Another defining chapter in the developing story of Westmeath football was written at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick on Saturday.
A historic first success in the All-Ireland under-21 final over clear favourites Kerry was plotted by a resolute side whose achievement will remain in the memory long after the untidy and scrappy nature of the game is forgotten.
The Midland team's success, deservedly earned in front of a largely Westmeath crowd of 9,676, was based on Luke Dempsey's clever management and the hard work of his players, notably in the second half.
Kerry's display was too one-dimensional. They managed only two points from play and their much vaunted front six struggled to find cohesion against an unyielding Westmeath cover, which was repeatedly helped out by their energetic half forwards - Shane Deering, Fergal Wilson and Richie Browne. The holders' prospects of overcoming such stern opposition suffered a morale-sapping setback 19 minutes into the second half when Westmeath goalkeeper Cathal Mullin took the correct option by diving towards his right post to parry an Ian Twiss penalty around for a 45. Although Kerry's top scorer Aodan MacGearailt landed the point from the 45 to narrow the gap to three points (0-10 to 07), Mullin's save proved crucial.
Subsequently Kerry became obsessed with scoring a goal but against a Westmeath defence inspired by Fergal Murray, the task remained as difficult as ever. Their best attempt came at the death but Tommy Griffin's low shot was blocked and cleared.
Westmeath's Dessie Dolan had the best chance of a goal nearing half-time when he was placed for the strike by David O'Shaughnessy, but his searing shot went well over the bar with Kieran Cremin at his mercy.
Westmeath had the better chances in the first half but didn't open their account until the 11th minute when Joe Fallon pointed in reply to Kerry's opener by MacGearailt.
They were level at half-time (05 each) and Kevin Burke paved the way for Westmeath's improvement in the second half with a lead point almost immediately from the throw-in - the first time the winners had been in front.
On a day when free-taking proved so important because of the tight cover at both ends, Westmeath's Fallon and Des Dolan and Kerry's MacGearailt and Noel Kennelly provided high levels of accuracy. Westmeath's defensive performance was all the more praiseworthy because a reshuffle was necessary when full back James Galvin limped out of the game in the 22nd minute. He was replaced by Derek Heavin who figured at wing back with Michael Burke dropping back to full back to do a fine job against Liam Murray and MacGearailt in turn.
Fergal Murray and Deering were involved in the All-Ireland minor success of 1995. Deering, a son of the late Shay Deering who captained the Irish rugby team, regarded the win as "well up there with the minor victory". Murray regarded the under-21 win as "a helluva lot better". O'Shaughnessy played a significant midfield role for the winners. His ability to gain possession at the crucial moment and his deft distribution with the long ball put added pressure on Kerry. "It was a ground-breaking win," said Westmeath manager Luke Dempsey. "I urged them to remain cool at half-time, no banging on benches or shouting went on, composure was our primary aim. I simply told them that this All-Ireland chance could easily pass them by."
Westmeath: C Mullin; P Mullen, J Galvin, F Murray; B Lambden, A Canning, M Burke; K Burke (0-1), D O'Shaughnessy; S Deering (0- 1), F Wilson (0-1), R Browne; J Fallon (0-5, four frees), M Ennis (0-1), D Dolan (0-3, two frees). Sub: D Heavin for Galvin (22 mins).
Kerry: K Cremin; S O'Sullivan, T O'Sullivan, M McCarthy; S Hegarty, T O Se, E Galvin; T Griffin, J Sugrue; N Kennelly (0-3, two frees), A MacGearailt (0-5, four frees, one 45), T Kennelly; P Galvin, L Murphy, I Twiss (0-1). Subs: S O'Sullivan for P Galvin (35 mins), M D Cahill for Twiss (54 mins).
Referee: B Gorman (Armagh).
