Lough Lene Gaels bridge 24-year gap to land Westmeath SHC title

David Williams struck 1-10 for Lough Lene Gaels ©INPHO/Leah Scholes

Lough Lene Gaels ended a 24-year wait for Westmeath senior hurling championship glory by defeating 14-man Raharney 1-16 to 0-16 to claim their eighth county title.

Raharney led 0-9 to 0-7 at half-time at TEG Cusack Park, with Eamon Cunneen and Killian Doyle among their key scorers, but David Williams’ early second-half points and a converted penalty swung this decider.

The penalty also saw Raharney full-back Jamie Mulkearns dismissed after receiving a second yellow card, as Lough Lene Gaels moved 1-11 to 0-9 ahead.

Doyle’s late scoring burst threatened a Raharney comeback, but Philip Reilly and two crucial Williams frees helped the Gaels restore their advantage despite Marcus Kennedy’s late red card.

Joey Williams’ side held firm in the closing stages to end their run of three successive final defeats and finally clinch the Westmeath Examiner Cup.