Heroic Westmeath stun Meath in famous victory

Leinster SFC quarter-final

Westmeath 4-18 Meath 0-25

Westmeath produced a magnificent performance to claim only their second ever senior championship victory over old rivals Meath at Glenisk O'Connor Park, Tullamore today (Sunday).

It's arguably Westmeath's greatest victory against anybody since their 2016 Leinster semi-final win over Kildare - a result which came a year on from the Lake County's only previous win over Meath.

To put this victory in context, it came against a Meath team who reached the All-Ireland semi-finals last year and who recently won the Division 2 league title. In contrast, Westmeath were unable to get out of Division 3 this year.

Yet Westmeath confounded expectations and were hugely impressive throughout. The underdogs led 2-9 to 0-9 at half-time, the goals coming from Matthew Whittaker (a brilliant individual score) and Shane Corcoran.

Luke Loughlin scored Westmeath's only two-pointer shortly after the restart and when Corcoran scored a majestic second goal, Mark McHugh's charges looked well on the road to victory.

However, Westmeath had to cope with various setbacks on the day as key attacker Loughlin and centre half-back Shane Allen were both forced off with injuries.

Meath mounted a late revival as they took control of the kickouts, while James Conlon scored 0-4 off the bench. But with Sam McCartan among those to excel, Westmeath just about held the Royals at bay.

With Westmeath clinging on to a two-point lead, the outstanding Whittaker won a crucial kickout to deny Meath the chance to force extra-time. McCartan then kicked a difficult free wide but Ray Connellan won the resulting kickout. Tom Molloy then passed the ball to fellow sub Danny McCartan for the goal that sealed victory moments before the hooter.

Westmeath had heroes all over the pitch. Danny Scahill had probably his finest game in a Westmeath jersey and Charlie Drumm had a huge second half. Conor Dillon approached his marking job on Meath dangerman Jordan Morris with determination and total commitment.

Midfielder Ray Connellan, one of the survivors from the 2015 victory, delivered some superb passes to the forward line in addition to contributing two points himself. Shane Corcoran (the young St Malachy's player scored 2-2) and Brandon Kelly were always willing to take on their men in an effort to create openings.

Mark McHugh and his management team made a huge call beforehand by starting Conor McCormack in goals in what was his first competitive appearance of the season. As things transpired, however, McCormack's involvement ended with just nine minutes gone, the Caulry man picking up an injury after making a decent save from Cian McBride.

Jason Daly was introduced and he banished the memory of some errors in previous outings by also making a vital contribution, finding his men with some fine kickouts in the second half.

The throw-in was delayed until 2.10pm due to traffic congestion caused by the large crowd making their way into Tullamore. More than 9,000 spectators were in attendance and they were treated to an enthralling spectacle and a famous Westmeath victory.

Scorers - Westmeath: S Corcoran 2-2; L Loughlin 0-6 (1tp); S McCartan 0-4 (3f); M Whittaker and D McCartan 1-0 each; R Connellan and B Kelly (1 mark) 0-2 each; B Cooney and K O'Sullivan 0-1 each. Meath: R Kinsella 0-6 (2tp); J Conlon and E Frayne (1tp) 0-4 each; J Flynn (1tp) and J Morris (2f) 0-3 each; J O'Connor and A Lynch 0-2 each; B Menton 0-1.

Westmeath - Conor McCormack; Daniel Scahill, Charlie Drumm, Tadhg Baker; Ronan Wallace, Shane Allen, Matthew Whittaker; Brían Cooney, Ray Connellan; Kevin O'Sullivan, Sam McCartan, Conor Dillon; Shane Corcoran, Luke Loughlin, Brandon Kelly. Subs: Jason Daly for McCormack (injured); Shane Ormsby for Cooney; Robbie Forde for Loughlin (inj.); Tom Molloy for Allen (inj.); Danny McCartan for Kelly.

Meath - Seán Brennan; Seamus Lavin, Seán Rafferty, Brian O'Halloran; Donal Keogan, Seán Coffey, Ciarán Caulfield; Jack Flynn, Bryan Menton; Jack O'Connor, Ruairí Kinsella, Cian McBride; Jordan Morris, Eoghan Frayne, Aaron Lynch. Subs: Cathal Hickey for McBride; Killan Smyth for O'Halloran; James Conlon for Lynch; Conor Duke for O'Connor; Keith Curtis for Frayne.

Referee - Barry Cassidy (Derry).