Westmeath must accept their role as favourites

WESTMEATH must come to terms with the favourites’ tag for their Leinster semi-final tomorrow if they are to finally leave behind the perennial bridesmaids’ tag, according to selector Jack Cooney.

It’s not the scenario the county could have envisaged three months ago when they were faced with relegation to Division Two of the NFL, but with the scalps of Offaly and Dublin under their belts since, it’s one they must deal with.

“The favourites tag might make a difference alright but, with all the so-called weaker counties, there will always come a time when they have to show the ambition and stand up and accept that tag and the pressures that come with it.”