WESTMEATH SFC FINAL Garrycastle 2-9 Mullingar Shamrocks 1-8:GARRYCASTLE RETAINED their title with a deserved win over a disappointing Mullingar Shamrocks outfit at Cusack Park yesterday. Last year's Leinster club finalists recovered from the shock of conceding a magnificent individual goal, scored by Lorcan Smyth in the sixth minute, to gradually take control when wind-assisted in the first half.

A couple of converted frees midway through the half by Dessie Dolan had the sides levels, before the latter turned provider for his cousin, James Dolan, who fired home a great goal in the 22nd minute. At the break, the holders led by 1-6 to 1-2.

The turning point came eight minutes after the break. Moments after Cian O'Leary pointed for Shamrocks when a goal looked on, Garrycastle struck for the decisive score, Rory McGowan teeing up Paul Dillon for a goal.

Garrycastle never looked likely to be dethroned in the closing stages, with Dessie Dolan pulling the strings throughout the pitch.

SCORERS

Garrycastle: D Dolan 0-4 (three frees); J Dolan, P Dillon 1-0 each; A Daly 0-2; D Harte, D O'Shaughnessy, R McGowan 0-1 each. Mullingar Shamrocks: S Quinn 0-6 (three frees); L Smyth 1-0; A Clinton, D Corroon

0-1 each.