The late Graham Taylor discovered hurling during Westmeath trip

The former England manager, Graham Taylor, who died earlier today discovered – and fell in love with – the wonders of hurling while on a break in Westmeath.

Mr Taylor, who spent stints managing Watford and Aston Villa before taking up the England role in 1990. He resigned in 1993.

Aged 72, he died suddenly of a suspected heart attack at his home this morning (Thursday).

His links with Westmeath go back to 1994, when he was manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers, and he came to Mullingar for the wedding of a member of the Gallen family of Auburn Road.

Westmeath County Board chairman, Seamus Ó Faoláin ran into Graham and wife Rita during their stay, and in conversation he told them that they wouldn't have seen the real Ireland unless they got the chance to see a game of hurling.

The two took up the invitation and went to see an exhibition match staged in Delvin staged for their benefit by Cullion and Lough Lene Gaels – and Graham even availed of the opportunity to try his hand at the game himself.