Finnegan relishing another shot at intermediate glory

With his Westmeath ladies’ football team going through their paces behind him, Westmeath manager Sean Finnegan was in ebullient and confident form as we caught up with him ahead of the All-Ireland ladies’ IFC final against Wexford on Sunday next.

“We’re delighted to be where we are, and indeed this was one of our goals at the start of the year along with retaining Division 1 status in the league. After losing last year’s final, we vowed we would do all we can to get back here, and thankfully we have,” Finnegan stated initially.

It hasn’t been easy for Westmeath, and the team boss was keen to point out that the favourites tag also paints a target on your back. “We’re there and we’re there on merit because we had to play each game as if it was a final,” he stated.

Defeat against a very unfancied Longford in the opening round put the Lake County ladies on the back foot from the outset.

“The margins are so thin and we were deservedly beaten that day. No excuses; we didn’t play that day and for the following few days we were in a bad place, as the safety net was gone. Even against Sligo the next day we were lucky to win with a late Ciara Blundell goal,” Finnegan continued.

“But when we go to the well, these girls have shown tremendous resilience, and that is what pleases me most. Those close calls jolted us into some soul searching for both players and management, and it stood to us.”

The Covid-19 lockdown hit everybody hard, but Finnegan was quick to point out that even under those restrictions, the girls were determined to go one better than last year’s defeat to Meath.

“In February and March we got together and drew up a plan to remedy last year’s hurt, but knew we had no divine right to win, and that it was going to be a battle,” he remarked. The ladies’ game is moving at a phenomenal pace, and he was keen to point out that the Westmeath girls put every bit as much into it as their male counterparts, and make the same sacrifices and commitment.

“Some of these girls travel from Dublin for training maybe twice or three times a week, and they give everything in terms of fitness, diet and without the perks associated with the men’s game. They deserve huge credit for that,” he added.

The structure of the ladies’ game is something Finnegan is strongly in favour of. “Senior, intermediate and junior championships allow the girls to take part at the same level. It’s an even playing field, and despite playing in Division 1, we did struggle at times.

“It stood to us in the long run though, and indeed the championships are a better and more even contest because of that. No matter what title is brought home, it’s an All-Ireland final, and the grade is immaterial to a county or its supporters.”

The blend of youth and experience in the squad pleases Finnegan immensely, and he admits that the full squad of 32 all play their part. “The senior players are a credit and they set the benchmark for the next generation, who they are passing the torch on to,” he said. “The whole county should get behind them for putting the Westmeath flag prominent, and it is encouraging more and more young girls to get involved. But we all need to get out and support these girls, who are a credit to the county.

“No matter what club the player comes from, we think we have the best players who want to play for the county, and we hope that everybody turns out to cheer them on.”

Finnegan reserved huge praise for his backroom team. “We have Colm McDaid, Pat McCartan, Carole Finch, Paul Ahearne, Tom Carr, a medical team who have been busy all year, Alan Coffey as nutritionist, and many more throughout the campaign,” he said. “They have all brought a professional attitude and something to the table, and are all integrals part of the success.

“As well, we have our sponsors of course, and without them we would be going nowhere.”

Looking forward to Sunday, Finnegan just hopes that the girls do themselves justice.

“We can’t control what happens on the day, and Wexford are there on merit. The earlier game in the championship will count for nothing.

“If we play to our potential for the full game and not in fits and spurts like we have in some games, then I would be very confident that for the girls themselves, it will be a day to remember for the rest of their lives.

“If for one more game they use their resilience and skill, then it’s que será será!”