Westmeath need big step-up in Tailteann semis – Cooney

Westmeath senior football manager Jack Cooney was pleased that his side produced an improved display in the Tailteann Cup quarter-final victory over Carlow last Sunday.

However, he is aware of the major step-up in performance that will be required in the semi-final, with Monday morning’s draw pitting his charges against Offaly.

“I think it was an improved performance on last week. There is a difference playing a game coming off a victory and coming off a defeat. That was evident in training during the week and evident in some of the scores we kicked today,” said Cooney, who was naturally happy with a scoring tally of 1-21.

Cooney also praised Carlow for their battling display. “In fairness to Carlow, they battled throughout. The two goals they got were good opportunistic goals,” he said. “They gave them a lifeline and caused us a lot of conversation at half-time that we just needed to sort it out.

“They kicked some great scores in the second half and kept at it. We were just lucky that we pulled away in the end.

“I think they were buoyed from their win over Tipperary. That was a good, morale-boosting win for them. They kept driving at us and creating opportunities. We were expecting the battle that we got and we’ll be a lot better for it.”

Cooney felt that his side “probably missed chances that we’d like to be converting” in the opening 20 minutes that would have provided a bigger cushion.

“Charlie Drumm, a young 21-year-old, was making his championship debut. I thought he was excellent for a debut and he’ll remember this day because everyone remembers their debut for their county,” said the Westmeath boss.

“We’re making progress and I’m delighted with the game time some lads are getting. It’s important that we get to spend another two weeks training.”

In general, Cooney is very enthusiastic about the Tailteann Cup and he’s glad that the players have adopted a similar attitude.

“The lads have responded brilliantly and have embraced this Tailteann Cup. We sorted that out in Croke Park after the Kildare loss (in the Leinster semi-final). We addressed it in the dressing rooms there and then. We said we were going to go after the Tailteann Cup. They’re committed to it and they want to do as well as they can in it,” he said.

“It’s another opportunity to train and to get Westmeath people back up to Croke Park. We have a lot of young fellas and they haven’t much experience of Croke Park so hopefully it will help their development. A trip to Croke Park is a good reward for their efforts so far.”

Cooney revealed that Ray Connellan would have been able to play against Carlow if needed, but the management decided not to risk the Athlone man if possible.

“We decided to try and get into a position to win the game without him if that was possible, to take out any risk of the injury reoccurring,” Cooney remarked. Sam McCartan went off injured near the end, with Cooney saying he got “a bang on his ankle but he’s fine”.

McCartan shone in the second half and Cooney said: “It’s his fourth year with us even though he’s only 21. He’s a very exciting player and loves playing football. He’s committed to everything an inter-county footballer should be committed to.”

Asked about the role of versatile attacker John Heslin, Cooney said: “We played him at 11 today so he could get more shots on goal. He has a big presence and he controls the game very well.

“He’s the type of player who can play anywhere. We reverted back to playing him at 11 today and he was excellent.”