Westmeath boss has one eye on Waterford

Westmeath boss Michael Ryan admits that he’s “really, really sorry” he won’t be sitting in the stand tomorrow when his native Waterford face Clare in the Allianz Hurling League final.

Westmeath host Offaly at Cusack Park in the Leinster SHC round-robin opener and that will be the main focus of Ryan’s weekend attention. But once the final whistle blows in Mullingar, Ryan will seek out news from Thurles as Waterford aim to retain their League title.

Ryan said: “I’m really, really sorry to miss that game now because it would be lovely to be above in the stand. It’s going to be fascinating, two similar styles, two teams prepared very well and their managements will have looked into every iota and detail.