Former Cavan All-Star Dermot McCabe has been confirmed as the new Westmeath manager.
McCabe's appointment was agreed upon at a meeting of the county board this evening, taking over from Dessie Dolan, who stepped down in August after two seasons in the role.
Westmeath GAA also confirmed that 2012 All-Ireland winner Mark McHugh, who is involved with the Maigh Cuillinn side preparing for the Galway football final, will join the new manager as his main coach.
"McHugh, known for his tactical expertise and dedication to the game, will be a key figure in shaping the team's future," a statement released by the Lake County said.
"Together, McCabe and McHugh bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and ambition, making for an exciting chapter in Westmeath football."
McCabe, along with Fintan Reilly, has spent the last number of seasons in charge of Cavan club Gowna, who claimed back-to-back titles in 2022 and '23 under his watch before their exit to Ramor United at the semi-final stage earlier this month.
Prior to that, he had acted as a selector for Cavan under manager Mickey Graham when they won the Anglo Celt in 2020, their first Ulster success since 1997 when McCabe was their key man.
McCabe has strong links to Westmeath with his nephew Eoghan part of Dolan’s panel last season while brother Martin managed the Westmeath minors previously. He also enjoyed immense success with Garrycastle and more recently with Tubberclair, with Dermot helping out their preparations for the 2022 intermediate final, lost to Shandonagh following a replay.
Westmeath will operate in Division 2 in 2025 after claiming the Division 3 crown against Down. For the second year in succession, they finished bottom of their All-Ireland round-robin group despite being extremely competitive, with All-Ireland champions Armagh, finalists Galway and Derry all needing strong finishes to see them off.
Saturday's Leinster draw pitted them against Kildare in next season's provincial quarter-final.
McCabe’s ratification leaves just the Oakleafers, Leitrim and Clare in search of new managers for the 2025 season.
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