Dolan back as Lake pip Lilywhites
JAMES DOLAN returned to action as WESTMEATH stole a surprise O’byrne Cup win over KILDARE – and a semi-final clash with Longford.
Dolan was Westmeath’s vicecaptain in 2018 and actually skippered the team in last season’s O’byrne Cup final defeat before quitting to travel.
He sat out their opening two games this season but lined out in defence for a morale boosting 1-13 to 1-7 win.
It’s an early season boost for new boss Jack Cooney whose side trailed 1-5 to 0-7 at half-time. David Slattery netted for Kildare in the 18th minute after Fionn Dowling’s high ball in to put the Lilies 1-3 to 0-4 clear.
But Cian O’neill’s side were rocked by midfielder Paschal Connell’s second booking late in the first-half.
Westmeath piled on the misery with a Joe Halligan goal after the restart as Kildare added just two points in the entire 35 minutes.
David Lynch, Kieran Martin, Sam Duncan and Noel O’reilly were also on the mark for Westmeath.
O’neill took full advantage of the unlimited substitutions rule to look at 24 different players in total on the day.
MEATH will play neighbours Dublin in the other semi-final and Royals boss Andy Mcentee says it’s ‘ideal preparation’ for the Allianz League. Boss Mcentee said: “There’s no doubt the game at the end of the month against Tipp is everybody’s focus but there’s no better preparation than playing Dublin in Parnell Park.”
Four points each from Mickey Newman (above) and Thomas O’reilly as well as a goal from sub Sean Tobin eased Meath to a 1-20 to 1-13 win in WEXFORD.
Meanwhile, Dublin SFC medallist Shane Horan made his OFFALY debut in a 3-12 to 2-14 loss to CARLOW.
LONGFORD drew 1-16 to 1-16 with LOUTH but still qualified as Group 2 winners for the semi-final clash with Westmeath next weekend.
Longford still led entering stoppage time after a Robbie Smyth point but Declan Byrne tied it up with an equaliser for Louth.
There was drama in Bray as LAOIS overcame WICKLOW 2-11 to 2-10 courtesy of two late goals from Paul Kingston including the match-winner in stoppage time.