Westmeath GAA County Committee chairman, Paddy Wallace is facing a difficult challenge as the search for a new senior hurling manager gets underway.

Chairman: United front needed on hurling impasse

Damien Maher

Published: Sat 7 Nov 2026, 5:39 PM

Last updated: Sat 7 Nov 2026, 5:43 PM

Westmeath GAA chairman, Paddy Wallace believes the county can bounce back from a difficult week on the hurling front.

He is urging the hurling fraternity to unite and move forward for the better of the game in the county. The 15 hurling clubs are due to meet on Monday evening to discuss the impasse following the abrupt departure of senior hurling manager Kevin O’Brien on Thursday last.

Asked how Westmeath hurling can recover from such a crisis, the chairman replied: “This is the six marker. We have meetings on Monday night; we are meeting with the players and we're meeting with the clubs and we genuinely have to see where we go from there."

Mr Wallace agreed it's a difficult situation for everyone.

“It’s regrettable that it has come to this,” he said, thanking Kevin O’Brien for his efforts over the past year.

“We appointed Kevin for two years, plus another after a review, and now we find ourselves in this situation. It's difficult,” he said.

It is hoped Westmeath can find a quick solution to the current crisis. There is no senior manager in place as we enter the second week of November and the pressure is on to make the right appointment. The chairman urged everyone to make a collective effort to find the best solution.

“We cannot keep finding ourselves in this situation. As a county, we need continuity and we have to move forward with the support of the hurling clubs,” he added.