County final weekend promises drama for Westmeath clubs

Westmeath football supporters are in for an exciting weekend as three county championship finals take centre stage at TEG Cusack Park, with silverware and bragging rights at stake across the Junior 2, Junior 1 and Intermediate grades.

The action gets underway on Saturday, October 24, when Caulry take on St Mary's Rochfortbridge in the Junior 2 Football Championship final at 2pm. Both clubs will be eager to finish their campaigns with a trophy, and a closely contested encounter is anticipated after the sides previously met in a tight group-stage fixture.

Sunday brings a double-header, beginning with the Junior 1 decider between St Joseph's and The Downs at 1.15pm. St Joseph's are bidding to end a difficult run in county finals after finishing runners-up in the previous two seasons. However, The Downs' second team will be determined to add another title to a successful year for the club, whose senior side recently captured the county championship.

The Intermediate final follows at 3.15pm, with Milltown facing Shandonagh in what promises to be a fascinating contest between two clubs familiar with the disappointment of losing at the final hurdle.

Milltown, beaten by Garrycastle in the 2024 decider, will be hoping to finally secure the intermediate crown. Shandonagh, meanwhile, are aiming to go one better than last year, when they narrowly lost to Tubberclair.

Both teams have the motivation and experience to make this a competitive final, with the outcome likely to depend on composure and efficiency in front of goal.

The revised Sunday throw-in times have been introduced because of the clock change and forecast weather conditions. Supporters should note that neither final will go to extra-time if the teams finish level, with replays scheduled instead.

With three trophies to be decided, a busy weekend awaits Westmeath club football, and supporters can look forward to plenty of commitment, local rivalry and championship tension at Cusack Park.