Dolan joins high-profile Westmeath U20 management as O'Connor takes ladies reins

Westmeath's James Dolan celebrates. ©INPHO/James Crombie.

James Dolan has become the latest recently-retired Westmeath star to join the county’s new-look U20 football management.

The Garrycastle clubman, who is a first cousin of RTÉ pundit Dessie, made just under 140 appearances in a 13-year senior career with the Lake County before bowing out two years ago. He links up with manager Jamie Gonoud – who is also a senior selector – former All-Star nominee Kieran Martin, Coláiste Mhuire Hogan Cup winning manager Dean McNicholas and Eoin Jordan, who has been heavily involved with Marist College Athlone teams in recent years, and has also managed both his native Athlone and Tubberclair, as well as goalkeeping coach Kevin Fagan from Tubberclair.

Gonoud recently took over from Kenny McKinley, who spent two years in charge.

Meanwhile, Cliodhna O'Connor has been named as the new Westmeath intermediate ladies football manager in succession to Frank Browne.

Hailing from the Naomh Mearnóg club, O'Connor was goalkeeper on Dublin's 2010 All-Ireland senior winning team and was previously involved with Westmeath as a coach.