In focus/Westmeath footballers: Tomás Ó Flatharta was gearing up for a stint with the Dublin minors until a fellow west Kerry native came calling late last year. Páidí Ó Sé wanted to know if he would be interested in joining a new venture in Westmeath.
He has been based in Dublin for 20 years but before he knew it he was commuting to the midlands several times a week to put a thus-far underachieving Westmeath panel through their paces.
The relationship with Ó Sé goes back a long way. They played together on the West Kerry county championship winning sides of 1984 and '85. It was Ó Sé's first taste of management.
When Westmeath came up, Ó Sé sought an accomplice before entering unknown territory. One of his own. Although in exile, Ó Flatharta continued to play for An Ghaeltacht for five years before he finally tired of the travelling and joined Kilmacud Crokes.
This Sunday they go into battle together once more, in the Leinster championship first-round game against Offaly in Croke Park.
"I suppose Páidí wanted somebody that he knew," said Ó Flatharta "Somebody he knew he could work with. It was a complete surprise. I had no experience of training an intercounty panel and had doubts over work commitments and the travelling aspect. However, I am delighted that Páidí gave me the opportunity. I enjoy working with him and the Westmeath players."
It has been difficult. A bright start saw Westmeath coast into the final of the O'Byrne Cup, almost on a wave of enthusiasm, but life in the top flight of the National League proved difficult. The Ó Sé experiment did manage to avoid the catcalls of failure with victory over Mayo in the final game of the regular season - a win that kept their Division One status intact.
"It has been very difficult for Paidí. He had to stay down overnight after training. He would leave Ventry at midday and would not return until the following afternoon. We eventually put training back to 7.15 p.m. so he could fly back to Farranfore.
"When we met the top teams like Kerry, Dublin and Tyrone we struggled. But in fairness to the players they pulled together and the victory over Mayo ensured we stayed at the top level for next season."
That result is irrelevant this Sunday. The result may determine their level of success for 2004. Quite possibly it is how Ó Sé's tenure in Westmeath will be marked. Success or failure. At least the fate of Westmeath and Ó Sé will be decided on the main stage of Croke Park.
Offaly are favourites. New manager Gerry Fahey has done solid work since his surprise arrival last autumn. He has even delivered some silverware in the Division Two title. Offaly will prevail if the formbook is adhered to.
"You're right," said Ó Flatharta. "Offaly have a big tradition in both football and hurling. They have a tradition of beating the big teams. We have to overcome this. Our panel has had All-Ireland success at minor and under-21, so they do have a winning mentality.
"I take comfort from Tyrone. They have won a senior All-Ireland as a result of their conveyor belt of successful underage teams. We are heading into Sunday positively and we are not afraid of what lies in store."
