Classy Connellan points the way

In 2008, Westmeath defeated their neighbours in Tullamore for the first time in a senior championship match since the 1930s and, last Saturday, they dished out an 11-point hammering to their Offaly counterparts. This latest instalment in the age old football rivalry between the counties was expected to be a much closer affair. Clearly, the turmoil that engulfed Offaly football last week - and which continued into last weekend - had an negative effect on Offaly"s preparations for this game. In the previous Sunday"s NFL game against Roscommon, Offaly"s failure to score until the 23rd minute, despite having wind advantage during the first half, raised many eyebrows - and it was a similar story here. Although backed by the breeze, Offaly did not get their first score until the 26th minute, by which stage they found themselves 0-7 to 0-0 in arrears. But irrespective of the difficulties the Faithful County have been enduring, this was a very impressive display by Westmeath. Some of the football played by the visitors was a joy to behold, with a lively and skilful forward division putting together several excellent moves. Given the presence of three fairly diminutive players in the full-forward line, the delivery of good quality ball was vital and this was a facet of play Westmeath continually excelled at last Saturday. John Connellan was outstanding for Westmeath, the Athlone man scoring a total of eight points (five from play). The stylish Conrad Reilly was a creative influence at centre half-forward, while full-forward Thomas McDaniel scored three points from play, replicating the feat he managed for the seniors in the NFL opener against Galway. However, McDaniel was far less effective in the second half and he took some wrong options when in possession on a few occasions. Another member of last year"s Westmeath minor team, wing-forward Conor Lynam, chipped in with two points. Corner-forward Brendan Kelly didn"t get his name on the scoresheet but that couldn"t detract from a terrific display, which saw him involved in numerous moves and scores. Rosemount"s Shane Tone made a decent start to the game, before fading somewhat as the game wore on. The Westmeath midfield pairing of Aidan Browne (Garrycastle) and Niall Kilcoyne were generally in control, although high fielding around the centre of the park was not a feature of this game. Kilcoyne augmented his performance with three points from play, an eye-catching contribution from a midfielder. The Westmeath defensive unit was not tested to the extent one would have expected, but the players involved could still be satisfied with their afternoon"s work. Indeed, only two Offaly players managed to score, corner-forward Ken Casey and substitute Willie Mulhall, who certainly made a notable impression when introduced, scoring three points from play. Westmeath corner-backs Fintan Reilly and Simon Moorehead (who has played rugby with Athlone outfit Buccaneers in recent times) were tenacious and solid, either side of senior county star Kieran Gavin. In the half-back line, Garrycastle"s James Dolan took the step up from county minor to under-21 in his stride. Andrew Whitney was a driving force at centre-back, while left half-back Tommy Warburton also played quite well. Tomás Ó Flatharta"s side showed their intent in the first minute, Shane Tone setting up John Connellan for a fisted point, Conor Lynam and Brendan Kelly having also been involved in the move. After Offaly full-back John Knight picked up a yellow card for a heavy challenge on Lynam, a beautiful pass by Conrad Reilly paved the way for Thomas McDaniel to score a fine point (sixth minute). In Offaly"s first genuine attack, Ross Brady handpassed the ball wide under pressure from Westmeath full-back Kieran Gavin. On eight minutes, McDaniel showed his pace to get away from the Offaly defence, but Sean Pender made a good recovery and blocked the Westmeath No 14"s goal attempt. After a pointed free from John Connellan increased Westmeath"s lead, a sweet pass by Brendan Kelly found his Castledaly club-mate Tommy Warburton, who sent in a low ball which was gathered and pointed by McDaniel. In the 15th minute, Kelly set up Niall Kilcoyne for a splendid point, and Conrad Reilly soon got his name on the scoresheet. A much sharper Westmeath side went seven points clear in the 23rd minute, thanks to another converted free from Connellan. Although Westmeath had enjoyed a dream start, occasional over-elaboration cost them even more scores. Offaly had reacted to Westmeath"s early dominance by introducing Tubber"s Lee Dunning in place of John Knight, while full-forward Brian Connor (son of recently departed senior manager, Richie Connor) was moved to midfield. With their fortunes not showing any noticeable improvement, Offaly manager Mark Plunkett decided to make a double substitution in the 23rd minute, with Willie Mulhall and Anton Sullivan entering the fray. It was Mulhall who finally opened Offaly"s account, after a pass from fellow sub Sullivan. A pick off the ground by the otherwise impressive James Dolan gave Offaly an easy chance to double their tally and Ken Casey made no mistake with the resulting free. After Brendan Kelly was unlucky to sent his shot narrowly wide, Thomas McDaniel scored his third point from play (30th minute). That proved the final score of the half, and the teams headed for the dressing-rooms with Westmeath 0-8 to 0-2 in front. Just after the half-time whistle was blown, referee Joe Curley showed Offaly"s Brian Connor a yellow card for an off-the-ball foul on Shane Tone. Even though Westmeath would have the wind at their backs in the second half, an early onslaught from Offaly was seen as a strong possibility. But, instead, the maroon and whites created a gilt-edged goal chance within 15 seconds of the restart. Kilcoyne, McDaniel and Kelly were involved in a move which put Tone through on goal, but his shot came off the crossbar. It mattered little as, in the space of five minutes, Westmeath had increased their lead to a commanding ten points (0-12 to 0-2). Kilcoyne, Connellan (free), Lynam (a great score under pressure) and Whitney were the scorers of these four Westmeath points. In the 37th minute, a well-struck free by Ken Casey briefly interrupted Westmeath"s dominance of the scoring, but Connellan then replied with a point from play. Yet, the next four points were scored by Offaly. Three of this quartet came from Casey (two frees), with Willie Mulhall supplying the other. This was Offaly"s best period of the game and Westmeath "keeper Darren Quinn had to be alert to make two fine catches from dangerous deliveries, before John Connellan sent over an excellent point at the other end. Moments later, a fine pass from a lineball by Aidan Browne found Brendan Kelly and he set up Connellan for another point. After Browne relieved the pressure on his defence with a great catch under the crossbar, Connellan scored the finest point of his collection, a tremendous individual score after getting away from Paul Mitchell (25th minute). A point from Lynam after a pass from Kelly restored Westmeath"s ten-point lead. Then an ambitious goal attempt by Willie Mulhall flew over the crossbar as Offaly sought some consolation on the scoreboard. However, Westmeath increased their lead in the closing minutes, with Niall Kilcoyne and substitute Niall Bannon (just seconds after his introduction) adding late points. Westmeath will now meet Kilkenny in the quarter-finals and, if they claim an expected win in that game (due to be played on Saturday, February 28), they will meet either Louth, Dublin or Meath in the semi-finals. For Offaly, this was a day to forget. Corner-back Declan Murphy had some good moments, while centre-back Brian Geraghty (Durrow) also tried hard. The Offaly substitutes, particularly Willie Mulhall, Anton Sullivan and Niall Geraghty, made a significant difference, but their efforts proved in vain. SCORERS - Westmeath: J Connellan 0-8 (3f); T McDaniel, N Kilcoyne 0-3 each; C Lynam 0-2; C Reilly, A Whitney, N Bannon 0-1 each. Offaly: K Casey 0-5 (4f); W Mulhall 0-3. WESTMEATH: Darren Quinn; Fintan Reilly, Kieran Gavin, Simon Moorehead; James Dolan, Andrew Whitney, Tommy Warburton; Aidan Browne, Niall Kilcoyne; Conor Lynam, Conrad Reilly, Shane Tone; Brendan Kelly, Thomas McDaniel, John Connellan. Subs: James Durkan for Tone (41 mins); Callum McCormack for McDaniel (58); Niall Bannon for Kilcoyne (59). OFFALY: Brian Quinlan; Declan Murphy, John Knight, Sean Pender; Donal Ryan, Brian Geraghty, Paul Mitchell; Colin Egan, Ross Brady; Glen O"Connell, Nigel Dunne, Kevin Duffy (capt.); Ruairí Allen, Brian Connor, Ken Casey. Subs: Lee Dunning for Knight (16 mins); Willie Mulhall for Brady (23); Anton Sullivan for O"Connell (23); Niall Geraghty for Egan (h-t); Eoin Marsden for Duffy (54). REFEREE: Joe Curley (Meath).