Westmeath 1-22 Athlone IT 0-13:The impressive return of marquee forward Dessie Dolan after 18 months' absence from the intercounty scene was the main talking point as Westmeath easily accounted for Athlone IT in Moate yesterday.

The 2004 All Star converted six frees and linked up very well in attack with the experienced Denis Glennon and relative newcomer Callum McCormack as they accounted for 1-6 and 0-5 from play respectively.

The winners led by 1-12 to 0-7 at the break, the only goal coming in the 23rd minute when Glennon scrambled the ball to the net.

The home team continued to dominate matters and could afford the luxury of Paul Bannon’s penalty being brilliantly saved by fellow Westmeath man, Athlone goalkeeper Eoin Carberry.