The quarter-finals of the Westmeath senior football championship are down for decision this Sunday with a double header in Cusack Park.
Last year’s beaten finalists Mullingar Shamrocks will be tested to the limit by a Tyrrellspass side which possesses serious scoring power. The Mullingar side have had their problems so far this season but may be hitting form at the right time. Their performance against Athlone in the last round showed the hunger is still there to make up for last year’s county decider which they looked to have won, only for Garrycastle to spoil their party.
Shamrocks will need to be at their best though against a side with serious potency up front. If Shamrocks win the midfield exchange, as I expect they will, then they should come out on top. But if Denis and Davy Glennon and co get enough ball inside they could destroy the Shamrocks’ full-back line. These two good footballing teams should produce an entertaining game with the Mullingar side to progress.
The second quarter-final sees Castledaly take on Maryland. Maryland have been the talk of the championship with four straight wins and just one loss. Kieran Martin and Callum McCormack are the two main men on a team characterised by hard work and a good defensive set-up.
Castledaly were slower to get their campaign going but were hugely impressive in their demolition of Coralstown/Kinnegad in their last group game. A repeat of that performance would see Derek Heavin’s men safely through to a semi-final meeting with Garrycastle. Their greater potency up front gives the Castledaly men the edge and I will be surprised if they are turned over.
Meanwhile the intermediate semi-finals are down for decision on Saturday. Tubberclair, with Fergal Wilson and Alan Coffey in fine form, should be able to see off the challenge of Ballymore in the first game.
Paul Conway’s Tang look likely to see off the Rosemount challenge in the second quarter-final.
