Rampant Westmeath win big in Portlaoise to retain McCarthy Cup status

Westmeath 5-24 Laois 1-18

Westmeath's senior hurlers have retained their Leinster Senior Hurling Championship and McCarthy Cup status with a comprehensive 5-24 to 1-18 victory over Laois in Portlaoise this evening.

Building on their dramatic draw against Wexford last Saturday evening in Cusack Park, Joe Fortune's men made sure that they would dining at hurling's top table once again next season with a resounding 18 point over Cheddar Plunkett's side.

After going in at half time with a slender 1-12 to 1-11 lead, Westmeath dominated the second half scoring 4-12 and restricting their opponents to only seven points.

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