Big changes for Westmeath

Leinster champions Westmeath will start the new season a vastly different side from that which landed provincial honours this year.

Forwards Fergal Wilson and Brian Morley haven't committed for the new 2005 season.

Another eight of the panel have made themselves unavailable or have been dropped. Squad members JP Casey, Russell Casey, Paul Martin, Aidan Canning, Tom Stuart Trainor, Fergal Murray, James Conroy and Colin Whyte are all out of the reckoning.

Meanwhile, Paul Conway and Gary Dolan have undergone shoulder and ankle surgery respectively, and their recoveries will keep them out of action until mid-March.

Westmeath selector Tomás Ó Flaharta said: "We'll be short a few bodies, but that will only give other guys a chance to make a name for themselves."