Mark McHugh’s men produced a stirring second-half comeback in TEG Cusack Park to claim a comprehensive 12-point victory over Fermanagh.
Despite playing against a strong wind in the opening half, Westmeath started brightly with early points from Brían Cooney and Ray Connellan. However, three two-pointers from Garvan Jones helped the visitors seize control, and goals from Paul Breen and Aogan Kelm capitalised on defensive lapses to give Fermanagh a 2-09 to 0-08 lead at the interval.
The second half was a different story. Cooney led the charge with four unanswered points, including a superb two-pointer, as Westmeath stormed back into contention. Further scores from Ronan Wallace, Kevin O’Sullivan and Sam McCartan edged us in front, and although Fermanagh briefly drew level, they managed just one more point for the remainder of the game. Luke Loughlin’s opportunistic soccer-style goal effectively sealed the win, while goalkeeper Jack Connaughton produced a fine save to deny Darragh McGurn, capping an impressive team performance as Westmeath powered to a deserved victory.
We wish Senan Baker a speedy recovery after his injury at the end of the game.
Westmeath: J Connaughton; D Scahill, C Drumm (0-01), S Smith; R Wallace (0-03, 1 2pt), S Allen, M Whittaker (0-03); R Connellan (0-01), J Lynam; K O’Sullivan (0-01), S McCartan (0-03, 1 2pt), B Cooney (0-07, 1 2pt); D McCartan, L Loughlin (1-04, 1 2ptf, 1f), S Corcoran (0-01).
Subs: B Guerin for Lynam (inj., 12), R Forde (0-01) for D McCartan (44), S Baker for O’Sullivan (48), B Kelly (0-01) for Corcoran (51), T Molloy for Allen (62).
Fermanagh: S McNally; A Kelm (1-01), O Smyth, J Cassidy; Josh Largo Ellis, S McGullion, R McCaffrey; L Flanagan, D McGurn; Jack Largo Ellis, B Horan, D McCusker; C O’Hanlon (0-01), G Jones (0-08, 2 2pt, 1 2ptf), P Breen (1-00).
