McHugh hails Westmeath spirit after sensational victory
“There’s more work to do here.”
That was the message from Westmeath senior football manager, Mark McHugh, after his side’s heroic 1-31 to 3-21 victory over Cavan (after extra-time) in today’s All-Ireland SFC game at TEG Cusack Park.
A capacity crowd of 12,000 supporters roared the Leinster champions on to victory after Cavan had led by six points at half-time in extra-time - 3-21 to 0-24. Two incredible two-pointers from Senan Baker and team captain Ronan Wallace, and a Kevin O’Sullivan goal, dragged Westmeath off the floor. The scores brought tumultuous roars from the massive home following and the psychological impact they had on the players was very evident.
In the end, Westmeath’s indefatigable spirit and skill won the day. It was their fifth successive championship win, a new record at this level, and the county’s greatest ever day on their home ground. They are now just one victory away from an All-Ireland quarter-final.
Westmeath will be in the winner’s pot for Tuesday’s draw, joining the likes of Donegal, Tyrone and Armagh, and all will hope they are the first name out, which will secure another home match.
“It’s great to see the buzz around Mullingar - we walked over from the Annebrook House Hotel this morning and to witness the Westmeath fans all out for the game was special. To see old and young wanting to come to Westmeath games; making sure that they took time out of their day and spent their hard-earned cash. We respect that. We know what a privileged position we are in,” beamed Mark McHugh.
The Donegal All-Ireland winner said there was no sense of panic at half-time in extra time and spoke of the great resolve his players have shown all year.
“We didn't look at it as a six-point deficit. We knew the significance of the two-pointers and there was a breeze blowing into that goal (apartments end of the ground). But the character shown was unbelievable. I can’t say any more about that team, to be honest,” he remarked.
McHugh also hit out at the GAA for the decision to hold the All-Ireland SFC draw before the provincial finals, thereby handing the initiative to teams like Cavan, Donegal and Tyrone, who had ample time to prepare for the first round games. It was unfair, he said, and contributed to the downfall of the provincial champions in Connacht and Munster. Westmeath did remarkably well to avoid another ambush.
Goalscorer Kevin O’Sullivan said the team were focused on today’s game and he praised the impact of manager Mark McHugh and the influence of the thousands of Westmeath supporters who turned out.
“We were back training Wednesday (after winning the Leinster title) and we just kept plugging away until the end today. The morale is absolutely phenomenal - training is actually a joy to go down to. I’ve been involved before with Westmeath and it wasn’t like this! The lads enjoy each other’s company and Mark McHugh has brought something totally different: the belief he has instilled,” he remarked.
“The crowd was absolutely phenomenal. The support we have had for the last couple of weeks is amazing. If we can keep this momentum going, it’s going to be great.”
In a remarkable game, Westmeath had led by 0-12 to 0-6 at half-time and were nine points clear after 41 minutes (0-15 to 0-6). But it ended 0-22 to 2-16 after two goals from a resurgent Cavan side, who appeared to have all the momentum.
In a thrilling encounter, Westmeath fell six points behind, having played against the breeze in the first period of extra-time, but somehow produced a sensational recovery to win by four.