'Entire group of players have been excellent' - Quinn

After a wonderful victory over Meath, the successful Westmeath U16 ladies football side will now be preparing for an All-Ireland semi-final against either Sligo or Galway on June 26.

Westmeath enjoyed a 2-15 to 2-13 victory over their neighbours in the Leinster decider in Kinnegad.

Manager Alan Quinn hailed his players’ work rate after their memorable victory, pointing to a well-balanced side that prepared really well for every round of the provincial series.

“It was a great victory and to score 2-15 was excellent, but while the forwards will get the plaudits, the entire group of players have been excellent for us. Our goalkeeper Sally Ryan was great and her display against Laois in the semi-final stood out. Her kick-outs were excellent; she never panicked and that was a key part of our victory,” he said.

“We are delighted with the result and the panel has been working really hard since the first game in March. They have trained three times a week and we create match scenarios in training to give them the best preparation possible. They are never fazed by what comes on match day and it’s that approach that has worked really well for them.”

He praised the collective effort of Westmeath and noted the significance of Alex Kelly’s display which won her the Player of the Match award.

“Alex was excellent and a return of 0-11 is very impressive. She has led by example in every game and it’s not just her scoring ability - she drops back from the half forward line to assist the defence all the time. Just like everyone else, her work rate is excellent,” said Alan.

“There were plenty of fine performances - the likes of Chloe Malone, Amelie Henson and Evie Kilmurray played major roles. There is great team spirit there and that’s very important.”

‘Past hurt dove us on’ - Kelly

A delighted team captain Alex Kelly said victory is just reward for the outstanding effort everyone has made. They were spurred on by past hurt having lost to the Royals at U14 level.

“We are over the moon to get the win because as a team we have worked so hard in training and challenge matches throughout the year, and had prepared so much in the lead up to the final so it all paid off. That was also not the first time we had faced Meath as earlier in the year we just fell short to them. I'm sure many of the girls remember the U14 Leinster final back in 2023 when they beat us so we were even more determined to turn it around this time,” she noted.

“The win really meant the world to us and as a team we dug so deep throughout the game from one end of the pitch to the other. At county level this is my first leinster title and a great one but with my school Moate Community School we've had a few successful years winning some Leinster titles.” Asked what her thoughts were on the final, overall, she said: “A thriller, that’s the exact word to describe the game. Meath are a phenomenal team who gave us a great game and kept us on our toes, but our management had us very well set up all over the pitch and ready for them. The goals from Amelie and Chloe both came at crucial times in the game when we needed a score to lift the team. They both had such great composure on the ball and are two brilliant players who you know will always find the net.” A return of 0-11 was a remarkable contribution from the Westmeath captain, who paid tribute to all players and said they're already planning for the All-Ireland semi-final in June.

“I'm very happy with my performance on the day. The forwards worked so hard in around the goals earning many frees and our midfield and backs defended with great fight to over turn Meath many times," she said. "Everyone is really looking forward to the next game no matter who we face. We know what we need to work on in trainings to prepare us.

“The commitment and dedication at trainings has been great but both the management and the girls know that if we want to win we need to up the intensity and work twice as hard to prepare for the next stage.

“We are really looking forward to the game now and are definitely up for it."