Mark McHugh paid tribute to Shane Ormsby after he played through grief in Westmeath’s Leinster SFC semi-final victory over Kildare.

Ormsby’s grandfather Tommy Crawford passed away in Co. Donegal on Sunday morning, but it didn’t stop the young Mullingar Shamrocks midfielder from playing his part in the extra-time win at Glenisk O'Connor Park after he replaced the injured Matthew Whittaker in the opening quarter.

“Shane Ormsby had to come in there for Mattie Whittaker early on – Mattie was struggling these last few days (with an ankle injury) – and Shane’s grandfather died this morning. So, to put in the performance that he put in after that was just immense.

“His grandfather is looking down today, he’s very proud of him.”

Ormsby’s father Tom also played midfield for the Lake County in the late 1980s / early 1990s, while his younger brother Criostóir was midfield on this year’s Westmeath U20 team after helping Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar to Hogan Cup glory at Croke Park on St Patrick’s Day.

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