Jack Cooney doesn’t know if he’ll be asked to be the next Westmeath senior football manager, but for the moment all he wants is what’s best for football in the county.
After last night’s County Board meeting saw Peter Leahy’s name rejected by delegates on a 24-19 vote, there is speculation that Cooney may now be the leading contender, but the former Westmeath and Coralstown/Kinnegad star is taking nothing for granted.
“When all is said and done, the important thing here is Westmeath football,” Cooney told Topic Sports Editor, Damien Maher today.
“The players on the pitch and how they perform; trying to get everyone motivated and focused again; getting the Westmeath supporters behind the team. These are, for me as a Westmeath man, the most important things. If I can offer something to that, great,” he added.
It’s understood Martin Flanagan and John Keane were presented as part of Jack Cooney’s management team. Flanagan made a big impression as manager of the Westmeath senior ladies football side this year, while Keane, a two-time All-Star, is one of the best defenders to have donned the maroon and white jersey. Both would command serious respect.
Meanwhile, there is also strong speculation that Niall Carew may now land the job, but the Westmeath County Board are remaining tight-lipped. County Board Chairman, Sean Sheridan said the door remains open for all candidates.
“There is a committee in place and we will look at all candidates. The door is open for everyone and will be engaging with the clubs on the matter,” he said.
It’s believed a special County Board meeting may be called as early as 22 October and a name put before delegates for ratification. Westmeath GAA chiefs are keen to have the new manager in place in time for the county final on 26 October. It was stressed at last night’s County Board meeting that Westmeath has to work within the parameters of a budget.
