Kilkenny's Eddie Brennan joins Westmeath set-up

Eight-time All-Ireland medal winner Eddie Brennan of Kilkenny has joined the Westmeath coaching set-up for the 2027 campaign.

The former Kilkenny hurling star, who managed his native county’s U21 side, is a high-profile addition to the Westmeath coaching set-up.

Brennan was part of Derek Lyng's management team in Kilkenny this year. He will work with Westmeath manager Kevin O’Brien in an effort to build for a tilt at the Joe McDonagh Cup next year.

Offaly's Adrian Clancy has been installed as coach, while Rory Fleming and Kevin O'Brien (Tullamore) have joined as strength and conditioning coaches.

Brennan has already won a Joe McDonagh title as manager, having guided Laois to the crown in 2019 and then subsequently masterminding a shock win over Dublin in the All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final.

He later coached Cuala and was added to the Kilkenny management team ahead of the 2026 season. However, the campaign was not a success, with Kilkenny exiting at the provincial stage, with Lyng resigning his post shortly afterwards.

While he is a high profile appointment, Brennan faces a big challenge in a county that is clearly in transition and it is very much a long-term project in Westmeath.

Clonkill’s Kevin O'Brien had a difficult first year in charge of the Lake County, with just one win from five games, their sole victory coming against London in Ruislip. A number of senior players have returned and there is speculation that other dual players will now plumb for football rather than hurling next year.

Former Clare hurling star, Ollie Baker and Galway’s Damien Coleman were part of last year’s management team.

Elsewhere, there is no minor hurling management team confirmed as yet for the Lake County next year.