'We won't fear anyone; we'll go again' - Whittaker

Westmeath’s Matthew Whittaker, who continues to battle through the pain barrier, said the players will learn a lot from last Sunday’s game against Galway in Salthill, an unfamiliar tilt with an established Division 1 side at this level.

While disappointed with the defeat, he was clearly impressed with the character shown by his team mates. Whittaker was forced off with an ongoing ankle injury after 48 minutes and was well placed to view the enormous effort his colleagues made in the second half.

“We will go again next week. We will look at this and review it: there are disappointing factors, but there are also good (positive) factors,” he enthused.

It wasn’t known at the time who Westmeath would face in next weekend’s tie, but Whittaker said there will be a positive approach regardless. He acknowledged the immense effort it is taking and noted that fatigue may well have been a factor in Salthill at different times.

“We won’t fear playing anyone next weekend. We’ll go again - we’ll go to the well again, as we have done in the last three games. Maybe you could see the tired bodies and tired minds,” he remarked.

Asked if the tough campaign caught up with Westmeath at times (they have played five matches, with three of them going to extra-time), Whittaker said: “Yes, maybe a small bit. There are obviously a few knocks and bruises and it’s hard to patch those up week on week. The two-week gap has been nice between games, but we have to go again next week and get things right. We have to knuckle down.”

The level of support behind the team has been truly amazing, he said, paying tribute to the loyal Westmeath fans who made the trip to Salthill.

“It’s unbelievable. I’ve seen in league games where we were going in and being outnumbered in Cusack Park, and the support is now unbelievable. The stadium is packed; it’s mostly Westmeath down in Galway,” he observed.

“This means so much to the players - people probably might not understand how much it means.

"It really makes a big difference and hopefully they will come out and support us again next weekend,” he added.