The beleaguered Westmeath footballers have been given a boost with the news that prodigal son John Heslin is set to return following a brief stint in Australian Rules.
Hugely talented midfielder Heslin had become the county’s key player long before his 20th birthday, having captured the headlines with a series of fine performances for club, county and his college, UCD.
His performances alerted the attention of those nasty scouts from the AFL, and the Richmond club lured Heslin Down Under for some footy last year.
However, he is now reported to have called time on the venture, with homesickness cited as one of the principal reasons for his decision to return to the northern hemisphere. Well, he’s hardly coming home for the weather.
Still just 19, Heslin could return to the Westmeath colours in time for the Leinster U21 football championship clash with either Wicklow or Carlow on Wednesday 7 March.
Craig Cameron, Richmond’s General Manager of Football Operations, said, “It’s never easy for young players to relocate to a new country, a long away from their family and friends. John found that transition difficult, and has experienced homesickness.
“We have worked hard to support John and will continue to do so but understand his decision to return home at this time.”
You can always keep track of the latest developments by following Heslin on Twitter. And if you’re not following JOE yet, why not?
