Westmeath are Leinster SFC champions for the just second time in the county’s history, powering past Dublin in extra time to secure a historic Croke Park win. It was the ultimate team performance from a team of underdogs that have been expertly assembled and choreographed by Mark McHugh, with 13 different scorers across 90 action-packed minutes.
Westmeath Seize the Moment in Extra Time
Westmeath almost missed their chance of replicating their 2004 provincial triumph when they let a four-point lead with 11 minutes of normal time remaining slip away. Senan Baker scored a point in the 69th minute to force extra time and keep their title hopes alive. But there was only team in it after that as Westmeath struck the first 1-04 of extra-time to all but secure the landmark success.
Brian Cooney scored the goal that broke Dublin, a two-point attempt that looped in over the Dublin goalkeeper’s head. Jack Duncan then pounced on a shot that cannoned off an upright and returned it to the net with interest, adding a second goal right at the end of extra time.
Heslin’s Memorable Comeback Boosts Westmeath
John Heslin made a memorable comeback during the famous victory, coming out of retirement and shooting three points including a valuable two-pointer in extra time.
Dublin’s Struggles Without Key Players
Cormac Costello top scored for Dublin again with eight points. However, with no Con O’Callaghan, Colm Basquel or Eoin Murchan, as well as suspended manager Ger Brennan, it was all too much for the once mighty Sky Blues.
Much, much earlier, Dublin were two points up at the break in normal time and were decent value for their lead at that stage. In an open, attacking encounter, they carved out no less than four decent goal opportunities in the opening half alone.
Chances Missed in First Half Costly for Dublin
Eoin Kennedy fired an early point just over and Seán Bugler, after an indifferent start, came alive with a fisted point though Kennedy was unmarked on his left if he’d fancied it. Brian Howard was picked out by Niall Scully with a clever kick pass but blasted his shot wide in the 7th minute and, five minutes later, Kennedy failed to find Costello with a hand pass when a goal was on again.
Dublin reeled off five points in a row between the 18th and 25th minutes with Costello and Scully pinching two points apiece. Shane Allen’s two-pointer for Westmeath in the 26th minute was a big score at that stage, stopping the rot of Dublin scores and hauling them back within two points, 0-08 to 0-06.
What’s Next for Both Teams
Westmeath will enter the All-Ireland series with confidence and will take on Cavan in a fortnight in Round 1. Dublin will have home advantage for a Round 1 clash with Louth on the same weekend.