Westmeath’s Ronan O’Toole tries to steer the ball away from Louth’s Tom Jackson during last year's league game between the counties in Ardee.

Venue finally confirmed for Westmeath v Louth clash

The venue for Westmeath's upcoming Leinster SFC quarter-final against Louth was finally confirmed after the opening round games were played last weekend.

Páirc Tailteann in Navan will host the Westmeath v Louth clash on Sunday week, April 23 (throw-in 2pm).

The winners will face either Meath or Offaly in the Leinster semi-finals a week later.

Westmeath continued their preparations for the Louth game with a narrow win in a challenge match against Monaghan last weekend.

Irrespective of the result of the Louth encounter, Westmeath are guaranteed a place in the new Sam Maguire group stages by virtue of winning the Tailteann Cup last year.

That said, Dessie Dolan's men will certainly be keen to make progress in the Leinster championship if possible, though they face a difficult assignment against a Louth side who showed impressive form in Division 2 this year.

Mickey Harte's men were in contention for promotion from Division 2 of the Allianz Football League until their last match, in which they lost out to Leinster champions Dublin.

On the other hand, Westmeath's hopes of promotion from Division 3 were already over before they took on Tipperary in their last league fixture.

Westmeath's main injury worry ahead of the Louth game is star forward John Heslin.

Leinster SFC quarter-finals (Sunday, April 23)

Westmeath v Louth, 2pm, Páirc Tailteann, Navan.

Kildare v Wicklow, 2.30pm, Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow.

Laois v Dublin, 3.30pm, Laois Hire O'Moore Park, Portlaoise.

Offaly v Meath, 4pm, Glenisk O'Connor Park, Tullamore.