Seoirse Bulfin was already looking towards the Joe McDonagh Cup after the Westmeath hurlers suffered one of the biggest defeats in their history at the hands of Waterford last Sunday.

The 31-point mauling at TEG Cusack Park confirmed Westmeath's relegation to Division 2 for next season and also came in the same week as Meath boss Johnny Greville ended his involvement with the Lake County development squads.

"We have to try and regroup now," the Westmeath manager told reporters.

"We have six weeks ahead of us to get ready for the Joe McDonagh Cup and try and get back into the Leinster Championship. We're trying to bring lads back and give them game-time and manage their load. We don't want to flog lads because there is a bigger picture now.

"Waterford are a Liam MacCarthy Cup team. The likes of Dessie Hutchinson and these lads - they are phenomenal players. We found it hard to cope with their movement, their physicality and athleticism.

"The league is done for us now, unfortunately."

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