Duncan’s absence a blow to Westmeath for next season

Westmeath senior football manager Dessie Dolan must plan for the 2024 campaign without midfielder Sam Duncan who headed off on his travels last week.

Milltownpass player Duncan and Athlone’s Ray Connellan formed Westmeath’s first choice midfield partnership during the 2023 season, during which Dolan’s charges performed impressively in the group stages of the All-Ireland SFC.

Duncan’s work rate and combative style of play were important ingredients as Westmeath pushed Armagh very close and drew with Tyrone. Duncan was part of Westmeath's Tailteann Cup winning squad in 2022.

The midfield sector is an area where Westmeath are not endowed with plentiful options, and the management team will be hoping that other players can step up to fill the breach.

At club level, Duncan was captain of the Milltownpass team which reached this year’s Westmeath intermediate championship final, in which they were narrowly defeated by St Malachy’s.

In a Facebook post, Milltownpass GAA said: “Best wishes and bon voyage to Sam Duncan and Hannah on their travels. Sam is captain of our intermediate men’s team. He has been readily available to our underage members by running training sessions, meeting teams ahead of finals and hosting medal presentations. A huge thank you Sam for your time and commitment to the club.”