Mark McHugh calls for All-Ireland SFC tweak after Westmeath defeat

Galway boss Pádraic Joyce said Westmeath's Kevin Sullivan "took about 15 steps" in the build-up to a late goal which caused a dramatic finish at Pearse Stadium

Westmeath manager Mark McHugh said his side deserve home advantage in the Round 3 draw due to their victory in Round 1 of the All-Ireland SFC. Pic: ©INPHO/James Crombie

Westmeath boss Mark McHugh believes they should be assigned a home game in Round 3 and has urged the GAA to consider such a tweak for 2027.

The Leinster champions will be in the pot for Round 3 on Monday morning after losing out to Galway by three points in Pearse Stadium. They will play one of Monaghan, Kerry or Meath.

Given they won their opening game against Cavan, McHugh would like to see them rewarded with a home game.

“In my view, I said it during the week, we are in the winners' group and (now) getting beat, we have to wait for a 50/50 draw. I think there should be something there, if you are in the winners group and you lose, maybe you should get a home draw, because what is the point of getting into the winners group? That is something they may need to look at next year.” 

Westmeath were four points down, and in control of possession just before half-time when Sam McCartan dropped a shot short. From that, Galway broke and scored a goal at the other end.

“The goal just before half-time was a sucker punch. We were in control of that play. We either should have put it dead or held onto the ball. That sucked the life out of us. When you give Galway, who are so used to playing out there, the ability to hold onto the ball in the second half and they are so good at it, they cut holes into you, we were going to struggle. I’m very proud of the battling qualities and the fighting qualities.” 

They were dealt a big blow when Ray Connellan limped off while Matthew Whittaker was once again unable to finish the game.

“Ray is a huge player for us and Matthew has been struggling throughout the whole campaign. We are just patching him up every day.” 

He continued: “We can’t feel sorry for ourselves today. The boys are walking against the tide now because it is such a quick turnaround. We will have 15 men ready to go on the field next week again.” 

Meanwhile, Galway boss Pádraic Joyce was content with their performance despite a nervy finish. Kevin O’Sullivan raced down the sideline and squared for a Jack Duncan goal to ensure it was a dramatic conclusion.

“You can say that, but look, they are a really good side Westmeath. We knew they were going to get a little bit of a purple patch. It probably was a bit of a downfall from ourselves but the last goal, sure the man took about 15 steps before he passed the ball. How it stood, I don’t know. There were a couple of calls like that. Happy enough in the end to come out of it, a real tight battle.” 

On a weekend that saw shock defeats for Armagh and Donegal, the championship suddenly looks wide open.

“You can’t ignore your own game,” said Joyce. “Westmeath could have beaten us today. Any team is capable of beating anyone. Look, all we can do is worry about ourselves. It is a fascinating championship. The draw is going to be hot and heavy and there will be four great quarter-finals coming up.”