whittaker, Eoin Mulvihill, Nigel Harte, Daniel Scahill, Lorcan Dolan, Robbie Forde, Sean Leech, Conor Dillon.