Mayo can be beaten

FOLLOWING their recent milestone victory over Donegal in the opening round of the All-Ireland Qualifiers, Westmeath ladies face a tough proposition when they make the short journey to Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, Longford, to take on Mayo in the second round on Saturday (2pm).The recent win over Donegal was Westmeath’s first win in the senior football championship since they returned to the senior ranks.

Led by Tyrrellspass man Martin Flanagan, the former Westmeath star, the Lake ladies showed impressive form when beating Donegal in the opening round of the qualifiers at Carrick-on-Shannon, with Fiona Leavy leading the way with seven points (including four crucial and well-taken frees).
Following the game, Flanagan cited Westmeath’s “unbelievable work-rate” as a key factor in their somewhat surprise success over Donegal.
According to Garrycastle star Laura Brennan, who played in the half-back line against Donegal, Westmeath will need to reproduce such efforts when they bid to get the better of a renowned and respected Mayo team.
“The result against Donegal surprised a lot of our own supporters but not the girls in the camp,” Laura said.
“We knew that we had prepared very well for the game and we were confident on the day. We were very focused on doing what the management asked us to do and we showed what a good team we can be. We don’t want our championship efforts to stop there though, and although Mayo are strong opponents, we have every intention of going to Pearse Park and coming away with the win.”
“To get our first win back at senior championship level was a huge thing for Westmeath ladies football. It was good for the underage players to watch the game on telly and see what Westmeath can achieve. The win has worked wonders for morale within Westmeath ladies football and hopefully we will have another famous win to our credit following Saturday’s match,” she added.
However, Westmeath also know that they are up against a fine Mayo team.
Beaten by Galway in this year’s Connacht Ladies final (0-16 to 1-9), Mayo can proudly boast to have won four All-Ireland Ladies’ titles (1999 and 2000 and 2002 and 2003), while they have captured five Connacht titles since 2002.
Among their ranks is the hugely talented Cora Staunton, a former student at Athlone IT, and they boast some very fine players to supplement Staunton’s undoubted scoring prowess.
“We all know loads about Cora Staunton, she has been a fine player for a long time. But they have some other excellent players and we need to keep an eye on all their players to have a chance of winning. We are delighted the game is in Longford. Hopefully, the Westmeath supporters will travel in large numbers and it would be nice if Longford ladies’ football supporters came out to offer their support for their midland neighbours,” said Laura. “We are working extremely hard in training and the attitude in the camp is very positive. We are focusing on getting results and are not satisfied to have just beaten Donegal. Mayo is a big test but we’re getting ready in the right manner and are looking forward to the challenge,” she added.
Westmeath expected to be without the services of injured trio Carole Finch, Claire Killian and Karen McDermott, but otherwise those who picked up minor bumps and bruises against Donegal should be fit to take the field on Saturday.