Leinster MFC: Carr's men march on
May 19, 2012Wicklow 0-7
Westmeath set up a Leinster SFC semi-final meeting with neighbours Meath thanks to a hard-earned victory over Wicklow in Aughrim this afternoon.
Managed by former Dublin captain and manager Tommy Carr, the Lake County led by four points at the break and withstood a second half rally from the hosts to progress to the last four. Remarkably, it was the Lake County's first championship win against opposition outside the trio of Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford since their last Leinster title success 12 years ago.
The visitors were favoured by a strong breeze in the first half, but Wicklow raised the first white flag through centre back Darragh Lohan. Castledaly clubman Lorcan Dolan got Westmeath off the mark before Ger Leech (free) and two more points from Dolan (one free) eased them into a 0-4 to 0-1 lead.
Conor French replied for the Garden County, but further points from Ray Connellan and Dolan had Westmeath 0-6 to 0-2 in front at the break.
The Lake County were still four points to the good - 0-8 to 0-4 - midway through the second half before three frees from Wicklow corner forward Mikey O'Connor left the minimum between the sides. But Westmeath refused to panic and sealed victory with late scores from Leech (free) and PJ Maguire.
A relieved Tommy Carr said afterwards: "We didn't play particularly well, but we got the two or three vital scores that kept us ahead at the end. No doubt we'll be total underdogs against Meath, who hammered Offaly today, but we have nothing to lose and are looking forward to it." Tweet
