Westmeath set to be without Dessie Dolan for 2012 season

Fears are growing that Dessie Dolan may have played his last game for Westmeath. Despite hopes that the star forward would return to training last week, a return did not materialise and, significantly, Dolan was not involved in the challenge match defeat to Meath last Monday. Westmeath begin their Leinster SFC campaign against Louth in Navan on Sunday week (May 20th, throw-in: 3.30pm). And it's believed Dolan is unlikely to rejoin Pat Flanagan's squad so close to their championship opener. Westmeath GAA chairman Tom Farrell said the decision on whether Dolan returns is "in his own hands". And Farrell paid tribute to the Garrycastle man's contribution over the years. "He has served the county absolutely brilliantly. It's in his own hands and all we can do is wish him the best," Farrell told the Westmeath Independent yesterday (Tuesday). Last week, there were reports in the national media that Dolan had decided to take "a break" from inter-county football. But whether Dolan is taking a break from the rigours of county football for just this season, or is retiring for good, remains to be seen. Due to Garrycastle's success in winning the Westmeath and Leinster titles last year - a lengthy campaign which culminated in the All-Ireland final at the end of March - Dolan has had a particularly busy time over the past 12 months. Dolan made his Westmeath senior debut in a National League game against Antrim in 1998. His outstanding performances ever since have led many observers to regard him as Westmeath's finest player in the modern era, and one of the county's all-time greats. An All-Star winner in 2004, when he helped Westmeath to claim their sole Leinster senior football title, Dolan also won an All-Ireland U-21 medal in 1999 and Leinster U-21 medals in '99 and 2000. He has also played for Leinster in the Inter-provincial championship and has represented Ireland in the International Rules series. The Coosan native holds six Westmeath senior championship medals, and he played a key role in Garrycastle's march to a historic Leinster club title last year; another crowning achievement. A teacher at Moate Community School, Dolan has been heavily involved in coaching teams in the school. Clancy takes 'Castle reins Meanwhile, former Galway star Paul Clancy has been appointed as the new manager of the Garrycastle senior football team. Clancy's predecessor, Anthony Cunningham, also hails from Galway and the Garrycastle club will hoping the Galwegian influence can continue their recent run of success. Clancy was part of the Galway team which defeated Meath in the 2001 All-Ireland final. The Moycullen native served as a Laois selector under Justin McNulty last year, having previously been involved with DIT's Sigerson Cup team. He also guided the Dublin college to an All-Ireland freshers championship success in 2009. Cunningham enjoyed a hugely successful spell with Garrycastle, during which time he led the Athlone club to three Westmeath senior football titles in a row. The current Galway senior hurling manager also guided the green and red outfit to last year's Leinster club title and an All-Ireland final appearance which ended in defeat to Crossmaglen Rangers, after a replay. Garrycastle recently began their quest for a fourth successive Flanagan Cup when they drew with Tyrrellspass in the opening round. Selector Aidan Dunning had been filling in as interim manager before the appointment of Clancy.