Updated Jan 29th 2019, 3:23 PM

THE WESTMEATH FOOTBALLERS have been boosted by the return of key defender Kevin Maguire, while forward Kieran Martin has been appointed as captain for the coming season.

Westmeath GAA confirmed Maguire’s return to The42 after he stepped away from the panel last year to go travelling. 

The Caulry clubman has been an important part of Westmeath’s defence over the past few seasons and will be a welcomed addition to Jack Cooney’s squad for the 2019 season.

Newly appointed captain Martin is in a rich vein of form, having kicked a stoppage-time winner in the 0-13 to 0-12 Division 3 victory over Offaly last Sunday. He was also on the scoresheet in the recent O’Byrne Cup final win against Dublin.

The Maryland star is a talented forward and bagged 2-3 in Westmeath’s first ever Leinster SFC victory over Meath in the Leinster semi-final four years ago.

He’s been an ever-present in the county side since making his championship debut as a 19-year-old in 2010 against Wicklow.

He replaces John Heslin as skipper for the 2019 season. Marquee forward Heslin is expected to rejoin the Lake County squad at some point before the start of the championship.

Additional reporting by Sinéad Farrell

Subscribe to our new podcast, The42 Rugby Weekly, here:

Click Here: cheap converse men low top shoes