Westmeath hurlers to make strong claim for second Christy Ring Cup
The hallowed turf of Croke Park, Dublin, the scene of Westmeath`s historic inaugural Christy Ring Cup in 2005 beckons once more on Sunday next when Seamus Qualter`s charges take on the men from Kildare in the 2007 Christy Ring Cup final. Without setting the stage on fire, in the build-up to this clash, Westmeath have managed to come through some demanding games and will be classed as favourites to become the first team to win the trophy twice.
The hurlers opened their campaign in June when Meath played host to the Lake County in Pairc Tailteann and in truth, Westmeath were fortunate to secure a draw on a scoreline of 1-19 to 2-16. A week later, a smarting Down team - which had been comprehensively beaten by Antrim in the Ulster SHC final - travelled to Mullingar in search of an opening round success.
However, Westmeath managed to up their game in the closing stages and eked out a three point victory, 2-13 to 1-15. On July 7, the men in maroon made their way to McHale Park in Castlebar and encountered little difficulty in seeing off the home challenge, outscoring the Mayomen by 2-14 to 0-11.
That left one crucial game for Seamus Qualter`s men, a date against the men from Kingdom. Home advantage was to prove crucial as Westmeath, requiring a win to advance to the semi-final, did just enough to earn a 1-14 to 1-11 victory.
Two weeks ago in the splendid setting of O`Connor Park, Tullamore, Westmeath engaged Carlow in the penultimate round and a three goal salvo just before the break, propelled Westmeath in to a commanding, if flattering, eleven point lead.
But the picture was to change dramatically in the second period when a resurgent Carlow side took the game to Westmeath and actually went ahead as the Lake County slumbered. Just when all seemed lost, Derek McNicholas popped up to get a vital touch to the ball and steer it beyond Frank Foley for the crucial match winning goal.
Certainly, in the manner in which Westmeath have played in some of their games, they have caused palpitations to their loyal band of supporters but hopefully, on Sunday, they will find a performance befitting the occasion.
Westmeath have enjoyed a fair modicum of success against the Lilywhites in recent times. Indeed when the sides last met in this competition two years ago, the Lake County turned in a sensational display which simply blew the opposition away.
With John Shaw on fire, scoring three goals, Westmeath carved out a handsome 7-14 to 1-12 victory. It is most unlikely that a Kildare side, which has lost just one game to date in the campaign and which saw off the considerable challenge of Group A table toppers, Meath will capitulate in such a manner on Sunday.
While many of the Westmeath panel of two years ago will once again stride out on to Croke Park, Kildare have a number of new imports who should make a significant impact. Players from Tipperary, including senior star, David Kennedy, David Harney, Paudie Reidy and Paul Keegan and Toomevara ace, Paddy O`Brien will add a cutting edge to the Lilywhites challenge.
However, Seamus Qualter can call upon some outstanding players of his own, custodian Mark Briody and accomplished hurlers such as team captain, Darren McCormack, Patrick Clarke, Brendan Murtagh, Andrew Mitchell, the aforementioned John Shaw and the evergreen, Barry Kennedy.
Hopefully, the opening game on a superb three game bill will prove the perfect curtain raiser to this great occasion and that, at the end of seventy pulsating minutes, it will be Darren McCormack who will be making the acceptance speech on the steps of the Hogan Stand.