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Free scoring Westmeath see off Offaly to book Tailteann decider spot

Updated / Sunday, 19 Jun 2022 18:19
Lorcan Dolan blasts home Westmeath's second goal
Lorcan Dolan blasts home Westmeath's second goal

A very impressive Westmeath coasted into the Tailteann Cup final with a convincing win over neighbours Offaly in Croke Park this afternoon.

The victors played very well on the day, controlling the game from start to finish and never looked like being beaten for one second. They played with power and pace, took control with 1-4 without reply early on, led by 2-11 to 1-6 at half time and were never in one bit of danger in the second half.

It sets them up for a final meeting with Cavan and on the basis of this very good display they may be marginal favourites for that, though they can expect better opposition than that provided by an Offaly side who never found their groove at GAA HQ.

It is likely to be John Maughan's last game in charge of Offaly and he will be disappointed for it to end that way but his charges never really got going on the day.

Westmeath were the better side by a long distance in the first half and really should have been out of sight at the break.

As it was the Lake County still held a very handsome 2-11 to 1-6 lead and it was difficult to see anyway back for the Faithful but the door was still slightly ajar. Westmeath had nine wides in the first half and many of these should have been scores as they opened up Offaly time and time again with remarkable ease.

As well as their attacking prowess Westmeath were resolute in defence

They came flying out of the blocks and had 1-4 on the scoreboard with player of the match John Heslin running riot before Offaly registered their first score.

The goal was an excellent finish by Ronan Wallace in the 14th minute but Offaly's first score in the 16th minute was also a major one as Keith O'Neill did very well to goal after a quick Niall McNamee free.

The Faithful County were always just hanging in there and Westmeath were full value for their 2-7 to 1-2 lead after 25 minutes – the second goal came from Lorcan Dolan in the 21st minute. Both sides got four points each before the break and Westmeath had one foot in the final with that eight point half-time lead.

Offaly improved a bit at the start of the second half.

They got three of the first four points and should have got at least one goal with their best player Jordan Hayes unlucky to see his 42nd minute shot deflected out for a "45" by Jason Daly. They needed a goal to make it interesting but it was Westmeath who got the three pointer with Lorcan Dolan firing home an excellent goal in the 53rd minute.

That gave Westmeath a 3-15 to 1-11 lead and there was just no way Offaly were going to come back from that. Sub Cathal Flynn did get a superb 60th minute goal for them but with a 3-18 to 2-12 difference, it was only of cosmetic interest at that stage and Westmeath cruised into the final.

Westmeath: Jason Daly; Jack Smith, Kevin Maguire, Jamie Gonoud; James Dolan (0-1), Ronan Wallace (1-0), Sam Duncan Jonathan Lynam, Ray Connellan (0-1); Sam McCartan (0-3), Ronan O'Toole (0-4), David Lynch; Luke Loughlin (0-2), John Heslin (0-8, 5f), Lorcan Dolan (2-1).

Subs - Robbie Forde (0-1) for Duncan (45m), Ger Egan for Lynam (54m), Alex Gardiner (0-1) for Lorcan Dolan (62m), Nigel Harte for James Dolan (68m), Kieran Martin for Loughlin (68m).

Offaly: Paddy Dunican; Lee Pearson, Declan Hogan, Kieran Dolan; Rory Egan, Johnny Moloney, Cian Donoghue; Conor McNamee, Jordan Hayes; Bill Carroll, Ruari McNamee, Anton Sullivan (0-2); Jack Bryant (0-1), Niall McNamee (0-6, 6f), Keith O'Neill (1-2).

Subs - Dylan Hyland (0-3) for Carroll (21m), James Lalor for Conor McNamee (HT), Mark Abbott (0-1) for Pearson (51m), Cathal Flynn (1-0) for Bryant (51m), Jack McEvoy (0-1) for Ruari McNamee (64m).

Referee: Paul Faloon (Down).

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