The Downs facing tough challenge against Tullamore
Clearing the first hurdle is crucial for remaining Westmeath clubs
It may sound obvious, but the first outing in Leinster is key for Westmeath teams if they are to go on a run in the provincial series. Momentum is key. Castletown Geoghegan found that out on Sunday when they lost to Laois champions Clough-Ballacolla, 2-16 to 0-20, at Portlaoise.
The loss of Peter Clarke to a red card was a major blow in the second half and Castletown Geoghegan – who led by 0-11 to 0-8 at the break – conceded two goals to the experienced Willie Dunphy. There were high hopes for Castletown Geoghegan after last year’s victory over the Kilkenny champions in Leinster, but their campaign has been short-lived.
St Brigid's were also defeated in Wexford and with the hurling clubs eliminated, just the three Westmeath football clubs remain in the provincial championship.
It’s on to the Leinster club senior football championship next weekend and the meeting of The Downs and Tullamore in TEG Cusack Park at 1.30pm. The Downs will be very keen to make an impact and home advantage is a boost to their chances, but there are injury concerns around some players such as Joe Moran, Conor Coughlan and Niall Mitchell – the latter pair enjoying very limited playing time this year as a result.
Tullamore beat Ferbane in the Offaly decider, 0-19 to 1-12, to secure their third successive title and will be serious opposition. Attacking ace Harry Plunkett scored 0-8 in the Offaly final, including two-pointers from play and a free, and just like Luke Loughlin on The Downs’ side, will command serious attention. They had to show resilience to secure a hat-trick of Offaly senior titles on October 26 and they finished the game impressively.
Stephen Rochford, who managed Donegal and Mayo, is part of the backroom team, alongside manager Paul McConway, a former player. They will have a plan to curb the threat of Loughlin, one suspects, and Daire McDaid is a gritty man-marker.
The Downs, like Tullamore, have had three weeks to recover and focus on this game, and they will expect a big performance. It's winter football now and two-pointers will be more difficult; traditional values will count for an awful lot. It will be a test of resilience as well as strength in depth.
Elsewhere, Tubberclair already have a win under their belt and take on St Martin’s (Wexford) in The Downs on Saturday (1pm). Ballinagore are in action against Barcelona Gaels on Saturday in Kinnegad (1.30pm). Last year, Barcelona Gaels won their first round against Conahy Shamrocks (Kilkenny) and pushed Kilcavan of Laois close, so they cannot be taken for granted. Ballinagore will need to produce a good performance and if Tommy McDaniel (hand injury) is out, that will be a major blow.