Heslin superb as Westmeath reach Tailteann semis

Tailteann Cup senior football quarter-final: Westmeath 1-21, Carlow 2-13

John Heslin fired 1-9 at Netwatch Cullen Park today, as Westmeath withstood the challenge of a competitive Carlow outfit to book their place in the semi-finals of the Tailteann Cup.

The St Loman’s, Mullingar man was teed up by Sam Duncan for an early goal, as Jack Cooney’s troops raced into a 1-4 to 0-1 lead after the first quarter.

However, Westmeath – missing influential full back and captain Kevin Maguire (suspended) – showed occasional defensive frailties, of which Carlow took full advantage.

In the 21st minute, Carlow’s Josh Moore found the net from close range after being set up by Darragh Foley. Westmeath regained their composure, and by the 27th minute, a point from Luke Loughlin saw the visitors lead 1-8 to 1-2.

However, Carlow responded with three points on the trot, and although Loughlin and Heslin (a free) made some amends, Niall Hickey pounced for a goal for the Barrowsiders after one of many long balls that had the Lake County at sixes and sevens defensively.

That green flag left two between the sides (1-10 to 2-5) at the break, with Heslin finishing the half with a personal tally of 1-5.

Westmeath started the second half well with unanswered scores from Sam McCartan, Ronan O’Toole and Jamie Gonoud, but Carlow kept plugging away and with 15 minutes ago, still trailed by only two.

But Heslin, McCartan (0-2), Luke Loughlin (a free) and Lorcan Dolan (a mark) all scored in the final stages as the Maroons ran out five-point winners.

Carlow, meanwhile, finished the game with 14 men, with corner back Liam Roberts sent off deep into stoppage time.

Scorers – Westmeath: J Heslin 1-9 (0-7f), L Loughlin 0-4 (1f), S McCartan 0-3, R O’Toole 0-2, J Gonoud, S Duncan and L Dolan (m) 0-1 each. Carlow: D Foley 0-5f, N Hickey and J Moore 1-0 each, R Dunphy and C Hulton 0-2 each, M Bambrick, S Clarke, C Doyle and J Clarke (free) 0-1 each.

Westmeath: Jason Daly; Charlie Drumm, Jack Smith, Jamie Gonoud; Nigel Harte, Ronan Wallace, James Dolan; Sam McCartan, Sam Duncan; David Lynch, Jonathan Lynam, Ronan O’Toole; Lorcan Dolan, John Heslin, Luke Loughlin. Subs used: Robbie Forde for Duncan (57), Andrew McCormack for Harte (60), Alex Gardiner for L Dolan (67), Kieran Martin for McCartan (70), TJ Cox for Loughlin (70+2).

Carlow: Ciaran Cunningham; Liam Roberts, Mikey Bambrick, Dara Curran; Shane Clarke, Seánie Bambrick, Conor Doyle; Jamie Clarke, Eoghan Ruth; Niall Hickey, Josh Moore, Ross Dunphy; Colm Hulton, Conor Crowley, Darragh Foley. Subs used: Shane Buggy for Hickey (60), Cormac Lomax for Doyle (69).

Ref: Conor Lane (Cork).