Gavin cleared to play against Laois
Despite being initially ruled out after picking up a facial injury against Galway last Sunday, Westmeath senior football captain Kieran Gavin has been cleared to play in this weekend's Allianz NFL Division 2 clash against Laois (Cusack Park, Sunday, 2.30pm).
Only two changes have been made to the side which claimed a draw in Tuam last weekend. John Gaffey (Garrycastle), who made an appearance in the second half against Galway, slots in at centre-half in place of his fellow clubman Doron Harte.
Meanwhile, manager Pat Flanagan has rewarded Shandonagh midfielder David Duffy for his contribution against the Tribesmen by naming him at midfield alongside John Heslin. Denis Corroon, who started in the centre last weekend, moves to corner forward in place of Ronan Foley.
Dessie Dolan, who is battling ongoing hamstring problems, does not figure in the starting XV, and influential centre-half Paul Sharry is still injured.
The curtain-raiser to Sunday's midlands football derby is the Allianz National Hurling League Division 2A clash between Westmeath and Derry (12.45pm).
Manager Brian Hanley has made no change to the side which lost narrowly to Kerry in the league opener.
Westmeath SF side to play Laois (Allianz NFL Div 2): Gary Connaughton (Tubberclair); Mark McCallon (Garrycastle), Kieran Gavin (capt., Mullingar Shamrocks), Kevin Maguire (Caulry); Micheál Curley (Mullingar Shamrocks), John Gaffey (Garrycastle), James Dolan (Garrycastle); David Duffy (Shandonagh), John Heslin (St Loman's, Mullingar); Ger Egan (Tyrrellspass), Callum McCormack (Maryland), Kieran Martin (Maryland); Denis Corroon (Mullingar Shamrocks), Ciaran Curley (Mullingar Shamrocks), Denis Glennon (Tyrrellspass).
Westmeath SH side to play Derry (Allianz NHL Div 2A): Peter Collins (St Oliver Plunkett's); Mark Keegan (Clonkill), Alan McGrath (Clonkill), Tommy Gallagher (Castlepollard); Eoin Price (capt., Clonkill), Conor Jordan (Raharney), Philip Gilsenan (Brownstown); Robbie Greville (Raharney), Shane Power (Clonkill); Joey Boyle (Raharney), Joe Clarke (Castletown-Geoghegan), Aonghus Clarke (Castletown-Geoghegan); Derek McNicholas (Lough Lene Gaels), Niall O'Brien (Castletown-Geoghegan), John Shaw (Raharney).