Westmeath cause big upset

Westmeath caused the shock of the day by beating Dublin in the Leinster senior hurling championship, setting up a semi-final …

Westmeath caused the shock of the day by beating Dublin in the Leinster senior hurling championship, setting up a semi-final meeting with Kilkenny in the process.

Played in wet, miserable conditions in Portlaoise, Seamus Qualter's side recorded a famous victory by beating Dublin for just the second time in 24 years.

David Curtin proved deadly accurate for Dublin and his six frees from six attempts allowed Dublin take a 0-9 to 0-6 half-time lead.

But Westmeath emerged a rejuvenated side and outfoxed a Dublin team playing into the wind.  Indeed, Dublin could muster just two scores in the entire second half.

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In turn, Andrew Mitchell and Derek McNicholas were the scorers in chief for Westmeath before Barry Kennedy hit the clincher with three minutes remaining.

Dublin's frustration was compounded at the death when half back Tommy Moore was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Also in Portlaoise, and played in ever worsening conditions, Offaly eased past Laois to set up a semi-final showdown with Wexford.   Goals from Aidan Hanrahan and Joe Bergin saw Offaly through.

In the football championship, last year's beaten All-Ireland finalists Kerry stuttered to a less than convincing win over lowly Waterford but did just enough to ensure a date with Tipperary.

Also in Munster, Limerick edged Clare in a low scoring contest played in miserable conditions at the Gaelic Grounds and will play Cork in the semi-finals.

Fermanagh held off a brave Antrim challenge and progress to meet Armagh in the next round. Ciaran O'Reilly scored a first minute penalty to set Fermanagh on the road to victory.

Wicklow are in the market for a new manager after Hugh Kenny stepped down following his side's heavy defeat to Carlow.

The Connacht football clash between Galway and Sligo at Pearse Stadium was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and has been rescheduled for Saturday next.

Results

Leinster SFC
Carlow 4-9 Wicklow 0-12

Munster SFC
Kerry 0-16 Waterford 0-8
Limerick 205 Clare 0-8

Ulster SFC
Fermanagh 1-9 Antrim 0-9

Connacht SFC
Galway P-P Sligo

Leinster SHC
Westmeath 0-13 Dublin 0-11
Offaly 2-12 Laois 0-8