Westmeath's American football team falls short of reaching finals

Despite a brave showing in the 2026 American Football Ireland Division 1, Westmeath Minotaurs has missed out on a place in this season's 'Finals Day' - to be held in Athlone on Saturday, July 18.

Last weekend, the Minotaurs went into the second-tier divisional play-off semi-finals, having finished fourth in the league standings.

But vying for a place at the finals at Dubarry Park – the home of Buccaneers RFC – they came up against an in-form South Dublin Panthers, eventually losing on a 54-7 scoreline.

The Panthers progress to face Northwest Vipers in the second-tier showdown at Dubarry Park on next Saturday week, July 18 (12noon). Afterwards, the final of the premier level conference will take place at 4pm.