Fr Manning Cup final looms for Westmeath youngsters

Westmeath U16 footballers will look to bounce back from their defeat in the Gerry Reilly Tournament last weekend when they face Offaly in the final of the Fr Manning Cup tomorrow night (Wednesday) at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, Longford (8pm).

The Lake County were beaten by 3-13 to 2-8 by Dublin - despite leading until just before half-time - and will be keen to put some silverware in the cabinet when they meet the Faithful County.

Westmeath have won all three games to date in the Fr Manning Cup and the game will be preceded by the Shield final between Kildare and Sligo.

In the Gerry Reilly Tournament against Dublin, a somewhat depleted Westmeath saw goals from Ronan O’Toole and Ciaran Doyle help them establish a lead coming up to half-time. But a Dublin goal just before the break saw the sides go in level at 2-5 apiece.

Dublin sealed the result midway through the second half when scoring their third goal. Rosemount’s Darragh Kelly featured in the defeat to Dublin and Westmeath will be hoping to re-introduce some of their more established brigade - including Athlone’s Sam Omukoro - for Wednesday’s match.

Westmeath will also contest the Gerry Reilly Tournament Shield Final against Wicklow at Millbrook, Oldcastle on Saturday (throw-in: 5pm), while Dublin meet Cavan in the Cup final (date & time TBC). Meath and Louth will battle it out in the Plate final on Saturday (Oldcastle, 7.45pm).