Westmeath learned their opposition for their upcoming Leinster quarter-final when Wexford easily brushed aside the challenge of Offaly in Tullamore last Saturday. I fancied Offaly to prevail on home turf but in truth they were no match for a much slicker and sharper Wexford outfit. Westmeath must now make the long journey to Wexford Park for a 5pm throw-in (the powers that be must think nobody works on a Saturday ) and the game will be followed by the meeting of Kilkenny and Wexford in the Leinster hurling semi-final.
The manner of their win, plus the fact that they have home advantage, will ensure they wear the favourites’ tag tomorrow week. Yet Westmeath have been busy preparing for the clash and played a final challenge game against Roscommon last weekend, a game which ended in a draw.
While results and performances in recent challenges have been a little disappointing the team is beginning to take shape. Dessie Dolan remains a doubt with a hamstring problem while David Duffy is in the same boat.
While Wexford came out on top in the league earlier in the year, Westmeath have no reason to fear Wexford and there is no reason why Pat Flanagan’s men can’t book their place in a Leinster semi-final.
