Cooney: ‘We have plenty to work on’
Leinster SFC quarter-final: Westmeath 3-13, Longford 0-14
When he spoke to the assembled media after his side’s eight-point win against Longford last Saturday evening in TEG Cusack Park, Westmeath senior football manager was understandably pleased with his team’s win, but aware nonetheless that tougher assignments lie ahead.
The winning bainisteoir opined: “There are a lot of aspects of it that were very pleasing. We worked hard over the last four weeks preparing for this day, and a lot of things we worked on in training the lads carried out today. That’s always very pleasing from a coaching perspective.
“It was a very honest effort from both teams in trying conditions. The last few sessions we had, it has been very dry, and then we come out today with a wet greasy ball with difficult underfoot conditions.”
When asked whether Longford’s shock win at the same venue in the league was on his mind ahead of last Saturday’s championship rematch, Cooney responded: “We weren’t happy with our league performance against them, and that’s not taking anything away from them as they deserved their victory on the day.
“Longford are a very good team and they had some good results in the league. But we parked the league when it was over.”
Home fans were delighted to see loyal veteran Ger Egan return to the starting team. In this regard, Cooney stated: “Ger was fully deserving of a start and we are just managing his playing time now. Jimmy (Dolan) was in the 26 today and he’s back with us. He won’t shy away from the work that’s needed to get his place back.
“I think both Ronan (O’Toole) and Robbie (Forde) got a goal with their first touches. It has been a massive collective effort from the 26 we togged out today, and there’s about another 10/12 guys who weren’t togged who are putting in as much effort as anybody else. They deserve huge recognition.
“The lads put their shoulder to the wheel in the last four weeks. The timing was ideal after the league.”
Westmeath’s three goals effectively divided the sides at the end, but the Coralstown/Kinnegad man was aware that Longford would fight to the end.
“In fairness to Longford, even when we were two goals up late in the game, they kept driving at us in numbers and they created a couple of half-chances,” he said. “Had they gone in, it would have made things very tight coming down the final straight.
“The final goal we got put a bit of polish on it and we were relieved when it went in.”
Cooney was asked about his outstanding half-back line and commented: “Wally (Ronan Wallace) has been outstanding for us since I came in nearly four years ago. He brings lots of energy to it.
“Nigel (Harte) kicked two points in the first half in what was his championship debut. This is his third year with us and this year is the first year where he has got a run of games. He’s after taking his opportunity.”
Looking ahead to a Delaney Cup semi-final against opponents unknown at the time of the interview (since confirmed to be Kildare in Croke Park on Sunday May 15), Cooney concluded: “We don’t know who we’re going to get, but it’s very exciting. We have plenty to work on. We’ll look forward to another couple of weeks training.
“There’s no problem motivating our lads. They are mad to play with Westmeath. They have invested in Westmeath and they want the county to be successful, not just now, but in the future.”
— Gerry Buckley