LAKE FAR SUPERIOR TO McENANEY’S WEXFORD
KIERAN MARTIN fired Westmeath to a first piece of silverware since 2008 here and insisted they’re on course for another strong Championship.
The back-to-back Leinster finalists were a cut above Séamus ‘Banty’ McEnaney’s disappointing Wexford with experienced forward Martin scoring four points and picking up the man-of-thematch award while goalscorer Ger Egan, Paul Sharry and top scorer John Heslin all played key roles.
Sub Shane Dempsey finished off Wexford with 1-1 late on as Westmeath made it seven wins on the trot during spring.
The big win confirms that Tom Cribbin’s side are on the road to redemption following consecutive relegations from Division 1 down to the lowest tier.
They’re also bang on track for their provincial championship opener with Offaly in Tullamore on June 11.
‘We weren’t happy with going down the divisions in the last few years,’ said Martin. ‘We knew we could use this division and this final in particular as a stepping stone towards the Championship.’
The sides were level at 0-3 apiece after 11 minutes but Westmeath surged clear to lead 1-11 to 1-4 at the interval with Egan’s 17th-minute goal arriving from a penalty after a foul on David Lynch.
Wexford needed a miracle after the break but it never arrived and Dempsey’s goal put the issue beyond doubt.
The substitute’s tame shot from the right was spilled by Wexford goal keeper Shane Roche into the net.
Wexford, at least pulled back a consolation goal near the end through Donal Shanley, who top scored for them with 1-2.