Dublin 1-12 Westmeath 0-05: Dublin eased passed Westmeath in today's SFC quarter-final encounter at Croke Park but in truth the 1995 champions never found top gear but then again they didn't need to as their opponents put in a lacklustre performance.
Paul Caffrey's side hit no less than 16 wides in the game but their opponents were so ineffective it didn't prove costly. Mossie Quinn found the net after 13 minutes when he picked up a loose ball and took advantage of Francis Boyle's slip before shooting past Gary Conaughton.
"It was nice to get the done as far as we're concerned," said Dublin's Man of the Match Bryan Cullen. "I know the performance wasn't exactly what we were looking for and that's something we'll have to address."
"I'm sure Westmeath have more in them than what they showed today," added Cullen, whose side went into the break with a 1-07 to 0-2 lead. "We haven't been passed this stage since 2002, that was today's priority and thankfully we managed that."
Having reached the semi-final stage fopr the first time since 2002 Dublin will face the winner of either Laois or Mayo who are set to do battle at GAA headquarters at 2pm tomorrow.
Earlier in the day Derry and Donegal battled it out for Nicky Rackard Cup honours as the curtain raiser to the SFC quarter-final at Croke Park with Derry overcoming their neighbours to become the first Ulster winners.
The shining light for Derry was Ruari Convery (2-07) as they ran out 5-15 to 1-11 winners and will now progress to the Christy Ring Cup next year.
Elsewhere this afternoon Louth destroyed Antrim 0-22 to 0-08 in the Tommy Murphy Cup semi-final in Dundalk. Carlow take on Leitrim in Birr in tomorrow's other semi-final.