Hanley ecstatic with Westmeath win

Westmeath manager Brian Hanley was ecstatic after his side ousted Antrim from the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship following a two-point win at Cusack Park yesterday.

The Lake County trailed by six points in first half injury-time and were also reduced to 14 players - defender Conor Jordan picked up a second yellow card - but dug deep to secure a gutsy 0-14 to 0-12 victory.

This preliminary round success was marked by scenes of jubilation as the Westmeath players, management and supporters celebrated after the final whistle.

Hanley was understandably delighted with his side's progress, stating afterwards: "I'm only in management a few short years, but that (was super).

"That performance was in us. I knew on Thursday night when we had a 15-a-side game out on that pitch (Cusack Park) and I said lads stop it.

"If ye can keep that determination and drive that we had, because I knew that we would be in with a chance.

"Our game-plan was very simple - with no disrespect to anyone - to keep us in the game for the last 20 minutes."

He added: "I have said it in every interview that I have done from the day against Offaly in the Walsh Cup that I thought our fitness had been superior to every other team that we played.

"Our game-plan was to put us in a position to win with 20 minutes to go and that's what we did.

"Our fitness came good again I think and that's my opinion. People watching might be different, but we played the day well and all of us, we got the occasion right."