Leinster SHC semi-final
Oulart-the-Ballagh 4-11
Raharney 4-08
Westmeath senior hurling champions Raharney may have come up short against hot favourites Oulart-the-Ballagh but their never-say-die attitude certainly ensured they lost no respect in defeat.
Having already put Offaly champions Coolderry to the sword, hopes were high in the Westmeath team that they could spring another surprise. The Wexford men are not favourites to lift the all-Ireland club title without a reason however, and for much of the game they looked as though they were well in control.
A goal by Nicky Kirwan just before half time left the Westmeath men trailing 2-6 to 0-6 at the break. Oulart extended their lead in the second half and with 10 minutes remaining looked to be in full control. John Shaw goaled for the home side to reduce the deficit but straight from the puck-out substitute Des Mythen replied in similar fashion for the eventual winners.
In their true fighting spirit Raharney refused to surrender and goals from John Shaw and a brace from Paul Greville left only three points between the sides. Time ran out on the Deelsiders but they can be proud of the way they represented Westmeath hurling in this campaign.
