Derry and Westmeath set for first clash
Derry and Westmeath clash for the first time in the championship today as both sides bid to secure a place in the All-Ireland semi-finals.
Both counties reached this stage two years ago, where Derry beat Tyrone (1-9 to 0-7) while Westmeath drew with Meath (3-9 to 2-12), before going on to lose the replay.
The last time Derry and Westmeath met in a knock-out situation was in the 1994 National League quarter-final. Derry were the reigning All-Ireland champions but lost to Westmeath by 3-6 to 0-11 at Enniskillen.
Westmeath are heading into this game on a high following their first ever Leinster final win, while Derry lost heavily to Tyrone in the Ulster championship. Mickey Moran’s charges have been one of the surprise packages this year in the qualifiers as they disposed of Wicklow, Cavan, Wexford and Munster finalists Limerick.
Derry are further boosted by the return of captain Sean Marty Lockhart, who takes over at left corner-back from Gerard O’Kane, who has been ruled out with a back injury.
Ace forward Paddy Bradley also gets the nod, despite midweek injury concerns. Bradley picked up a foot injury in training last week and was receiving treatment. Bradley is the key to their attack, having amassed an impressive total of 1-26 in the qualifiying series.
Meanwhile, Westmeath manager Páidi Ó Sé has given a vote of confidence to the side that defeated Laois in the Leinster final replay for today’s clash.
All Star midfielder Rory O’Connell retains his place at midfield, and there is no place for Gary Dolan, who began the provincial final and came on as a substitute in the replay.
Alan Mangan, Dennis Glennon and star attacker Dessie Dolan make up the full-forward line.
The Lakes County conceded just one goal in their history-making march to their first Leinster title this year but have only scored two goals in five games. The Leinster champs are favourites to progress, and with a near frenzy in the county for tickets, will be well supported at Headquarters.
WESTMEATH (SF v Derry): G Connaughton; J Davitt, D O’Donoghue, J Keane; M Ennis, D Healy, D Heavin; R O’Connell, D O’Shaughnessy; B Morley, P Conway, F Wilson; A Mangan, D Glennon, D Dolan.
DERRY (SF v Westmeath); B Gillis; K McGuckin, N McCusker, S M Lockhart; F McEldowney, P McFlynn, P Kelly; P Bradley, F Doherty; J Donaghy, J McBride, C Moran; J Bradley, P Bradley, E Muldoon.
