Blow for Westmeath as Dolan is Boston-bound

Westmeath's Leinster SFC preparations have been dealt a massive blow with the news that wing-back James Dolan is to move to the United States, missing the forthcoming campaign.

Dolan is to spend the summer in Boston, linking up with another Westmeath defender, Caulry's Kevin Maguire, who has spent the Spring travelling.

Vice-captain and Garrycastle clubman Dolan has been a mainstay of the Lake County panel in recent years, and captained the Maroons in last weekend's O'Byrne Cup final.

An attacking wing-back with huge goalscoring potential, Dolan will be sorely missed from a Westmeath back six already without the services of not only Maguire, but Mullingar Shamrocks clubman Killian Daly, who recently opted out of the panel due to work commitments. Corner back Mark McCallon, meanwhile, is battling a shoulder injury.

To compound matters, Westmeath boss Colin Kelly is also without marquee forward John Heslin (a hip flexor injury) and former Ballinagore star Tommy McDaniel, who suffered serious facial injuries while playing for Dublin side Castleknock in recent weeks. St Loman's, Mullingar's Paul Sharry, meanwhile, has not made himself available for selecton this year.

Westmeath's Leinster SFC campaign kicks off against Laois tomorrow week.