Hurling impasse: Westmeath move swiftly to appoint new manager

Westmeath GAA chairman, Paddy Wallace, confirmed there is an urgent approach to appointing a new senior hurling manager in the wake of the abrupt departure of Kevin O’Brien.

Prospective managers have been identified and a quick appointment is the preferred option at a belated stage of the season.

“We are hoping to do it quickly,” he said, when questioned about the timescale in mind.

“We want to get the feeling of everybody, our players, our clubs and our officers. We have ideas in our heads, but they need to be expedited. We are confident that there are strong people who will be available to us for the position,” he added.

With time of the essence, there is speculation that a shortlist of potential candidates may include Johnny Greville (Raharney), Adrian Moran (Ringtown) and Leo O'Connor, who managed Offaly to All-Ireland U20 success and was hotly tipped to take the Westmeath reigns last year before O'Brien was chosen. It will be the fourth senior hurling manager in as many years for Westmeath.

O'Brien claims he was "thrown under the bus" and that players who were dropped off the panel undermined his position.

The chairman urged the hurling fraternity to unite and move forward for the better of the game in the county. Crunch meetings took place with hurling clubs and players on Monday evening to resolve the impasse.

“We genuinely have to see where we go from there. It’s difficult now with the timing of this situation,” he said.

“The clubs were looking for a new manager last year, and we got Kevin O’Brien for two years, plus another year after a review, and we now find ourselves in this situation. It’s difficult.”

Mr Wallace said it is regrettable that the appointment of Kevin O’Brien last year has not worked out and said there will have to be commitment from everyone if the situation is to be resolved.

“The circumstances are difficult. We have to regroup, and we will. It’s a pity that we find ourselves where we are. I can’t say much more, to be honest,” he remarked.

“I’m disappointed for Kevin O’Brien as well. I’m the leader of the county, and I’ll certainly listen, as I always do. The main thing is that we can’t continue finding ourselves in this position. At this moment in time, we need a level of commitment from everybody.”

Asked about the issues that led to Kevin O’Brien’s departure, the chairman simply said the county needs to move forward.

“We’re in the process of looking for a new manager. We thank Kevin for his work and dedication.

There’s no underestimating how disappointing this is. It just wasn’t working out, but it’s not something I would like to have to repeat,” he remarked.

Asked what was the defining moment, the chairman replied: “It’s regrettable that it has come to this, and I cannot say anything more on the situation.”

He said it is now vital for Westmeath hurling that a management team is put in place that will provide certainty.

“Kevin was a good man, and I completely understand all of that. The clubs did support him, but circumstances just didn’t work out. This is the fourth senior hurling manager in as many years. That has to stop. We have to try and get continuity and build on that,” he remarked.

“We’ve carried out reviews with our clubs, in hurling and football. This is a difficult situation, though. We need to move forward with the support of the hurling clubs.”

Westmeath are now under pressure to appoint both minor and senior hurling managements in the second week of November.