Players’ work ethic impresses minor hurling manager

Westmeath’s response when Antrim got to within three points in the second half was crucial to the outcome, manager Ian Corrigan felt afterwards.

“We didn’t panic. We just kept the scoreboard ticking over which is the key thing.

“They’re a good side and they work hard, supporting each other on the field and I think that has been evident. They will be tested more as this championship goes on, but they can’t be faulted for their effort and they back each other up really well,” he remarked.

“They have a skill level and when the game opens up they are able to execute their chances, which is important.”

A vital moment came when ‘keeper Cathal Óg Fagan saved to deny Antrim a goal (51 minutes) and Westmeath broke forward for Cormac McKeogh to earn a free in that to led to a point.

“It was crucial and it took the wind out of Antrim’s sails a little. All in all, it was another good team performance,” observed Corrigan, whose side face Offaly next Saturday.

“We knew coming into this game that it was going to be a different test for us. We weren’t sure where the team were: we had two comprehensive wins so we knew it was going to be mentally and physically a bigger test.

“It took us 15 minutes to get up to the pace of the game. You could see they were after playing Offaly a week earlier and they were hurling at a different level. But the lads improved as the game went on, started contesting the ball and were handling the pressure very well. It was a case of trying to hold firm in the second half because they were always going to come back at us.

“The work rate was excellent and when they continue to do that, that’s the key for this team because they are good hurlers.

“It’s a hectic schedule for these minor players. It’s tough and it’s more about recovery this week; keeping them mentally fresh is important because the games are coming week-on-week.”

Antrim brought a tough physical challenge to Saturday’s game, Corrigan agreed.

“Antrim changed around their team a bit so they were trying to target us in certain areas. We handled it pretty well after the first 15 minutes,” he said.

“We lost about 80% of the breaking ball in the first 15 minutes but when we got to the speed of the game, that’s when we started to take control. It was the test we needed.”

Asked about the red card for Aaron Flanagan, Corrigan said: “I didn’t see it: I asked the referee and he gave me his opinion on it. I didn’t see any striking motion and we will have a look at it (later).

“It’s tough on him: he’s not a player who reacts, so we will see what we can do.”