Offaly legend Johnny Dooley will coach the Westmeath hurlers next year as they bid to win the Christy Ring Cup for a second time. Dooley, who won All-Ireland medals in 1994 and '98 and was an All-Star recipient on three occasions, replaces former Galway star Justin Campbell in the role of coach. Westmeath will be managed once again by Seamus Qualter, while Raharney's John Donoghue and Christy Murtagh of Clonkill are continuing as selectors. Qualter said it was a big boost to Westmeath to have Dooley, who previously coached Kildare and the Offaly minors, on board for 2007. "It will be great to have someone with Johnny's experience on board as we build on the progress of the last couple of years. "We had a very good season this year, defeating Dublin in the Leinster championship and bringing 10,000 to Cusack Park for the semi-final against Kilkenny. "Of course we were disappointed to be relegated, but we are looking forward, not back and that is why we are planning for next year. We want to go all out and win the Christy Ring Cup again." Tweet

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