Heslin’s departure another blow for Lake County

John Heslin has announced his retirement from the Westmeath senior football team, marking the end of an illustrious inter-county career just weeks before the start of the 2025 season.

His departure is a significant blow for new manager Dermot McCabe, who will now have to navigate the campaign without one of the county’s most iconic players.

The 32-year-old St Loman’s Mullingar forward retires as Westmeath’s all-time leading championship scorer, a testament to his remarkable contribution over a lengthy career. While Heslin’s decision to step away is not seen as a major surprise locally, it adds to the sense that the Lake County are facing a period of transition.

Westmeath have already seen fellow stalwarts James Dolan and Kevin Maguire hang up their boots during the off-season, while David Lynch and Andy McCormack have emigrated. Heslin’s retirement leaves the squad short on experience as they prepare for what promises to be a testing Allianz Football League Division 2 campaign.

Having gained promotion as Division 3 champions last spring, Westmeath will now face a significant challenge to consolidate their place in the higher tier without several of their most seasoned players.

Reflecting on a memorable career with his county, Heslin said being involved with Westmeath became a way of life.

“I just grew to love it,” he remarked. At the same time, he spoke candidly about the considerable challenge of playing and performing at the elite inter-county level and of juggling sporting commitments with a busy working life.

“The mental drain games would have is hard to explain, but I got good advice from people and tried to listen as much as possible. I was part of a very good group of players with Westmeath; all that was asked of me was to give it my best. I was privileged and honoured to be in that position,” he remarked.

Among the many highlights for Heslin was that fantastic victory over Meath in 2015 in Croke Park when he scored 1-9, including a memorable goal to finally end the Lake County’s long losing streak against their neighbours. While Leinster glory proved elusive, he did play in two Leinster senior finals with the county, coming out second best against a formidable Dublin side.

“We were significantly up against it and needed Dublin to have an off day, which they didn’t. They will go down as one of the great teams because they didn’t have many off days. I’d love to have won one or both; I’m a competitor, but it wasn’t to be. That’s sport,” he said.

Among the standout memories were the Tailteann Cup victory of 2022 and a terrific Westmeath performance that put Kerry to the pin of their collar at Cusack Park in 2012, when it took a goal from Darran O’Sullivan to deny the Lake County a famous victory. Kerry won by a point, 2-10 to 1-12, after Heslin, who was outstanding at midfield, and his colleagues looked set to cause a massive shock in front of 6,600 supporters.

“Growing up, you admire the top teams like Kerry, so that was certainly one of the great days in Cusack Park, in front of so many happy and proud Westmeath people,” said Heslin.

An official Westmeath GAA statement on Heslin's retirement paid tribute to his remarkable contribution over the years.

“Westmeath GAA would like to formally acknowledge the retirement of John Heslin, one of the most exceptional and dedicated players ever to represent our county. John’s decision to step away from inter-county football brings to a close a truly remarkable career that has left an indelible mark on the history of Westmeath GAA," said the statement.

“From his debut in 2011, John Heslin has been a central figure in the Westmeath senior football team. Over his illustrious career, he made more than 150 appearances and became Westmeath’s all-time leading scorer, a testament to his extraordinary skill, consistency, and leadership.

“John was pivotal in some of Westmeath’s most iconic moments, including the unforgettable comeback against Meath (2015). In the Leinster semi-final, John inspired one of the greatest comebacks in GAA history, as Westmeath overturned an eight-point deficit to secure a famous 3-19 to 2-18 victory over our great rivals. His leadership and scoring prowess were instrumental on a day that will forever be etched in the memories of supporters.

The statement also referred to the Tailteann Cup victory of 2022 ("a crowning achievement for the county, with John once again leading by example as Westmeath claimed national silverware" and the Division 3 league title in 2019.

"Off the field, John has been an exemplary ambassador for Gaelic football, engaging with supporters and promoting the game across the county. His professionalism and sportsmanship have earned him the respect of teammates, opponents, and fans alike.

"John Heslin’s retirement marks the conclusion of a truly remarkable era for Westmeath football, but his legacy will endure as an inspiration for all who aspire to represent this county. On behalf of Westmeath GAA, we extend our deepest gratitude to John for his years of service and dedication. We wish him every success and happiness in the next chapter of his life,” the statement added.