Six months on from competitive action, the Westmeath senior footballers commence their Allianz Football League Division 2 North campaign with a visit to Navan to play Meath on Sunday (throw-in, 3.45pm ).
A local derby is always one to concentrate the playing minds and having competed in the higher echelons of league football in 2020, the Royal County are certain to provide intense opposition for Westmeath this weekend.
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser this week, Westmeath manager was in a positive mindset as he awaits the imminent start of the Lake County’s competitive league campaign.
“The return to competitive action is very much eagerly anticipated and we have a tough opening encounter against our neighbours Meath. Having just been relegated from Division 1, they are certain to prove formidable opponents but hopefully, come the shrill of the final whistle the players will have put in a performance worthy of achieving the desired result,” Jack remarked.
Having returned to group training four weeks ago, preparations for the forthcoming league campaign have been curtailed to an extent but the playing squad were in focussed mindset upon the start of united pre-season work.
“The players are in good spirits and were delighted to return to a group training environment. As a management we have to be careful with regard to the players’ training load and while we have to get them to attain optimum levels for the competitive action ahead we must be mindful of such demands as the league games will be played over a short period of time,” Jack reflected.
Following the opening league joust with Meath, Westmeath will host both Mayo and Down in TEG Cusack Park Mullingar to complete their round robin division fixtures.
A promotion or relegation play-off will then ensue before the Leinster SFC commences, a quarter-final contest with Laois to take place in O’Connor Park, Tullamore, on July 4.
“These three league games will provide a stern challenge for our players. Mayo are arguably one of the top three teams in the country while Down are making strides under Paddy Tally.
“The games will be highly competitive, of that I am certain, and it is just a pity that supporters won’t be in attendance to witness what is to come,” Jack continued.
There will be a three week period between the conclusion of league fare and the quarter-final tie with Laois and Jack is mindful that this window would be utilised as much for recovery as well as sharpening the players minds ahead of the Leinster senior football championship.
“We have a highly knowledgeable medical and physio team working with the group who will aim to maintain and sustain the players in the best possible condition in the coming weeks.
“There is much to look forward to starting on Sunday and hopefully, we can be as competitive as possible in the league and championship games to come,” Jack concluded.
