Westmeath trainer eyes finish line after shaky start

THIS time last year, preparing a team for the Leinster final wasn’t exactly on Tomas Ó Flatharta’s agenda.

Not even on his long-term agenda. In Dublin circles, the West Kerry native had been slowly developing a reputation as a trainer of some merit with Kilmacud Crokes, but the inter-county scene never really figured in his plans.

Not even when his friend Páidí Ó Sé ended his tempestuous relationship with the Kerry county board did Ó Flatharta think of training county players. And then last October, Paddy Collins made an announcement that shocked the footballing world. In a few short days, Ó Flatharta’s life was about to change.