It may be only the month of March but this weekend is surely going to be one of the most important ones for the footballers of Westmeath for this calendar year. On Saturday afternoon (Parnell Park, 2pm ) our highly rated u21 side take on Dublin in the Leinster semi-final. The prize, a mouthwatering clash with Laois in the Leinster final. What a prospect that would be.
On Sunday our seniors take on high flying Kerry in a make or break game, as far as their chances of retaining division one football is concerned. This too is an away game so faithful supporters will need to fill up the tank on Friday night to be ready for a busy weekend on the road.
Of course it’s another example of fixture madness to expect six or seven of our u21s to have to turn around after a Leinster semi-final and hit for Kerry where they will be badly needed as our seniors desperately seek two league points. Dublin were successful in their appeal to have the game changed from St Patrick’s Day to this Saturday to accommodate their Killmacud quartet. Tomas O’Flatharta has already voiced his vexation at the decision to change dates and a former Dublin selector, whom I met at the club finals, admitted that he was amazed Westmeath had settled for the change.
At this stage there is no point in dwelling on what seems a ludicrous fixture decision, but the next time we find ourselves in a similar situation we should hold our ground and not be so accommodating.
Westmeath v Dublin u21
It has been too long since we have won anything at underage level. In 2000 we collected both the minor and u21 titles but things have gone very quiet since then. Our present u21 squad represent a genuine opportunity to add another coveted Leinster title, but Saturday’s opponents will undoubtedly pose a massive obstacle.
Dublin enjoyed a one point win over Meath in their quarter final without their four Kilmacud players, and with these back on board the metropolitans are entitled to wear the favourites tag.
Yet Tomas and his selectors David Mitchell and Padraig ‘Amby’ Fogarty have put together a panel that should be a match for anyone, on their day. Kieran Gavin, Niall Kilcoyne, Conrad Reilly, Conor Lynam, Thomas McDaniels, and Kieran Martin all played their part in the seniors’ impressive performance against Tyrone last weekend. Indeed the valuable experience which these players have got in recent weeks will stand them in good stead when they hit Parnell Park on Saturday.
In addition Tomas will be looking for big performances from Castledaly’s Tommy Warburton and Brendan Kelly, Bunbrosna’s Andrew Whitney and Athlone’s John Connellan. Garrycastle’s Aidan Browne is an injury concern but hopefully he will be fit enough to make the starting line-up.
There is quality in abundance within this Westmeath side and provided they treat this game with the importance it deserves, and fight for every ball from start to finish, I think we could all be treated to a Leinster final showdown in Tullamore on April 5 against our old enemy Laois. One step at a time though.
Westmeath v Kerry
If I was writing the preview for this game a week ago it would revolve more about a damage limitation exercise rather than any chance of victory. Kerry have looked like a team on a mission so far this year while Westmeath have been hampered by injury and while somewhat unlucky against the Tribesmen, struggled badly against both Derry and Mayo.
And then out of the blue and against most people’s expectations, Westmeath delivered a morale boosting, eye-catching performance against the reigning All-Ireland champions. In doing so they have breathed new confidence into the side. If ever a team deserved to win it was Westmeath last Sunday.
Morale was low outside the camp before last Sunday’s game. The team must have been aware of this but they certainly didn’t let it affect their performance. Despite a mediocre first half showing, their second half heroics were fully deserving of the two points on offer. Having trailed 0-09 to 0-07 at the break O’Flatharta’s men took the game to Mickey Harte’s men on the restart and when ‘Natchy’ Ennis found the net in the seventieth minute to put the home side two points up, he would be forgiven for thinking he had secured a valuable win.
Yet Tyrone are not noted for throwing in the towel and a last ditch foray up the field yielded one of the most fortuitous and heartbreaking goals scored at Cusack Park for many a long day. While no team deserves to lose in such a manner, all concerned can only grow in confidence from this performance.
With Dessie Dolan ruled out with injury, extra pressure was heaped on Dennis Glennon to provide the scores and the Tyrrellspass maestro certainly stepped up to the plate. A personal tally of 1-6 underlined his undoubted quality. The goal came from a sweeping downfield move before Denis used his blistering speed and a confident finish to set them dancing in the stands.
The young guns of Niall Kilcoyne (0-02 ), Conrad Reilly and Conor Lynam all performed admirably, as did Thomas McDaniels and Kieran Martin when introduced. Doran Harte was again outstanding, as was the defence in general. Michael Ennis marked his return to the forward division with a goal while John Smith made a difference when introduced.
So, have Westmeath any chance of staying up? It doesn’t look likely but if Westmeath take any points from the trip to Tralee then I wouldn’t be shocked to turn over both Dublin and Donegal.
Like many others, at this stage I wouldn’t be too concerned about league results so long as performances continue to improve. Everything should be building towards an all-out assault on Leinster- particularly as it seems more open than ever this year.
Kerry only squeezed past Mayo last weekend and will be without the injured Mark O’Se. Beating Kerry in their own backyard is a big ask, but after last week’s performance I certainly won’t bet against an upset.
Avid Westmeath supporter reaches his eternal reward.
The week before last Westmeath lost one of their most loyal supporters when Thomas Parker RIP (Tubberclare ) was laid to rest. In his ninetieth year, Thomas travelled the length and breadth of Ireland supporting his beloved maroon and whites. Not surprisingly, the Leinster success in ’04 would rank as one of the happiest days of his life.
Father of John Parker, who has played a big part in the development of many Westmeath footballers in recent years, through his involvement with the Marist College, Thomas naturally also had a keen interest in the playing career of his grandson, Offaly’s Ciaran McManus.
Having now reached his eternal reward he is sure to already have signed up to the maroon and white supporters club up above. Along with many other former stalwarts, Thomas will no doubt be watching closely to this weekend’s action from his new residence in the stand in the sky. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.
