Westmeath continue search for new hurling manager

The Westmeath senior hurlers are still without a manager as they prepare to face Down in Allianz Hurling League Division 2 this Sunday.

Former Offaly All-Ireland winner Kevin Martin was axed as manager last Saturday, and Westmeath GAA Chairman Tom Farrell today confirmed that Martin's successor has still to be appointed.

Westmeath are due to face Down this Sunday afternoon in the final round of Allianz Hurling League Division 2.

"We are playing Down this weekend and hopefully we will get a win in that game and then we can prepare seriously for our (Leinster Championship) match against Carlow," he said.

"I haven't any update today on a successor to Kevin. As you know we are very busy with the GAA Congress.

"Hopefully within the next few days there will be a management in place."

Farrell reiterated his thanks to Martin for his commitment to Westmeath hurling, which saw the Lake County side secure a Christy Ring Cup title last year and promotion to the All-Ireland Championship for 2011.

"I would like to thank Kevin Martin for his help over the last number of years. We did win the Christy Ring Cup and it was very important as it brought us into the Liam MacCarthy Cup.

"It's now up to the players and the new management to carry on where he left off," added Farrell.

Former Westmeath manager Seamus Qualter is among those being linked to the post.

However, Qualter is unlikely to assume the role as he is the current manager of the Roscommon senior hurling team who face Mayo in Sunday's Division 3A final.