Westmeath footballers will have a new manager in 2015 following a vote at Wednesday’s County Board meeting in Mullingar.
Paul Bealin received 12 votes to stay on as Westmeath boss, while 37 opted not to ratify the former Dublin footballer. It was a hugely disappointing campaign for Westmeath, who struggled from early in the year.
Seven straight Allianz Football League Division One defeats ensured Westmeath suffered relegation. Then in the Leinster Senior Football Championship, Louth finished with a flourish to beat Westmeath at Cusack Park. In the All-Ireland football qualifiers Westmeath battled at Kingspan Breffni Park, but eventually lost to Cavan.
There was some controversy at the end of 2013 when Westmeath dismissed Pat Flanagan, who had enjoyed some productive league campaigns in charge of the midlanders.
Westmeath, though, found the step up to division one extremely difficult and failed to win a match throughout the year as 12 competitive matches in a row in the O’Byrne Cup, league, and championship failed to yield a win.
Following the June defeat to Cavan, Bealin spoke about remaining in charge, but Westmeath’s clubs have voted for change.
