History made as westmeaths miracle comeback leaves royals reeling
Westmeath have beaten Meath for the first time ever in the Championship – as the county's footballers pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in GAA history at Croke Park today (Sunday).
The men from the Lake County were ten points down at one stage in the first half – 2-10 to 1-3 – but managed to claw their way back, eventually claiming an astonishing 3-19 to 2-18 victory.
Maryland’s Kieran Martin – the man of the match in the eyes of many observers – and John Heslin were both truly heroic on the day.
Martin scored 2-3 despite starting the game at centre-back, while Heslin notched a brilliant 1-9 tally. Heslin’s late goal clinched victory to send the Westmeath supporters into a state of utter delirium.
Westmeath had failed to beat Meath in 22 previous attempts in the Championship – and to defeat the Royals in such a dramatic fashion made this victory all the sweeter.
Meath led 2-12 to 1-7 at half-time, with Brian McMahon scoring both of their goals, and they looked set to cruise into the final.
But with Tom’s Cribbin’s charges showing incredible reserves of character and never-say-die spirit, an amazing rally was staged in the second half.
Meath star Graham Reilly was deservedly shown a black card (after a blatant trip on an opponent) by referee Conor Lane in the second period, in what was just one key turning point in the unfolding drama. Meath goalie Paddy O'Rourke was red-carded in the closing moments but it mattered little at that stage.
Westmeath are now preparing for the county’s first Leinster senior football final since 2004 – the provincial decider against Dublin (who hammered Kildare in the second semi-final) will take place on Sunday, July 12. The curtain-raiser will be the Leinster MFC final between Longford (who beat Meath yesterday) and Kildare, who overcame Dublin earlier today.
Scorers
Westmeath: John Heslin 1-9 (0-5 frees); Kieran Martin 2-3; Shane Dempsey, John Connellan and Paul Sharry (2 ‘45s) 0-2 each; Ray Connellan 0-1.
Meath: Brian McMahon 2-2; Graham Reilly and Eamon Wallace 0-4 each; Stephen Bray 0-3; Michael Newman (1 free) Andrew Tormey (2 frees) 0-2 each; Bryan Menton 0-1.