LEINSTER SFC FIRST ROUND
Westmeath v Louth
Cusack Park, Saturday, 7.0
Two counties familiar with each other - this evening is the fourth summer meeting in five seasons - come together with similar profiles. Both struggled in their respective divisions, Westmeath in the top flight and Louth in Division Two. Neither won a single match and both were relegated.
On the basis that they were exposed to a higher level of football, Westmeath could be said to be better prepared for the championship but it’s very difficult to build a decent challenge when the team is getting run over every week.
Paul Bealin’s full forward line is impressive with Denis Glennon, John Heslin and Des Dolan but Heslin’s continuing problems with a groin strain seem frequently to place his participation in doubt but pending a permanent fix, his presence remains hugely important for the team.
Aidan O’Rourke has had a frustrating league although Louth were more competitive in the lower division, drawing two matches and being on the receiving end of only one humiliation, by 0-19 against Down.
It’s likely that the team will be configured for defence with Mick Fanning, more familiar in defence and full back in the last league match, partnering former All Star Paddy Keenan in the middle. They will however need to be careful about leaving too much space for Westmeath captain Paul Sharry to push forward.
Westmeath are favourites with home advantage and a more salubrious spring behind them but there could be a surprise here. O'Rourke's injury problems have cleared and his game plan last year against Laois was devastatingly effective.
Last meeting: 2012 All-Ireland qualifiers round one, Mullingar, Westmeath 1-15, Louth 0-12, reversing Louth's Leinster first round victory of the previous month.
Odds: Westmeath 4 to 6, Louth 6 to 4 and 8 to 1 the draw.
Injuries: Westmeath are missing corner back Stephen Gilmore, who has a quad strain. John Heslin and Kieran Gavin have recovered from knocks and are named to start. Louth have a full pick.
Suspension: None
Just the ticket: Available on the day, stand €20, terrace €10
WESTMEATH: D Quinn; Damian Dolan, K Gavin, K Maguire; R Foley, P Sharry, J Dolan; D Duffy, R Connellan; C McCormack, G Egan, K Martin; D Glennon, J Heslin, Des Dolan.
LOUTH: N Gallagher; P Rath, D Finnegan, G O'Hare; J O'Brien, D Crilly, A Reid; P Keenan, M Fanning; P Reilly, B White, A McDonnell; D Byrne, S Lennon, D Maguire.
Referee: Maurice Deegan (Laois)
Verdict: Louth to win.
