Defending champions Lough Lene Gaels came close to relinquishing their title when they were held to a draw by Castlepollard in this absorbing Westmeath senior hurling final at Cusack Park, Mullingar, yesterday. In an evenly contested first half wind-assisted Castlepollard held a slight advantage early on with midfielder, Alfie Devine keeping them in front with three fine points from play. However, points from Christo Murtagh and Gary Briody for the Gaels in the 30th and 31st minutes levelled it at 0-5 each at the break.

With full forward Christo Murtagh causing the Castlepollard defence many problems, Lough Lene Gaels shot over three points within three minutes of the resumption and by the 40th minute they had edged four points clear and looked set to retain their crown.

Castlepollard, and Sean McLoughlin in particular, then hit a real purple patch. McLoughlin crashed home goals in the 41st and 46th minutes, and when he pointed a minute later his team had suddenly raced into a three-point lead, 2-7 to 0-7.

In an exciting climax to the game Lough Lene Gaels deservedly got back on level terms with points from Francis O'Farrell (2) and Christo Murtagh.

Jackie O'Connell (85), of Ballinacurra, Limerick, the last surviving member of the Limerick team that won the All-Ireland hurling championship in 1934, has died. O'Connell won a national league medal the following year, but a knee injury eneded his hurling career.