Mannion leaves football role in further blow to Westmeath GAA

Mick Mannion has decided to step down as Westmeath football committee chairman in what is another blow for the county’s GAA chiefs.

The Garrycastle man’s decision comes as the search for Dessie Dolan’s successor as Westmeath senior football manager continues, with little sign of progress on that front.

Mannion’s role as football committee chairman meant he was on the sub committee charged with the task of selecting a new manager. Westmeath GAA chairman Frank Mescall and county secretary Brendan Shaw are on that committee, alongside former manager Jack Cooney.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent this week, Mannion confirmed he had stepped down from his role - and he is also no longer part of Westmeath GAA’s executive committee - but he did not wish to comment further on the situation.

It remains to be seen if Mannion will have a change of heart or if Westmeath GAA will quickly turn their attentions to seeking a replacement.

It has been a challenging period for Westmeath GAA recently with Dessie Dolan’s decision to depart as manager combined with confirmation that a number of key players won’t be available next year.

Kevin Maguire, a mainstay of the defence for several years and team captain since 2021, recently confirmed his decision to retire from inter-county football. James Dolan did likewise shortly after Westmeath’s exit from this year’s All-Ireland SFC.

Whoever is appointed as new manager will also have to plan without the services of David Lynch and Andy McCormack as both players will be based abroad next year, while the future intentions of John Heslin and Jamie Gonoud remain unclear.

Westmeath were promoted from Division 3 of the Allianz Football League earlier this year, but the target of retaining Division 2 status now looks like a very onerous challenge.

With the last round of group games in the Westmeath club football championships taking place this weekend, progress on appointing a new football manager will need to be made soon.

The appointment of Seoirse Bulfin as Westmeath senior hurling manager met with strong opposition from some club delegates this summer.

And the fact that Westmeath have been unable to make a genuine impact at underage level in recent years, allied to influential players stepping away, are factors that may turn off potential options for the vacant football position. However, Westmeath GAA chiefs will be hoping that the county’s current standing in Division 2 will provoke interest among suitable candidates.