Full steam ahead for Leinster final

All roads lead to Croke Park for the Leinster SFC final on Sunday next as Westmeath take on hot favourites Dublin at Croke Park (2pm).

The Westmeath team will not be confirmed until later in the week, but the mood in the camp is upbeat and positive ahead of the county’s first Leinster senior football final in 10 years. Former star John Heslin, who officially retired last year, trained with the team at the weekend, but it remains to be seen if he will be part of the official panel when it is confirmed later this week.

Otherwise, Mark McHugh has the same group of players who toppled Kildare in the semi-final and he is calling on his players to summon their biggest effort yet and give every ounce and sinew in pursuit of the coveted prize.

“There’s a huge opportunity there for us now, but it’s going to take an almighty effort. Whatever is in these boys’ bodies will have to be left in Croke Park on Sunday, but we have full faith they can do it,” he said when looking ahead to the Leinster final.

See this week's printed edition for special 16-page feature on the Leinster football final.