Westmeath v Wicklow:THE DOOM and gloom which accompanied Westmeath throughout the National League – where one defeat followed another with monotonous regularity – has been replaced with some silver linings in the build-up to this Leinster quarter-final: Denis Glennon has returned to the side.
Will it be enough? Probably not. Pat Flanagan was only brought in as interim manager late in April and – although he has got Glennon and Dessie Dolan to rejoin the squad – and one wonders if even he can turn things around in such a short time.
Flanagan’s men have packed in a lot in the time available, including three challenge matches (one against Dublin where they scored an impressive 1-19 but also shipped five goals) and the mood in the camp has improved no end. The sight of Wicklow’s blue and yellow jerseys can reignite them.
Wicklow, though, showed enough flashes their win over Carlow to ensure they enter this encounter as deserved favourites. What’s more, there is the Mick O’Dwyer factor.
Glennon’s return should galvanise Westmeath’s attack but the problems could come elsewhere, with Wicklow’s midfield liable to win copious amounts of possession and there is that live wire, Leighton Glynn, not only in the half-forward line but where he chooses to roam.
Wicklow should make amends for last year and, for the moment at least, avoid the qualifiers.
In the last episode: Back in 2004, when Limerick won by 14 points, but they're recently met twice in Division Four of the league – Waterford winning in the group game, by one point, but Limerick winning the final by two points.
You bet: Waterford are bookie outsiders too, at 9/4, with the draw available at 15/2, and Limerick no better than 4/9.
On your marks: Waterford were dangerously slow to start in the Munster quarter-final against Clare and can't afford a slack start against Limerick.
Just the ticket: General admission €20; students get €5 rebates and OAPs €10 on production of appropriate ID.
Crystal gazing: Something about that ring of 50 years since Waterford last made a Munster final is calling for a home victory.
