mickcunningham (Westmeath) - Posts: 1799 - 05/06/2022 16:54:29    2422472

I often wonder what Westmeath and St Loman's would be without John Heslin ? Talisman is an under statement.

BigSur (Westmeath) - Posts: 1129 - 05/06/2022 20:06:31    2422573

We probably made a lot harder work of that than we needed by conceding the two soft goals from direct long balls into the full forward. We struggled to cope with those balls which was worrying but Maguire when back should shore up the full back line. The goals kept them in it really, especially the one just before half time but really we were in control both in play and the scoreboard before they got those goals. McCartan really is the real deal and was all over the pitch. He is very comfortable on the ball, great with both feet in possession and can score off both. He is the most exciting player to burst through on the inter county scene from Westmeath in a long time. Heslin played well and good to see him out the field and getting on the ball more. It probably suited him more than being isolated in at full forward. Good to see James Dolan play the whole game and is a great addition to have back in when fully fit.

mintyfresh (Westmeath) - Posts: 211 - 05/06/2022 20:40:13    2422586

Decent performance and certainly John Heslin's best display of 2022, I reckon he had 10 shots at goal and scored 1-9, fantastic accuracy, the Carlow supporters were hugely impressed by him, Sam McCartan again superb, developing into an outstanding inter county footballer, Goalkeeping issues again to the fore, Jason Daly is usually so reliable but seems lacking in confidence, having Maguire back will definitely help him and the defence in general. €20 entry was steep for a match between two teams in Division 3 and 4, I think it's a pity semi final is in Croker, a Tullamore or Mullingar local derby vs Offaly would easily draw 6,000-7,000 on a Saturday evening and provide huge boost to local businesses. Two Tailteann cup fixtures in Croke Park will hardly be felt in Croke Park. The Cavan and Sligo supporters will hardly wait for our game presuming we're on second.

Claretandblue (Westmeath) - Posts: 1478 - 06/06/2022 10:51:06    2422691

jason daly

jack smith kevin smith jamie gonoud

james dolan ronan wallace nigel harte

sam mcartan sam duncan

ray connelan john heslin david lynch

luke loughlin robbie ford ronan o toole

my team to beat offaly

mickcunningham (Westmeath) - Posts: 1799 - 13/06/2022 11:21:36    2424529

mickcunningham (Westmeath) - Posts: 1799 - 13/06/2022 12:12:24    2424577

Offaly had a respectful league in Div 2 competing well with most teams. I am worried about this weekend But we are due a big Westmeath performance this year as we have not played that well all year. Hopefully it comes on Sunday live on RTE2.

We should take real hope from Derry/Armagh/Cork and Clare getting to the QFs. IMO we have the players to compete and become a top 12 team that should be aiming for the QFs every year.

Temple56 (Westmeath) - Posts: 384 - 13/06/2022 12:58:37    2424611

thelongridge (Offaly) - Posts: 1735 - 13/06/2022 13:02:53    2424614

Offaly have tended to have our number in Championship over the years. Lets hope we can get over the line but i certainly expect it to be one hell of a battle and only a coupe of points in it.

Meridian (Westmeath) - Posts: 601 - 14/06/2022 07:59:31    2424843

Offaly's recent displays should certainly see us favourites to get to the final, they were abject against Wexford first day out, little better the second day and have little experience of Croke Park compared to us. They're at a different stage of development with a lot of young players being introduced while our profile is older and more experienced. In two years time they'll almost certainly be in a better place than us with recent underage success but I'd be very confident that we have the players to win on Sunday. The likes of Kevin Maguire, James Dolan, Ger Egan, John Heslin, Kieran Martin, Jason Daly and Lorcan Dolan will be aware that national title opportunities don't present themselves too often and a final versus surely Cavan will be likely.

Claretandblue (Westmeath) - Posts: 1478 - 14/06/2022 10:03:49    2424878

dec (None) - Posts: 268 - 14/06/2022 10:11:29    2424880

Westmeath slight favourites at 4/6 with Offaly 6/4.
That does worry me slightly as Offaly will relish being underdogs vs the neighbours.
Yes, man for man WH have the better individuals in most positions and in the main are more seasoned.
Going to be tight enough and no doubt Offaly will target Heslin and McCartan but I think we have enough elsewhere to step up. Maguire should handle Niall McNamee but will want to watch the free count.
Team along the lines of below once no injuries- positions will vary:
1. Jason Daly
2. Jack Smith
3. Kevin Maguire
4. Jamie Gonoud
5. James Dolan
6. Ronan Wallace
7. Nigel Harte
8. Sam McCartan
9. Sam Duncan or Ray Connellan
10. Jonathan Lynam or Ger Egan
11. Ronan O'Toole
12. David Lynch
13. Luke Loughlin
14. John Heslin
15. Robbie Forde or Lorcan Dolan

BigSur (Westmeath) - Posts: 1129 - 14/06/2022 18:52:15    2425030

mickcunningham (Westmeath) - Posts: 1799 - 16/06/2022 10:13:39    2425287

mickcunningham (Westmeath) - Posts: 1799 - 17/06/2022 08:24:48    2425524

No team announcement again Jack. Making sure the panel get NO promotion whatsoever. As for the supporters sure they dont count.More than disrespectful to both.

gerry1414 (Dublin) - Posts: 42 - 18/06/2022 12:22:44    2425736

Totally agree. Utter nonsense being unable to name a team and then actually lining out that team. Disrespectful towards everyone. County Board should step in, they're his employers, make it a term of his contract, if he can't abide by it then good luck.

Claretandblue (Westmeath) - Posts: 1478 - 18/06/2022 12:47:20    2425738

Will there be even 15k people in croke park tomorrow, madness bringing it there. The atmosphere at the Kildare game was shocking and Westmeath never brought any intensity and croke park played into that. Cooney hasn't brought this team on any further in 3 years still very reliant on heslin when he retires we are Goode's and the county board haven't put any roadmap together and underage teams haven't won an important game in 10 years.

PowellJohn (Westmeath) - Posts: 95 - 18/06/2022 15:44:21    2425793

mickcunningham (Westmeath) - Posts: 1799 - 18/06/2022 16:29:02    2425812

Team announced at 3pm today but as usual that line out not start. Sam Duncan might start for Lynam and Ger Egan for Lorcan Dolan.
Croke was announced as venue for semis and final at start so no going back now. Players will be happy to get a run out on the hallowed turf I suspect. Yes atmosphere will be crop and crowd 10 to 15k max I'd say.
Westmeath and Cavan for the final.

BigSur (Westmeath) - Posts: 1129 - 18/06/2022 20:09:31    2425886

Has a side ever before won 100% of its kickouts in a championship match? I don't recall seeing us losing one, Offaly's tactics were strange to say the least, our lads allowed to build attack after attack, we must have scored 3-18 from play, possibly more. Excellent display, Offaly flattered by nine points margin, final should be a cracker with the two best teams in the competition. On a separate note the form of the Loman's players augurs well for them retaining their title, McCartan was again superb, the complete footballer, O' Toole was instrumental in everything good we did, Offaly couldn't handle him, Heslin was superb, couple of poor shots but the best forward on show over both games today.

Claretandblue (Westmeath) - Posts: 1478 - 19/06/2022 18:16:33    2426142