DESSIE DOLAN WILL make his first appearance for Westmeath in over 18 months in Sunday’s Bord Na Móna O’Byrne Cup opener against Athlone IT.
Dolan took a break last year from the inter-county scene as he opted not to link up with the Westmeath squad in the wake of his club Garrycastle’s loss to Crossmaglen Rangers in the All-Ireland club final replay.
Dolan has been named at left corner-forward for Sunday’s Group C game in Hogan Park in Moate in what will be his first game since coming on as a substitute in June 2011 when Westmeath lost out to Antrim in the first round of the All-Ireland qualifiers.
Westmeath also welcome back goalkeeper Gary Connaughton and midfielder David Duffy into their side after the duo had been sidelined through long injury lay-offs.
WESTMEATH SF: 1. Gary Connaughton; 2. Mark McCallon, 3. Kieran Gavin, 4. Aaron Purcell; 5. Michael Curley, 6. Paul Sharry, 7. Doran Harte; 8. David Duffy, 9. Paul Bannon; 10. Ronan Foley, 11. Denis Glennon, 12. Declan Mullen; 13. Ciaran Curley, 14. Callum McCormack, 15. Dessie Dolan.