In what Manager Kenny McKinley could only describe as an evening of ‘immense pride’ as his team overturned Dublin in the Leinster U20 championship, his team truly showed their potential in Kinnegad on Wednesday.
Despite going 1-05 to 0-02 down in the first half, it didn’t deflate this young side as they battled on and proved what they were made of.
A James McHugh free while also scoring the penalty on the 23rd minute drew us back level after Matty Thornton and Will Scahill had raised the white flag just previous.
We scored 3 unanswered points before the break meaning at half time it was Westmeath 1-09 to Dublin’s 1-07.
The second half continued to the exchanging of scores, as both sides kept the scoreboard moving. However, a James McHugh two-pointer and point kept Dublin at bay before joint captain Kealan Connell got his goal!!
However, Dublin were not finished and a goal and two-pointer put them back in line for the spoils. The atmosphere was tense as Dublin had opportunities to draw equal with us but ultimately ran out worthy winners in the end.
Westmeath 2-16 Dublin 2-13.
Well done to all involved, a truly hard fought win showing resilience and strength throughout. Westmeath now face Kildare in the knock out stages while Dublin enter the Andrew Corden Cup.
Westmeath: J Mitchell; T Slevin, T Masterson, A Glynn; B Doyle, C Whitney, C Daly; K Connell, C Ormsby; D Maguire, W Scahill, M Weir; M Thornton, J McHugh, C Rochford. Subs: S Whittaker for Rochford (44), H Duncan for Daly (46), P Keegan for Doyle (52), B Ronan for McHugh (61), N Pierson for Thornton (63).
Dublin: C Campion; S Keogh, D O’Sullivan, F Costello; D Lynch, C O’Connor, R Mitchell; F McGinnis, A Carolan; D Magee, L O’Boyle, O Costello; L Cahill, C O’Dwyer, C Hickey. Subs: C O’Connell for Mitchell (half-time), T Donnelly for O Costello (half-time), S Ryan for Carolan (46), B Shouldice for Hickey (46), R Doherty for Magee (57).
Westmeath: J McHugh 1-6 (1-0pen, 0-3f, 1 P2); M Thornton 0-4 (1f); K Connell 1-1; W Scahill 0-2; C Ormsby, T Slevin, M Weir 0-1 apiece.
Dublin: C O’Dwyer 1-3 (0-1f); L Cahill 1-2; D Magee 0-3; L O’Boyle 0-2 (P2); C Hickey, B Shouldice, T Donnelly 0-1 apiece.
Referee: Patrick Coyle (Meath)
By westmeathpro Thu 9th Apr
