Hackett surprise choice in Westmeath

BRENDAN HACKETT was last night surprisingly named new Westmeath football manager.

Hackett, a native of Monaghan, was formerly manager of the Longford and Offaly senior football teams.

Hackett, a sports psychologist, was formerly CEO of Athletics Ireland but resigned from the position last year. Hackett takes over from former manager Thomas O Flatharta who held the reins for the past four years, but who resigned after this year’s defeat to Meath in the qualifiers.