Dessie set to miss league opener against Louth

By Kieran Galvin Dessie Dolan is a notable absentee on the Westmeath team for this Sunday's Allianz Football League Divison 2 opener against Louth at Cusack Park (throw-in: 2pm). Dolan has not fully recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in the O'Byrne Cup defeat to Offaly, so Ronan Foley gets an opportunity to shine at corner-forward. Westmeath fans will be hoping Dolan - who recently became a dad for the first time after the birth of his son, Nathan - will be back in action soon. Team captain Kieran Gavin is named at full-back, where he will have Garrycastle's Mark McCallon and Caulry's Kevin Maguire either side of him. Athlone's Paul Bannon and John Heslin make up the midfield pairing, meaning there is no place for David Duffy, who has returned to the Westmeath squad this season. Gary Connaughton, Ger Egan, Kieran Martin and James Dolan - all of whom helped Athlone IT to victory over IT Carlow in the Sigerson Cup earlier this week - are all named in the Westmeath team for Sunday. In the absence of Dessie Dolan, Pat Flanagan will be looking to the likes of Callum McCormack and Denis Glennon for scoring power on Sunday. Meanwhile, Louth have injury worries over midfield ace Paddy Keenan, as well as Andy McDonnell and Liam Shevlin. JP Rooney is definitely out due to a long-term injury, but Colm Judge and Derek Maguire have both returned to full fitness and are available for selection. Westmeath (Allianz FL v Louth): Gary Connaughton; Mark McCallon, Kieran Gavin, Kevin Maguire; Michael Curley, Paul Sharry, Doron Harte; Paul Bannon, John Heslin; Ger Egan, Callum McCormack, Kieran Martin; Ronan Foley, James Dolan, Denis Glennon.