Westmeath’s hugely talented minor hurling side lost no face in defeat to a physically stronger and more balanced Dublin side at the semi-final stage of the Leinster championship.
Westmeath got off to the perfect start with a goal after only 20 seconds. Dublin settled and their physical edge began to show in the middle third and they forged into a 0-11 to 1-3 half-time lead.
Westmeath had wind advantage in the second half but it was the Metropolitans who stretched their lead to eight points after the break. Ray Gavin’s men were not going to lie down easily and with six minutes remaining we had closed the gap to two points. However Oisin O’Ruairc sealed matters with a 60th minute goal to break Westmeath hearts.
Defeat is always a bitter pill to swallow but Ray Gavin and his side can be proud of their efforts this year and hopefully many will continue to represent the county with distinction in the coming years.
