Saturday 24 July, 2004. The clouds stubbornly refuse to clear in the skies above Croke Park. But for Westmeath footballers and supporters their joy was akin to a dazzling sun as the county for the first in its history won the Leinster title, defeating Laois after a replay.
Eleven years on and the Lake County are back in a provincial decider on Sunday next. Awaiting them are the juggernaut that is Dublin at Croke Park on Sunday, throw-in 2pm. "Mission Impossible" is what they are saying from the rafters but it’s a mission that Westmeath are going to accept as they aim to pull off one of the greatest shocks in recent history.
Looking ahead to the game, former Kildare star Dermot Earley says that the Lake County are full value for getting this far.
“This is a massive occasion for Westmeath and they deserve to have their day in the sun, as do their supporters. They've come through a tough enough Leinster campaign after beating Louth, Wexford and Meath. It was their first time to ever beat Meath in that remarkable semi-final.
The county have only one Leinster title to show for all their efforts over the years. They’ll have a huge support on Sunday.
What’s the plan?
Earley believes Westmeath’s approach will be crude in the hope of frustrating the Dubs, and from that, opportunities may arise to make hay on the counter-attack.
"Westmeath won’t be turning up just to make up the numbers"
“I’m sure Tom Cribbin (Westmeath manager) has a plan in place and he’s been working on it for the last two weeks. I think what Westmeath will do is park the bus. If you go back to 2013 when the two teams last met (Leinster quarter-final), Dublin went eight points up after 22 minutes and that's what you don't want to happen to Westmeath on Sunday. You can't go man-to-man against Dublin so the next point then is to go defensive.
“In saying that Westmeath won’t be turning up just to make up the numbers. Yes, they will park the bus, but in the hope of upsetting Dublin’s rhythm. They will then look to turn them over in defence and break out with intent.”
After watching Westmeath’s stirring comeback against Meath, Earley was impressed at the way the side counter-attacked with telling effect.
“We saw at times in the Meath game where Westmeath are good at transferring the ball from defence to attack and over the bar,” added the two-time All Star.
“Kieran Martin (centre back) has already scored 3-05 from play this year, including that remarkable 2-03 the last day. Then they have the talented John Heslin in attack and Denis Glennon can come on and make an impact as well.
"Dublin's training is to a level that other teams in the country aren't reaching"
Dubs going from strength to strength
As for Dublin, Earley believes the side have improved from last year and the talent pool at Jim Gavin’s disposal ensures that the competition for places is as keen as ever.
“Many people will ask who are the second best team in Leinster? For me, it’s the Dublin B team. In training, everybody in the squad is pushing hard for places. An example of that was the last day against Kildare and the sight of Kevin McManamon shaking his head as he was being substituted. He knew that Alan Brogan was coming on and in the time he was on Brogan had knocked over three points.
“I think Jim Gavin has created an environment in Dublin where it's all about performance and he will pick his team based on performances in training. Dublin's training is to a level that other teams in the country aren't reaching.
"I think they are hungry to retain the All-Ireland after the disappointment of losing to Donegal last year.
"They want that cup back."
Previous meetings: This will be the 16th championship meeting between the counties with the score
standing at 13-3 in Dublin’s favour. Westmeath’s last win over Dublin was in 2004.
Both counties have scored a total of 16-97 in their five championship games this year. That’s an average of 3-20 per game. Sunday's will be the first Leinster senior football final between the counties.
