Former Roscommon ace looks forward to Westmeath’s clash with Derry

By Kieran Galvin

Former Roscommon star and current Ireland International Rules manager, Paul Earley has described Westmeath as the surprise packets of this year's Allianz Football League.

In his role as an analyst with Setanta Sports, Earley has seen a good deal of action in this year’s Allianz FL. But as the TV cameras mainly concentrate on Division 1 fare, he has yet to see Westmeath in action. In that light, he’s looking forward to this Sunday’s Division 2 league final between Westmeath and Derry at Croke Park (throw-in: 2pm).

“I’m really looking forward to seeing that game as I haven't seen Westmeath so far during the year,” said Earley.

“I think they have been the surprise packets of the whole league, a wonderful performance. Last year they were battling relegation, so getting promoted to Division 1 is a huge bonus for Westmeath football. It's a massive challenge for next year as well, but it's the same place to be. Huge credit has to go to everybody involved.”

Earley was speaking to the Westmeath Independent last week at the annual AIT Sports Awards, where he was the guest speaker.

“I'm excited about seeing the Division 2 final against Derry. Getting promoted should give the Westmeath players a massive injection of confidence. Two years ago Donegal played Laois in the Division 2 final and we saw what happened to Donegal about 18 months later. So, if you get on a roll, if you and have momentum and that belief, you can make real progress,” said the former Roscommon attacker.

“Moving into Division 1 should give the players a massive boost in confidence and self-belief. If they carry that through into the final and put in a good performance and maybe win it, this could be a very good year for Westmeath,” added Earley.

 

*For more from this interview - including Earley's views on Roscommon's championship prospects and on the International Rules series - see next week's Westmeath Independent.