Fortune non-committal on future plans

Westmeath senior hurling manager, Joe Fortune will take time out to reflect after his side suffered relegation to the Joe McDonagh Cup following defeat by Antrim at TEG Cusack Park last Sunday.

Asked about his intentions in the wake of a 4-24 to 1-19 defeat to Antrim on Sunday, Fortune said he will have to consider if he can inspire a renewed effort from the team for next year.

The Westmeath manager was very deliberate in his response, taking a clear pause when asked about his future intentions.

Fortune has been operating without some leading players in this year's Leinster championship, including marquee forward Killian Doyle.

“After a performance like today, will I be wanted back? I will have to sit down with my own family and talk to Frank (Mescall) and the County Board. I know myself that today wasn’t good enough. I wonder can I re-energise them. We’ve been missing big names like Killian Doyle, Aonghus Clarke and Niall Mitchell for most of the championship, and I’m not a miracle-worker,” he remarked.

“For Westmeath to be competitive at this level, we need everybody on board. It’s a pity that some Leinster counties can’t compete in their own championship, including Westmeath,” he concluded.

Fortune took up the reins in Westmeath in 2021 and it has been a tough two years for the former Wexford under 20 coach as the Lake County endured some tough defeats in hurling's top tier. Westmeath will be keen to retain his services for next year as they remain one of the leading contenders for the Joe McDonagh Cup.