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Who does he come in for if starts that coukd back fire whatever about as sub he surely cant start
Gaaforlife2023 (Longford) - Posts: 1304 - 12/05/2026 11:12:25 2672541 Link 0 |
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Suprised with Mark McHugh if this is true and it seems to be the case as Heslin is training.No doubt a huge player for the county in his day and still is for his club but he did walk away which was the correct decision for him at the time.Now bringing him back for a one off game might backfire and leave a bitter taste as someone who has put in huge efforts since October is going to lose out Bruno@1 (Westmeath) - Posts: 324 - 12/05/2026 13:03:50 2672579 Link 1 |
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Pretty certain he'll slot John in, so if that's true it's a tough call to make. But we missed a few frees v Kildare - Sam missed two off the ground, and I think we missed one or two more (not blaming anyone), but we need a nailed-on free taker if we want to have any chance. I know it's tough on lads battling to make the 26, but this is the best chance we've had in years and I think he's right on this. My only worry is if we lose and he starts a few lads might walk, but that's worst-case scenario I suppose.
Fighting-Cocks69 (Westmeath) - Posts: 178 - 12/05/2026 13:09:18 2672580 Link 1 |
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The concern is that in his last championship at county level he contributed very little from play, but I expect the frees are a consideration. Anyway, it definitely adds intrigue to the fixture. Iarmhisamhi (Westmeath) - Posts: 56 - 12/05/2026 15:35:44 2672625 Link 0 |
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a bit of a crazy descion to bring heslin back out of the blue, talk about upsetting the apple cart in week before a huge match i think its disastrous , will male a hames of a lot of the plans youd imagine and also smells of pure panic and no fath in the team thats done so well all league and chamionship, why not throw in younger player? no future in john heslin like dickie10 (UK) - Posts: 939 - 12/05/2026 15:47:48 2672627 Link 1 |
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Very risky move, that could shift the whole dynamics in the group. Gantric (Leitrim) - Posts: 63 - 12/05/2026 16:26:27 2672642 Link 1 |
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Had no choice panel very lightweight in terms of quality and experience plus the numerous injuries to Luke, C Mc, Guerin, Bidou, and other players like Matthew, Sam, Shane all carrying knocks, Leinster Final V The Dubs in Croke Park no place to be throwing in younger players GCCABU (Westmeath) - Posts: 28 - 12/05/2026 17:07:20 2672653 Link 1 |
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Younger players were thrown in against Meath and Kildare and thrived. It's all down to the result; that's the fickle nature of sport realistically. Win and no one cares, lose and it draws criticism. But to suggest McHugh had no choice is definitely not true. To be fair to Heslin how would you say no after seeing the highs in Tullamore. I don't think Dublin will be too worried about it, it puts a lot of the talk and pressure on Westmeath.
OverTheHill85 (Westmeath) - Posts: 291 - 12/05/2026 18:59:21 2672679 Link 1 |
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Think there's a bit method in the madness going on here, bringing in Heslin has created a huge distraction and that suits this young team very well. No hype about the team the media are full of the Heslin story. I believe its a very smart move bringing in Heslin he will share all his experience and leadership in the build up to the final. I doubt he will be starting, maybe a minor role in the second half. I'm sure McHugh has thought this through, its a bit of similar to Donegal bringing in Murphy,... Brendanj (Westmeath) - Posts: 73 - 12/05/2026 19:51:48 2672686 Link 1 |
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That's only if you have not much faith in being back in Leinster final against dublin Meath or Kildare next year and in most years from now. I can see Westmeath being in a Leinster final every 2-3 years on average
dickie10 (UK) - Posts: 939 - 12/05/2026 22:24:14 2672697 Link 1 |
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Overheard Dessie Dolan on the phone to some high profile players currently living in Australia in the butchers on Dominick street whilst I was buying my weekly cod. Make of this what you will. Great that there is a buzz around the game and I hope we can out number the dubs on Jones' road on Sunday. JD20 (UK) - Posts: 3 - 13/05/2026 12:28:55 2672769 Link 0 |
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Must say I'm as surprised as anybody at this news. The more I think of it the more I think it's as a free taker. Sam and Ray both scored frees against Kildare but neither are reliable from dead balls. John will play at least 20 mins I'd be sure of that. Looks like we've more injuries than the two reported. Also I'm lead to believe John Heslin isn't the only player returning to the panel although he's the most high profile. Bluelake (Westmeath) - Posts: 362 - 13/05/2026 13:29:40 2672785 Link 0 |
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Also all the talk of him being past it is madness. His last county campaign he had a lot of injuries and was under the new rules. Very few footballers in Westmeath better than him. I'd argue hes still top 3 in the county behind Loughlin and McCartan Bluelake (Westmeath) - Posts: 362 - 13/05/2026 13:32:03 2672786 Link 0 |
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The buzz around the county is something to behold , for the first time since 2004 we go in to a Leinster final with a chance and a glimmer of hope, no doubt Dublin are red hot favs but we know we are capable of causing an upset , let's all get out on Sunday, back each and everyone of those lads in maroon and white and will them over the line and in the history books, we've upset been written of almost every round thus far and we are still standing , from the first whistle lads. IARMHI ABU TheGaaMan77 (Westmeath) - Posts: 82 - 13/05/2026 13:52:37 2672789 Link 1 |
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Was this the 24 hr butchers on Dominik St? I'd say Dessie was only asking O Toole if he'd recommend the beef or turkey burgers, maybe some small talk about the final
crispsandwich99 (Westmeath) - Posts: 13 - 13/05/2026 14:14:44 2672792 Link 0 |
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Surprised but also not surprised to see Heslin involved. The management team have done well to get us this far, our best performance in quite some time. I've 100% confidence in them to make the call on bringing in Heslin or not on the day. gedupoutofit (Westmeath) - Posts: 208 - 13/05/2026 16:40:03 2672825 Link 0 |
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I think anyone who thinks bringing in Heslin as a bad idea is mad. He won't start but think about the reaction from the crowd 20 minutes to go we're bringing on John Heslin and we are still well in the game. The lift this will bring will be immense. Any player who has put in the hard work all year to this point have all been given chances to play. I can't see how anyone who doesn't get game time because Heslin getting in has pushed them out should be upset. We had lads come into the panel 4 weeks ago get game time against Kildare because of injuries I can't see how this is any different. Westmeath25 (Westmeath) - Posts: 19 - 13/05/2026 16:40:44 2672826 Link 0 |
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There hasn't been a word about the Westmeath team all week. All the chat is about the Heslin return. Completely takes the pressure and spotlight off the team and panel. The McHughs are known in Donegal for being cute and this could be a masterstroke by Mark. peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1597 - 13/05/2026 21:11:43 2672865 Link 0 |