Tom Carr’s minor footballers enjoy home advantage when they take on Meath in the Leinster semi-final on Saturday evening. Having lost to Louth in the opening round, wins over Carlow and Wicklow have seen them progress to the last four.
The Royals were impressive winners over a fancied Offaly side in their quarter-final and will be firm favourites to progress to the Leinster decider. By his own admission Carr’s side have made slow progress this year and have yet to play to their full potential.
With the likes of Ger Leech, Ray Connellan, Justin Barrett, Lorcan Dolan, and Aaron Curley on board the side is certainly not lacking in individual talent. The question is whether or not they can produce the team effort that will be needed if they are to upset the visitors.
Westmeath’s record at minor level has been dismal over the past decade. We have not contested a decider since winning the provincial title in 2000. That makes the outcome of Saturday’s game all the more important. Reaching a decider would be a sign of progress.
Predicting the outcome of minor games is a perilous occupation. On previous form it is hard to look beyond a Meath win. However Carr had done a lot of work with the panel during the break for the Leaving Cert and with home advantage it is a great opportunity for this group of players to make a name for themselves.
