Westmeath XV named for league final
There were few surprises when Westmeath senior football manager, Pat Flanagan named his starting XV for this Sunday's Allianz NFL Division 2 final against Derry in Croke Park.
A host of regulars return to the starting lineup, after Flanagan named an alternative fifteen in their recent round-robin tie against the Oak Leafers.
Influential captain Kieran Gavin is named on the bench, with Garrycastle's 2011 Leinster club SFC-winning captain John Gaffey listed in his traditional full-back role.
Gavin, who is recovering from a facial injury sustained at work, is likely to play some role though, as he played a full 60 minutes for Mullingar Shamrocks at the weekend.
Gaffey's Garrycastle colleague, Doron Harte, occupies right wing-back after the recent news that Mullingar Shamrocks' Micheal Curley is to leave the panel to work abroad.
St Loman's, Mullingar star, Paul Sharry, slots into his regular centre-half role after returning to full fitness before the recent defeat in Celtic Park.
David Duffy and John Heslin continue their profitable midfield partnership, while a familiar sextet of forwards lines out to face the Foylesiders: Ger Egan, Callum McCormack, Kieran Martin, Denis Corroon, Ciaran Curley and Denis Glennon.
Former All-Star Dessie Dolan is waiting in the wings as an experienced attacking option, if called upon at some stage.
Sunday’s game acts as the curtain-raiser to the Division 1 final between Dublin and Tyrone (4pm, both games are live on TG4), and Flanagan believes his side will put on a performance that Westmeath supporters will be proud of.
“I think it’s a brilliant opportunity for the players and it will be beneficial for the future development of this team," Flanagan told the Westmeath Examiner.
"People must remember that it’s a very young Westmeath team, apart from maybe Gary (Connaughton) and Dessie (Dolan), whose experience is vitally important, and that the lads are continually learning and getting better.
“We are looking forward to the game and we hope to perform to the very best of our ability, which in fairness, I think we have done all of this season.
"I would imagine there will be a big crowd on the day and it’s every young footballer’s dream to play in Croke Park, so hopefully we can give the Westmeath supporters a performance to be proud of.
"Our goal at the start of the year was to win promotion from Division 2, which we have accomplished, and now we want to win the final. After that, we can turn our attention to the championship and to Carlow, but I must say that I don’t think anyone realises the effort and commitment of this group of players.
"They’re an exceptional bunch of lads and hopefully we can bring our best game with us on Sunday."
Meanwhile, Derry midfielder PJ McCloskey and captain Mark Lynch are in a race against time to be fit for Sunday's game, although Lynch in particular looks likely to win his battle.
However, vice-captain and capable corner back Dermot McBride is already ruled out through injury.
Westmeath side to face Derry: Gary Connaughton (Tubberclair); Mark McCallon (Garrycastle), John Gaffey (Garrycastle), Kevin Maguire (Caulry); Doron Harte (Garrycastle), Paul Sharry (St Loman's, Mullingar), James Dolan (Garrycastle); David Duffy (Shandonagh), John Heslin (St Loman's); Ger Egan (Tyrrellspass), Callum McCormack (Maryland), Kieran Martin (Maryland); Denis Corroon (Mullingar Shamrocks), Ciaran Curley (Mullingar Shamrocks), Denis Glennon (Tyrrellspass). Subs: Eoin Carberry (Rosemount), Kieran Gavin (capt., Mullingar Shamrocks), Damian Dolan (Caulry), Aaron Purcell (Mullingar Shamrocks), Darragh Daly (Mullingar Shamrocks), Paul Bannon (Athlone), Dessie Dolan (Garrycastle), Lorcan Smyth (Mullingar Shamrocks), Ronan Foley (Coralstown/Kinnegad), Philip Sheridan (Tyrrellspass), Declan Mullen (Rosemount). Manager: Pat Flanagan. Selectors: Philip Kiernan, Tom D'Arcy.
Tickets
Tickets for Sunday's final are on sale in Cusack Park daily from 9am to 2pm. Group passes are available to clubs and can be obtained directly from Croke Park by emailing tickets@gaa.ie.
In Westmeath, orders must be placed by club secretaries and are limited to one application per club stating numbers required. Applications must be submitted by 2pm on Wednesday.