Historic Win for McHugh’s men

On what was a day where Westmeath supporters were brought to tears on the field in Glenisk O’Connor Park, McHugh’s men showed determination and grit to progress to the Leinster Semi Final for the first time since 2021 where they too played Kildare in Croke Park.

Westmeath were fired up and ready to go from the start. First half goals from Matthew Whittaker and Shane Corcoran proved to be the difference at the break when Westmeath led 2-09 to -0-09. The huge crowd of over 13,000 people were expecting a new Meath side to return to the playing field, after their success in the league and last years championship, we knew they weren’t going to go down without a fight.

However, for the Westmeath men, losing wasn’t an option. The lads kept the scoreboard ticking over with Luke Loughlin’s consistency playing a vital role. Shane Corcoran’s second goal of the day seemed to give the lads belief this could happen. 2015 was repeating itself!

Yet, it wasn’t until Meath narrowed the gap to 2 points in the dying minutes of the game that substitute Danny McCartan’s wonder goal secured victory for us!!

The emotion, excitement and atmosphere in Tullamore on Sunday was truly amazing. Thanks to our fantastic supporters who came in their thousands to the game. We hope to see everyone in Tullamore again Sunday week!

Scorers for Westmeath: S Corcoran (2-2); M Whittaker and D McCartan (both 1-0); L Loughlin (0-6, 1 2pt); S McCartan (0-4, 3f); R Connellan (0-2); B Kelly (0-2, 1m); B Cooney, K O’Sullivan (both 0-1).

Westmeath: C McCormack; D Scahill, C Drumm, T Baker; R Wallace, S Allen, M Whittaker; B Cooney, P Connellan; K O’Sullivan, S McCartan, C Dillon; S Corcoran, L Loughlin, B Kelly.

Subs: J Daly for McCormack (9); S Ormsby for Cooney (49); R Forde for Loughlin (51); T Molloy for Allen (53); D McCartan for Kelly (61).

Meath: S Brennan; S Lavin, S Rafferty, B O’Halloran; D Keogan, S Coffey, C Caulfield; J Flynn, B Menton; J O’Connor, R Kinsella, C McBride; J Morris, E Frayne, A Lynch.

Subs: J Conlon for Lynch (37); C Hickey for McBride and K Smyth for O’Halloran (both 50); C Duke for O’Connor (54); K Curtis for Frayne (57).

Scorers for Meath: R Kinsella (0-6, 2 2-pts); E Frayne (0-4, 1 2pt); J Conlon (0-4); J Flynn (0-3, 1 2pt); J Morris (0-3, 2f); J O’Connor and A Lynch (both 0-2); B Menton (0-1.