Westmeath GAA which they were nevertheless promoted from Division 2, the team was knocked out of the Leinster Senior Football Championship in the first round by Offaly. However wins over London, Limerick, Sligo and then a historic defeat of Galway in Pearse Park in Salthill set up a third All-Ireland Quarter Final for the team in six years - this time against Dublin. Westmeath did not live up to expectations in the Quarter Final meeting against Dublin and lost by 10 points. Westmeath staged a strong second half display to capture the 2008 Division 2 National Football League title for the third
Johnny Dooley Carlow were admirable opponents on that occasion and went on to win the game by 3–22 to 4–16. Shortly after this defeat Dooley decided to step down as Westmeath manager. Johnny Dooley Johnny Dooley (born 7 October 1971 in Clareen, County Offaly) is an Irish former hurling manager and player. He played hurling with his local club Seir Kieran and was a member of the Offaly senior inter-county team from 1991 until 2002. Dooley served as manager of the Westmeath senior inter-county team from 2007 until 2008. Johnny Dooley was born just outside Clareen, County Offaly in 1971. He was