Bulfin ratified as new Westmeath hurling manager

Seoirse Bulfin was ratified as the new Westmeath senior manager this evening at a remote meeting of the county committee, but he faces an immediate battle to convince hurling clubs he is the right man for the job.

Just five hurling clubs tuned in for the meeting and Lough Lene Gaels delegate Martin Williams strongly opposed the Limerick man for the role, saying he does not have the necessary inter county managerial experience and citing a list of issues in his previous role with the Meath senior hurlers. Bulfin was voted out by the Meath players, Mr Williams claimed.

The new manager will have Clonkill’s David O’Reilly as his defensive coach, while Clare’s Fergal Lynch is the forwards' coach. Michael Frawley, who worked with former Westmeath senior hurling manager Shane O’Brien, is the strength and conditioning coach.

County Committee Chairman Frank Mescall faced a barrage of questions from Lough Lene Gaels and Castlepollard, who voted against Bulfin’s appointment. However, the new manager was ratified following a vote (23-7).

Mr Mescall urged hurling clubs not to have “preconceived notions” and to row in behind the new manager.

“It’s not an ideal start, I am not naive, but he will be a brilliant appointment if we give him a chance,” he said. The chairman said a meeting between the hurling clubs and the new manager can be set up to have their concerns addressed.

Full story to follow.