Momentum is key for Fortune and Westmeath hurlers

Building momentum over the next number of weeks is crucial for the Westmeath senior hurlers, according to manager Joe Fortune, who reflected on his side's performance against Antrim last Saturday and accepted they will need to operate at a higher level to make it a successful year.

"Keith Quinn (Westmeath fixtures secretary) will always say to me, ‘the next day is the big one’. And that’s what you want to hear. These players will relish going up to Parnell Park now. We were made look very poor in the Walsh Cup and we won’t let that happen next week.

“Then there is a four-week gap to the Kerry game. And it’s all about Kerry, Offaly, Down and Laois and all the teams we have to play (in the Joe McDonagh Cup). This was always about building and getting right at the right time," he opined.

The manager said his players will look to be stronger on the ball and more assertive.

"There were times we were sloppy with ball and I didn’t think we won enough primary possession. Davy Glennon made an impact when he came in; Killian (Doyle) is just back and we will have Aonghus (Clarke) in the next week or two, which will add to it also.

“Robbie (Greville) is just back today for his first game. It will take time. Sometimes I feel for the guys who are not playing and I know Antrim didn't have too many today because of the U20 game, but the players who are not playing are putting in a massive effort during the week," he observed.

"I’m conscious of our high fielding today: we were outfought in the half forward line I thought and in the half back line at certain times. But the result represents progress. “Does the performance? Probably not on the last two or three weeks - I thought we were better against Tipperary and Limerick than we were today."

Fortune spoke of the challenges Westmeath face as they attempt to grow and develop the game in the county, but said the players are very motivated by the challenge.

"The numbers (of players) and the facilities are a challenge. I didn’t know last Monday at 5pm where I was going to train on Tuesday. And it’s tough like that. In time, in years to come please God, we will have that centre of excellence in Westmeath. But it’s not easy and that is not driven by me. These Westmeath players grew up with these (challenges) and they love bringing Limerick, Cork and those big teams here," he remarked.

"On a day like today, let’s savour an element of the performance, but realise that we have a lot of work to do in the next five weeks to have an opportunity in the McDonagh Cup and to get near where Offaly are at the moment, and where Laois are."

He said the younger players will benefit from the experience of another tough test in division one, while the impact of the experienced hurlers in the side will be crucial as the championship approaches.

"Davy Glennon did well and it means a lot to him to be part of this group. But it also means a lot to Killian Doyle, Niall Mitchell, Tommy Doyle and Darragh Egerton. But it means a lot to Davy and he has given us a lot since I arrived here," he said.

"I’m happy with the influence of the players who came in. But we have work to do and we know a performance like today won't be good enough.

“But I know if we get six wins in the Joe McDonagh Cup I’ll happily take them."