Replying To mickcunningham: "i am happy to say i secured my tickets and i wouldnt say they are sold out . i did hear yesterday that if demand out ran supply tullamore would be the alternative venue but i dont see that being necessary"
First home championship game in All Ireland since Galway in 2024. Going into it as Leinster champions for first time in 22 years. There's no way venue should be changed regardless of being sold out.
What a time to be a Westmeath supporter. I rushed home on Sunday and watched the whole game again. Then couldn't wait to get home from work on Monday and Tuesday and watch it twice more. I'm driving my wife nuts! Seeing different things each time. And then I got thinking of the alternative reality if Senan hadn't equalised. Can you imagine? The alternative -"we threw it away", "John Heslin lost it as he should have shot instead of passing" , "it was a mistake to bring him back". "We were winning until he came on" - but Senan DID equalise and we were able to put in a scintillating performance in extra time to win the game. It's a reminder though how thin the margins are and how close we were to what's unthinkable now. Better to be a lucky general! And that in no way diminishes McHugh in any capacity. He brings something intangible that's hard to describe, a messianic quality that many coaches/managers would kill to have. It's the thing that separates the good from the great. I watched how he commanded the players in their first stop in Kinnegad. His energy and focus and presence is compelling. He just has that something that makes you want to be follow him and be part of it. Even the players he takes off can come back on and look reborn. I think these are great times. Many of us have watched Westmeath outnumbered by visiting supporters time and time again, but this particular team has attracted great support because of McHugh, the momentum of each win, the style of play, the ability of super players and the personalities of the players on the field. It's even better I think in a different way to 2004 which was special in its own right. Sometimes losing a main player like Luke Loughlin can empower others to come good and take responsibility. Players are stepping up all over the field. 13 different scorers tells its own tale. That's why the John Heslin role should continue as valuable cameos rather than full on starter. This team is built on collective spirit and responsibility. It's important to keep it this way. He looks in fantastic shape and his two pointer looked effortless. Not many players can do what he does. It must be fantastic for him to be part of it after retirement. I'm lucky enough to have ticket for the Cavan game I can't wait.
The dust has settled... a little! What a few days of WH football.
Agree with the poster above. We were all young, but Derry seemed there for the taking after the last Leinster win. The difference then was that WH team was almost finished and everyone seemed happy they got a Leinster... and of course it was our first Leinster.
This time, our team are mostly very young and just getting started!
I hope they enjoyed the few days well earned celebrations and continue to enjoy being Leinster champs... but lets be greedy and push on. Cavan are decent, must be a bit worried... but are currently doing their homework to do a job on us! WH are absolutely flying ...with scoring ability everywhere and a rock solid one on one defenders and in a packed home game.
Its going to take a massive massive prep and effort over the next 7 or 8 days by players and management to get to Championship pace again for that one. ... lets go!
Replying To Laker1500: "The dust has settled... a little! What a few days of WH football.
Agree with the poster above. We were all young, but Derry seemed there for the taking after the last Leinster win. The difference then was that WH team was almost finished and everyone seemed happy they got a Leinster... and of course it was our first Leinster.
This time, our team are mostly very young and just getting started!
I hope they enjoyed the few days well earned celebrations and continue to enjoy being Leinster champs... but lets be greedy and push on. Cavan are decent, must be a bit worried... but are currently doing their homework to do a job on us! WH are absolutely flying ...with scoring ability everywhere and a rock solid one on one defenders and in a packed home game.
Its going to take a massive massive prep and effort over the next 7 or 8 days by players and management to get to Championship pace again for that one. ... lets go!"
"The difference then was that WH team was almost finished" - 100% untrue. Damian Healy, Rory and Paul Conway were the older players on that team. None over 30. Heals was on our Div 2 winning team in 2008 The core of that team was the U21 team of 99...Murray, Ennis, Shaugho, Dessie, Willo, Buddah, Derek Heavin ... all mid 20s at most...Denis Glennon was 19...Donal D was 22...John Keane was 24 won his second all star in 2008. Connaughton also won an All star in 2008.