Westmeath's Ger Egan seeks final solace in history books

Ger Egan knows his history. Ask him how a Division 4 team – which is what Westmeath are now given their relegation from the third tier in the spring – can beat the Division 1, Leinster and All-Ireland champions and he brings up the summer of 1997.

Tommy Lyons was in charge of Offaly back then when the Faithful became the last side to make light of their lowly station at the bottom of the league ladder by claiming the provincial title. And that was in an era without a side of Dublin’s class.

“It is not impossible, not impossible,” he repeats. “We know what we are coming up against. They are an unbelievable team and you can't say otherwise. We are going to have been on top of the game and (have) a bit of luck on our side and you never know.”