Weekend sport round up ... Ward claims another national boxing crown
In a hectic weekend of local sport activity, pride of place must go to Moate boxer Joe Ward who secured his fourth national title on the trot.
Ward's victory over a game Matthew Tinker in the light heavyweight final in the National Senior Championships on Friday night saw him add to his already burgeoning collection of medals.
Not yet 21 years of age, Ward has four national titles, a World Junior gold medal, World Youth gold medal, European senior gold and World senior bronze.
Elsewhere, the Marist College suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Colaiste Eoin in the Leinster Schools football championship final in Croke Park on Saturday evening.
It was the third time the Marist have fallen at the final hurdle and some wayward shooting late on allowed the Dubliners to secure a two-point victory, 1-10i to 1-8.
Another team returning to the big time were Athlone Town, who put a brave effort against top side Sligo Rovers, before an 87th minute winner from Evan McMilan gave the home side all three points.
Philly Gorman from the penalty spot had given Athlone a second half lead, before John Russell and McMilan struck to get the home side out of jail.
In GAA action, Westmeath put up one of their better displays of the Division 1 campagn at home to All-Ireland finalists Mayo today, but were edged out by five points, on a final score of Westmeath 3-9, Mayo 2-17.
The home side rallied back to take the lead in the second half, after being nine points behind after an early Mayo purple patch. However, Mayo upped a gear late on to condemn Westmeath to their fourth defeat on the trot, despite goals from James Dolan (2) and Kieran Martin.
Roscommon though continue their 100% record in Division 3 winning away to Fermanagh on a 3-17 to 4-10 victory.
Westmeath hurlers were edged out by a single point, following a late Kerry goal, in Cusack Park (3-13 to 2-15) and Westmeath ladies lost their unbeaten record to Galway in the football league (3-13 to 2-6).
In local soccer action, Willow Park's 3-2 away win over Mullingar Athletic on Friday night leaves them on the verge of a seventh successive CCFL Senior Division crown.