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Replying To mul: "This is so true in terms of making the short journey , anyone in the county who has any sort of an interest needs to be there and get behind the county, could make all the difference.
The county team has been knocking on the door over the past few years and have had so many close calls , would be great if they went one further step." Well done Westmeath the cheer that went up down the road in Carlow when word came through was absolute bliss and it was no surprise you have always put it up to them in the championship again well done and goodluck v Kildare we just might see you in the final!
francie81 (Louth) - Posts: 263 - 21/04/2026 13:41:47
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Still buzzing after Sunday's match. What a display and what a result. The players really rose to the occasion, playing with confidence and freedom throughout. We have a lot of "summer footballers", quick, sharp and skilful, and they finally got the chance to show what they're about. Every one of them delivered.
The atmosphere in Tullamore was incredible. Does anyone know what the official attendance was?
Credit has to go to Mark McHugh and his management team as well. Lifting the squad after what happened in Wexford couldn't have been easy, but they have clearly done it. The tactics on Sunday were spot on, going toe to toe with Meath. Putting Conor Dillon on Morris was a huge call and it paid off. The way the team protected the arc, especially given how many two pointers Meath hit in the league, really showed the work that has gone in behind the scenes.
The only downside is the few injuries picked up. Hopefully Luke will be fit again for next weekend. The bench does look a bit thin in defence. We only had one natural defender there the last day and he is still very inexperienced at inter county level.
The Kildare game will be another big test. After beating Meath it is a must win. Meath might be the stronger side on paper right now but this one feels like a 50 50. Whoever performs on the day will take it.
After a win like that it really feels like the county should be pushing for Sam Maguire football to keep the momentum going. Yes there is a real chance of winning Leinster but imagine pairing that with a run in the Sam Maguire and even reaching a Leinster final.
Support would likely dip if we drop into the Tailteann Cup again. Personally I would much rather see a run to a Sam Maguire quarter final than win Tier 2 all over again.
Temple56 (Westmeath) - Posts: 641 - 21/04/2026 13:44:18
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Replying To Temple56: "Still buzzing after Sunday's match. What a display and what a result. The players really rose to the occasion, playing with confidence and freedom throughout. We have a lot of "summer footballers", quick, sharp and skilful, and they finally got the chance to show what they're about. Every one of them delivered.
The atmosphere in Tullamore was incredible. Does anyone know what the official attendance was?
Credit has to go to Mark McHugh and his management team as well. Lifting the squad after what happened in Wexford couldn't have been easy, but they have clearly done it. The tactics on Sunday were spot on, going toe to toe with Meath. Putting Conor Dillon on Morris was a huge call and it paid off. The way the team protected the arc, especially given how many two pointers Meath hit in the league, really showed the work that has gone in behind the scenes.
The only downside is the few injuries picked up. Hopefully Luke will be fit again for next weekend. The bench does look a bit thin in defence. We only had one natural defender there the last day and he is still very inexperienced at inter county level.
The Kildare game will be another big test. After beating Meath it is a must win. Meath might be the stronger side on paper right now but this one feels like a 50 50. Whoever performs on the day will take it.
After a win like that it really feels like the county should be pushing for Sam Maguire football to keep the momentum going. Yes there is a real chance of winning Leinster but imagine pairing that with a run in the Sam Maguire and even reaching a Leinster final.
Support would likely dip if we drop into the Tailteann Cup again. Personally I would much rather see a run to a Sam Maguire quarter final than win Tier 2 all over again." I see it didn't long for the hype to start . But most of the hype is coming from people who won't be next nigh or near o Connor Park on Sunday week. As for the team they go back training tonight and keep a low profile . They are aware that the kildare game is a defining moment for them
mickcunningham (Westmeath) - Posts: 1964 - 21/04/2026 16:05:34
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Replying To mickcunningham: "I see it didn't long for the hype to start . But most of the hype is coming from people who won't be next nigh or near o Connor Park on Sunday week. As for the team they go back training tonight and keep a low profile . They are aware that the kildare game is a defining moment for them" Low profile? They were on the RTE News yesterday and doing a live show from outside O Connor Park.
OverTheHill85 (Westmeath) - Posts: 278 - 21/04/2026 17:36:06
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Replying To mickcunningham: "I see it didn't long for the hype to start . But most of the hype is coming from people who won't be next nigh or near o Connor Park on Sunday week. As for the team they go back training tonight and keep a low profile . They are aware that the kildare game is a defining moment for them" to mickcunningham, you said a few years ago ago after Westmeath lost a few matches that you were never going to a Westmeath match again- so I presume you won't be in Tullamore on Sunday week.
Teams don't need supporters that aren't there for the tough days as well as the good
Garfield99 (Waterford) - Posts: 2 - 21/04/2026 18:46:27
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Replying To mickcunningham: "I see it didn't long for the hype to start . But most of the hype is coming from people who won't be next nigh or near o Connor Park on Sunday week. As for the team they go back training tonight and keep a low profile . They are aware that the kildare game is a defining moment for them" Sam Maguire football is a very realistic goal now though Mick. Should Westmeath beat Kildare, and we all know there is never more than a kick of a ball between the two teams, and Down fail to get to an Ulster final Westmeath will be playing in the Sam Maguire and Down will drop into Tailteann. As for keeping the team grounded, there are some players who are doing podcasts and interviews since beating Meath and I hope McHugh reels it in and closes the camp up now and gets the team focused for Sunday week.
Chops (Westmeath) - Posts: 879 - 21/04/2026 20:18:09
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Replying To Temple56: "Still buzzing after Sunday's match. What a display and what a result. The players really rose to the occasion, playing with confidence and freedom throughout. We have a lot of "summer footballers", quick, sharp and skilful, and they finally got the chance to show what they're about. Every one of them delivered.
The atmosphere in Tullamore was incredible. Does anyone know what the official attendance was?
Credit has to go to Mark McHugh and his management team as well. Lifting the squad after what happened in Wexford couldn't have been easy, but they have clearly done it. The tactics on Sunday were spot on, going toe to toe with Meath. Putting Conor Dillon on Morris was a huge call and it paid off. The way the team protected the arc, especially given how many two pointers Meath hit in the league, really showed the work that has gone in behind the scenes.
The only downside is the few injuries picked up. Hopefully Luke will be fit again for next weekend. The bench does look a bit thin in defence. We only had one natural defender there the last day and he is still very inexperienced at inter county level.
The Kildare game will be another big test. After beating Meath it is a must win. Meath might be the stronger side on paper right now but this one feels like a 50 50. Whoever performs on the day will take it.
After a win like that it really feels like the county should be pushing for Sam Maguire football to keep the momentum going. Yes there is a real chance of winning Leinster but imagine pairing that with a run in the Sam Maguire and even reaching a Leinster final.
Support would likely dip if we drop into the Tailteann Cup again. Personally I would much rather see a run to a Sam Maguire quarter final than win Tier 2 all over again." I was in Armagh 2 years ago when we were in Sam. I can tell you the Wesrmeath support that day was abysmal. 2 losses in a row in any competition and our support does not come up.
Unfortunately the "win a home in Spain" is not this month. I'm sure Westmeath GAA would have loved to have got the support. Hopefully the clubs now get some of the gate receipts with everyone rushing out to see their heros in Championship.
Maroon Heaven (Westmeath) - Posts: 59 - 22/04/2026 00:30:41
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mick.. you said we would be well beaten by meath.. i dont mind a bit of hype and optimism.. your own prediction wasnt exactly on the money after all
youre usually an excellent and respectful poster
no need for your comment above
d7h (Westmeath) - Posts: 32 - 22/04/2026 01:00:21
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Down & Ulster Football mean nothing to Westmeath. If Westmeath get to a leinster final we're in Sam. Kildare are there already having Won the Tailteann cup last year.
Maroon Heaven (Westmeath) - Posts: 59 - 22/04/2026 01:23:30
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Replying To d7h: "mick.. you said we would be well beaten by meath.. i dont mind a bit of hype and optimism.. your own prediction wasnt exactly on the money after all
youre usually an excellent and respectful poster
no need for your comment above" I was not the only one who thought Meath would win and I won't be commenting further until the job is done in tullamore. I base my judgement on what I see first hand .
mickcunningham (Westmeath) - Posts: 1964 - 22/04/2026 07:36:08
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Replying To Garfield99: "to mickcunningham, you said a few years ago ago after Westmeath lost a few matches that you were never going to a Westmeath match again- so I presume you won't be in Tullamore on Sunday week.
Teams don't need supporters that aren't there for the tough days as well as the good" I'm 64 and ive been going to support my county since I was 15 . I hope that answers your question
mickcunningham (Westmeath) - Posts: 1964 - 22/04/2026 07:44:26
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If the county board had any nous surely they'd capitalise on the momentum and support out there at the moment and have a regular fundraising scheme. Plenty of counties like Offaly & Cavan have 50/50, lotto or monthly draws to bring in money. There hasn't been anything since the win a home debacle and they can't rely on gate receipts to fund this coe!
Wmeath2 (Westmeath) - Posts: 206 - 22/04/2026 08:12:04
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Replying To Maroon Heaven: "I was in Armagh 2 years ago when we were in Sam. I can tell you the Wesrmeath support that day was abysmal. 2 losses in a row in any competition and our support does not come up.
Unfortunately the "win a home in Spain" is not this month. I'm sure Westmeath GAA would have loved to have got the support. Hopefully the clubs now get some of the gate receipts with everyone rushing out to see their heros in Championship." ?
Gaaforlife2023 (Longford) - Posts: 1274 - 22/04/2026 08:32:06
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Fantastic win on Sunday;
Is the complete game available to view anywhere,???
Only small segments available on RTE Sunday night.
I see a number of podcast experts commenting on the game and its implication at lenght based on basic online comments and scores which were uploaded during the game .
Is there a Westmeath podcast available ?
BarrRst (Westmeath) - Posts: 48 - 22/04/2026 13:35:46
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Funny that there's podcasts for league, but nothing for championship. Or maybe there is one and it's on another platform or something?
Iarmhisamhi (Westmeath) - Posts: 50 - 22/04/2026 18:43:38
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