Four players will make their Championship debuts for Westmeath in Sunday’s Bank of Ireland SFC clash with Offaly at Croke Park, 4.00pm.
Gary Glennon of St. Loman's retains his palce at left-half-back following an impressive outing in the Allianz NFL Division 2 semi final against Donegal.
In the half forward line, Castledaly's Gordon Duffy comes in at right half forward, with John Smyth, from county champions The Downs, playing his first-ever competitive match for Westmeath when he starts at left half forward.
Leinster minor medal holder from 2000, PJ Ward from the Kilbeggan Shamrocks club, starts at right full forward.
In the absence of the injured Dessie Dolan, the experienced Damien Healy captains the side.
Westmeath XV:
1. Gary Connaughton (Tubberclair), 2. James Davitt (St. Loman's, Mullingar), 3. Michael Ennis (Ballinagore), 4. John Keane (Rosemount), 5. Damein Healy (St. Mary's, Rochfortbridge), 6. Donal O'Donoghue (Mullingar Shamrocks), 7. Gary Glennon (St. Loman's, Mullingar), 8. David Duffy (Shandonagh), 9. David O'Shaughnessy (Garrycastle), 10. Gordon Duffy (Castledaly), 11. Gary Dolan (Garrycastle), 12. John Smyth (The Downs), 13. P.J. Ward (Kilbeggan Shamrocks), 14. Denis Glennon (Tyrrellspass), 15. Alan Mangan (St. Malachy's).
