Dooley to coach Westmeath hurlers

[turk]

Dooley to coach Westmeath hurlers
18 October 2006


Offaly legend Johnny Dooley will coach the Westmeath hurlers next year as they bid to win the Christy Ring Cup for a second time.

Dooley, who won All-Ireland medals in 1994 and ’98 and was an All-Star recipient on three occasions, replaces former Galway star Justin Campbell in the role of coach. Westmeath will be managed once again by Seamus Qualter, while Raharney’s John Donoghue and Christy Murtagh of Clonkill are continuing as selectors.

Qualter said it was a big boost to Westmeath to have Dooley, who previously coached Kildare and the Offaly minors, on board for 2007.

“It will be great to have someone with Johnny’s experience on board as we build on the progress of the last couple of years.

“We had a very good season this year, defeating Dublin in the Leinster championship and bringing 10,000 to Cusack Park for the semi-final against Kilkenny.

“Of course we were disappointed to be relegated, but we are looking forward, not back and that is why we are planning for next year. We want to go all out and win the Christy Ring Cup again.”

[Lone Shark]

I saw this on Unison all right. On the face of it you'd say Johnny would be ideally cut out for management, but results with the minor hurlers were mixed to say the least. Should be good experience for him though, and you'd have to imagine he'd be well respected and get plenty of support from the Westmeath players.


Funny how things pan out though. Nobody would have picked out Johnny Pilkington of that team for management at all, and yet he did very well with Mullagh in Galway this year. Could be a dark horse for the future yet.

[Kevin]

Good news.

Wish Johnny D well.

Wouldn't have thought Johnny P would be interested in managing. Would have to think he could inspire loyalty and everyone will know where they stand...

Thinking of Johnnies - what is John Troy up to these days?