Westmeath 0-11
Carlow 0-03
Hot on the heels of the seniors’ great win over Galway, Pat Flanagan’s u21 side secured a well deserved eight-point away win over Carlow on Wednesday night. The win secures a semi-final meeting with Dublin.
Luke Dempsey’s side had the benefit of an opening round win over Wicklow so the Lake County couldn’t afford to take anything for granted.The opening half was tight with Westmeath entering the break 0-4 to 0-3 to the good. John Heslin was switched to midfield at half time and Westmeath went on to dominate the second period holding the homeside scoreless for the entire second half.
Heslin kicked the opening two scores in the second period to extend the lead. Further points from Ger Egan (2 ), Heslin, and Seanie Daly made it 0-10 to 0-03. Callum McCormack rounded off the scoring on the hour mark to seal a convincing win.
Flanagan will be very pleased with the professional manner in which his side got the job done. The Westmeath defence in particular deserve credit for the way they snuffed out the Carlow attack holding them scoreless from the 28th minute on.
Heslin exerted huge influence when switched to midfield while up front Callum McCormack, Ger Egan, and Seanie Daly all put scores on the board. Alan Coffey made a difference too when introduced for the injured Shane Flanagan and could well be in contention for a starting place in the semi-final.
Dublin hammered a disappointing Laois side 2-19 to 0-3 so it will take a massive performance to cross that hurdle in the semi-final which will take place in two weeks in a neutral venue. Meanwhile Offaly held on for a one point win over neighbours Kildare in Gracefield to set up a semi-final meeting with Louth.
