Dillon hails minor footballers after memorable victory

Following his side’s memorable victory over Dublin in the Leinster MFC on Tuesday evening, Westmeath manager Mick Dillon paid tribute to all who have helped the players along the way.

To put it in context, Tuesday’s victory was Westmeath’s first over Dublin at minor level since 2000 and only their fourth in history (1952, 1963 and 2000 the others). Dillon said the players have set high standards and are comfortable at performing against the top teams at this level.

“We’re not surprised at that performance from Westmeath, considering the work that they have put in over the last four to five months. People said it was only Longford last week (following Westmeath's first round win), but Longford are a good team. So I’m not surprised that we beat Dublin, who are a very decent team. But you look at that bunch of guys with Westmeath; an outstanding bunch,” remarked Dillon.

Defensively, Westmeath again impressed with their organisation and cohesion, something Dillon attributed to detailed coaching.

“We’ve worked unbelievably on our defence. Alan Mullen is an absolutely unbelievable coach with the guys. Mark Samuels is working with the defence with myself. We have an unbelievable guy in Lorcan Dolan, who is doing a lot of work up front with them.

“But I will always go back to one man, Jack Cooney. He’s brought me from wherever I have been. He has been an unbelievable friend and coach to me. And he will like that defensive stuff as well - being a half Donegal man!”

In attack, Dillon also acknowledged the influence of Stephen McWade, particularly in the opening half. McWade is one of eight players on the side who were part of Coláiste Mhuire's Hogan Cup success in recent weeks.

“Again, it's down to Lorcan and Alan. They did huge work with Stephen on that loop ball. It paid off. It paid off against Longford. But look, am I surprised? No.

“The boys that went before us did huge work. The likes of Tom Brennan, Steven Cleary, Johnny Murray and Paul Keena who were with them. They did huge work with that group. We’re absolutely blessed to get a crop of players like that,” said Dillon.

Attention now turns to the final group game against Offaly on Tuesday, April 14, with Dillon determined to keep his side grounded.

“We’ll have nothing in our heads, only Offaly in the next training session. We’ll be back here (in Kinnegad) for that game as well, which is positive.”

With a short break before that encounter, Dillon intends to allow his players some well-earned downtime.

“We’ll let the boys have a bit of a break this week. Probably get them back in maybe Easter Sunday for a couple of Easter eggs, something like that. Look, we’ll give them a couple of days off. I think there’s a couple of boys with a TY ball on Friday. That’s brilliant and they can go and enjoy themselves at that.”

He also acknowledged the wider support network behind the team. “We’re blessed and I will mention them. There’s the four of us and Ryan Jones (statistics), and we have Andy Meares (Streamstown) who did a lot of work with the goalkeepers also. I have to compliment him as well," he added.