On Saturday, we travelled to Newry to take on Down in what we knew what was going to be a difficult battle, with both teams looking to go to maximum points on the league table!
McHugh’s men produced a stirring second-half comeback at Páirc Esler, but ultimately fell just short as Down claimed a 2-15 to 1-15 victory. Trailing by eight points at half-time, the our side faced an uphill battle against a Down team that looked in control for long stretches of the contest.
The hosts built their advantage through a strong first-half display, highlighted by a late goal from Ryan Magill to leave the score at 1-10 to 0-05 at the break. Down extended their lead early in the second half and appeared to be cruising at 2-14 to 0-07, with Westmeath struggling to find momentum despite early scores from Sam McCartan and Luke Loughlin.
However, a dramatic turnaround saw Westmeath hit 1-07 without reply, sparked by impactful contributions from the bench. Points from Ray Connellan, Senan Baker and Robbie Forde, along with Brían Cooney goal, reduced the deficit to just two points in the closing stages. Despite piling on the pressure, time ran out on us as Down regained composure late on to secure a three-point win.
Westmeath: J Daly; D Scahill, C Drumm, B Sayeh; R Wallace (0-01), T Baker, J Lynam; S Allen, R Connellan (0-02); K O’Sullivan, S McCartan (0-01, 1f), M Whittaker; D McCartan, L Loughlin (0-06, 2tpf, 1f), TJ Cox.
Subs: S Baker (0-01) for D McCartan (13), B Cooney (1-01) for T Baker (ht), R Forde (0-03) for TJ Cox (ht), B Gurerin for Lynam (53) J Duncan for S McCartan (56)
Despite the conditions, there was a strong Westmeath support and we thank everyone who travelled to Newry on Saturday! We play Fermanagh at home next Sunday in TEG Cusack Park! 
