Dooley lands coaching role with Westmeath

Johnny Dooley, a former All-Ireland winner with Offaly, will act as coach to the Westmeath senior hurlers for next season.

This is not the Seir Kieran clubman's first appointment outside of his own county - in 2004 he was a coaching advisor to the Kildare senior hurlers.

Dooley's glittering playing career came to an end in 2002 following a serious knee injury. Last year saw him manage the Offaly minors.

The three-time All-Star will act as both a selector and coach under Westmeath manager Seamus Qualter. The Lake county's think-tank already includes selectors John Donoghue (Raharney) and Christy Murtagh (Clonkill).

Qualter's biggest success in his 18-month reign to date was last year's Christy Ring Cup triumph.

He said: "It will be great to have someone with Johnny’s experience on board as we build on the progress of the last couple of years.

"We had a very good season this year, defeating Dublin in the Leinster championship and bringing 10,000 to Cusack Park for the semi-final against Kilkenny. Next year we want to go all out and win the Christy Ring Cup again."