Westmeath battle through

WESTMEATH qualified for the Leinster Under-21 football semi-final after a hard earned six-point victory over Offaly in very windy conditions in Páirc Ciaran, Athlone, last night.

Westmeath built the foundations when they led by 0-5 to 0-0 after 17 minutes having played against the wind. But Offaly responded to trail by just three points at the break 0-3 to 0-6.

However, Westmeath turned in a fine defensive display in the second half and limited Offaly to just three points.

Conor Lynam was outstanding for Westmeath, scoring fine points.

Scorers for Westmeath: C. Lynam (0-6, 0-1f), I. Coffey (0-4f), J. Dolan (0-2).

Scorers for Offaly: B. Connor (0-5, 0-4 from frees), B. Allen (0-1).

WESTMEATH: E. Carberry; B. Moran, K. Sheridan, K. Maguire; M. McCallon, K. Martin, J. Dolan; D. Keenan, D. Daly; A. Corroon, C. Lynam, G. Egan; I. Coffey, C. McCormack, T. McDaniel.

Subs: J. Gilligan for K. Martin (inj, 22), D. McNicholas for T. McDaniel (25), J. Egan for A. Corroon (51), S. Flanagan for D. Keenan (51).

OFFALY: G. Shiel; J. Ledwith, J. Maloney, J. McPadden; A. Murphy, C. McDonald, C. Donoghue; B. Connor, B. Geraghty; G. Guilfoyle, R. Allen, M. Brazil; B. Allen, P. Rigney, P. McPadden.

Subs: S. Guing for C. McDonald (25), N. Graham for P. Rigney (ht), D. Heffernan for P. McPadden (51), P. O’Rourke for R. Allen (57).

Referee: Fergal Barry (Kildare).