Westmeath hurling boss Brian Hanley says last Sunday's terrific Walsh Cup victory over Offaly will count for nothing if they lose to Kerry in the first round of the NHL.

"It is the league we're more interested in and you know I would rather lose out there today and beat Kerry in the first round of the league," the Galway man said after the Lake County's 2-13 to 0-12 win in Kinnegad.

"We have to make strides. The lads are 100 per cent committed. It was so difficult dropping those players last week (when he cut his panel to 36). There were tears shed. We have worked hard to date but we need to work harder and harder to achieve where we want to go."

Hanley had special praise for last year's All-Ireland intermediate ladies manager Peter Leahy for the work he has put in on the fitness side of things.

"Peter Leahy is top class and he has come on board after winning an All-Ireland last year with the ladies and you can't argue with that." Tweet

Most Read Stories