Stateside star Connaughton expects Quinn to shine for Westmeath

Boston-based Gary Connaughton has given a resounding vote of confidence to his replacement between the Westmeath football posts for Saturday’s All-Ireland qualifier clash against Louth, at Mullingar.

Connaughton is unavailable for the Lake County in the wake of his shock move last week to the US for the rest of the summer due to a failure to secure employment during his break from a business studies course at Athlone IT.

In the absence of the 2008 All-Star, Tyrellspass netminder Darren Quinn is set to guard the Westmeath goal in the repeat of the Leinster SFC tie won by the Wee County by a point on May 20.

“I think Darren has the ability and the temperament to do a very good job for Westmeath against Louth,” said Connaughton on Quinn, his understudy for a number of years.

“It’s very hard for sub goalies because they don’t get many opportunities to show what they are capable of. But when Darren has got his chance, he has done very well and I’m sure that will be the case once more against Louth. And it will be a big help that he has the experience of playing for Westmeath in the Leinster U21 final and for Tyrrellspass in the Leinster Club final.”

Despite being paired against their recent conquerors, Connaughton, who will play with the Wolfe Tones club in Boston, is hopeful Westmeath will enjoy a decent run in the qualifiers.

“Louth have got the better of us recently in the league and the championship, but I feel there’s no reason why we can’t turn things around,” remarked the Tubberclair clubman who was appointed Westmeath captain at the beginning of the year.

“We were very unlucky the last day against them and playing at Mullingar should be a big plus. A win over Louth would bring the lads on and could be the boost we need in the qualifiers.

“The Westmeath team has the potential to be a major force in the future with the majority of the lads aged between 19 and 23. And fellas such as Paul Sharry, John Heslin, Ger Egan, James Dolan (a first cousin of absent star Dessie Dolan), Calum McCormack and Kieran Martin are young enough to be around for a long time.”

But despite his positivity about the Cusack Park encounter, Connaughton warns it would be unwise to underestimate Louth.

“I know Louth have had their problems with the number of players who have been missing training since they lost to Dublin,” pointed out Connaughton, who will be succeeded as Westmeath captain by Michael Ennis.

“However, I’m sure they will have got their house in order before they play us, and they will be all out to beat Westmeath twice in the Championship in the same year. As well, Paddy Keenan will be a major influence for them in the middle of the field, and they have lots of other lads with the ability to cause serious problems.”