Allen strike turns the tide as Athlone advance

Westmeath SFC: Athlone 2-19 Killucan 1-14

Shane Allen’s goal proved a pivotal moment as Athlone claimed a vital victory over Killucan last Sunday, sending them into the knockout stages of the Westmeath SFC.

Despite the efforts of the weather to spoil proceedings at Fr Eamonn O’Brien Park, this was another absorbing encounter in the 2026 championship.

Although Athlone were deserving winners overall, the final scoreline of 2-19 to 1-14 is somewhat flattering. Athlone’s second goal, scored by Ray Connellan, came in the dying moments and it helped to embellish a victory which had been secured already. Yet a scoring total of 2-19 is a positive day’s work, especially in the injury-enforced absence of Stephen O’Connor, Athlone’s leading light in attack this year.

Athlone supporters must have been pleased with the way their side responded when the situation demanded. Killucan moved a point ahead midway through the second half after Eoghan Ahearn’s well taken goal was followed by a brace of two-pointers. In addition, Killucan were now backed by the elements, albeit the breeze had lessened in strength compared to earlier.

In any case from there to the end, Athlone outscored the men in saffron by 2-5 to 0-2. The aforementioned Shane Allen provided leadership and scores when required on a day when Athlone had plenty of good displays. Ray Connellan was the dominant figure at midfield in the first half, while Michael Byrne, Eamon Martin, Jordan Carr, Darragh Lough (although he didn’t score) and Cillian Lynn all had good moments.

For Killucan’s part, Devin Hill was always a threat but his shooting radar went askew in the second half. The Killucan full forward line - also containing Eoghan Ahearn and Sami Clarke - contributed 1-9 of their side’s total. Only one other starting player registered a score, Cormac McKeogh, with Killucan’s remaining scores coming from two-pointers supplied by substitutes Eamon Cunneen and Ciaran Doyle.

Making a superb start, wind-assisted Athlone surged into a 0-7 to 0-0 lead inside the opening eight minutes. Midfielder Shane Allen scored a brace of two-pointers (one from close to the left sideline) and a single, with Eamon Martin also raising an orange flag. Athlone were moving the ball with purpose and putting Killucan under almost incessant pressure.

Points by Devin Hill and Sami Clarke provided Killucan with a needed boost, but further Athlone points from Cillian Lynn and the lively Jordan Carr (after a jinking run) made it 0-9 to 0-2.

Hill landed a couple of points (the second confirmed after the referee consulted his umpires), either side of the same man threatening a goal. Points by Kian Mitchell (a mark) and Carr, either of side of two from Killucan - with Hill (a free) and Cormac McKeogh the scorers - left Athlone leading by six.

Yet the Athlone faithful in Rochfortbridge felt their side’s lead looked fragile when Clarke swept over a superb two-pointer on the cusp of half-time, making it 0-12 to 0-8.

With rain falling steadily, conditions became more difficult, but Allen converted a free into the wind and Lynn found the target after a sumptuous pass from Darragh Lough.

Killucan now needed to respond and they did so when good play from Rory Keyes set up a goal a chance and Ahearn did the rest with a crisp finish. The goal came about after Athlone were turned over in possession and when Eamon Cunneen and Ahearn raised orange flags in quick succession, Killucan suddenly found themselves ahead (1-12 to 0-14).

To their credit, John Twaddle’s charges didn’t panic. In the 50th minute, Allen found the net with a placed left-foot shot following good work from Mark Egan and Lynn.

The Shannonsiders never looked back thereafter. A necklace of four points followed from Allen (a free), Lynn (exploiting a wayward Killucan kickout), team captain Byrne (picked out by Diarmid Martin) and fleet-footed substitute Conor Rushe.

With Killucan now needing a goal, Sam Smyth was denied by Darren Costello, the Athlone netminder atoning for his inability to hold Hill’s point attempt. Ciaran Doyle did send over a 60th-minute two-pointer but this proved Killucan’s last show of defiance.

The scoring was completed by Athlone substitute Ryan O’Connor and Ray Connellan, who palmed the ball to the net to seal victory. Lough assisted both of those scores, providing another two examples of his clever and unselfish play.

Man of the match: Shane Allen (Athlone). Not for the first time this year in an Athlone or Westmeath jersey, the wholehearted Allen stepped up to the plate when needed. He finished with a total of 1-7 including a brace of two-pointers.

What it means: Athlone are now guaranteed a quarter-final place irrespective of the outcome of their last round encounter against Tubberclair. The Shannonsiders and Moate are both on six points and they will advance along with Tubberclair (eight points).

Scorers - Athlone: S Allen 1-7 (2tp, 0-2f); R Connellan 1-0; C Lynn and E Martin (1tp) 0-3 each; J Carr 0-2; M Byrne, K Mitchell (mark), C Rushe and R O’Connor 0-1 each. Killucan: E Ahearn 1-2 (tp); D Hill 0-4 (1f); S Clarke 0-3 (1tp); Eamon Cunneen (tp) and Ciaran Doyle (tp) 0-2 each; C McKeogh 0-1.

Athlone - Darren Costello; Josh Kenny, James Finlass, Owen McNamara; Michael Byrne, Diarmuid Martin, Mark Egan; Shane Allen, Ray Connellan; Shane Reid, Eamon Martin, Jordan Carr; Darragh Lough, Cillian Lynn, Kian Mitchell. Subs: Kieran Colclough for Reid (inj., half-time); Conor Rushe for Carr (inj.,53 mins); Ryan O’Connor for Egan (58).

Killucan - David Bryan; Andrew Flood, Matthew Shaw, Luke Darby; Sean Quinn, Darren Finn, Sam Smyth; Sean Leech, Rory Keyes; Robbie Greville, Cormac McKeogh, Gary Greville; Eoghan Ahearn, Sami Clarke, Devin Hill. Subs: Eamon Cunneen for G Greville (h-t); Cormac Boyle for Shaw (40 mins); Joey Boyle for McKeogh (51); Ciaran Doyle for Keyes (51).

Referee - Barry Pierce (St Mary’s).