Why I stayed on

The lure of Division 1 football persuaded Westmeath’s Dessie Dolan to extend his inter-county career.

The 34-year-old returned to the panel for last year’s Championship having taken a sabbatical in 2012.

After consulting with new manager Paul Bealin who set him up with a new fitness trainer in Dublin, he elected to remain on board.

“Paul rang me and I wasn’t sure what to do,” Dolan said. “I was happy enough with my lot but the fact we are playing Division 1 and it is a very young panel in Westmeath this year were factors in my decision.

“I have been doing a couple of weeks work with a personal trainer in Dublin to get myself prepared. I was 50-50, I was sitting on the fence, but the fact they are playing Division 1 and there were a lot of big games this year and with the panel being very young I said if I could help in any way I would give it a go.”

Dolan, 35 in July, is one of the longest-serving players in inter-county football having made his debut in 1998. But he isn’t resigning himself to being an impact substitute just yet.

“It’s not too bad when you can come on and lads are tired, it is that bit easier. But to be honest you have to aim to get the full 70 and that’s my plan.

“I always look at lads like Tomás Ó Sé last year and Johnny Doyle. They are well able to do it and that’s what my plan is.”