Westmeath 1-11
Galway 1-9
RONAN FAGAN
Sporting pride of place within the county of Westmeath is most definitely afforded to the county's camogie playing squad and management who created history on the swathe green surface of Croke Park in the All-Ireland intermediate final on Sunday afternoon.
Facing a seven point deficit at the half time break, the Lake County ladies summoned all their reserves of energy, courage and skill to retrieve the margin and attain a two point victory over Western rivals Galway in what was a pulsating latter thirty minutes of play.
Having eagerly contested a round robin championship fixture in mid June which saw Galway win by the minimum, it appeared Westmeath would suffer a similar fate as the Westerners opened a commanding first half lead, Johnny Greville's charges failing to find their flow, their work rate not at a level which earned them a solitary point win over Down in the All-Ireland semi-final.
Stirring words were no doubt uttered during the interval, as Westmeath appeared for the second half completely energised and focused upon achieving their ultimate goal. Pressure in the tackle, coupled with speed of sliotar movement caused endless problems for Galway and when team captain, Mairead MCormack reduced the margin to one point with a ground striking goal, Westmeath had the necessary momentum to progress and win the game.
With stalwart Pamela Greville impeccable from placed balls, the Lake County ladies soon gained scoreboard control of the contest and come the shrill of the final whistle, there were emotional scenes from players, management and supporters alike, as a place in the senior championship echelons had been secured for the first time in the county's camogie history.
