Martin confirmed in Westmeath role

Kevin Martin was ratified as the new manager of the Westmeath senior hurling team on Wednesday evening, replacing Eamonn Gallagher.

Former Offaly star Martin, who it emerged at the weekend was set to be appointed in the Lake County hotseat, follows a host of Faithful County men to step up to the role. Johnny Dooley, Joachim Kelly and Johnny Flaherty have all done it before him.

An All-Ireland winner with Offaly in 1994 and 1998, Martin is currently in the player-manager role with Tullamore, who won the Offaly title for the first time in 45 years some weeks ago and he next takes them into action against the Westmeath champions Clonnkill in the AIB Leinster Club SHC.

Westmeath will be operating in the Christy Ring Cup in 2010 after a disappointing 2009. That campaign will begin with a game against Derry.