Outgoing coach Mark McHugh is being heavily linked with the vacant Westmeath senior football manager’s post.

The 2012 Donegal All-Ireland SFC winner was a key part of the management set-up this year and could be about to step up to the top job after Dermot McCabe recently stepped down as manager after just one season to take charge of his native Cavan. If McHugh is appointed, it would be his first senior inter-county management role after he previously worked with Roscommon in 2023 and Galway giants Moycullen last year.

He is also highly-regarded by the Westmeath players and his appointment would ensure continuity with the outgoing management. However, it remains to be seen if McHugh would be willing to continue his long commute to the midlands from Donegal.

Locals Damien Gavin, Kenny McKinley and two-time All-Star John Keane – who have all managed the Lake County at U21 / U20 level – have also been mentioned as possible successors to McCabe along with the Enfield-based Lar Wall, who managed The Downs to a Leinster club SFC final in 2022, but is currently managing Dublin side St Jude’s.

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