Kildare await Westmeath U20s in Leinster quarter-final

Westmeath U20 football manager, Kenny McKinley, has heaped praise on his players following their 2-16 to 2-13 victory over Dublin at Kinnegad on Wednesday.

The result means Westmeath will take on Kildare in the Leinster quarter-final next Wednesday, April 15, in Kinnegad (7.30pm).

“Guys stood up; there were big performances across the pitch. I don't think any one person excelled. I think it was 1-15 and the players who we brought on there,” he observed.

Dublin led by six points after 10 minutes but Westmeath wrestled the lead back and when the visitors nudged in front again in the second half, the Lake County responded with some great scores. Midfielder Kealan Connell scored a wonderful goal in the 48th minute to put Westmeath 2-14 to 1-11 clear and they never looked back.

“It was a huge game from Kealan, one of our big players, captain, stood up when it needed to be counted. But again, like I said there, 1-30, training's been fantastic. The guys just keep coming, keep turning up,” said the manager.

James McHugh’s first half penalty goal was also crucial and the talented full-forward scored 1-6 in total. Matthew Thornton was also superb, orchestrating much of what was good as Westmeath produced a great recovery.

McKinley put the performance down to the team’s collective resolve and their determination to turn the campaign around after such a disappointing start against Louth.

“We were mentally hurt after the Louth defeat and the last two performances from the players have been massive. We had to go back; training was a tough place. I think it puts to bed what people probably saw in the Louth game when we absolutely looked completely disjointed, like we weren't a coached team,” he said.

Kildare now await next Wednesday: “We played them very early in the year, but I won't take too much from that,” said McKinley ahead of the quarter-final.