Decisive Hanley getting the best out of Westmeath

A few years ago they were on the same side, part of the management team guiding the fortunes of the Galway U21 hurlers.

Tomorrow in Mullingar, Brian Hanley and Anthony Cunningham will be in direct opposition, each wearing the Bainisteoir bib as Westmeath (Brian) and Galway (Anthony) square off in the Leinster senior hurling championship quarter-final.

Hanley explained: “I’m living in Athenry and managing Westmeath, Anthony is living in Athlone and managing Galway! Sure he could still play corner-forward for us (Anthony was a standout Galway underage and senior star) – I might give him a call on Saturday and suggest it to him!”