Connaughton back in goals for clash with kildare
Gary Connaughton will make his return to the Westmeath team in this Sunday’s Allianz Football League Division 2 clash against Kildare at Newbridge (2pm).
The 2008 All-Star goalkeeper – who is also one of Tom Cribbin’s selectors in the Westmeath set-up – replaces Darren Quinn who has been ruled out with a groin injury. Kevin McGuire of The Downs is the substitute goalkeeper.
In total, there are four changes to the Westmeath team from their last outing against Galway. Athlone’s John Egan replaces the injured James Dolan, while Paddy Holloway and Denis Glennon are also drafted into the starting line-up. As a result, Ray Connellan and Daragh Daly drop to the substitutes’ bench.
Connellan is also part of the Westmeath U21 squad which is preparing to meet Meath in Navan next Wednesday night, and Tom Cribbin has said he won’t play any U21 players against Kildare unless absolutely necessary.
Westmeath defeated Laois and Sligo in recent challenge matches but the aforementioned loss of the versatile James Dolan is undoubtedly a significant blow.
The Kildare team has yet to be named but manager Jason Ryan has been boosted by the return of some key players to training. Daniel Flynn, Emmet Bolton, Alan Smith and Mikey Conway are available for selection after returning to full training having recovered from their respective injuries.
Westmeath SF team v Kildare
1. Gary Connaughton (Tubberclair)
2. Mark McCallon (Garrycastle)
3. Kevin Maguire (Caulry)
4. John Gilligan (Ballymore)
5. Killian Daly (Mullingar Shamrocks)
6. Kieran Martin (Maryland)
7. John Egan (Athlone)
8. Paddy Holloway (Castledaly)
9. John Heslin (St Loman’s Mullingar)
10. Paul Sharry (St Loman’s Mullingar)
11. Ger Egan (Capt., Tyrrellspass)
12. Jamie Gonoud (Tyrrellspass)
13. Lorcan Smyth (Mullingar Shamrocks)
14. Callum McCormack (Maryland)
15. Denis Glennon (Tyrrellspass)
Subs:
16. Kevin McGuire (The Downs)
17. David Lynch (St Malachy’s)
18. John Rock (Tang)
19. Daragh Daly (Mullingar Shamrocks)
20. Damien Dolan (Caulry)
21. Francis Boyle (Killucan)
22. David McCormack (Rosemount)
23. Brian Slevin (Tyrrellspass)
24. Shane Dempsey (St Loman’s Mullingar)
25. Gary McCallon (Garrycastle)
26. Ray Connellan (Athlone)