Westmeath over-ran Monaghan at Croke Park yesterday to progress to their first under-21 All-Ireland final. Even allowing for the fact that the Monaghan full back line suffered from a serious case of the heebie-jeebies early on, the Westmeath forwards cut an impressive dash, securing an early platform with two devastating goals by Fergal Wilson and Des Dolan.

Up early, the lively front trio proceeded to run riot, although their energy didn't translate to the scoreboard. Monaghan trailed by 2-2 to 0-4 at the break, thanks to the dead ball accuracy of Ciaran Tavey.

Westmeath began to coast in the second half, Michael Ennis, Joe Fallon and Dolan each whipping over points in consecutive sequences of play to leave Westmeath 2-7 to 0-5 ahead. Monaghan never quit, but could do little to sway the momentum of the match.

Westmeath: C Mullin; P Mullen, J Galvin, F Murray; B Lamben, A Canning (0-1), M Burke; K Burke, D O'Shaughnessy; S Deering, F Wilson (1-1), R Browne; J Fallon (0-3, 2 frees), M Ennis (0-1), D Dolan (1-4, 4 frees). Subs: J Brennan for K Burke (52 mins).

Monaghan: J Sullivan; C Flanagan, P Coyle, P McKenna; P McGuigan, K McQuaid, J Mone (0-1); D Connolly (0-1), J McElroy; S McManus, P O'Connor, J McDaid; N Clerkin, C Tavey (0-4, all frees), J Mone. Subs: G McKitterick (0-1) for P Coyle (52 mins), A Callan (0-1) for S McManus (52 mins).