The disparity in ability is encapsulated in the final scoreline: Westmeath strolled through the spring sunshine at Cusack Park, Mullingar yesterday to a convincing victory. Westmeath mixed cameos of excellent, bright, football with a rustiness that will be punished with a greater severity than Carlow could muster. Despite what amounted to a thrashing, Carlow exposed enough shortcomings in the home defence to suggest that manager Brendan Lowry won't have too many idle moments in preparation for their next outing.
In the full-back line, David Murphy and John O'Brien both experienced some discomfort as Noel Doyle and Carlow captain, Johnny Nevin exposed them on the turn. Fortunately for Westmeath, the quality of finishing was generally sub-standard - an accusation that could be levelled at the entire Carlow forward line.
If their full-back line toiled at times, the Westmeath attack enjoyed the freedom of Cusack Park. Ger Heavin's speed of thought and foot, qualities shared by full forward Kenny Lyons, allowed them to drift away from their hapless markers, scoring frequently or creating opportunities for those around them.
They were joined in the general mauling of the Carlow carcass by Mark Staunton and Paul Conway. Breffni Hannon and Hugh Brennan applied themselves diligently but were frequently marooned amid a purple tide. Westmeath enjoyed an endless supply of possession thanks to the hard work of midfielders John Cooney and Damien Gavin and the intelligent support play and overlapping runs of the excellent Damien Healy.
The winners were facilitated in the space they were allowed and Carlow's suicidal penchant for backing off. Carlow were also too easily outplayed at midfield and had a half-forward line that proved relatively toothless.
The visitors never managed to raise their game above the levels that had seen them win only one National League match, a somewhat fortunate victory against Kilkenny. Manager Paddy Morrissey will need to trawl the county to begin a rebuilding process. The Eire Og odyssey has long since burnt out leaving nothing but ashes.
One could not quibble with the application of most of the players, particularly Willie Quinlan, diminutive in stature but with a heart and a work ethic that shamed some of his colleagues: sadly individual effort rarely suffices.
Ironically, it was Carlow who appeared the sharper in the opening minutes but their ability to find cul-de-sacs in possession negated the hard work. Noel Doyle kicked an early point but this served only to inspire the home side.
A Ger Heavin free was followed by three points from Lyons, all attributable to his ability to get out in front of Andrew Corden.
Westmeath did survive one scare by virtue of an outstanding save from Dermot Ryan after Nevin had skinned Murphy.
Once again the winners raised the tempo and posted four more points before half back Breffni Hannon managed a second Carlow point in the 28th minute. Lyons's fourth point, and one from Shane Colleary, took Westmeath eight clear before Nevin profited from good work by Quinlan to reduce the deficit before the interval.
A brace of points from Staunton and another from Paul Conway preceded two superb saves from Westmeath goalkeeper Dermot Ryan, the second a remarkable athletic parry after Cooney had deflected Ronan Donnelly's 45. Westmeath continued to score freely before some sloppy defending saw them concede two quick goals.
Carpenter grabbed the first and Quinlan finished the second to the net following the move of the match which involved seven players. Carlow's fightback was short-lived as Heavin quickly posted 1-1, the goal coming from a well-worked move involving substitutes John Deehan and Thomas Cleary. Carlow's misery was compounded when Brian Farrell was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Lyons and Donnelly swapped points before Heavin fittingly grabbed the last score of the match. Exactly how far Westmeath may progress will depend on their ability to shore up defensive limitations.
For Carlow and Morrissey the rebuilding process appears a long and arduous journey.
