WESTMEATH pair Brian Smith and Joe Clarke could form the midfield partnership for the London hurlers in 2012, with both players set to commit to the Exiles’ challenge for Christy Ring Cup success.
Smith, who captained Westmeath this year, has been axed by Lake County manager Brian Hanley, who believes it’s unfeasible for the player to give sufficient commitment to the panel by continuing his regular commute from London.
The Raharney man has been working as a teacher in the English capital for the last year and has expressed his desire to play both hurling and football for London next season.
Clarke also lined out for Westmeath in 2011, despite moving to London a year ago due to work commitments.
Clarke, from Castletown-Geoghegan, was Christy Ring Cup player of the year when Westmeath won the competition last year.
Speaking to The Irish Post, London hurling manager Eamonn Phelan said: “I think Brian [Smith] wants to play hurling and football for London so it’s a case of myself and Paul [Coggins, London football manager] sitting down with him and seeing how possible that’ll be.
“In Joe Clarke’s case, he’s also made himself available. I think Joe and Brian hurled together in midfield for Westmeath when they won the Christy Ring Cup last year.”
