Former Westmeath hurling manager Seamus Qualter has agreed to take charge of the county's minor team for the coming year. The Athlone man shocked hurling fans in the Lake County when he stepped down as senior boss just days after guiding Westmeath to their second Christy Ring Cup success in three years in August. He was subsequently replaced by Offaly legend Johnny Dooley, who was involved in a coaching capacity last season. Despite claiming to have received numerous offers from other county boards since then, Qualter said he didn't want to become known as a 'journeyman' and that the chance to work with young and enthusiastic minor players was too good to refuse. "I was involved with the senior county team for about four years and we had good success but I felt the time was right for change at the top of Westmeath hurling," he said. "I felt I took the team as far as I could. I had no other plans to be honest. People linked me to this and that job, but I had no intention of going to other counties. I had some offers but turned them down." Qualter also admitted that he initially turned down the Westmeath minor job, which was occupied by top referee James McGrath this year. "That's true, I did turn them down - about 100 times. "But they kept coming after me and wouldn't take no for an answer. I thought about it and maybe it's the best place for me to start again, working with young and enthusiastic players who want to play for Westmeath." Tweet

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