Paul Bealin wants to continue as Westmeath football manager, despite failing to win a competitive game with the team this year.

The former Dublin All-Ireland winning midfielder's first season at the helm ended with a 1-14 to 1-15 defeat to Cavan in yesterday's All-Ireland football qualifier at Kingspan Breffni Park. It was Westmeath's 12th straight competitive loss in 2014, making it an annus horribilis for the Lake County.

Not surprisingly, there have been many calls on social media for a change in management, but Wexford-based Bealin says he is committed to seeing out his three-year term, which will be reviewed at August's county board meeting.

His cause will be helped by yesterday's battling display, which saw Westmeath stage a late comeback that would have forced extra-time if John Heslin hadn't missed a routine free in the dying moments. The manager is also believed to have the support of county board chiefs.

"There are some fantastic players in Westmeath," Bealin said.

"I'm there for three years unless they want to change me and that's up to themselves but it is my intention to stay on."

Yesterday's defeat may well have been Dessie Dolan's final appearance in a Westmeath jersey, although the former All Star has yet to reveal what his future intentions are. Tweet

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