Despite a gallant display of hurling in Laois Hire, O’Moore Park on Saturday afternoon, finishing with 26 points the board, Ger Beehan’s men do not qualify for the Leinster Hurling Knock Out Stages.
This year, they put on an exhibition of hurling with their performances v Offaly,Dublin and Laois, and although falling short to Kilkenny, they put up a fine display of resilience and their true ability shone through.
In today’s game, fine performances from Conor Raleigh and captain Conor Williams led the team to a 13 point victory after being 4 points to 1 down in the first 8 minutes of play. However their nerves settled and by the 20th minute, all 6 forwards had added their name to the scoresheet proving their skill and teamwork. The lads went into half time leading 0-17 to 0-05.
The second half proved their skill wasn’t just with the aid of the breeze as they continued to clock up scores and work as a team to defensively stop Laois from getting back into the game.
Ultimately, as the final whistle blew it was all eyes on Wexford and Kilkenny’s game to determine the lads fate. With Wexford clenching a last minute point to go a point ahead, it meant Westmeath fall victim to the tiered system in place by Leinster Council.
Ger Beehan and his management team deserve the utmost appreciation for their hard work they put in this year with our minor hurlers, which was proven throughout their fixtures over the last number of weeks. We wish them all the best for the future. 
