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Hanley tells Westmeath players they must believe
Brian Hanley: “Managers have different beliefs regarding the mental side of the game but for me it’s a key ingredient.”
By Cian O’Connell
Brian Hanley thinks that Westmeath minds are right for this evening’s All-Ireland hurling qualifier clash with Wexford. Rapidly earning a reputation as a sharp sideline operator, the Westmeath boss remains positive ahead of the back door encounter.
“Different managers have different beliefs regarding the mental side of the game, but for me it is a key ingredient. I cannot stress how important it is and we have worked a lot on the mental side of our game,” Hanley said.
“Working under managers during my own playing career, it was always something I paid attention to. I keep telling the Westmeath players that they can get as far as they want but they must believe. That is so important. Do they believe that they can beat the Galways and the Wexfords?
“Of course it was nice to win against Antrim, but I think we need to get a second big victory in the same year. We all got the occasion just right when we beat Antrim and that is what we have to strive to do again. I suppose it is a sign of our improvement that we were disappointed to lose to Galway. A year ago we were delighted we ran Galway close, but this year we were disappointed because after 25 minutes I felt we were well in the game.”
Now Westmeath’s thoughts are centred on their trip to the south-east today where Liam Dunne’s Wexford await.
Hanley, a three-time All-Ireland club winner with Athenry, simply wants his team to continue doing what they have done for the past 12 months. “Our game plan is well documented. If we can keep things tight and compact and are in the hunt with 15 or 20 minutes left, I feel we have a great chance. We have repeatedly shown that in games and it has been proved against Antrim and to a lesser extent against Galway. I cannot praise the players in the panel and the county board highly enough either. Our panel has changed hugely since last year, we had only five players starting against Galway last year and again this year. I have faith in the players and they have been great, but we know we must learn everyday we go out.
“We were poor in the Division 2 league final against Carlow, but we have changed our outlook since then.”
Being involved in the inter-county game is a challenge Hanley relishes. “It is something I always say to the players. This is a real chance for them. To hurl at the highest level wearing your county jersey. I’m competitive by nature and I want to be successful, I love going to Westmeath.
“Who knows, I may never get a chance at this level again, it could be the same for some of the players. But we have done everything we can, everyone has shown 100% commitment to the cause and we will be going to Wexford intending to produce another good performance.”