Final joy and play-off shot as Westmeath hang on

Westmeath 0-10 Carlow 0-8: Westmeath manager Michael Ryan will be a very interested spectator at next Saturday’s Kerry v Laois play-off as his side came through a dour and disjointed contest against Carlow in the Division 2A decider at O’Connor Park in Tullamore on Saturday.

“I’m delighted for the lads and for everyone involved in Westmeath hurling, they had to show tremendous character to come through a late fight back from Carlow,” he said afterwards, as his defence held firm to extend their league record to six consecutive clean sheets.

Strong winds and squally showers prevailed at the Offaly venue for this encounter and Westmeath had the aid of the breeze in the opening half, though Carlow hung in well and trailed by just the odd point in seven after 15 minutes, their cause aided by some poor shooting from the midlanders.