Dessie Dolan steps down as Westmeath manager

Dolan has been in charge for two seasons. 

DEPARTURE: Westmeath manager Dessie Dolan during the Allianz Football League Division 3 match against Wicklow. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Dessie Dolan has stepped down as Westmeath football manager.

The decision of the 2004 All-Star forward to bring the curtain down on his two-year reign comes as a surprise.

Appointed ahead of the 2023 season, his debut campaign saw the Lake County be plenty competitive in a Sam Maguire group containing Galway, Armagh, and Tyrone. Indeed, they were a missed John Heslin free against Tyrone from advancing to the preliminary quarter-finals.

Westmeath’s Division 3 League final win this spring meant they once again enjoyed Sam Maguire status come championship, despite falling to Wicklow in the opening round of Leinster. But while they again turned in a series of solid displays, they were unable to secure knockout involvement.

"I will not be seeking reappointment for the season 2024/2025 with Westmeath Senior Footballers," Dolan said in a statement.

"I have completed three years- one as a selector and two years as Senior Football Manager. Being a part of the Tailteann cup success and gaining promotion to Division 2 this year are two significant occasions for our footballers, which I was proud to be a part of. We as a management team worked extremely hard to maintain the highest of standards for our footballers and I believe our performances in the All Ireland series give a lot of optimism for the quality of players within the county.

"I would like to thank our sponsors during my years in charge, O’Briens Renault Garage, Mullingar, for their constant support of the players and management in every respect.

"A sincere thank you to the Westmeath GAA Chairman Frank Mescall, Secretary Brendan Shaw & PRO Marie Lynagh. I would also acknowledge the support of Patrick Doherty Operations Manager. Liam Daly as team co-ordinator was simply the heart beat of everything that we did and worked tirelessly to ensure the players’ every need was met.

"I would like to thank my Management Team and all the backroom team that have been involved in the past two seasons. John Keane, Mick Dillon, Jason Sherlock and Cathal Mullin. I would particularly like to thank Joe and Katie Nangle S&C, Paddy Walsh and Mark Samuals and Tomas Mount who led the analysis team ably assisted by Ashley Cahill. To Donie Malone for media obligations and goalkeeping coach Andy Meares.

"A particular word of thanks to the medical team lead by Jerry O Flynn for his constant support along with physios Vivien Mulryan and Dermot Claffey.

"I always appreciated the great support from the Westmeath supporters. I hope we have given you some enjoyment and happy memories over the last 3 years.

"Finally, to the players, I greatly appreciated the dedication and time you sacrificed for the opportunity to play for Westmeath. I wish you all every success in your future endeavours."

The search for a new manager in the midlands commences.