Beneath the glare of the Parnell Park floodlights and in front of the television cameras, Westmeath will be afforded the opportunity to avenge defeat in last year’s O’Byrne Cup final when they meet reigning All Ireland champions Dublin in the ultimate fixture of the competition on Friday night (throw in, 8pm ).
A comprehensive victory over Longford on Saturday afternoon last ensured Westmeath remained unbeaten in competitive outings to date and with Dublin set to field a squad that is unlikely to feature prominent players, Jack Cooney’s charges will be confident of securing silverware success in the capital.
Enjoying a seven point interval lead, the Lake County exerted further scoring pressure on their local rivals and when Maryland’s Callum McCormack goalled midway through the second period the game was ultimately won.
Albeit without their star performers, Dublin will provide next level opposition and it will take a cohesive and determined performance from the maroon and white to achieve a victory, with the opening round of the national league due to throw in with a trip to Down on Saturday, January 26.
