LEINSTER SFC SEMI-FINAL: Westmeath v LouthVenue Croke Park Throw-in 5.30 Sunday
HISTORY WEIGHS heavily on the Wee County. They won’t need any reminding, but tomorrow represents Louth’s chance to make a first Leinster final since 1960. They’ve missed out in nine semi-finals since, but there’s plenty to suggest this might also be their best chance since.
Inevitably, they’ll line out with the same team that stunned Kildare three weeks ago, Louth’s six-point margin of victory not even reflecting their dominance. Eight different players contributed to the 1-22 total, including the impressive midfielder Brian White, the seasoned Shane Lennon and JP Rooney, and seasonal debutant Andy McDonnell.
Manager Peter Fitzpatrick has raised the spirit and confidence of Louth this year, but they’ve had problems with consistency in the past, and the obvious difference between tomorrow and the Kildare game is the greater expectation.
Westmeath come in with little or no expectation, particularly after their league run which ended with seven losses from seven. Pat Flanagan has taken over the reins since, but as his predecessor, Brendan Hackett, said, Westmeath were unlucky not win at least three of those matches.
They’ve strengthened since too with the return of Dessie Dolan, Denis Glennon, Derek Heavin and John Keane – Keane starts on the bench. Heavin and Dolan start to help compensate for the loss of forward Martin Flanagan, who has a heel injury but is on the bench, while under-21s Kevin Maguire and Ger Egan make first championship starts in defence and attack respectively.
Westmeath have the experience at this stage. After their win over Wicklow, in many ways it’s set up for them to ambush Louth.
In the Last Episode: In 2001 in the inaugural football qualifiers, Westmeath won 1-13 to 0-13 but Louth prevailed when they met in 1994, 1983 and 1977.
You Bet: The Ladbrokes.com odds are Louth 5/4; Draw 13/2; Westmeath 10/11.
On Your Marks: Louth scored 14 points in the first half against Kildare. If that form continues, Louth could be out of sight well well before the end.
Gaining Ground: Westmeath have played in Leinster semi-finals in Croke Park in the last two years, and won the title there outright in 2004
Just The Ticket: Stand Tickets: Hogan Stand (No Concession) €30; Cusack Stand €30; Davin Stand €30; Hill 16 €20.
Family tickets: 1 adult and 2 children etc (only available for Cusack and Davin Stands). Adults €30 children €5.
Crystal Gazing: Form points to Louth making the Leinster final.
LOUTH: N Gallagher; E McAuley, D Finnegan, R Greene; R Finnegan, M Fanning, J O'Brien; P Keenan, B White; A McDonnell, M Brennan, A Reid; C Judge, S Lennon, JP Rooney.
WESTMEATH: G Connaughton; F Boyle, D O'Donoghue, K Maguire; M Ennis (capt), K Martin, D Harte; P Bannon, D Duffy; D Heavin, C Lynam, G Egan; P Greville, D Dolan, D Glennon.
