Westmeath supporters celebrate their team's win over Meath, with former manager Luke Dempsey (top right) among those joining in the celebrations. Photo: John McCauley.

Venue confirmed for Westmeath vs Kildare semi-final

Kieran Galvin

Published: Mon 20 Apr 2026, 7:27 AM

Last updated: Mon 20 Apr 2026, 9:29 AM

Following yesterday's sensational victory over Meath, Westmeath's Leinster SFC semi-final against Kildare has been confirmed for Sunday, May 3 in Tullamore at 2pm.

Kildare advanced to the semi-finals with a 2-20 to 2-15 win over Laois in Newbridge yesterday to set up a clash with Westmeath. It will be a rematch of last year's quarter-final which Kildare won in Newbridge.

Westmeath will be bidding to reach the Leinster senior football final for only the sixth time, with their previous appearances coming in 1931, 1949, 2004, 2015 and 2016.

Mark McHugh's side defeated Meath by 4-18 to 0-25 in thrilling fashion at Glenisk O'Connor Park yesterday - see more here. A return to the same venue for the semi-final will be welcomed by Westmeath fans and a large crowd is anticipated for the fixture.

The Westmeath camp will be hoping injuries to key forward Luke Loughlin and defender Shane Allen - which forced them off against Meath - will have cleared up in time for the showdown with the Lilywhites.

McHugh confirmed after the Meath match that Conor McCormack, who started in goals, suffered a serious injury, and also paid tribute to how Jason Daly reacted to being dropped.

“Conor McCormack came in, he made the save and ended up breaking his ankle. The way he blocked the ball, it was just so powerful and it ends up breaking a bone. He’s got no luck at all this year, he’s been injured all year and just hasn’t got the rub of the green," said the Westmeath manager.

“But Jason, to be fair, was absolutely disappointed during the week, came in and was immense. I couldn’t fault him. Just thinking there, we kept a clean sheet, which is not like us,” added McHugh.

The other Leinster semi-final will see defending champions Louth meet Dublin on Saturday, May 2 in Portlaoise at 7pm. Louth had a comfortable win over Wexford yesterday, while the Dubs had just two points to spare against Wicklow.

Leinster SFC semi-finals

Saturday, May 2: Louth v Dublin (Laois Hire O'Moore Park, Portlaoise, 7pm).

Sunday, May 3: Kildare v Westmeath (Glenisk O'Connor Park, Tullamore).