NO matter what happens in the League, Westmeath will compete for the Sam Maguire later on in the year and they’re the only Division Three team with that privilege.
That doesn’t mean they won’t want to win the League, or be in the promotion shake-up, but it does relieve some of the pressure.
That’s the joys that come along with winning the Tailteann Cup and Westmeath needed to see off Cavan, big favourites to claim the title, last summer to earn that prize. It was a game that Cavan could have won, but in the end the best team triumphed.
Goals from Lorcan Dolan and Kieran Martin were the crucial scores that saw the Leinster side climb the steps of the Hogan Stand. The second-half dismissal of 2020 Allstar Thomas Galligan didn’t help Cavan’s cause and Mickey Graham won’t have the powerful midfielder to call upon this season.
Galligan has left the panel to go traveling this year, but Dara McVeety has been welcomed back to the fold with open arms. McVeety last lined out for Cavan in 2019 but played in all three of their recent McKenna Cup encounters.
The versatile Crosserlough man wore the number six on his back against Antrim, Armagh and Tyrone, but in truth can play anywhere on the pitch.
Cavan were down a number of key personnel for the pre-season competition on their way to the last four, and Graham will hope to have some of his most trusted lieutenants to call upon for the start of the League.
Gearóid McKiernan and Paddy Lynch saw no game-time, and it would be a big boost if one or both are available tomorrow. Full-back Padraig Faulkner missed the Armagh game through illness. James Smith, Jason McLoughlin, Conor Brady were others that missed out through injury.
The evergreen Martin Reilly is still sharp as ever while Gerard Smith, Conor Moynagh and Conor Madden all got minutes into the legs. It’s a difficult start for the Breffni Blues, away to Westmeath, and both teams will be eyeing up a shot at promotion.
Cavan have been the ultimate Jekyll and Hyde team of the last few years, following up their famous 2020 Ulster Championship victory with relegation to Division Four in 2021. As expected, they were much too strong for the basement division, and some feel they’re still playing well below their potential.
Westmeath, now under legendary figure Dessie Dolan, who added former Dublin star Jason Sherlock to his management team, mean business this year. The confidence of claiming silverware in Croke Park can’t be underestimated.
Last year’s victory along with home advantage gives Westmeath the edge, but Cavan will be eager to right the wrongs of last July and that motivation could be enough to get their campaign off to a winning start.
