The Bruff native took charge of his first competitive game.
Westmeath were left reflecting on the "fine margins" that define results in Division One hurling after their league opener against Antrim on Sunday.
Seoirse Bulfin, on his first competitive outing over the Lake County hurlers, saw his players fall to an eventual nine point defeat.
Westmeath trailed by five points at the break, and narrowly missed an opportunity to raise the green flag after Peter Clarke shot wide shortly after half time.
Antrim scored their first goal through James McNaughton after that.
The final score was 2-25 to 1-19.
Bulfin believes his panel is playing catch-up:
Westmeath return to action in Division 1B this weekend against Dublin.
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