Right lads, what can you tell me about him? Was involved with Monaghan in 2007, managed the Slashers & Offaly back in the day and trained the Irish International Rules Team in the 90s. According to hoganstand he was only 26 when he got the Slashers to a Leinster semi-final appearance against Dublin in 1988. They where three points up at half-time and then they seemed to get a bad dose of the shits as they lost by 18 in the end...
It certainly is a surprise announcement, I'm not sure it's the one we needed although all the other names mentioned for the post wouldn't fill you with confidence either. From what I've read about him he seems like a good trainer, a good number 2 but will he be able to cut it on the sideline? It's a massive gamble by the county board IMO and they've given him three years to boot. Hopefully he does a Jason Ryan on it in his first year anyway...
Any relation of Samuel? ;D
His brother Jack who is a priest normally forms part of any backroom team he has.
Quote from: Croí na hÉireann on September 09, 2009, 11:20:27 AM
Right lads, what can you tell me about him? Was involved with Monaghan in 2007, managed the Slashers & Offaly back in the day and trained the Irish International Rules Team in the 90s. According to hoganstand he was only 26 when he got the Slashers to a Leinster semi-final appearance against Dublin in 1988. They where three points up at half-time and then they seemed to get a bad dose of the shits as they lost by 18 in the end...
It certainly is a surprise announcement, I'm not sure it's the one we needed although all the other names mentioned for the post wouldn't fill you with confidence either. From what I've read about him he seems like a good trainer, a good number 2 but will he be able to cut it on the sideline? It's a massive gamble by the county board IMO and they've given him three years to boot. Hopefully he does a Jason Ryan on it in his first year anyway...
Don't think he's anything to do with Monaghan for 15 years or so
Flanagan & Dolan Snr will not be happy with that.
Would have liked Dessie Dolan Snr to have got the nod. looks like the Westmeath Council still have issues with him
Quote from: drici on September 09, 2009, 11:29:59 AM
His brother Jack who is a priest normally forms part of any backroom team he has.
Must get a stock of shoe polish in so...
Quote from: Maroon Heaven on September 09, 2009, 11:36:01 AM
Flanagan & Dolan Snr will not be happy with that.
Would have liked Dessie Dolan Snr to have got the nod. looks like the Westmeath Council still have issues with him
Flanagan would have been a disaster, would have preferred Dessie myself but there's more than the Co Board who have issues with him, hence the mandate from the clubs to go for someone outside the county...
Don't know Hackett at all - But by the looks of it - he will make the Westmeath lads train hard.
Hopefully he brings in a good backroom staff.
He was manager of Offaly back in the early 90s. Wasn't spectacular, but apparently has learned a lot since then. I'd imagine he'd be fairly into the preparation and science side of it. Not sure how tactically adept he will be.
An interesting note is that he was odds on for the Offaly job after the heave against Richie, but only on the condition that it didn't leak. I'd say 2 hours after that, most people with connections with Offaly football knew about it. Hence he apparently backed out.
Never managed Longford Slashers but did manage Longford.
He never recovered from the Leinster sem-final disaster in 1988 (I think) where we were 0-08 to 0-06 up at half time agin the Dubs.
Scored the first point of the second half......then Speedy was taken out of it by a Dublin player whose initials are EH and then the wheels came off the wagon.
Final score Longford 0-09 Dublin 4-15.
He based a book on sports physchology on this lesson.
Wasn't the last player EH took out
I've heard him speak in his role as a psychologist, and he was certainly very relevant in that setting. From what I'm told he'll have them fit and the heads will be right.
I wonder should he have be the man for the Laois job :D
Thanks lads, kind of affirms what I thought. Fitness wasn't the problem last year but the heads certainly were so hopefully he can sort that out and do okay tactically. Was kept very quiet in Westmeath, interesting to learn he backed out on the Offaly job, shows he's a man of principle anyway...
Quote from: stephenite on September 09, 2009, 12:36:05 PM
Wasn't the last player EH took out
I'd say Mayo would have been happy to have a few Heery's. Might have got them over the line a few times if they had.
As regards the appointment- looks bizzare to me. I mean inter county management after a lengthy abscence is an unforgiving place but I suppose expectations are low enough.
Quote from: INDIANA on September 10, 2009, 08:23:39 AM
Quote from: stephenite on September 09, 2009, 12:36:05 PM
Wasn't the last player EH took out
I'd say Mayo would have been happy to have a few Heery's. Might have got them over the line a few times if they had.
As regards the appointment- looks bizzare to me. I mean inter county management after a lengthy abscence is an unforgiving place but I suppose expectations are low enough.
I wouldn't agree with that. We have 3 of the best backs in the country who'd get onto most teams, one of the best goalkeepers around, a decent midfield (contrary to what they showed this year) and a couple of very good forwards. We just need to balance that up with some decent support and get the heads right. Consolidate in the league and aim for Leinster, would put us at the top of the chasing pack (Dublin and Kildare being the breakaway group)...
Hope you're right. Not sure I agree though, I think the 2004 team bar a couple of exceptions is winding down and I don't see the obvious replacements
I hope I'm right too :P Don't expect to see Flanagan or Healy next year so the oldest members of the team will be 31, should still be enough running in them legs for one more shot at it...
hate to burst your bubble Croi
but imo Hackett is a sports fitness guru that has a good bit of psychology along with it, but his background isnt really football.
Like a lot of the stuff I post on here, its from memory and I dont or wont have links to draw from, but my first notion of Hckett was when he was a 'physio' running his own practice and gym just of main st /captains hill in Leixlip.
Like McCloskey that coached Derry the guy is a fitness man who may have a relationship with Gaelic games from playing underage but not much into adult if I recall correctly.
I have a feeling that he had a brother that was more into the football.
anyhow, Hackett has learned his 'trade' from being physio, fitness trainer, part of a management team in places then he eventually got the county positions.
Imo the man is a pro, but he lacks the wealth of football knowledge needed to be a top rate manager - that ODwyer, Paudie, Harte, Kernan etc all have.
Conversely Boylan didnt have much football knowledge but he had hurling, plus Boylan was surrounded by generals in cassels, mcentee, Lyons, Harnan, Barry, O'rourke, OMalley, OConnell etc etc
I think with huge effort from westmeath players he coul dhave them fit and mentaly fine tuned. Football wise he will need help. If he hasnt Dessie on the squad, then he may need the likes of Dessie sr on the line withhim. That and a bit of luck could get him by.
He wont lack the effort. Just doesnt speak or know football intuitively like the others mentioned.
No bubble to burst lynchbhoy, I would share all them concerns you outlined. A lot will depend on the make up of his backroom team. We have the players for one more shot at it, hopefully we get the management team too...
Quote from: Croí na hÉireann on September 09, 2009, 11:42:05 AM
Quote from: drici on September 09, 2009, 11:29:59 AM
His brother Jack who is a priest normally forms part of any backroom team he has.
Must get a stock of shoe polish in so...
Quote from: Maroon Heaven on September 09, 2009, 11:36:01 AM
Flanagan & Dolan Snr will not be happy with that.
Would have liked Dessie Dolan Snr to have got the nod. looks like the Westmeath Council still have issues with him
Flanagan would have been a disaster, would have preferred Dessie myself but there's more than the Co Board who have issues with him, hence the mandate from the clubs to go for someone outside the county...
Hackett was the only name forward for it as well. I remember he was in charge of Offaly back in the early 90s. We had Dublin in the first round in Tullamore. Hackett was interviewed on sports stadium and Mick Dunne (or whoever it was) said to Hackett that he had Offaly very fit. Hackett replied that it was no use in snooker being able to run around the table quickly unless you could pot all the balls. Anyways, Offaly got absolutely trounced.
It's hard to Hackett in this racket, even if you're macking a packet.
I know Hackett and in my opinion and experience, he knows more about football, a lot more, than is suggested by some of the comments here. That said I would agree with the point that he would be well served to have a / more than one good football man in his sideline team.
Quote from: lynchbhoy on September 10, 2009, 10:37:20 AM
hate to burst your bubble Croi
but imo Hackett is a sports fitness guru that has a good bit of psychology along with it, but his background isnt really football.
Like a lot of the stuff I post on here, its from memory and I dont or wont have links to draw from, but my first notion of Hckett was when he was a 'physio' running his own practice and gym just of main st /captains hill in Leixlip.
Like McCloskey that coached Derry the guy is a fitness man who may have a relationship with Gaelic games from playing underage but not much into adult if I recall correctly.
I have a feeling that he had a brother that was more into the football.
anyhow, Hackett has learned his 'trade' from being physio, fitness trainer, part of a management team in places then he eventually got the county positions.
Imo the man is a pro, but he lacks the wealth of football knowledge needed to be a top rate manager - that ODwyer, Paudie, Harte, Kernan etc all have.
Conversely Boylan didnt have much football knowledge but he had hurling, plus Boylan was surrounded by generals in cassels, mcentee, Lyons, Harnan, Barry, O'rourke, OMalley, OConnell etc etc
I think with huge effort from westmeath players he coul dhave them fit and mentaly fine tuned. Football wise he will need help. If he hasnt Dessie on the squad, then he may need the likes of Dessie sr on the line withhim. That and a bit of luck could get him by.
He wont lack the effort. Just doesnt speak or know football intuitively like the others mentioned.
Agree with all that
Would fancy Westmeath to come out of the blocks early under him. Might have a wee check at O'Byrne cup prices. The gym in Bloomfield will be getting alot of use before Christmas I'm sure. I know in O'Flaharta's first year as manager he put a big effort into physical and mental preparation. A few senior lads in the squad didn't like it, and favored the Tyrone approach of more ball drills
Hackett relishing new role
15 September 2009
New Westmeath football boss Brendan Hackett has dismissed suggestions that the Lake County are a spent force.
Westmeath's dramatic declines in fortunes this year would suggest that Hackett has a major rebuilding job on his hands, but speaking at his unveiling to the media in Mullingar on Sunday, the former chief executive of Athletics Ireland insisted that there is plenty of talent and potential in the county.
"I'd regard Westmeath as very talented. If you're playing Division 1 football and you've won Division 2 titles, you are very talented," he said.
And he is confident that there won't be wholesale retirements in the wake of a disastrous 2009 for the Lake County.
"There are a lot of them that have won Leinster titles - you try to keep that talent.
"I always say don't judge a book by its cover. People are getting a sense of Brendan Hackett by what they are hearing from other people, but they are not actually opening the covers to see what's inside."
The Monaghan native also believes the job is not just about managing the senior footballers.
"I would see it as director of football as well," he added.
"I said it to Des Maguire (football board chairman) and Tom Farrell (county board chairman), if you just see Brendan Hackett as just managing the senior football team, you are wasting an opportunity, because Brendan Hackett can offer so much more because of the background and experience I have."
:D :D :D
From Westmeath notes...
FOOTBALL MANAGER
Following a meeting of the Football Board and the County Board last Tuesday eve Mr. Brendan Hackett was ratified as manager of the Westmeath Senior County Football team for a period of three years. Mr Hackett caries extensive knowledge with him into this position having been involved in inter county management before and more recently through his involvement with Athletics Ireland where he held the position of Chief Executive.
Speaking to the local media in Cusack Park last Sunday after the Semi-final he outlined his Goals and ambitions for Westmeath GAA over the next three years, firstly he thanked the Westmeath County Board for giving him the honour of managing the Westmeath Senior football before going on to explain what he felt his role involved. He said his main role was to create a high performance environment in which teams playing senior football will be prepared to the highest standard.
He will create a transparent system for the selection of the Senior Football Panel, his main aim is
: to maintain Div 2 NFL status (which he felt is crucial for the development of football within the county).
: Perform to the highest ability in the LSFC
: Win at least 2 games in the Qualifiers (if necessary)
He also said he would like to meet with the clubs as he felt that players should play as much club football as possible.
Not exactly setting that bar high with them aims for the year. One former player reckons he's a disaster and it has been reported that some Westmeath players are considering "early retirement" after Dessie Dolan Snr wasn't granted an interview for the manager's post. Things can only go one way from here. As for referring to yourself in the third person, ::)
I look forward to reading more interviews with Brendan Hackett where he talks about Brendan Hackett. ;D
Possibly a little self obsessed?
Does anyone remember the last time that Dessie Dolan was fit for 3 games in a row for Westmeath? I'd love Hackett to get all the players fit for a start and if they cannot stay fit cut away the drift wood. Dolan at this current time is a spent force. I think Hackett may actually need to pry players from sports like rugby and soccer to gleen the talent to mount a challenge in Westmeath ranks before he starts any plans.
If Hackett wants to start on a positive note he should point out that if The Blizzards from Mullingar can be the first decent band to make it on the national stage since Joe Dolan then there is no reason why Westmeath football cannot make the same leap! ;)
I dont know about this.. Good job his brother is a priest allthough westmeath were that bad last year you'd want to set up a religion for them never mind prayers... Hopefully he brings something fresh to the camp because we do have good backs but I'd have to disagree about the midfield. Our best Midfielder last year played for 30 mins in 1 game....
I wrote that interview piece, if anyone wants the audio of it - the presser lasted an hour! drop me a PM with your email.
Sounds like another Christian Gross! Way out of touch I'd say on things by the looks of it.
If he regards westmeath as very talented- then maintaining div2 status as a target is a tad of a contradiction.
Jaysus I don't know if Dessie is a spent force in Westmeath terms. He scored about 1-3 in the first half against Tyrellspass in the semi final there on Sunday.
Quote from: AZOffaly on September 17, 2009, 12:13:36 PM
Jaysus I don't know if Dessie is a spent force in Westmeath terms. He scored about 1-3 in the first half against Tyrellspass in the semi final there on Sunday.
I would agree with that but he needs a good rest over the winter. For that reason I hope that whoever comes through from the other side (Lomans or Kinnegad) wins and I've never shouted for either of them in my life...
It's getting more surreal by the day Lakeside...
Olympic champion links up with Lake County
15 October 2009
by Randal Scally
Olympic boxing champion Michael Carruth has joined new Westmeath football manager Brendan Hackett's backroom team.
The Gold Medallist at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics was unveiled as the team's new masseur at a meeting of over 70 players last night in Kinnegad's Hilamar Hotel. As expected, former county star Michael 'Spike' Fagan was confirmed as a selector, having trained under Hackett when Ireland played Australia in the 1990 International Rules series.
The former Athletics Ireland chief executive, who will combine the manager's role with that of physical trainer, will appoint a second selector in the coming weeks.
The purpose of last night's meeting was for the new manager to outline his plans for the coming season. The players in attendance were nominated by a selection committee headed up by former All-Ireland final referee Paddy Collins, and will take part in a series of trials at Mullingar's Lakepoint Park this coming weekend.
The players will undergo a series of fitness tests the following weekend and will then undertake individual fitness programmes for the closed season of November and December.
A notable absentee from last night's gathering was former All-Star Dessie Dolan, who may not make himself available for selection next season after his father, also Dessie, wasn't considered for the manager's job.
Westmeath chairman Tom Farrell was delighted with the response to what was Hackett's first meeting with the players.
"There was a tremendous turnout. To have over 70 players at the meeting after the season we've just had was fantastic. The players were very impressed with what Brendan had to say. He spelled out things very clearly for them and they now know what's required if they want to get on the county panel next year," he said.
Brendan Hackett's inclusion of Eoin Rheinisch in his backroom team is another interesting development in what promises to be a very interesting year for Westmeath.
Hackett is an expert in his field of both mental and physical preparation for sport, while Carruth is a proven winner at elite amateur level and Rheinisch comes with a proven Olympic pedigree as well as no doubt some very interesting ideas on the preparation of athletes.
This will either sit very easily with the guys in Westmeath and they will enjoy the variations in training and the professionalism that will be brought to the set-up, or they will think it is too far left of centre and end up bitching about it.
Given the performance of the team last year, I hope it will be the former. Experiments like this, and I use the term very loosely and respectfully, as I don't think it is a total shot in the dark, but at the same time, experiments like this is where future development and innovation in sport come from. Ideas and theories need to be tested somewhere.
Looks like Westmeath are going to have the privilege of being the guinea pigs.
Good luck to them.
Good points - but I worry for the absence of real or deep football men
Bit aghast really. Sounds like a mad scientists experiment. Written westmeath off already I'm afraid.
Quote from: irunthev on October 16, 2009, 03:58:44 PM
Brendan Hackett's inclusion of Eoin Rheinisch in his backroom team is another interesting development in what promises to be a very interesting year for Westmeath.
Hackett is an expert in his field of both mental and physical preparation for sport, while Carruth is a proven winner at elite amateur level and Rheinisch comes with a proven Olympic pedigree as well as no doubt some very interesting ideas on the preparation of athletes.
This will either sit very easily with the guys in Westmeath and they will enjoy the variations in training and the professionalism that will be brought to the set-up, or they will think it is too far left of centre and end up bitching about it.
Given the performance of the team last year, I hope it will be the former. Experiments like this, and I use the term very loosely and respectfully, as I don't think it is a total shot in the dark, but at the same time, experiments like this is where future development and innovation in sport come from. Ideas and theories need to be tested somewhere.
Looks like Westmeath are going to have the privilege of being the guinea pigs.
Good luck to them.
I know they are adding Rugby Sevens and Golf to the Olympic Games - did they also mention Gaelic Fooball?
Good Luck to Westmeath minus Dessie.
Do the footballers still have to refer to Brendan Hacket in the Third Person?
Quote from: The Konica on October 16, 2009, 07:52:37 PM
Do the footballers still have to refer to Brendan Hacket in the Third Person?
If he's a success he will be three persons... The Holy Trinity.
I don't think it is quite "mad scientist", but there's a fair amount of experimentation in there and the risk is that early on that football questions may be asked of him that he can't answer. If that should happen then that's when the project will loose credibility. However, Hackett is a highly intelligent and motivated individual with a high profile in his field. I do not think he would risk his reputation by returning to GAA if he didn't think he had something to offer. The fact that 70 players turned up this weekend for a talk means that there is a fair amount of interest in the new era. One thing for sure, it will be a little more scientific than the chest thumping of Paudi.
Please keep in mind too that Dr Niall Moyna, who is considered to be one of the great innovators of our time in terms of GAA, was actually based in America for many years and therefore not actively involved in the GAA at a high level. However, now he has transformed DCU and has had an input into Dublin and St Vincents and also is a very in-demand coach. These guys have skills that are transferrable and they understand sport and athletes. Most of any sport is a mind game, if Hackett can mentally influence the Westmeath players, then he will have won half the battle before a ball is kicked in anger.
It's going to make very interesting viewing.
Quote from: irunthev on October 16, 2009, 08:44:40 PM
Quote from: The Konica on October 16, 2009, 07:52:37 PM
Do the footballers still have to refer to Brendan Hacket in the Third Person?
If he's a success he will be three persons... The Holy Trinity.
I don't think it is quite "mad scientist", but there's a fair amount of experimentation in there and the risk is that early on that football questions may be asked of him that he can't answer. If that should happen then that's when the project will loose credibility. However, Hackett is a highly intelligent and motivated individual with a high profile in his field. I do not think he would risk his reputation by returning to GAA if he didn't think he had something to offer. The fact that 70 players turned up this weekend for a talk means that there is a fair amount of interest in the new era. One thing for sure, it will be a little more scientific than the chest thumping of Paudi.
Please keep in mind too that Dr Niall Moyna, who is considered to be one of the great innovators of our time in terms of GAA, was actually based in America for many years and therefore not actively involved in the GAA at a high level. However, now he has transformed DCU and has had an input into Dublin and St Vincents and also is a very in-demand coach. These guys have skills that are transferrable and they understand sport and athletes. Most of any sport is a mind game, if Hackett can mentally influence the Westmeath players, then he will have won half the battle before a ball is kicked in anger.
It's going to make very interesting viewing.
Scientists and guru's have failed to make a difference in teams before - you need good football men first.
Moyna a great innovator? In-demand coach? According to who? Himself?
Moyna has had input into Clontibtret, Dublin, Vincents, DCU and Scotstown - lets look at it.
Dublin - Done nothing of significance and in fact they've had to bring in the old strength coach after last years disaster.
Vincents - The coach was primarily Mickey Whelan there
DCU - bought one Sigerson and have failed every year after that and DCU has failed to win anything of significance
Scotstown - Did nothing, brought in a new trainer the next year and he got them to a semi final
I think Hacket has a chance if he can get the footballers on board and prove that he has a good football brain.
I don't think he has helped ease the worries of the football people with the backroom team, but perhaps there's more to be added to the team?
At least it will be an interesting development to watch and to see what the players think.
Certainly after last years debacle.
Quote from: The Konica on October 16, 2009, 08:56:57 PM
Quote from: irunthev on October 16, 2009, 08:44:40 PM
Quote from: The Konica on October 16, 2009, 07:52:37 PM
Do the footballers still have to refer to Brendan Hacket in the Third Person?
If he's a success he will be three persons... The Holy Trinity.
I don't think it is quite "mad scientist", but there's a fair amount of experimentation in there and the risk is that early on that football questions may be asked of him that he can't answer. If that should happen then that's when the project will loose credibility. However, Hackett is a highly intelligent and motivated individual with a high profile in his field. I do not think he would risk his reputation by returning to GAA if he didn't think he had something to offer. The fact that 70 players turned up this weekend for a talk means that there is a fair amount of interest in the new era. One thing for sure, it will be a little more scientific than the chest thumping of Paudi.
Please keep in mind too that Dr Niall Moyna, who is considered to be one of the great innovators of our time in terms of GAA, was actually based in America for many years and therefore not actively involved in the GAA at a high level. However, now he has transformed DCU and has had an input into Dublin and St Vincents and also is a very in-demand coach. These guys have skills that are transferrable and they understand sport and athletes. Most of any sport is a mind game, if Hackett can mentally influence the Westmeath players, then he will have won half the battle before a ball is kicked in anger.
It's going to make very interesting viewing.
Scientists and guru's have failed to make a difference in teams before - you need good football men first.
Moyna a great innovator? In-demand coach? According to who? Himself?
Moyna has had input into Clontibtret, Dublin, Vincents, DCU and Scotstown - lets look at it.
Dublin - Done nothing of significance and in fact they've had to bring in the old strength coach after last years disaster.
Vincents - The coach was primarily Mickey Whelan there
DCU - bought one Sigerson and have failed every year after that and DCU has failed to win anything of significance
Scotstown - Did nothing, brought in a new trainer the next year and he got them to a semi final
I think Hacket has a chance if he can get the footballers on board and prove that he has a good football brain.
I don't think he has helped ease the worries of the football people with the backroom team, but perhaps there's more to be added to the team?
At least it will be an interesting development to watch and to see what the players think.
Certainly after last years debacle.
I agree about the football brain required. Doesn't have to be anyone spectacular as the rest of the backroom will keep the media amused for the whole year but he does need a real thinker, someone who knows the game inside out and can spot the opposition weakness and knows how to exploit it as well as knowing how to hide there own weakness. Then again, I guess every county needs a guy like that I suppose. Not exactly the sort of thing you can pick up in Argos.
I'd have thought someone like O'Flaharta would be the perfect 2nd in command for a circus like that ... let the rest of the backroom team take the media spotlight and let the main men get on with it
That's a bizarre back room set up taking shape.
I'd say they'll have drafted in Roddy Collins, Marty Whelan and Donie Cassidy before the league starts.
Here is what Padraig Dunne from the 1982 Offaly team makes of Hackett:
QuoteApart from Eugene McGee I think Brendan Hackett was the best I played under. He could have been a brilliant manager and still could be if he wanted but I think he ended up doing what he really wanted which was athletics. He had everything. He was very good with players and knew what he wanted. We might not have won anything under him but we went very well. Meath beat us in the championship but we were very well prepared, we just flopped on the day. What I saw of Brendan I thought he would go on to win an All-Ireland and he still could some day if he wanted too.
http://www.gaelsport.com/html/club/newfullstory.jsp?c=147&newsID=24566&p=n
Sometimes it's no harm to have a lad that's a bit mad in charge of a team.
Quote from: Jinxy on October 17, 2009, 05:09:57 PM
Sometimes it's no harm to have a lad that's a bit mad in charge of a team.
Especially when they have no chance of winning anything.
Either this is a stroke of genius or we'll be made look like fools...
Another endorsement for Hackett from another Olympian.
QuoteOlympian canoeist Eoin Rheinisch says that Westmeath have "struck gold" with their appointment of Brendan Hackett as senior county football team-manager.
Rheinisch, a fourth place finisher at the Beijing Games, will also help with the midlanders' preparatons.
"They have struck gold with Brendan and the rest of the backroom staff," said the Olympian.
"I mean you have Michael Carruth as the masseuse. No other team will have an Olympic gold medallist as a masseuse.
"He is a very inspirational man as well and he'll be involved in some of the conditioning work as well."
Jesus Christ I never heard that news about Michael!
Quote from: Maroon Heaven on October 31, 2009, 03:30:18 PM
Either this is a stroke of genius or we'll be made look like fools...
Another endorsement for Hackett from another Olympian.
QuoteOlympian canoeist Eoin Rheinisch says that Westmeath have "struck gold" with their appointment of Brendan Hackett as senior county football team-manager.
Rheinisch, a fourth place finisher at the Beijing Games, will also help with the midlanders' preparatons.
"They have struck gold with Brendan and the rest of the backroom staff," said the Olympian.
"I mean you have Michael Carruth as the masseuse. No other team will have an Olympic gold medallist as a masseuse.
"He is a very inspirational man as well and he'll be involved in some of the conditioning work as well."
Sounds like a lunatic to me.
I have it now. We are up against Wee James And Down in March in the league.
Westmeath maybe have a score or two to settle.
Quote from: Maroon Heaven on October 31, 2009, 03:30:18 PM
Either this is a stroke of genius or we'll be made look like fools...
Another endorsement for Hackett from another Olympian.
QuoteOlympian canoeist Eoin Rheinisch says that Westmeath have "struck gold" with their appointment of Brendan Hackett as senior county football team-manager.
Rheinisch, a fourth place finisher at the Beijing Games, will also help with the midlanders' preparatons.
"They have struck gold with Brendan and the rest of the backroom staff," said the Olympian.
"I mean you have Michael Carruth as the masseuse. No other team will have an Olympic gold medallist as a masseuse.
"He is a very inspirational man as well and he'll be involved in some of the conditioning work as well."
?????
Endorsement from the man who is employing him!!
'Brown nosing' ?
Watch this car crash in June
From bad to worse, Jaysus if we continue to lose our top players at this rate we'd struggle to even give the Slashers their annual beating...
Westmeath suffer Gavin blow
By Randal Scally
Westmeath full back Kieran Gavin has told new manager Brendan Hackett that he won't be available for selection next year.
The 21-year-old, who has been a key member of the Lake County defence since making his senior debut three years ago, has already made plans to spend next summer in San Francisco. And even though he won't depart until May, he doesn't think there is much point in playing in the National League if he's not going to be around for the championship.
"I'm an all or nothing sort of person," the highly-rated Mullingar Shamrocks clubman said.
"I spoke to Brendan Hackett for the first time yesterday and I told him that there would be no point in me playing in the league if I'm not going to be here for the championship. Besides, I feel I need a break from football after the amount I've played between senior, under 21, minor with my club and county, and colleges with DCU, over the past few years.
"John Keane took a year out from football to go travelling when he was about my age and he said it did him the power of good. I mightn't get a chance like this again, so I'm determined to take it."
Gavin will depart for the West Coast of the US as soon as he completes his environmental exams in DCU next May, and won't return until September.
News of Gavin's unavailability will inevitably increase the pressure on double All-Star corner back John Keane to reverse his decision to retire from inter-county football at the age of just 29. The new Westmeath management will also be hoping to persuade star forward Dessie Dolan to remain on board.
The Garrycastle clubman is believed to be still angry with the county board after his father, also Dessie, wasn't afforded an interview for the manager's job when it became vacant during the summer.
Not really looking good for the year ahead. Can only wish Kieran a good summer, one of the best full backs in the county and will hopefully have many other summers watching him in the maroon and white. As someone who spent a summer in San Fran at 21 he'll have a blast and maybe he needs a year off to recharge the batteries. However it could backfire on him as well, it took Kevin Hughes 3 years to rediscover any type of form after he went traveling and I still don't think he is near the player he was before he left. The grind of training and hassle involved with playing county as well as club must make a break look attractive to players but it'll require twice as much work and time to get back to where they were before. Something Kieran and other players should bear in mind before making any decision and for that reason I'd keep Kieran involved for the league even if he does decide to stick with his original decision.
Looks like the Westmeath Season is in Turmoil...
Hackett came out During the week to confirm what many of us have been thinking - he revealed that he is "way behind" in his preparations for the new season due to the logistical difficulties caused by the recent severe flooding in the Shannon region.
I'm lost as to what this statement means. I know a few of the county players who are doing gym work, but nothing ese. What was he planning on doing in late November that the flooding has had such an effect?
It'd be great if the westmeath lads could keep this thread updated as the season goes on. I'm looking forward immensely to all the tales of lunacy and comedy gold that is guaranteed before the inevitible strike.
Quote from: Maroon Heaven on December 13, 2009, 10:07:18 PM
Looks like the Westmeath Season is in Turmoil...
Hackett came out During the week to confirm what many of us have been thinking - he revealed that he is "way behind" in his preparations for the new season due to the logistical difficulties caused by the recent severe flooding in the Shannon region.
I'm lost as to what this statement means. I know a few of the county players who are doing gym work, but nothing ese. What was he planning on doing in late November that the flooding has had such an effect?
Maybe that Rowing lad can't get Dessie Dolan out canoeing because it's too fast a current? Or Michael Carruth can't get punch bags filled as all the sand is being used to keep Golden Island Shopping Centre dry?
Offaly are in a far worse state. There isn't a dry sod in the county to burn for the winter. Expect this to feature heavily in post-Meath inquest.
Quote from: AZOffaly on December 14, 2009, 11:22:19 AM
Quote from: Maroon Heaven on December 13, 2009, 10:07:18 PM
Looks like the Westmeath Season is in Turmoil...
Hackett came out During the week to confirm what many of us have been thinking - he revealed that he is "way behind" in his preparations for the new season due to the logistical difficulties caused by the recent severe flooding in the Shannon region.
I'm lost as to what this statement means. I know a few of the county players who are doing gym work, but nothing ese. What was he planning on doing in late November that the flooding has had such an effect?
Maybe that Rowing lad can't get Dessie Dolan out canoeing because it's too fast a current? Or Michael Carruth can't get punch bags filled as all the sand is being used to keep Golden Island Shopping Centre dry?
Offaly are in a far worse state. There isn't a dry sod in the county to burn for the winter. Expect this to feature heavily in post-Meath inquest.
Is that a fecking Biff Dig there??........... Sure you know the greatest Forward of our Generation is not playing for Iarmhi next season. Has been making up his mind about playing since September and looks like he is going to wait a while yet.
Our season is fecked.
Has all the hallmarks of an ongoing Christmas pantomine.
Peter Canavan "not playing for Iarmhi next season" shock!
Quote from: Maroon Heaven on December 14, 2009, 02:04:00 PM
Sure you know the greatest Forward of our Generation is not playing for Iarmhi next season.
This is fun ...
I can't believe they are going on about this ...
What's the betting on the first GAA football manager to get the sack?
Ps. I wonder in the Hurling will McCarthy get it before Mike Mac?
Some welcome news off the field of play by Westmeath County Board....
QuoteWestmeath County Board unveiled its Strategic Plan 2010-2015 on Wednesday night, February 3.
GAA President Christy Cooney was on hand at the Mullingar Park Hotel to launch the initiative, which will tackle the huge discrepancy between the numbers of underage GAA and soccer teams in large urban areas such as Athlone and Mullingar.
It has emerged that there are 22 underage soccer teams in Athlone, with just two juvenile gaelic football clubs and one club catering for underage hurling.
According to the report - part of a comprehensive strategy across a wide range of areas which the Westmeath County Board hopes to implement before 2015:
"Rather than being negative about the competition, should we not be copying their modus operandi and developing Gaelic teams based on large estates and districts to feed in at a higher level to the established clubs?
"Games can be arranged at U8, U10 and U12 level on greens within estates, while also using town facilities.
"Clubs themselves must decide if they can keep going by only being able to field on an irregular basis. Realistically, if you can only field 10 players at U12 level, how many do you expect to field at U16 and minor level?
"This is a difficulty and, no doubt controversial, issue but it is a topic that must be addressed in the lifetime of this plan."
http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/westmeath-board-to-tackle-athlone-numbers-game-2047356.html
Quote"Games can be arranged at U8, U10 and U12 level on greens within estates, while also using town facilities.
I wish him luck with that.
Quote from: Maroon Heaven on February 04, 2010, 03:30:22 PM
GAA President Christy Cooney was on hand at the Mullingar Park Hotel to launch the initiative, which will tackle the huge discrepancy between the numbers of underage GAA and soccer teams in large urban areas such as Athlone and Mullingar.
I don't know why Mullingar is even mentioned in this report. Only one soccer club and most young lads only play with them until 15/16 and then the football/hurling takes over completely. Essentially 4 football clubs operating from the town when you consider The Downs and Shandonagh would pull from certain estates as well as the rural areas.
There might be greater interest in the GAA in Athlone if the club had not engaged in a row that was ongoing for over 20 years and lead directly to the setting up of GarryCastle.
Quote from: Eoghan Mag on February 04, 2010, 05:16:26 PM
There might be greater interest in the GAA in Athlone if the club had not engaged in a row that was ongoing for over 20 years and lead directly to the setting up of GarryCastle.
Is all that money still resting in the original account?
Dessie Snr - gas man.
I'm afraid to even ponder that question for fear of re-igniting the Athlone Civil War!
Quote from: Eoghan Mag on February 04, 2010, 06:28:37 PM
I'm afraid to even ponder that question for fear of re-igniting the Athlone Civil War!
A friend of mine is married to a girl from a well known family in Garrycastle. I was at a Garrycastle dinner dance a few years ago with him and he jokingly told a few people there that he was transferring from his home club to Athlone and he was nearly killed - cue twenty years of bitterness being told all over again!
that report makes for shocking reading, the gaa need to spend money in urban ireland. a town of 20k with 2 juvenile gaelic clubs that could be achieved in Belgium ffs. and anyone who tells me athlone is a soccer town is talking balls, the soccer team draw crowds in the hundreds
Athlone is a soccer town in the sense that it's the main interest of people in the town, however that said, that report is slightly misleading too. It should not be forgotten that Clan na Gael of Roscommon take in all the Connacht side of the town, and while they traditionally didn't get too many players from in there, they are working on it and have playing pitches in the town with a view towards taking in the townie youngsters. That was the biggest problem for years - nobody really went after those on the Connacht side of the town.
Two clubs for the Westmeath side only is actually not that bad. Garrycastle are pretty good at looking after their end of things as well - it's really only the Athlone club itself that is falling short.
Quote from: Lone Shark on February 05, 2010, 12:34:29 AM
Two clubs for the Westmeath side only is actually not that bad. Garrycastle are pretty good at looking after their end of things as well - it's really only the Athlone club itself that is falling short.
Garrycastle have an excellent senior team at the moment, based on 2 outstanding minor teams in 96 and 99. But they are in a very poor state at underage. It is not an unusual sight to see them failing to field or taking heavy beatings.
And the shambles continues....
One of our best Forwards we have (on our panel that is) has not decided to walk...
Denis Glennon has walked folks - http://www.hoganstand.com/Westmeath/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=124371
Doesn't Glennon do this every so often?
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 23, 2010, 06:54:31 PM
Doesn't Glennon do this every so often?
It's no indication that anything is wrong in the camp however the start to the league has not been encouraging for Westmeath. On current form it looks like they will struggle to stay in division 2. As to what Glennon's issues are it is not fully clear
Quote from: turk on February 23, 2010, 08:54:38 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on February 23, 2010, 06:54:31 PM
Doesn't Glennon do this every so often?
It's no indication that anything is wrong in the camp however the start to the league has not been encouraging for Westmeath. On current form it looks like they will struggle to stay in division 2. As to what Glennon's issues are it is not fully clear
there's the understatement of the year :D
Maybe Hackett wanted Glennon to try something different. Like maybe not soloing around in circles for 15 minutes before losing the ball. Also maybe he asked him to get up off his knees afterwards, rather than staying down flapping his hands in exasperation like an auld wan who realises she's too late to do her weekly €2 Lotto quickpick.
Quote from: AZOffaly on February 24, 2010, 01:11:49 PM
Maybe Hackett wanted Glennon to try something different. Like maybe not soloing around in circles for 15 minutes before losing the ball. Also maybe he asked him to get up off his knees afterwards, rather than staying down flapping his hands in exasperation like an auld wan who realises she's too late to do her weekly €2 Lotto quickpick.
+1.
It was only a matter of time. Let him off...
Glennon probably misses the thrill of avoiding passing it to Dessie Dolan at all costs!
What are the odds of westmeath being relegated? Has to be the safest bet going.
I believe Michael Carruth has the Westmeath panel doing a bit of boxing training up in Dublin
Quote from: heffo on March 01, 2010, 09:51:22 AM
I believe Michael Carruth has the Westmeath panel doing a bit of boxing training up in Dublin
I think it might be football training they need
Westmeath boss Hackett facing player revolt after league woe
By Liam Kelly
Thursday April 15 2010
IN the latest outbreak of player power, beleaguered Westmeath football manager Brendan Hackett is coming under fire in the wake of his side's disastrous league campaign.
Talks were scheduled to take place after a training session last night to thrash out the issues. This followed a meeting on Monday night between some players and key county board members.
It is believed the players made clear their unhappiness with Hackett and his stewardship of their football team. Hackett has overseen a seven-game losing streak and relegation to Division 3 of the National Football League.
Now senior players and some U-21s who reached the Leinster final are questioning the manager's performance as they begin preparations for their championship opener against the winners of Wicklow versus Carlow on June 6.
Players were reluctant to speak about the issue last night, while county board officials responded with a blanket "no comment" when contacted by the Irish Independent. Hackett was unavailable for comment.
Westmeath football has been in a spiralling slump since the 2009 league, in which they also lost all seven games in Division 1 to be relegated under Tomas O Flatharta. They exited last year's Leinster championship following a crushing defeat to Dublin at Croke Park, before suffering a 10-point loss to Meath in the All-Ireland qualifers, following which O Flatharta resigned.
Hackett, former team manager of Longford and Offaly, but most recently chief executive of the Athletics Association of Ireland, was appointed in September. A native of Monaghan, he was an early proponent of using psychology to improve GAA teams. Hackett has a wide view of his role with Westmeath. He brought in former Olympic boxing champion Michael Carruth and canoeing Olympian Eoin Rheinisch as part of his backroom team.
At his first media conference as team manager, he said: "I would see it as director of football as well. If you see Brendan Hackett as just managing the senior football team, you are wasting an opportunity, because Brendan Hackett can offer so much more because of the background and experience I have."
He has support among some fans who agree with his view that Westmeath are in transition, but senior Westmeath players are appalled at the run of form and can't wait for a few years to see pride in their county restored.
Top star Dessie Dolan didn't join Hackett's squad for the start of the league and experienced Denis Glennon opted out after early-season defeats.
Not in the least bit surprised but I don't think there's much point changing horse in midstream. But to continue Hackett has to jetson Carruth, Rheinisch and even Spike Fagan and bring in a football man with proven football knowledge, it's been poor lineups and poor decision making on the line that has cost us. I think most in Westmeath would agree that we are in transition but anyone I've been talking to has agreed that Hackett is poor and is costing us on the line. The county board have a lot to answer for here as well for pushing through a motion that the manager had to come from outside the county. Unless there's a major turnaround in the next couple of months Hackett has to go at the end of the summer.
Westmeath football must be nostalgic for the days when it was on its knees.
Free shot now for anyone from the daughter county that wants to take a pot.
On the one hand, it's getting way too easy for players to pass the buck to the manager these days. It seems to be the default option. Maybe some of those players should consider why the following is the case. Hackett was nowhere near them then.
QuoteWestmeath football has been in a spiralling slump since the 2009 league, in which they also lost all seven games in Division 1 to be relegated under Tomas O Flatharta. They exited last year's Leinster championship following a crushing defeat to Dublin at Croke Park, before suffering a 10-point loss to Meath in the All-Ireland qualifers, following which O Flatharta resigned.
On the other hand, I'm always suspicious of someone who talks like this...
QuoteI would see it as director of football as well. If you see Brendan Hackett as just managing the senior football team, you are wasting an opportunity, because Brendan Hackett can offer so much more because of the background and experience I have
AZOffaly thinks that anyone who talks like that has a serious ego problem.
He's out of date for this level of football. Said it at the time of the appointment and I say it now. It wasn't a good appointment. Hasn't trained any teams at senior inter county level for a while.
At the same time Westmeath need to be realistic as well talent wise. But they need a guy who is well used to getting the best out of limited resources.
Quote from: AZOffaly on April 15, 2010, 10:56:57 AM
On the one hand, it's getting way too easy for players to pass the buck to the manager these days. It seems to be the default option. Maybe some of those players should consider why the following is the case. Hackett was nowhere near them then.
QuoteWestmeath football has been in a spiralling slump since the 2009 league, in which they also lost all seven games in Division 1 to be relegated under Tomas O Flatharta. They exited last year's Leinster championship following a crushing defeat to Dublin at Croke Park, before suffering a 10-point loss to Meath in the All-Ireland qualifers, following which O Flatharta resigned.
On the other hand, I'm always suspicious of someone who talks like this...
QuoteI would see it as director of football as well. If you see Brendan Hackett as just managing the senior football team, you are wasting an opportunity, because Brendan Hackett can offer so much more because of the background and experience I have
AZOffaly thinks that anyone who talks like that has a serious ego problem.
I don't think you can compare last years league campaign to this years AZ. For a start there's a big gap between the quality in Division 1 and Division 2 now. We did manage to push a couple of teams close last year and while we lost out narrowly to both Eastmeath and Kildare this year, they were both rubbish beyond belief and we still couldn't put them away. Team selection is a joke, ffs 7 of the starting lineup against Tipp the last day hadn't seen any league action up to that game, too late in the day to be trying lads out. That was the first game that we managed to score 10 points,
10 points, in the league.
Hackett certainly has an inflated sense of himself alright, he's always talking about "I know this" and "I believe that" as opposed to the magic word "we"...
To the Westmeath posters - Would Dessie Snr be seen as a credible candidate?
Won championship with Ballymahon with Frankie Dolan on board (I think) a few years ago..
Quote from: heffo on April 15, 2010, 11:42:18 AM
To the Westmeath posters - Would Dessie Snr be seen as a credible candidate?
Won championship with Ballymahon with Frankie Dolan on board (I think) a few years ago..
He probably would be seen as a good choice alright. Although when he trained his own club, Garrycastle, a few years ago he didnt do near as well as previous or subsequent managers.
Will have to be someone from within the county who will know the players.
Nobody in Westmeath would suggest that there is a team of world beaters available but the dogs on the street know that some of the team selections have been farcical.
Dessie Dolan isn;'t liked at certain levels of the Westmeath CB, but to pour oil on the waters, he will have to get the job. Sink or swim then, the factions will have nothing to fight about.
Dessie Snr would be looked on favourably by the players alright. When Lukie was trying to hold on towards the end of summer 03 he was gonna bring him in to help with his ticket. The county board and some clubs within the county don't want him though, that's why there was a motion passed to go outside the county last year. And like his dear departed friend Eamon Coleman, Dessie Snr wouldn't be a fan of the county board and it's debatable as to whether he'd take up the post if it was offered to him now.
Quote from: Croí na hÉireann on April 15, 2010, 12:06:11 PM
Dessie Snr would be looked on favourably by the players alright. When Lukie was trying to hold on towards the end of summer 03 he was gonna bring him in to help with his ticket. The county board and some clubs within the county don't want him though, that's why there was a motion passed to go outside the county last year. And like his dear departed friend Eamon Coleman, Dessie Snr wouldn't be a fan of the county board and it's debatable as to whether he'd take up the post if it was offered to him now.
I was thinking myself he wouldn't take it after the way he was treated when Paidi got it and then being passed over again - it's a pity as I'm sure Dolan Jnr (is he getting married next month) & Glennon would come back on board if he were involved.
I know we all had a laugh at the makeup of the backroom team at the time, but while I'm sure they individually have their merits and could play a role in a wider backroom team, you need experienced football knowledge on the line.
Michael Carruth played as far as Minor for Robert Emmetts in Dublin and hasn't been involved in football since afaik..
I give Hackett 4 weeks max
Quote from: Logan on April 15, 2010, 01:39:38 PM
I give Hackett 4 weeks max
Don't bother. He's gone from what I hear.
It's a shame if it's true..
Quote from: heffo on April 15, 2010, 01:56:33 PM
It's a shame if it's true..
Shelf life of a Gaa manager is now shorter than a Premiership one! This one had disaster written all over it though from the start. The problem is as well you have unqualified people within the county boards who are so out of touch with the modern game on committees to appoint managers. There are very few county board officers who are capable of making the right decisions on these.
Each county should have a full time CEO who has an inherent background within the Gaa. It should be him who has final say on the appointment of senior county managers. At least then there would be some level of accountability.
Now ive always liked Westmeath,and wanted them to do well.
But they have got to be realistic,i wasnt and i wanted Tommy Carr gone after a loss to Tipp and a loss to a Division 4 bound patched up Longford,but now id be inclined to give him a third year,as the team has shown gradual improvment.
Westmeath were out of their depth seriously in division 1 last year,and Division 2 this year,but that slide will hault next year.Next year Westmeath will be plying their trade where they belong,Division 3. They have a good chance of promotion as they could lay claim to be as good if not better than any other team there.
Brendan Hackett however made an error in not having legitimate football coaches in the backroom team alongside,the likes of Michael Carruth/Eoin Rheinasch whose knowledge of phyiscal/Mental preparation would be aids to any group of footballers.
Rumours flying around already. Pete McGrath has 'apparently' been offered the job. Think we could be in for at least a few days of this. The county board can't hang around.
Quote from: shark on April 15, 2010, 01:42:32 PM
Quote from: Logan on April 15, 2010, 01:39:38 PM
I give Hackett 4 weeks max
Don't bother. He's gone from what I hear.
I've had it confirmed too - he's gone.
Quote from: heffo on April 15, 2010, 02:46:21 PM
Quote from: shark on April 15, 2010, 01:42:32 PM
Quote from: Logan on April 15, 2010, 01:39:38 PM
I give Hackett 4 weeks max
Don't bother. He's gone from what I hear.
I've had it confirmed too - he's gone.
Jaysus thats quick. I suppose Glennon and Dessie will be back training tonight!
Quote from: INDIANA on April 15, 2010, 02:54:24 PM
Quote from: heffo on April 15, 2010, 02:46:21 PM
Quote from: shark on April 15, 2010, 01:42:32 PM
Quote from: Logan on April 15, 2010, 01:39:38 PM
I give Hackett 4 weeks max
Don't bother. He's gone from what I hear.
I've had it confirmed too - he's gone.
Jaysus thats quick. I suppose Glennon and Dessie will be back training tonight!
Dessie injured again afaik. Club championship May bank holiday weekend so players will be with the clubs after this week I would say. Will give new manager some time.
I can't see how it's a 'shame' Heffo.
While I don't want to see anyone get sacked, or lose a job it was only a matter of time.
He had some good ideas of course, but they were equally (un)balanced by stupid ones.
Bringing in the ex boxer and ex rower was suicide. If you're going to do something drastic you don't do it all in one fell swoop. he should have gradually made changes instead of assuming that he knew everything and was 100% correct.
The least he should have done was gradually made change and brought things round to his way of working.
Look at Kildare or another county who have made changes as an example. They have made big changes from where they were, but they have been done with everyone on board and bit by bit. Not all at once.
Quote from: Logan on April 15, 2010, 03:20:08 PM
I can't see how it's a 'shame' Heffo.
While I don't want to see anyone get sacked, or lose a job it was only a matter of time.
He had some good ideas of course, but they were equally (un)balanced by stupid ones.
Bringing in the ex boxer and ex rower was suicide. If you're going to do something drastic you don't do it all in one fell swoop. he should have gradually made changes instead of assuming that he knew everything and was 100% correct.
The least he should have done was gradually made change and brought things round to his way of working.
Look at Kildare or another county who have made changes as an example. They have made big changes from where they were, but they have been done with everyone on board and bit by bit. Not all at once.
I think if you speak to kildare fans they'll say the jury is still out with Grimley gone- not the best example.
Shock Exit as County manager retires before start of Championship
After late-night developments during crisis talks involving players and the under pressure Westmeath Manager Brendan Hackett he stepped down after only seven months as manager.
The players met up before training in St Loman's in Mullingar, and then they met Hackett straight afterwards where they told of their unhappiness with the season so far where Westmeath lost there seven matches he was under pressure from the outset as it became clear that Dessie Dolan was not coming back after his own father, Dessie Snr, was not even granted an in ...
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/04/15/shock-exit-as-county-manager-retires-before-start-of-championship/
Quote from: INDIANA on April 15, 2010, 03:38:37 PM
Quote from: Logan on April 15, 2010, 03:20:08 PM
I can't see how it's a 'shame' Heffo.
While I don't want to see anyone get sacked, or lose a job it was only a matter of time.
He had some good ideas of course, but they were equally (un)balanced by stupid ones.
Bringing in the ex boxer and ex rower was suicide. If you're going to do something drastic you don't do it all in one fell swoop. he should have gradually made changes instead of assuming that he knew everything and was 100% correct.
The least he should have done was gradually made change and brought things round to his way of working.
Look at Kildare or another county who have made changes as an example. They have made big changes from where they were, but they have been done with everyone on board and bit by bit. Not all at once.
I think if you speak to kildare fans they'll say the jury is still out with Grimley gone- not the best example.
If you read what I wrote, Grimley coming or going has nothing to do with what I posted - not the best reply.
Quote from: GAA_Punter on April 15, 2010, 03:59:34 PM
Shock Exit as County manager retires before start of Championship
After late-night developments during crisis talks involving players and the under pressure Westmeath Manager Brendan Hackett he stepped down after only seven months as manager.
The players met up before training in St Loman's in Mullingar, and then they met Hackett straight afterwards where they told of their unhappiness with the season so far where Westmeath lost there seven matches he was under pressure from the outset as it became clear that Dessie Dolan was not coming back after his own father, Dessie Snr, was not even granted an in ...
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/04/15/shock-exit-as-county-manager-retires-before-start-of-championship/
I'm shocked he went without a fight
Quote from: Logan on April 15, 2010, 04:20:26 PM
Quote from: GAA_Punter on April 15, 2010, 03:59:34 PM
Shock Exit as County manager retires before start of Championship
After late-night developments during crisis talks involving players and the under pressure Westmeath Manager Brendan Hackett he stepped down after only seven months as manager.
The players met up before training in St Loman's in Mullingar, and then they met Hackett straight afterwards where they told of their unhappiness with the season so far where Westmeath lost there seven matches he was under pressure from the outset as it became clear that Dessie Dolan was not coming back after his own father, Dessie Snr, was not even granted an in ...
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/04/15/shock-exit-as-county-manager-retires-before-start-of-championship/
I'm shocked he went without a fight
I'm half surprised he didn't offer to regig his backroom team for the championship but I think he knew the game was up. He was never gonna do anything in the championship so I think he decided to jump now before he was pushed after the summer...
Shark, is the Pete McGrath rumour the one from the hoganstand or from somewhere more concrete???
Quote from: Croí na hÉireann on April 15, 2010, 04:31:01 PM
Quote from: Logan on April 15, 2010, 04:20:26 PM
Quote from: GAA_Punter on April 15, 2010, 03:59:34 PM
Shock Exit as County manager retires before start of Championship
After late-night developments during crisis talks involving players and the under pressure Westmeath Manager Brendan Hackett he stepped down after only seven months as manager.
The players met up before training in St Loman's in Mullingar, and then they met Hackett straight afterwards where they told of their unhappiness with the season so far where Westmeath lost there seven matches he was under pressure from the outset as it became clear that Dessie Dolan was not coming back after his own father, Dessie Snr, was not even granted an in ...
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/04/15/shock-exit-as-county-manager-retires-before-start-of-championship/
I'm shocked he went without a fight
I'm half surprised he didn't offer to regig his backroom team for the championship but I think he knew the game was up. He was never gonna do anything in the championship so I think he decided to jump now before he was pushed after the summer...
Shark, is the Pete McGrath rumour the one from the hoganstand or from somewhere more concrete???
Just seen it on Hoganstand now that you mentioned it. I heard it from one of the u21 players I was talking to earlier. But he could well have seen it there, I didn't question his source. We shall see. It is really a no lose situation for whoever comes in, expectations could not be any lower.
Pete McGrath would be a good appointment I'd think. Anyway I'd like to think that whoever we get that it's someone decent who's gonna commit for at least another 2 years. We need a quick appointment alright but no point rushing it and getting another Hackett. If there's no one with proven credential available/interested yet I think we could do a lot worse than put O'Flaherta back in charge for the next couple of months. He knows whats in the county and was at the U21 final.
TV3 reporting a direct quote from Hackett from a few minutes that he hasn't stepped down - I had it from a very reliable source he was gone..
Westmeath County board unavailable for comment..
RTE news reported that Hackett is expected to formally resign tonight, he must be planning on throwing a few grenades to give his side, we'll wait and see...
Christ - I'll have to convene a meeting of the Westmeath Belfast Supporters Club and fomally give a response tomorrow.
I read his interview in the Tribune 3 weeks ago and felt bad. He seemed to have a strategy and in fairness I looked at what he said and thought - He said alot of truths. He did get us to the Leinster U-21. The Seniors do need a complete rehaul. The league was always going to be tough and we did play well against Meath & Kildare. He illustated how he was ahead of the game in the 80's and maybe could be proved right
Best of luck to the man. I thank him for what he did anyway. I think Dolan snr should now get it. Let him have his say and get on with it
Quote from: Maroon Heaven on April 15, 2010, 07:15:46 PM
Christ - I'll have to convene a meeting of the Westmeath Belfast Supporters Club and fomally give a response tomorrow.
I read his interview in the Tribune 3 weeks ago and felt bad. He seemed to have a strategy and in fairness I looked at what he said and thought - He said alot of truths. He did get us to the Leinster U-21. The Seniors do need a complete rehaul. The league was always going to be tough and we did play well against Meath & Kildare. He illustated how he was ahead of the game in the 80's and maybe could be proved right
Best of luck to the man. I thank him for what he did anyway. I think Dolan snr should now get it. Let him have his say and get on with it
As an outsider looking in, I agree with you, but it still begs the question as to why he didn't get a good selector with knowledge of the local scene in with him - I'm sure himself, M Carruth and the other fella are experts in sports conditioning etc and are excellent motivators and probably tick most of the boxes but you still need expert football knowledge on the sideline to call the game.
It makes you wonder had he brought some football expertise on board would he have been given more time to put his plan in place - I know a few lads have since retired/made themselves unavailable, but two years ago O'Flatherta showed what you can do if you have a good tactical plan in place..
As to a replacement, if Dessie Snr doesnt take it, whats the status of Ray Smyth? I was at a coaching course a while ago and he was the coaches assesor but ended up getting involved and I thought he was excellent..
Quote from: heffo on April 15, 2010, 05:52:24 PM
TV3 reporting a direct quote from Hackett from a few minutes that he hasn't stepped down
Was the quote from him something like "Brendan Hackett is not stepping down and Brendan Hackett will continue on in the job and carry it out as Brendan Hackett sees fit"
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on April 15, 2010, 07:53:04 PM
Quote from: heffo on April 15, 2010, 05:52:24 PM
TV3 reporting a direct quote from Hackett from a few minutes that he hasn't stepped down
Was the quote from him something like "Brendan Hackett is not stepping down and Brendan Hackett will continue on in the job and carry it out as Brendan Hackett sees fit"
Heffo can't confirm or deny that!
Quote from: heffo on April 15, 2010, 07:55:08 PM
Quote from: Bord na Mona man on April 15, 2010, 07:53:04 PM
Quote from: heffo on April 15, 2010, 05:52:24 PM
TV3 reporting a direct quote from Hackett from a few minutes that he hasn't stepped down
Was the quote from him something like "Brendan Hackett is not stepping down and Brendan Hackett will continue on in the job and carry it out as Brendan Hackett sees fit"
Heffo can't confirm or deny that!
Or maybe it came from Brendan Hackett, the official spokesman for Brendan Hackett.
Quote from: heffo on April 15, 2010, 07:48:15 PM
As to a replacement, if Dessie Snr doesnt take it, whats the status of Ray Smyth? I was at a coaching course a while ago and he was the coaches assesor but ended up getting involved and I thought he was excellent..
He has just taken over Mullingar Shamrocks. You would have seen his youngest son, Lorcan, make quite an impression in the Leinster U21 final after coming on at half time. Another son, John, has been on the Westmeath team for the past 5 years or so generally at centre-forward.
Don't think he would leave Shamrocks, he has been angling for that job for years.
One place you will not get this break news story is the official Westmeath GAa Website - who are still running with details of the match line up for last years clash with Dublin in the AI
Quote from: shark on April 15, 2010, 08:00:22 PM
Quote from: heffo on April 15, 2010, 07:48:15 PM
As to a replacement, if Dessie Snr doesnt take it, whats the status of Ray Smyth? I was at a coaching course a while ago and he was the coaches assesor but ended up getting involved and I thought he was excellent..
He has just taken over Mullingar Shamrocks. You would have seen his youngest son, Lorcan, make quite an impression in the Leinster U21 final after coming on at half time. Another son, John, has been on the Westmeath team for the past 5 years or so generally at centre-forward.
Don't think he would leave Shamrocks, he has been angling for that job for years.
I knew John was his son alright and assumed Lorcan was too - whats the feeling about him coaching-wise in Westmeath??
Quote from: heffo on April 15, 2010, 08:18:06 PM
Quote from: shark on April 15, 2010, 08:00:22 PM
Quote from: heffo on April 15, 2010, 07:48:15 PM
As to a replacement, if Dessie Snr doesnt take it, whats the status of Ray Smyth? I was at a coaching course a while ago and he was the coaches assesor but ended up getting involved and I thought he was excellent..
He has just taken over Mullingar Shamrocks. You would have seen his youngest son, Lorcan, make quite an impression in the Leinster U21 final after coming on at half time. Another son, John, has been on the Westmeath team for the past 5 years or so generally at centre-forward.
Don't think he would leave Shamrocks, he has been angling for that job for years.
I knew John was his son alright and assumed Lorcan was too - whats the feeling about him coaching-wise in Westmeath??
Generally that he is a very good coach and more so an extremely good motivator. Tactics wise on the sideline, I don't really know. Some people would question his temperment, he is seen as a bit 'mad'. His record is better than decent. 2 SFC with The Downs in '03 and '05 when they hadn't won one in 25 years, and with no county players at the time. He brought St.Oliver Plunketts to a Leinster junior hurling title in '01, beating Emeralds from Kilkenny in the final, which was a first for any Westmeath club in either code. He has done well at clubs where they are the perceived underdog and has had little pressure. Different challenge for him now at Shamrocks who have won 4 out of the last 6 u21s, the most recent with him as coach.
Quote from: shark on April 15, 2010, 09:05:01 PM
Quote from: heffo on April 15, 2010, 08:18:06 PM
Quote from: shark on April 15, 2010, 08:00:22 PM
Quote from: heffo on April 15, 2010, 07:48:15 PM
As to a replacement, if Dessie Snr doesnt take it, whats the status of Ray Smyth? I was at a coaching course a while ago and he was the coaches assesor but ended up getting involved and I thought he was excellent..
He has just taken over Mullingar Shamrocks. You would have seen his youngest son, Lorcan, make quite an impression in the Leinster U21 final after coming on at half time. Another son, John, has been on the Westmeath team for the past 5 years or so generally at centre-forward.
Don't think he would leave Shamrocks, he has been angling for that job for years.
I knew John was his son alright and assumed Lorcan was too - whats the feeling about him coaching-wise in Westmeath??
Generally that he is a very good coach and more so an extremely good motivator. Tactics wise on the sideline, I don't really know. Some people would question his temperment, he is seen as a bit 'mad'. His record is better than decent. 2 SFC with The Downs in '03 and '05 when they hadn't won one in 25 years, and with no county players at the time. He brought St.Oliver Plunketts to a Leinster junior hurling title in '01, beating Emeralds from Kilkenny in the final, which was a first for any Westmeath club in either code. He has done well at clubs where they are the perceived underdog and has had little pressure. Different challenge for him now at Shamrocks who have won 4 out of the last 6 u21s, the most recent with him as coach.
Thats a good record so - is he also an officer of the County Board?
Whats the feeling on Dessie snr so? I've met him on a few occasions and he's a decent enough sort, but I got the impression he'd make Tommy Lyons blush ego-wise??
Quote from: heffo on April 15, 2010, 09:18:06 PM
Quote from: shark on April 15, 2010, 09:05:01 PM
Quote from: heffo on April 15, 2010, 08:18:06 PM
Quote from: shark on April 15, 2010, 08:00:22 PM
Quote from: heffo on April 15, 2010, 07:48:15 PM
As to a replacement, if Dessie Snr doesnt take it, whats the status of Ray Smyth? I was at a coaching course a while ago and he was the coaches assesor but ended up getting involved and I thought he was excellent..
He has just taken over Mullingar Shamrocks. You would have seen his youngest son, Lorcan, make quite an impression in the Leinster U21 final after coming on at half time. Another son, John, has been on the Westmeath team for the past 5 years or so generally at centre-forward.
Don't think he would leave Shamrocks, he has been angling for that job for years.
I knew John was his son alright and assumed Lorcan was too - whats the feeling about him coaching-wise in Westmeath??
Generally that he is a very good coach and more so an extremely good motivator. Tactics wise on the sideline, I don't really know. Some people would question his temperment, he is seen as a bit 'mad'. His record is better than decent. 2 SFC with The Downs in '03 and '05 when they hadn't won one in 25 years, and with no county players at the time. He brought St.Oliver Plunketts to a Leinster junior hurling title in '01, beating Emeralds from Kilkenny in the final, which was a first for any Westmeath club in either code. He has done well at clubs where they are the perceived underdog and has had little pressure. Different challenge for him now at Shamrocks who have won 4 out of the last 6 u21s, the most recent with him as coach.
Thats a good record so - is he also an officer of the County Board?
Whats the feeling on Dessie snr so? I've met him on a few occasions and he's a decent enough sort, but I got the impression he'd make Tommy Lyons blush ego-wise??
I dont think he has anything to do with the county board. He does coaching clinics alright but I don't think under the county board's remit.
Dessie senior seems to be a very likable type of fella. True to say he probably does think a lot of himself and outside of 1 Longford SFC I don't think he has won a whole lot. But he would probably be popular among the players. Not sure is he training anyone this year. Think he was with Shamrocks (Offaly) last year.
Board meeting has just finished in Cusack Park. Hackett is still in place. Have that from someone who was there. Players to meet with him tomorro evening.
Quote from: shark on April 15, 2010, 09:25:37 PM
Quote from: heffo on April 15, 2010, 09:18:06 PM
Quote from: shark on April 15, 2010, 09:05:01 PM
Quote from: heffo on April 15, 2010, 08:18:06 PM
Quote from: shark on April 15, 2010, 08:00:22 PM
Quote from: heffo on April 15, 2010, 07:48:15 PM
As to a replacement, if Dessie Snr doesnt take it, whats the status of Ray Smyth? I was at a coaching course a while ago and he was the coaches assesor but ended up getting involved and I thought he was excellent..
He has just taken over Mullingar Shamrocks. You would have seen his youngest son, Lorcan, make quite an impression in the Leinster U21 final after coming on at half time. Another son, John, has been on the Westmeath team for the past 5 years or so generally at centre-forward.
Don't think he would leave Shamrocks, he has been angling for that job for years.
I knew John was his son alright and assumed Lorcan was too - whats the feeling about him coaching-wise in Westmeath??
Generally that he is a very good coach and more so an extremely good motivator. Tactics wise on the sideline, I don't really know. Some people would question his temperment, he is seen as a bit 'mad'. His record is better than decent. 2 SFC with The Downs in '03 and '05 when they hadn't won one in 25 years, and with no county players at the time. He brought St.Oliver Plunketts to a Leinster junior hurling title in '01, beating Emeralds from Kilkenny in the final, which was a first for any Westmeath club in either code. He has done well at clubs where they are the perceived underdog and has had little pressure. Different challenge for him now at Shamrocks who have won 4 out of the last 6 u21s, the most recent with him as coach.
Thats a good record so - is he also an officer of the County Board?
Whats the feeling on Dessie snr so? I've met him on a few occasions and he's a decent enough sort, but I got the impression he'd make Tommy Lyons blush ego-wise??
I dont think he has anything to do with the county board. He does coaching clinics alright but I don't think under the county board's remit.
Dessie senior seems to be a very likable type of fella. True to say he probably does think a lot of himself and outside of 1 Longford SFC I don't think he has won a whole lot. But he would probably be popular among the players. Not sure is he training anyone this year. Think he was with Shamrocks (Offaly) last year.
I think he's with 80's kingpins Clanna Gael this year - all immaterial if Hackett still in place though.
I had it from two very reliable sources he was gone..
Quote from: Maroon Heaven on April 15, 2010, 07:15:46 PM
Christ - I'll have to convene a meeting of the Westmeath Belfast Supporters Club and fomally give a response tomorrow.
I read his interview in the Tribune 3 weeks ago and felt bad. He seemed to have a strategy and in fairness I looked at what he said and thought - He said alot of truths. He did get us to the Leinster U-21. The Seniors do need a complete rehaul. The league was always going to be tough and we did play well against Meath & Kildare. He illustated how he was ahead of the game in the 80's and maybe could be proved right
Best of luck to the man. I thank him for what he did anyway. I think Dolan snr should now get it. Let him have his say and get on with it
Can't agree with that MH, I read that Tribune article as well and was none the wiser at the end of it. Contrast that with the article with Joe Kernan in the same paper (Galway weren't going well at the time) where he explained that they were training to peak in July and how he was planning the year. Hacketts interview was just waffle.
The U21s are the best group we've had since the team of 99 and while I wouldn't say that they'd have got to the Leinster Final on their own I think the backup management at that level was miles better than the seniors. And still players weren't played in their right positions. Bad calls on the sideline cost us in the final I believe.
I was at the league game against Eastmeath and both teams were rubbish. In saying that they should have been home and hosed at half time except their shooting was atrocious and they took their foot off the pedal. Couldn't make the Kildare game but I believe Kildare were equally as bad and we still couldn't beat them.
I can't see anyway out for Hackett, even if he clears out his backroom team and gets some decent men in there, there's not gonna be much trust/belief from the panel. He'll be gone by the end of the summer, might as well get out now. Decent article in the Indo this morning...
http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/hackett-wrong-man-to-steady-westmeath-ship-2140372.html (http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/hackett-wrong-man-to-steady-westmeath-ship-2140372.html)
Hackett wrong man to steady Westmeath ship
(http://www.independent.ie/multimedia/archive/00554/Brendan-Hackett_I_554464t.jpg)
Westmeath manager Brendan Hackett, (left) and selector Mattie Fox make their way past local fans at half-time during the O'Byrne Cup game against DCU
By Colm Keys
Friday April 16 2010
On the face of it, Brendan Hackett was always facing an unenviable task when he accepted a return to inter-county management last September so long after his previous engagement in Offaly.
Westmeath were already in free fall from the dizzy heights of Division 1 of the National Football League, to where they had gained promotion courtesy of their Division 2 title success in 2008.
After seven straight league defeats in the top flight and two heavy reversals to Dublin and Meath in last year's championship, Tomas O Flaharta didn't waste time in getting out of town on a wet night in Mullingar when they went crashing out of the qualifiers.
Westmeath were a beaten docket, and picking up the pieces, as Hackett has since found out, wouldn't be easy.
Like the national economy they had further to fall before their decline would 'bottom out'. Even now, no one is sure if Division 3 is where they will find a level they are comfortable at.
Coming away from Thurles last Sunday, where progressive Tipperary inflicted Westmeath's 14th consecutive league defeat, two of their more hardened supporters wondered aloud together as to the teams they could possibly beat, given their current predicament, in the qualifiers.
Longford maybe? Leitrim? Clare? Carlow? Maybe four was pushing it, they told themselves. That's a measure of the gradient of their decline, a decline that was inevitable regardless of the sideline stewardship.
Westmeath have simply punched above their weight for too long. These circumstances, and others such as the departure of Dessie Dolan and Denis Glennon, have mitigated against Hackett during his reign.
Add in the premature retirement of John Keane, flagged before Hackett's appointment, and it amounts to an exodus that even fundamentally stronger counties than Westmeath could not easily overcome.
But from the outset, there were very few -- both within Westmeath and outside the county -- who were convinced that he would be a success. It just didn't seem the right fit.
He had been out of mainstream football for a long time and his association had been more with athletics -- where he had been chief executive of Athletics Ireland until January 2008 -- and sports psychology.
At a press conference to unveil him (where he often referred to himself in the third person), Hackett outlined a vision of his role that would be more than just manager of a senior team. He would be a director of football; all things to as many teams as possible. It looked innovative.
No doubt the Westmeath officials who approved him were taken by his glowing CV and the 'extras' he could bring to his party. Hackett had a contacts book that made impressive reading.
Olympic gold medal boxing hero Michael Carruth was enlisted as a masseur but was to provide assistance to aspects of training, Olympic canoeist Eoin Rheinisch was also brought on board and Longford man Mattie Fox, successful in the music business through his association with Christy Moore and the Three Tenors among others, brought that background into the mix.
Along with the well-respected former referee and county secretary Paddy Collins and former player Michael 'Spike' Fagan, who are selectors, the team was complete. But it has provoked much debate within Westmeath as to whether it was all too much for a burgeoning squad. Was it what they needed at that stage of their development?
There was still a lot of experienced players around who were still important to the set up. Boxers, canoeists, band managers and sports psychologists was quite an eclectic mix for 'old dogs' like them to embrace.
And it's the 'old dogs', it seems, who have risen up to bite hardest. Within the Westmeath squad there would be quite a few happy to just get on with the job at hand.
In the background for the last six months has been the absence of Dessie Dolan jnr, irked at the manner in which his father Dessie snr, was not just overlooked for the job -- but wasn't even granted the courtesy of an interview.
Westmeath had taken a decision in the wake of O Flaharta's departure to pursue a candidate from outside the county boundaries, given the relative success of Paidi O Se and O Flaharta.
The analogy of Banquo's ghost may not be appropriate in this case for Hackett. He, after all, came to Westmeath with a blank canvas oblivious to political machinations over Dolan. However, the analogy fits for the Westmeath officials who were so determined to get Hackett on board at the expense of a local man.
Quite why it was decided at a Westmeath Football Board meeting to look 'outside' the county for a replacement for O Flaharta was never quite fully explained.
Even if there were good candidates within, they weren't to be entertained. That was the clear message and one which seemed to hit home forcefully to the Dolans.
A county like Westmeath could not afford to be without Dolan and this has hung like a millstone over the county since last September, regardless of the overtures about progress and building to the future. Dolan, even at 31 years old, is still one of the best forwards in the province. He's a figurehead and a leader and his absence has clearly told.
Inevitably in all of these heaves, there is an unwillingness on the players' behalf to accept their responsibility for such a poor run of form. Like many, they haven't been able to remove their scepticism and embrace what Hackett has to offer.
The success in reaching the Leinster U-21 final -- he fulfilled management duties here too -- perhaps insulated him from an earlier heave. But performances have been little better than results have suggested.
The defeats to Armagh, Donegal and Down were heavy, Tipperary felt like the last straw for many.
Colm Keys
Irish Independent
Total outsider here lads and tbh out of football other than as a casual fan after 20 years at the bcoalface in club, colleges and county level - hence only the occasional visit on here. However I was drawn to have a look at this as I know Brendan Hackett.
It seems from a distance to be a classic case of a team not being willing to accept that what was (recently) good enough is no longer relevant. I've not seen any matches or can't comment particularly on the man's ability to manage a football team, and in fairness the comments here are measured and fair in tone, but I went back to that Tribune article that was referred just to see what it said. Most of it is about his prior career but I've extracted the bits about Westmeath specifically as some seemed to think that was evidence of all that was wrong with this regime
The Westmeath manager's is determined to prove that his job is more about changing attitudes and long-term gains than it is about instant results. One step at a time: Brendan Hackett's Westmeath have endured a difficult start to their league campaign, including a heavy defeat to Armagh
We meet on Friday morning in Dublin and Hackett is one relieved man. As Westmeath manager, the most important result of his three months in charge has not long since arrived. Having defended the dismal start the seniors have made to this league – losing all four games in Division Two while being taken for 1-16 by Donegal, 0-24 by Laois and 2-19 by Armagh – on the basis of rebuilding, he took the county's under-21s to a Leinster final on Wednesday as they got the better of Laois. Little acorns and all of that.
The vast majority of knowledgeable football people know what we are doing and realise that'll take time. But it's the case in every county that you have a few people who like the sound of their own voice. The under-21s have been a relief because the talent is there and it's about nurturing it in the right way. I knew the seniors were going to struggle because a team has just broken up but I've been around long enough not to panic... "[article goes on about his early career and involvement in other sports]
"I had the energy to get back into football and went for interviews with Longford and Offaly but knew I wasn't going to get them. Then an approach came from Westmeath. It was ideal from the point of view they are a county that always look at the longer term and give people time and now I want to coach the coaches in Westmeath because lifestyle has changed almost to the detriment of skill in football. You had a generation of kids that just didn't practise spontaneously.
"Players in the noughties were not instinctive. They were manufactured, made. I've come through a generation of coaches that have done the drills and I think we need to step back from that a little and change the players we are producing. Of course with the senior team here now, that window of opportunity is long gone. But I knew what I was getting into and knew a lot of the old team would be going. The likes of John Keane and Fergal Wilson and Derek Heavin and David O'Shaughnessy."
Dessie Dolan too, you mention, suggesting his absence may have had something to do with his father not getting the job now possessed by Hackett? "That was a situation that had very little to do with me and I've tried to talk. There was little else I could do."
As for Dennis Glennon's defection? "Look, Dennis made his own choice. No one forced him to go or told him to stay. He said he wasn't happy and opted out. His call."
And as for the future of Westmeath? "People need to realise this will take time. If I take the sport of athletics as an example, it's interesting that European athletes are not now peaking until their late 20s due to lifestyle compared to Africans who will peak eight years earlier. I dealt with so many athletes that had to learn patience and it's the same in Westmeath now. My aim at this moment is to turn Westmeath into a consistent force in Leinster within three years."
Despite all he's been through, that will be Hackett's greatest challenge. He's crossed frontiers and broken boundaries, but now he needs to bring an entire county with him.
OK, as I say, I know him but I've not met him in a few years and that all seems pretty wise stuff to me and no matter who goes in there, I suspect that if they are honest they will find truth in much of what he says. While a manager persevering in the face of implacable opposition in a dressingroom is pointless and will eventually end in tears anyway, equally giving the dressing room what it wants is generally not a progressive strategy.
FWIW, IMO Westmeath will be looking for a new manager before lunchtime tomorrow - they should choose carefully, and be careful what they wish for.
QuoteFWIW, IMO Westmeath will be looking for a new manager before lunchtime tomorrow - they should choose carefully, and be careful what they wish for.
Confirmed on RTE sport that Hackett and his backroom team have resigned.
Quote from: GAA_Punter on April 15, 2010, 03:59:34 PM
Shock Exit as County manager retires before start of Championship
After late-night developments during crisis talks involving players and the under pressure Westmeath Manager Brendan Hackett he stepped down after only seven months as manager.
The players met up before training in St Loman's in Mullingar, and then they met Hackett straight afterwards where they told of their unhappiness with the season so far where Westmeath lost there seven matches he was under pressure from the outset as it became clear that Dessie Dolan was not coming back after his own father, Dessie Snr, was not even granted an in ...
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/2010/04/15/shock-exit-as-county-manager-retires-before-start-of-championship/
Is that headline a c**k-up or has Brendan thrown in the towel for good?
Could give the job to Martin McCabe, brother of the famous Cavan McCabe. He had several of the Westmeath panel on his team when he managed Garrycastle. He is no longer Garrycastle manager and as far as I know is only coaching junior sides at the minute. He'd be worth a shot.
So what are the thoughts on Pat Flanagan's short-term appointment?
He's a good manager at club level. It'll be interesting to see how he does. I think he might be far more effective if he had them since October, but sure c'est la vie.
Quote from: irunthev on April 22, 2010, 11:15:16 AM
So what are the thoughts on Pat Flanagan's short-term appointment?
An obvious choice and after the county board's last gamble they were always gonna play it safe on this one. According to the Times:
"Athlone GAA club nominated Dessie Senior but this was not accepted by the board. "It was felt his name can only be considered when the full process takes place to confirm a permanent manager after the 2010 championship," said county PRO Pat Reilly."
Jaysus, what kind of stubborn idiots have we got in place in the county board, if there's a possibility to get the right man in now who'll take on the role for the next couple of years then it's worth taking a few extra days over the appointment and getting someone in to take training. Now we've got a situation where Flanagan may or may not be there next year, that uncertainty will breed uncertainty on the pitch. That mealy mouth comment about Dolan only being considered after the championship is only designed to get Junior back on board, I'd be very surprised if he doesn't tell them to fcuk off again.
Regarding Flanagan, well he's won championships with Clara and Tyrrellspass but he was on the line with O'Flaherta last year. Any comments I've seen from him in the media regarding an upcoming match have left a lot to be desired, he needs to be cuter in that respect. There's no expectation on him whatsoever so he's in a win, win situation. We're on the easy side of the draw, Jaysus if the county board hadn't made such a balls of it we could have been looking at a Leinster Final...
Our county boards are tw@ts again....
Dessie Dnr will be considered on a full time basis after the 2010 championship. He wasn't even called in to be interviewed when Hackett got it and now when he wants it again they tell him - "Thanks Dessie, sure we'll see you after 2010 is out - If Pat here does a good job, we'll interview you and meet with ya, but Pat will get it anyway - Here is More egg for your face"
Good interview with Flanagan from the Westmeath Independent http://www.westmeathindependent.ie/sport/gaa/articles/2010/12/08/4002125-westmeath-manager-targets-league-promotion-and-leinster-u21-title/ (http://www.westmeathindependent.ie/sport/gaa/articles/2010/12/08/4002125-westmeath-manager-targets-league-promotion-and-leinster-u21-title/)
Wish Flan, Healy, Heavin and (probably for definite this time) John Keane well in their retirements from inter-county football. They give us some great days out and fantastic commitment over the years. Hope to see them in Cusack Park cheering on the next brigade in the not too distant future.
Good to have Brendan Murtagh and Conor Jordan join Greville in the dual ranks, they need to be thrown in from the first game in the O'Byrne Cup to give them as much game time as possible to get up to scratch. Greville last year improved from game to game, was one of very few to do themselves justice in the championship and he was outstanding for his club Killucan in the championship. He won the Player of The Championship award was the top scorer in the championship with 4-32 and won five man of the match awards in Killucan's run to the semi-final. If Murtagh and Jordan can develop in the same vein they'll be some addition
Q: Pat, we all know you are an Offaly man, but you have very strong Westmeath roots.
Pat Flanagan: Yes, my parents were from Westmeath, my father from Rochfortbridge and my mother from Delvin. Indeed, I have five sisters and two brothers and every one of them was born in Westmeath bar me.
Q: You were also asked by Tomás " Flatharta to become a senior selector for Westmeath in 2009.
PF: That's right. Obviously, it wasn't the most successful campaign. We lost all our league matches. We got over Wicklow in the championship, but I think the worst day in my life was when Dublin hammered us in the semi-final.
Q: Having said that, when Tomás left you were probably hopeful of taking over as manager.
PF: I was after working my way up from the time I was at Clara, after winning eight championships in various grades. The way I am, I try to do the best I can and the best I can would have been to move on to inter-county level. Yes, I did put my name forward and I was extremely disappointed not to get it, to be totally honest. However, that was the decision of the County Board at the time and you have to accept these things. You move on and I came back and took over Clara and we won the senior championship, which was some consolation for not getting the Westmeath job.
Q: But after Brendan Hackett's brief reign, you were happy to take over on a temporary basis for the 2010 championship.
PF: Yes, the opportunity arose and I definitely saw it as a good chance both for myself and for Westmeath to progress. The stats would have said otherwise, but I had great belief in the players, even at that stage. I thought that we could turn things round. We did to a certain degree by beating Wicklow, but unfortunately we struggled against Louth due to a combination of a lot of things on the day, and the lead-up to it. The biggest single issue on the day was a lack of confidence, I think.
Q: As we all know, Louth were robbed in the final. So, as it transpired, maybe Westmeath could have actually won the Leinster title this year?
PF: We would have gained an awful lot of confidence from the Louth game had we won, particularly not playing as well as we could have. We got very close, despite a couple of decisions on the day which didn't help us. If we had got over Louth, we would have put up a very good fight and possibly won that game against Meath.
Q: You've brought in two new selectors, Tom Darcy and Larry Giles, both very well respected former Westmeath players.
PF: What I wanted to do was get people involved who were totally involved with football all their lives and also who would hold the respect of people, especially modern players. Tom and Larry fit into that category. I would have known Tom from playing in challenge games in Offaly and he worked in Clara for a while also. Obviously, Larry played for Westmeath for a number of years also. I wanted a guy like Tom who could do defensive coaching, and Larry who can work with the forwards. It's not just selectors I was after, but guys who could coach as well in those areas.
Q: And Trevor Smullen is coming in to do the physical training.
PF: Yes, Trevor played with Longford for 11 years, so he has a good degree of knowledge in the inter-county scene and he is a fitness instructor as well. He has a very good background and showed a huge willingness to join the team. I know Trevor well as we work together in the Community Training Centre in Mullingar. He has developed programmes for the guys for gyms and I think everybody is very happy with them.
Q: We are now in the middle of the two-month period when collective training is banned. What are your thoughts on that particular ban?
PF: It's difficult to understand what it's all about, to be honest. You have a number of guys who are in college and are training and playing away as normal. You also have the Garrycastle lads who only finished last week and obviously they would have been training up to then. The idea of this burnout thing probably needs to be revisited and see if there is a different means that can be applied, because certainly it doesn't make a whole pile of sense that you could have maybe 50 per cent of your panel training with colleges and the other 50 not meant to do anything.
Q: How do you envisage the O'Byrne Cup?
PF: Well, it's an opportunity to see players. There are a number of players playing with their colleges in the tournament, but it's a chance to see other guys and how they will perform. I spoke to Larry, Tom and Trevor and we went with a panel that we thought was good enough, adding players from last year, rather than going and having trial games. In my opinion, it is very difficult for a guy to show himself in a trial game. Basically what we did is we drew up a panel from the year gone by and we've added fellows to that.
Q: As you know, the backbone of the side in recent years are all over 30. Have any players formally retired?
PF: Well, Martin Flanagan and Damien Healy told me that they would be finishing after we lost to Derry in the Qualifiers. Both were tremendous servants. Damien was travelling from Galway and Martin was working night shifts. John Keane has serious knee problems and is finding it difficult to sleep by times with pains in his knees and he has decided to opt out also. Derek Heavin is still recovering from the serious injury he picked up against Louth and we will have to see if it is possible for him to come back.
Q: Westmeath have a very poor underage record for a decade now, certainly at minor level. Can we expect to see new talent emerging at senior level?
PF: Westmeath is a small county with limited resources but the under-21 team reached this year's Leinster final and the semi-final a year earlier, which a lot of people seem to forget, losing both narrowly to Dublin. You would imagine that a number of those guys would be coming through. Also, Brendan Murtagh, who is better known as a hurler, has joined the panel and will be a major benefit to it. He is a big man and is very interested in training. The likes of Andrew Whitney and Simon Quinn, those guys could make an impact too.
Q: Does being in Division 3 give you a chance to experiment little more than if Westmeath was in Division 1 or 2?
PF: I believe you need to have a nucleus of senior players and introduce guys gradually. If you put six or seven lads in at the one time, it can destroy some players. A lot of the young lads we have can develop playing with the more seasoned players. We will certainly be introducing some new faces from time to time. The likes of Frank Boyle and Denis Glennon are young but have been around for a good while and players can learn from them. People are saying that we have to build a new team, but we have to build a new team, in my opinion, by giving them the opportunity to growing with seasoned players.
Q: Is your target to get promoted in 2011?
PF: Absolutely. But our first game is away to Louth, who traditionally start the league very quickly. Then home to Cavan and away to Tipperary. They are certainly not easy games. While I would expect us to come out of Division Three, if we don't take the right approach, we could easily find ourselves at the bottom of that league, as there are a number of good teams there.
Q: Are Westmeath supporters being a little unrealistic, expecting to dine at football's top table while the county is clearly in a transition period?
PF: Yes I would advocate caution, but I think we don't think big enough in a smaller county, if I can call it that, like Westmeath. If you don't set out your stall to do and achieve, what happens is there a lack of belief. And if there is a lack of belief, people won't strive to push themselves that extra little bit that makes all the difference between winning and losing. If we just decide in Westmeath that we are just going to consolidate our place, suddenly you find yourself at the base. It has to be our aim to get out of Division Three and to be successful. I honestly believe that a number of the smaller counties fear the likes of Dublin and, because of that, they are already giving away ten per cent of an opportunity.
Q: The championship draw has been reasonably kind for 2011, as draws go. Surely that will give lads an incentive to put in that bit extra?
PF: Yes, it was quite a good draw and everyone in Westmeath will see that, but people in Offaly and Wexford will see it the very same way. They will see a route to the Leinster final and see a huge opportunity there. For now, we need to batten down the hatches and focus totally on the league and get ourselves into a situation where we win matches and bring the confidence levels back up. When we do the likes of that, we can look at the championship. It may be only six months away, but it's a lifetime away where Westmeath are at the moment, for the simple reason that we have lost 14 games in-a-row in the league. It's very difficult to build confidence in a team if you're doing that. We have to set our stall out to win as many games as possible in the league and then let our momentum carry us into the championship. I've seen these guys in Westmeath; they will train and they will put in the effort, provided they see the opportunity to succeed.
Q: You are going to manage the U-21 team as well. How do you feel about that dual role, particularly with the U-21 championship starting so early in the year?
PF: The fact that we are going through a transition period in Westmeath, it is vital for me to be involved with the U-21s. It is an opportunity for me to promote those guys and build the type of football we want to build. I think Westmeath should seriously look at developing a football strategy at minor, U-21 and senior level. They should all play the same type of football so that there's a natural progression from one to the other. It's going to be difficult enough to build a team that can compete at the highest level and, to do that, I think it's vital that I should work with the U-21s. I can understand how they work and they can understand how I work. That way, in a few years those guys will be walking on to a senior team and they are not going to a different game-plan, to different ideas.
Q: Next year's U-21 team should be very competitive as many players are under-age again. Maybe Westmeath can even go all the way in Leinster?
PF: The way I think, I would be expecting to win the Leinster U-21 championship, but I would have to express a bit of concern as the U-21 competition is a very strange one. You have got a lot of guys who played last year but you also a lot of lads who are committed to college work. Because maybe they are in their final year, they are finding it difficult to give the same commitment as before. This is a problem with that age group. Add to that the fact that we are playing Laois in Portlaoise in the first round. There's going to be nothing easy about that. Having said that, the guys themselves are really buoyed up after this year and there is an expectation that they can achieve. There is a certain sense of self-belief and when you have that, there is an awful lot you can work with.
Q: Will you have the use of dual players such as Paul Greville? Can they be accommodated by both Kevin Martin and yourself?
PF: In a perfect world, I suppose footballers would be footballers and hurlers would be hurlers. Paul, Brendan and Conor Jordan have all expressed a desire to play both. Obviously, we'll have to watch their work rate in training and look after them a little bit more. We can certainly do with all the players we can get and I suppose that applies to the hurling also. Yes, it's a small bit of a disadvantage that they will be hurling as well but, for me, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.
Q: There was resentment in certain quarters prior to the championship this year when you recalled a number of lads who had not played in the league. Have you laid down the law for 2011 that this will not be the case and that players, who are not around for the grind in the winter and spring, will not be walking back onto the team come the summer?
PF: I am delighted to have the opportunity to clarify that, as a lot of people have asked me is it going to the same thing next year. Basically, this year gone by when I was asked to come in, I had six weeks to get a team ready, having lost all our league matches. So I felt at the time that we needed experience to try and get us across the line. I went to guys who are all very, very good footballers and still are. It's very disappointing to hear comments about 'bringing back the old guys'. The likes of John Keane, Dessie Dolan and Derek Heavin, those guys are not old in relative terms. Injury has caused them problems but those guys were superb players for Westmeath. It wasn't just a matter of bringing back somebody for the sake of it, they were brought back to try and provide experience. I have been given a two-year term, so basically it's up to me to use that two-year term to provide a team for Westmeath that can compete at the highest level. If some guys have gone past it, we will make room for younger guys coming through. It is a transition period and a team has to be built. It's a completely different situation from the term I spent in charge earlier this summer.
Q: So overall, are you optimistic for 2011?
PF: Absolutely. There has been a lot of groundwork going on with the backroom staff. I think that people in Westmeath should have a sense of belief that these lads can achieve. I've already said to the players, I don't want competitors, I want people who can win. Maybe we think too low and too small in Westmeath. Let's push the boat out, give ourselves every opportunity to progress and show our players that there is an opportunity to succeed.
So lads back to Brendan Hackett.
Looks like Brendan Hackett is taking over the Kildare u16 development squad and will taking them through to minor, what has Brendan been doing with himself since the Westmeath fiasco and is it a good appointment?
Brendan Hackett announced tonight as the Kildare minor manager for next year.