Concern for Loughlin ahead of Kildare clash
The big concern for Westmeath ahead of the Leinster SFC semi-final meeting with Kildare next Sunday is the fitness of star forward Luke Loughlin, who came off injured in their memorable win over Meath.
Loughlin scored 2-2 against Longford in the opening round and shot 0-6 as Westmeath shocked Meath in the quarter-final, but he was substituted in both games and could be seen clutching his hamstring before making his way off against the Royals.
Lake County fans are hoping that The Downs’ talisman makes a full recovery but there is serious concern that he will be unable to play any part. There is a low-key build-up in Westmeath and there is no official confirmation of team news ahead yet ahead of Sunday's Leinster semi-final, which takes place at 2pm in O'Connor Park, Tullamore.
Loughlin's fitness is seen as crucial to the outcome of next weekend’s semi-final.
Westmeath have scored nine goals in two Leinster SFC games against Longford and Meath and there’s no doubt that the influence of Loughlin in attack has had a major influence.
Westmeath manager Mark McHugh has been keeping things very low-key ahead of the semi-final, but he will feel his side has every chance of avenging last year’s defeat against the Lilywhites.
Like Westmeath, Kildare will carry real momentum into next Sunday’s big game, the second year in-a-row that the sides have met in the provincial championship.
The Lilywhites had to show resilience against Laois, recovering from a difficult opening spell where goals from Paul Kingston and Daragh Galvin helped the visitors into a 2-5 to 0-8 lead after 25 minutes. Kingston capitalised on an errant kick-out from Cian Burke, while Galvin struck at the second attempt after his initial effort was saved.
Kildare responded well, with Ben Loakman finding the net after Eoin Cully’s effort came back off the crossbar, but there was late first-half drama when Loakman saw a penalty come back off the bar after Darragh Swords had been fouled.
The introduction of Kevin Feely proved pivotal after the break, with the experienced midfielder helping Kildare gain control alongside Brendan Gibbons and Callum Bolton. A five-point burst, sparked by the outstanding Cully, turned the game in Kildare’s favour, while Tommy Gill, Feely and Swords also contributed.
Ben McCormack’s impact off the bench added further scoring power, the Sarsfields man finishing with four points, while a well-taken goal from Darragh Kirwan—created by Colm Moran—put daylight between the sides.
Despite a late rally from Laois, Kildare held firm to secure a deserved victory, one built on strong second-half play and key contributions from their bench.
With players like Alex Beirne, Jack Robinson and Colm Dalton expected to return to the mix, Kildare will be confident of building on that display as they prepare to face a Westmeath side buoyed by their shock win over Meath.
The Westmeath side which overcame Meath was: Conor McCormack; Daniel Scahill, Charlie Drumm, Conor Dillon; Matthew Whittaker, Shane Allen, Sam McCartan; Brían Cooney, Ray Connellan; Kevin O'Sullivan, Ronan Wallace (captain), Tadhg Baker; Shane Corcoran, Luke Loughlin, Brandon Kelly. Subs: Jason Daly for McCormack (injured, 9 mins); Shane Ormsby for Cooney (40); Robbie Forde for Loughlin (inj., 51); Tom Molloy for Allen (inj., 53); Danny McCartan for Kelly (61).
The Kildare side which overcame Laois was: Cian Burke; Brian Byrne, Mark Dempsley, Ryan Burke; James McGrath, Eoin Lawlor, Tommy Gill; Brian McLoughlin, Brendan Gibbons; Daragh Ryan, Darragh Swords, Callum Bolton; Ben Loakman, Darragh Kirwan, Eoin Cully. Subs: Colm Moran for Eoin Lawlor (TS 30-34); Kevin Feely for Daragh Ryan (half-time); Ben McCormack for Ben Loakman (50 minutes); Colm Moran for Brian McLoughlin (56 minutes); Neil Flynn for Callum Bolton (65 minutes); James Harris for James McGrath (72 minutes).