Former Leinster Winner With Westmeath Takes Over Castletown Geoghegan's Hurlers

Thursday, 9 December 2021 11:21

Decorated manager Pat O'Brien has announced he's stepping down.

Castletown Geoghegan have a new senior hurling manager.

Former Westmeath dual star Alan "Budda" Mangan takes the reigns from the outgoing Pat O'Brien. Mangan was most recently a part of Shane O'Brien's coaching set-up with the lake county, as they captured the Joe McDonagh Cup.

He enjoyed a long career with both CTG and Westmeath, the height of which was a Leinster Senior Football Championship winners medal in 2004.

His backroom team is expected to be confirmed shortly.

The club have made the official announcement on social media shortly:

Congratulations to Alan "Budda" Mangan on being appointed as our new Senior Hurling Manager for 2022 . Alan replaces Pat O Brien who has been at the helm for the past 3 years.

Alan has represented Westmeath in both codes from underage to senior leval winning a Leinster senior football title with Westmeath, Alan has been involved in management outside the club in recent years gaining valuable experience, he has given massive service as a player to both Castletown Geoghean Hurling Club and St Malachys Football Club and his appointment is wished every success along with his backroom team that will be announced in due course.

O'Brien steps aside having led the club to the senior championship in 2017, subsequently keeping them at the top table in recent seasons.

They'd go on to reach three successive deciders, ultimately going down to Clonkill twice and Raharney a matter of weeks ago.

A statement from the club on Facebook earlier reads:

Our senior team Manager Pat O Brien stepped down after the county senior final loss to Raharney a few weeks back it would be remiss of the club not to give Pat a mention here even though Pat wouldn't want any fuss made of it.

Pat has given so many years service to both club and county both as a player and manager and probably one of the most successful underage coaches in Westmeath hurling with numerous underage and u21 county titles accounted for over the years with so many different teams from the club.

The highlights being two All-Ireland Feile titles along with leading the club as manager to a senior hurling championship title and contesting 3 other senior finals.

The club thank Pat for his huge efforts and no doubt he will be at the coaching front within the club for many years to come.