Ex-Westmeath footballers Gary Dolan and John Keane will form the new Garrycastle management team for 2018.

Dolan takes over his native club from Basil Mannion and the younger brother of Dessie was an integral part of the side that dominated the Westmeath senior football championship for almost a decade, while he was part of the team that became the first ever Westmeath side to win a Leinster club title in 2011, before they were beaten in the All-Ireland final by Crossmaglen Rangers after a replay.

Keane is a two-time All-Star recipient and along with Dolan was on the Westmeath side that lifted the Leinster SFC title in 2004. The Rosemount clubman was over the county's under-21's this year and has been earning a stellar reputation for himself in management.

Also joining them on the management team is Frankie Doolan who will also manage the club's second team and club chairman Michael Mannion admitted to the Westmeath Independent that they are delighted to appoint such a formidable management team.

"We are delighted to have all three lads on board and committed to the senior team for the coming year," said Mannion. "Gary is coming into the position with an in-depth knowledge of the Garrycastle psyche. He had a very successful playing career with club and county. He won seven county titles, his first all the way back in 2001, and the highlight was probably the Leinster title when we beat Dublin club St Brigid's in the final.

"John Keane was Westmeath under-21 team manager this year and has experience with Maryland and his own club Rosemount. We're also glad that Frankie Doolan will be taking up the position of team selector and manager of the junior team."

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