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Westmeath under-14s end season on a high

The Iarmhí (South Westmeath) under-14 football squad finished their season on a real high last Saturday, defeating both Carlow and Longford in a Leinster blitz at Páirc Chiaráin, Athlone.

In their previous outing, the Westmeath side lost both games after making the long trip to Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, but they bounced back in determined fashion last weekend. The South Westmeath outfit - drawn from clubs in the south of the county - found themselves up against 'full' county teams in Carlow and Longford, but they played some sparkling football to win both games.

Westmeath v Carlow

The matches were 20 minutes per half and, in their first game, Westmeath took on Carlow. Things did not look good for Westmeath when the visitors surged into a 1-5 to 0-1 lead. Westmeath's opening point was a terrific individual score by full-forward John Corbally, and the same player soon gave his team a huge lift by scoring a splendid goal. Gavin Delaney did some good work down the right and then Corbally played a one-two with centre-forward Philip Ganly, before rifling a low shot into the far corner of the net.

And the home side were right back in contention when a Stephen McVeigh free deceived the Carlow 'keeper and ended up in the net. That left the half-time score 1-5 to 2-1 in Carlow's favour.

Westmeath had wind advantage for the second period and, as things transpired, the Barrowsiders failed to score for the duration of the half. Two points from frees by Nigel Scally edged Westmeath in front, and a superb point by Robert Hickey added to the maroons' lead. Hickey was then unlucky to see his goalbound shot saved by the Carlow 'keeper, at the expense of a 45'. Shortly afterwards, Harry Hughes pointed a free and John Corbally sealed victory with an excellent point, after being set up by team captain Daniel Buckley. Final score: Iarmhí 2-6 Carlow 1-5.

Scorers for Westmeath: J Corbally 1-2; S McVeigh 1-0 (f); N Scally 0-2 (2f); R Hickey, H Hughes (f) 0-1 each. Referee: Mick Mannion (Garrycastle).

Westmeath v Longford

In their first game, Longford edged out Sligo by a single point in a high scoring encounter, and therefore set up a meeting with Iarmhí. Meanwhile, the defeated sides Carlow and Sligo played on the second pitch.

After their great second-half display against Carlow, Iarmhí continued in a similar vein against Longford. The home side put together some wonderful, flowing moves but several missed chances meant their superiority was not reflected on the scoreboard at half-time. At this juncture, only two points separated the sides, with Westmeath leading by 1-2 to 0-3.

Westmeath's first-half points were scored by Philip Ganly and Stephen McVeigh, while Longford's third point could easily have been a goal, but Westmeath goalkeeper Patrick Melinn pulled off a great save, tipping the ball over the bar.

Westmeath's goal was scored by midfielder Daniel Buckley, who latched onto a breaking ball, drove forward and buried a low shot into the net. Iarmhí probably went for goals too often during the opening half when opting for points might have been a better option. Iarmhí continued to carve open the Longford defence and one opportunity saw John Corbally's shot hit the side netting.

Dermot Fox's charges kept up the pressure in the early stages of the second half. Points from Harry Hughes (free) and John Corbally put the home side four ahead. The boys in maroon and white then gave themselves a healthy cushion when Philip Ganly set up John Corbally's for his team's second goal. Gavin Delaney added a terrific point to leave the Lake County side 2-5 to 0-3 ahead.

Longford staged a comeback and scored four points on the trot to cut the deficit to four. However, a vital point by midfielder Eoin Donohoe - who wisely opted to fist the ball over the bar - steadied Westmeath's nerves. Then substitute Padraig Fagan, who was only on the field a matter of seconds, showed admirable composure to finish a goal chance to the net. Longford quickly replied with a goal from a free which meant Westmeath weren't home and dry just yet. But the home side sealed victory with points from Philip Ganly, energetic wing-back Aaron Watts and substitute Rory Delaney. Final score: Iarmhí 3-9 Longford 1-7.

Scorers for Westmeath: J Corbally 1-1; D Buckley, P Fagan 1-0 each; P Ganly 0-2; G Delaney, E Donohoe, A Watts, R Delaney, S McVeigh (f), H Hughes (f) 0-1 each. Referee: Niall Ward (Garrycastle).

There were several excellent performers for Westmeath on the day. The team's most consistent player in their previous outing in Thomastown, Conor Marlowe, continued his excellent form at full-back. He was well supported by corner-backs Sean Bracken and Sean Doyle, who was playing in an unfamiliar position. Industrious wing-backs Brian O'Donohoe and Aaron Watts regularly surged forward to support their attacking colleagues, with Andrew McCormack proving an effective defensive anchor. The return of powerful team captain Daniel Buckley was a major boost and he was ably assisted at midfield by the hard-working Eoin Donohoe. Philip Ganly was very impressive at centre-forward, with wing-forwards Gavin Delaney and Robert Hickey producing their best displays of the season. Stephen McVeigh, who travelled home from Donegal in the early hours of the morning in order to play in the blitz, made his presence felt in both games. John Corbally continued his fine scoring form and Nigel Scally also did well in the full-forward line. All substitutes introduced on the day - Harry Hughes, Rory Delaney, Padraig Fagan, Dean Fitzgerald, Neil Kelly, Padraig Fox and Conor Brady - played their part in what were two heroic displays.

PANEL

The Iarmhí (South Westmeath) panel on the day was as follows: Patrick Melinn (Athlone), Sean Bracken (Moate All Whites), Conor Marlowe (Maryland/Tang), Sean Doyle (Caulry), Bryan O'Donohoe (Maryland/Tang), Andrew McCormack (Rosemount), Aaron Watts (Athlone), Daniel Buckley (Moate All Whites, captain), Eoin Donohoe (Caulry), Gavin Delaney (Tubberclair), Philip Ganly (Maryland/Tang), Robert Hickey (Caulry), Stephen McVeigh (Tubberclair), John Corbally (Moate All Whites), Nigel Scally (Kilbeggan/St Joseph's), Harry Hughes (Caulry), Rory Delaney (Tubberclair), Dean Fitzgerald (Kilbeggan/St Joseph's), Conor Brady (Maryland/Tang), Neil Kelly (Rosemount), Padraig Fox (Rosemount), Padraig Fagan (Tubberclair), Niall Neary (Maryland/Tang, injured).

Unavailable on the day: Jack Maxwell (Kilbeggan/St Joseph's), Conor Dolan (Caulry), Kyle Dever (St Malachy's/Ballinagore), Andy Scally (Kilbeggan/St Joseph's), Conor Lowry (Maryland/Tang), Chris Claffey (Castledaly).

Mentors: Dermot Fox (manager), Kieran Galvin (Castledaly), Gerry Watts (Athlone), James Galvin (Castledaly). The management team thanks Athlone GAA for hosting the blitz and also Rosemount for the use of their facilities for training.