As the mercury finally starts to rise, the on field temperature in Pairc Tailteann Navan on Sunday is certain to be of similar vein as the Westmeath senior footballers journey across the county border to play Louth in the quarter final of the Leinster championship.
Four weeks on from their concluding Allianz National Football League Division 3 victory over Tipperary, Westmeath face a stern test from Lought, whom, under the managerial guidance of Mickey Harte, were one win from achieving promotion to the top echelon of league football, defeat to Dublin in their remaining round robin encounter scuppering their early season aspirations.
Prior to the championship fixture on Sunday, team manager, Dessie Dolan, during a press conference with local media, spoke of his hopes for the championship season to come.
“While the Leinster senior football championship is a standalone competition this year, it represents a great opportunity for our players and it is very important in our thoughts. Preparations are going well, the players are working hard and it is a great time of the year to be playing football as the ground becomes harder and the evenings get longer,” Dessie stated.
Looking forward to the challenge presented by Louth on Sunday, Dessie commended the dedication and commitment shown by the playing squad, particularly since the conclusion of the Lake County’s league campaign.
“The dedication, commitment and effort shown by the players cannot be faulted and they are firmly focused on the challenge presented by Louth this Sunday. Louth will bring great momentum into the game, being just one victory away from promotion. Under Mickey Harte, they are a well drilled team and will certainly provide a stern test. Our players know what is required to win this game on Sunday and we have been working with this aim in mind this past four weeks,” Dessie added.
Dessie noted the “periods of playing lulls” which ultimately dented Westmeath’s promotion aspirations and stated that it will take a consistent performance over 70 minutes to achieve a championship victory on Sunday.
“Yes, there were in play lulls during our league campaign which ultimately proved costly to our promotion hopes. We need to improve on this aspect of our game and put in a consistent 70 minute performance to ensure a win this weekend.
“Louth are stubborn in their play and Mickey Harte will certainly bring a template which will prove difficult to break down. We will have to be patient at times during the game, but hopefully we will achieve a victory in Navan,” Dessie concluded.
