Westmeath’s Matthew Whittaker on the attack as Offaly’s Jack McEvoy gives chase during the O'Byrne Cup semi-final in Cusack Park Mullingar last Saturday. Photo: John McCauley.

Westmeath team confirmed for O'Byrne Cup final

Ronan Fagan

Published: Fri 16 Jan 2026, 11:50 AM

Last updated: Fri 16 Jan 2026, 12:37 PM

Westmeath senior football manager Mark McHugh has named his starting team to contest the O'Byrne Cup final against Kildare in St Conleth's Park Newbridge tonight (Friday) at 7.30pm.

The team shows four changes to that which defeated Offaly in the semi-final of the competition on Saturday last.

Caulry's Jack Connaughton replaces Jason Daly in the goalkeeper position.

There is a new centrefield pairing for the final with Athlone's Ray Connellan being joined by Harry Niall from Moate All Whites.

Caulry's Senan Baker also returns to the team and will start on the half forward line.

The outfield players to make way are Brian Cooney, Robbie Forde, Kevin O'Sullivan.

Westmeath will be hoping to seal their first O'Byrne Cup title in seven years, while the Lilywhites are striving for their first competition success since 2014.

Both counties advanced to tonight's showpiece fixture with comprehensive semi-final wins, Westmeath defeating Offaly by 11 points, while Kildare saw off the challenge of Dublin by nine points.

The teams last met in the Leinster SFC quarter-final in April when the Lake County suffered a two point defeat to Kildare.

The game will be televised live on TG4.