Former Westmeath hurling manager Seamus Qualter has crossed the Shannon to take charge of Roscommon. Qualter's appointment was the big talking point of last night's Roscommon hurling board convention in Athleague. The Athlone resident, who is a son of PJ Qualter - the Galway hurling star of the 1970s - succeeds Mayo native Dave McConn, who has stepped down after four years at the helm, during which he led the Rossies to a Nicky Rackard Cup success in 2007. Qualter's appointment is seen as a coup in Roscommon hurling circles after the success he achieved with his adopted county of Westmeath. During his three years in charge of the Lake County, he delivered two Christy Ring Cups (2005 and '07) and masterminded a famous Leinster championship victory over Dublin in 2006. Westmeath were subsequently beaten by Kilkenny, but only after giving a very good account of themselves. He was in charge of the Westmeath minor hurlers for the past two years, leading them to successive All-Ireland 'B' finals. They also beat neighbours Offaly to reach this year's Leinster semi-final where they succumbed to Kilkenny. In addition, the Southern Gaels clubman has managed top Roscommon senior football outfit St. Faithleach's, while his Daniel was able to line out for the Roscommon minor footballers this year following his transfer from Athlone to Clann na nGael. Former Galway star Pete Finnerty had been strongly linked with the Roscommon post in recent weeks, but has decided to continue in his role as coach to the Mayo team. Tweet

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