Castledaly set up a Westmeath SFC semi-final meeting with Tyrrellspass by defeating Killucan 0-12 to 0-10 at Cusack Park on Sunday.
Leading 0-5 to 0-3 at the interval, Castledaly, with Lorcan Dolan, MJ McLoughlin, and Brendan Kelly impressing, held on to claim a vital victory. Athlone advanced to the Westmeath IFC final following a dramatic 1-10 to 2-5 win over Rosemount at Cusack Park.
The start of this match was delayed when Athlone panelist Cathal Joyce became ill in the warm-up, and the assistance of officials and players from both clubs proved vital. Rosemount scored two goals in the opening 10 minutes to accumulate a 2-5 to 0-2 interval lead, but Athlone improved after the restart.
John Connellan spearheaded the revival, while brother Ray Connellan also made a signifcant impact for Athlone. In the closing stages John Connellan blasted a goal from a late penalty to seal a dramatic victory for Athlone, who will face either Tang or Tubberclair in the decider. John Rock’s late point for Tang ensured their semi-final encounter with Tubberclair ended level, 0-11 to 1-8.
