Westmeath look on Ó Sé appointment as major coup

PÁIDI Ó SÉ was last night ratified as manager of the Westmeath senior footballers at a meeting of the county football board in Cusack Park, Mullingar.

The former Kerry boss, who was not at the meeting, has been given a two-year term.

Denis Coyne, chairman of the football board described the appointment as a major coup, one which he hopes will bring much success.

“Last night was a matter of rubber stamping the issue,” Coyne said. “It is a big boost for us and it will increase the profile of the county and hopefully we will capitalise on it. Some people might have reservations about the cost but hopefully, a high profile figure like this will bring in extra revenue.

Though not prepared to divulge the payment structure in place, Mr Coyne did admit that the board are still actively considering flying Ó Sé to and from his Ventry base to training.

“If you look at our results this year, it is obvious that there is great potential in the county. After all we came within a point of beating our arch rivals Meath and we have been there or thereabouts with Laois for the last number of years. The Leinster championship will certainly be a wide open affair next year.”

Ó Sé is expected to host a press conference next Monday, but will meet Lake County fans for the first time on Saturday, when he attends the Mullingar Home Improvement Exhibition which takes place in the Mullingar Park Hotel.

Meanwhile, the Clare County Board have postponed their meeting to appoint a successor to former hurling manager Cyril Lyons until next Wednesday.

The postponement was due to concern about a possible ban on the Banner’s football coach John Kennedy which was due to be discussed by the GAC of the Munster Council last night.

Kennedy is hoping that the six-month ban by the Kerry County Board, arising from an incident in a recent county U-14 final between Shannon Rangers and Mid-Kerry can be back dated, otherwise he may be forced to vacate his position with Clare.

Cork manager Billy Morgan is to appoint his selectors in the coming days. Morgan, who lead the county to two All-Ireland titles dismissed suggestions that he has already finalised his backroom team.

“I am the only Cork selector, there is no truth that a selection committee is already in place. My first job as Cork manager will be to appoint my own three choices and then wait for the county champions to nominate their representative.

"I will be doing that over the next few days and then, when we are all in place we will sit down to discuss our plans,” he said.