Westmeath sign up country’s most well-known coach to help revive their fortunes

What does 'yop Westmeath' sound like in a New Zealand accent?

Westmeath GAA did not enjoy the best of league campaigns. Michael Ryan's hurlers missed out on the chance of promotion from Division 2A of the Allianz Hurling League after a loss to Laois last week, despite being unbeaten in seven games. The county's footballers also suffered a demotion from Division 3 - their third relegation in as many years - and will be playing league football in the basement in 2017 after another miserable early season campaign. However, the county board may have gotten a significant boost after one of the Lake County's most famous adopted sons has signed up to commit to shout 'Yop Westmeath' at any given opportunity. The 'Club Iarmhí' initiative has been a massive success for the county board, and they have now managed to persuade former Mullingar rugby player Joe Schmidt to switch allegiance to support our Gaelic Games instead of the oval ball game.

Pic via Club Iarmhi

Schmidt of course taught in Mullingar in the early nineties and is well known among locals in the area. The official supporters club are the fundraising arm of the county board, and the signing of Schmidt is sure to be a boost to a county who have endured a tough spring. It's unlikely he will be giving up the day job with the IRFU, but it's good to see him willing to give a helping hand. Now if he could only persuade Robbie Henshaw to go back playing GAA.