Martin Fogarty is viewed as the early favourite to succeed Brian Hanley as Westmeath hurling manager.
Former Kilkenny selector Fogarty joined Hanley’s coaching team for the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship round robin series. Westmeath subsequently won a promotion/relegation play-off with Kildare to avoid dropping to the Christy Ring Cup.
Then last Wednesday week a Hanley-led u21 outfit came close to causing a shock in the Leinster Championship at that grade against Dublin. On Monday the Athenry native, who took charge of Westmeath in April 2011, resigned from both positions. “I wish to confirm as last that I am standing down as Westmeath senior and u21 hurling manager after three and a quarter years in charge,” Hanley said in a statement.
“I would like to thank everyone who has worked with me and formed part of my management team during this period. Most of all I’d like to thank the players, and also I would like to thank the county and hurling board for their full support. I wish them and Westmeath continued success on the field and I really hope that they can build on the strong foundations that are now in place. I fully expect Westmeath to gain promotion in the league next year followed by round robin success - Iarmhi Abú.”
On the Westmeath GAA website the county board also stated that they “would like to thank Brian for his time, commitment, and dedication to the promotion of hurling since 2011. He has tried to improve the standing of game within the county and to raise the profile of Westmeath hurling at national level during his time here. Brian is wished the very best in all his future endeavours.”
