London calling for O'Brien's men

Westmeath played Meath, a Tipperary selection and a Galway club side as preparation for Sunday’s Joe McDonagh Cup opener against London became the primary focus in recent weeks.

It’s not top level opposition by any means, but games against good quality players will have helped manager Kevin O’Brien fine tune things as his side prepare to head for Ruislip. Defeat to the exiles is not something Westmeath hurling supporters could contemplate, but the visitors will have to be focused and deliver a solid display to come away with a victory.

Westmeath have competed in three finals, winning in 2021, but this current team is in transition. O'Brien has assembled a new-look panel and a lot of the experienced players are gone, including Niall Mitchell (now on the football panel), Tommy Doyle, Darragh Clinton and Robbie Greville.

Also out is talented attacker Niall O’Brien and when one considers the quality and experience they’ve lost, Westmeath’s third-place finish in Division 2 is an achievement. They will look to players such as David Williams and Peter Clarke to provide the necessary leadership on Sunday, while Darragh Egerton, and Johnny Bermingham look set to feature. Killian Doyle and Dean Ennis are both on the injured list.

Westmeath overcame London, 3-22 to 0-20, in the league earlier this season and will be fancied to repeat that victory.

Eoin O’Neill, part of the coaching team that guided London to Christy Ring glory last year, took over from Neil Rogers as manager, and it’s been a fairly smooth transition for the Exiles.

Former Dublin senior panellist Fionn Ó Riain Broin hit 1-35 as they preserved their Division 2 status, having been promoted last year. Blackrock native Paul Kennedy is also in fine scoring form ahead of their first Joe McDonagh Cup campaign.

Carlow (April 26, home), Laois (May 9, away), Antrim (May 16, away) and Down (May 23, away) will provide the opposition in upcoming games for Westmeath, who face a major task with such an inexperienced outfit.