Martin ratified as Collins joins Hackett's backroom revolution

Tullamore man and Offaly hurling legend Kevin Martin was officially ratified as the new Westmeath senior hurling manager, at a meeting of Westmeath's county and hurling boards on Wednesday night last.Martin - who was officially unveiled to his new charges in Kinnegad on Saturday night last - replaces Eamonn Gallagher in the county hurling hot seat.His appointment widespread support from delegates, with the exception of representatives of St. Brigid's Hurling Club, who expressed an opinion that Gallagher should have been offered another year in charge.Tom Farrell, chairman of Westmeath GAA, wished Martin the best of luck in his new role, describing the former All-Star and All-Ireland winner as "a man of great experience".Martin, who recently guided Tullamore to their first Offaly senior hurling crown since 1964, is the Blues' present player-manager. A scoring forward in that final, Martin is expected to be involved as Tullamore face Westmeath champions Clonkill, in Sunday's Leinster club senior hurling semi in Mullingar. The new Westmeath manager is the latest Offaly man to occupy the post in recent years, following in the footsteps of his former Offaly team-mate Johnny Dooley, who managed Westmeath in 2008.His first competitive match in command of Westmeath will be in the New Year's Kehoe Cup, and he will also prepare his new charges for their 2010 league and championship campaigns.At last week's meeting in Cusack Park, delegates were informed of the new manager's backroom team, which is drawn from expertise within the borders of Westmeath.Sean Loughlin (Clonkill), Noel Geraghty (Castletown-Geoghegan) and Nick Weir (Raharney) were named as Martin's selectors, with Clonkill's Paddy Walsh also functioning in the management team. Physical trainer, Padraig Lynn will return to the fold.AppointedAlso at Wednesday's County Board meeting, former County Secretary Paddy Collins was given the go-ahead by delegates to join new Westmeath senior football manager, Brendan Hackett's backroom team.Collins joins Michael 'Spike' Fagan as a selector, reprising a role held during Páidí Ó Sé's Leinster title winning campaign in 2004.The former All-Ireland referee will join a county management setup which also includes Mattie Fox, former Armagh and Tyrone selector Gerry McDermott, and Olympic gold medal winning boxer Michael Carruth.