Westmeath and O Se still full of surprises

New Westmeath manager Páidí Ó Sé has announced three surprising choices for his selectors, just a fortnight before their opening challenge match against Dublin.

The most interesting selection is that of county board secretary Paddy Collins. Collins, was a distinguished referee and previously had a stint as a selector back in the late 1980s.

However, the appointment may prove to be a very wise move by Ó Sé, as Collins may turn out to be a useful ally, especially if the situation ever turns sour in the midlands. The other two selectors named are Tomás Ó Flatharta and Jack Cooney.

All four men will meet for the first time in their new roles next week, in order to put together a panel for Sunday week's challenge match in Dublin.

A cautious Collins adopted a wait-and-see approach when queried on how he thinks the new dynamic will fare.

"The proof will be in the pudding, I suppose," Collins said. "I was asked to help, Páidí is a very persuasive man so I duly accepted."

The new management has maintained a sense of continuity with the old as the services of Jack Cooney have been retained from the Luke Dempsey era, which will provide a useful link between the players and Ó Sé. Cooney will be taking control of the training.

"That was an important aspect," agrees Collins. "Jack Cooney is a very good selector and he has been involved with the seniors for three or four years."

Ó Sé has ensured he wouldn't be the sole Kerry figure on board by naming Ó Flatharta, who would be a complete unknown to most, if not all, in Westmeath.

Ó Flatharta has lived in Dublin for almost 10 years now and is a member of the Kilmacud Crokes club.

He was part of the Crokes panel that won the All-Ireland club championship in 1995 and has been a selector of the senior side for the last two years.

"It came as a bit of a surprise," said the Ballyferriter native. "But Páidí was very anxious that I come with him. Páidí doesn't do things by halves and he is mad keen to really give it a go. I believe he is capable of rising any team."

Ó Flatharta has first-hand knowledge of this; his relationship with Ó Sé dates back to the days when the Kerry legend was first wetting his beak at coaching, as he was a part of the West Kerry teams that won back-to-back county championships in 1984-1985.

Although he has never been a selector at this level, he did play under-21 football for Kerry and he feels that his experience with Kilmacud will stand him in good stead.

"The big Dublin clubs, like Kilmacud Crokes, have a fairly professional set-up. There is the same amount of commitment as there is at inter-county level.

"It will be a bit different, especially travelling from Dublin to Westmeath, but I am looking forward to it," he said.