Once bitten, twice as good

LUKE DEMPSEY’S involvement in this year’s Football Championship came to an abrupt end on Saturday night but the Carlow man is hoping that the same can’t be said for his time with Longford.

On his appointment three years ago, he claimed to see no reason why his new charges could not win a Leinster title but they have failed to make a breakthrough despite their impressive run through the qualifiers last year.

In Cusack Park they were outplayed in all sectors of the pitch, managing just three points from play and failing to pose any problems for Westmeath even after the home side lost wing-forward Fergal Wilson to a second yellow card with over 20 minutes to play.