Westmeath’s John Heslin delights in backing from Cork master Eamonn Ryan

Amid the congratulations John Heslin received after UCD’s historic Sigerson Cup win on Saturday, it was a text message from Cork selector Eamonn Ryan that stood out.

The Westmeath man first met the 10-time All-Ireland senior ladies football- winning manager at a talk in Belfield 13 months ago, which had been arranged by the late Dave Billings.

“I got a text from Eamonn Ryan from Cork which meant a lot to me, because I would have great time for him.