Dolan and Gavin return to Westmeath starting line-up
Dessie Dolan has been included in the Westmeath team for this Sunday's Leinster SFC opener against Carlow at Cusack Park (throw-in: 3.30pm).
Dolan was introduced as a substitute in last month's Division 2 league final against Derry, and he underlined his enduring class by scoring three points from play.
AIT student Ger Egan has been selected at No. 13 which means there is a change to what has become Westmeath's regular half forward line this season. Egan, along with Maryland duo Kieran Martin and Callum McCormack, formed an effective half forward line during Westmeath's successful league campaign.
Although Egan has been named at corner-forward, it's likely that the hard-working Tyrrellspass player will adopt a roving role.
In the reshuffle, the versatile James Dolan has been moved from the half back line to the half forward line.
There are no real surprises in defence, with team captain Kieran Gavin returning to the starting line-up at full-back, while Garrycastle's John Gaffey has been selected at wing-back. In total, there are five Garrycastle players in the Westmeath starting XV.
From the team which started the league final defeat to Derry, Mullingar Shamrocks duo Denis Corroon and Ciaran Curley drop to the bench.
Westmeath SF Team v Carlow
1. Gary Connaughton
2. Mark McCallon
3. Kieran Gavin (captain)
4. Kevin Maguire
5. Doron Harte
6. Paul Sharry
7. John Gaffey
8. David Duffy
9. John Heslin
10. Kieran Martin
11. Callum McCormack
12. James Dolan
13. Ger Egan
14. Denis Glennon
15. Dessie Dolan
Subs
16. Eoin Carberry
17. Damien Dolan
18. Aaron Purcell
19. Paul Bannon
20. Darragh Daly
21. Denis Corroon
22. Ciaran Curley
23. Lorcan Smyth
24. Ronan Foley