Westmeath advanced to the semi-final of the O'Byrne Cup after overcoming Louth in a highly entertaining clash in Cusack Park, Mullingar. Westmeath took control of the game in the second quarter and a Cathal Keane goal after Ollie McDonnell had netted for Louth saw the home side lead 112 to 1-3 at halt-time. It was a more focused Louth side after the break and within 15 minutes they erased the deficit. Thomas Carr started the revival with a goal and Seamus O'Hanlon added another.

Substitute midfielder Colm Quinn completed the Louth comeback when he crashed home his side's fourth goal in the 48th minute.

However, Ger Heavin, who contributed eight points, and Martin Flanagan steered Westmeath to victory.

WESTMEATH: A Lennon; D Brady, D Murphy, R Casey; D Healy, A Canning (0-1), A Lyons; R O'Connell, D Hughes (0-1); B Morley (0-1), P Conway (0-2), M Ennis (0-1); C Keane (1-2), M Flanagan (0-3), G Heavin (0- 8). Subs: D Gavin for A Lyons, D Mitchell for D Murphy, M Staunton for D Hughes.

LOUTH: P Brennan; B Phillips, D Nugent, B Reilly; D Brennan, A Hoey, S Gerrard; K Reilly, C Quinn (1-1); J P Rooney (0-1), S O'Hanlon (1-1), T Carr (1-0); M Farrelly (0-1), O McDonnell (1-1), C O'Hanlon (0-1). Subs: S Melia for Hoey, D Reilly for Nugent, D Shevlin for B Reilly, C Grimes (0-1) for T Carr.

Referee: C Buckley (Offaly).