Dramatic goal gives Westmeath title
Westmeath 2-12 Limerick 1-14
Martin Flanagan drifted forward to palm home a dramatic late goal as Westmeath came from behind to win the Allianz National Football League title at Croke Park.
Limerick, after gaining promotion to Division One for the first time, came agonisingly close to causing an upset, but in the end, the experience of their opponents was crucial.
A game which swung frantically in favour of one side and then the other looked as if it was heading for extra-time, but Limerick just couldn't make it through for the score which would have levelled it in a pulsating closing phase.
Westmeath's pacey attackers cut swathes through a hesitant Limerick defence as they raced into a four points lead, Dessie Dolan, Fergal Wilson and Shane Colleary all floating over neat points.
And full forward Gary Dolan could have had a hat-trick. Twice he was denied by brilliant saves from Seamus O'Donnell, then blasted a golden chance wide.
Limerick's defensive frailties were repeatedly exposed, but somehow they weathered a furious storm to turn the game around in dramatic fashion.
Muiris Gavin floated a long free into the danger area, where Westmeath midfielder Rory O'Connell fielded under the bar, but carried the ball over the goal line.
Gavin's accuracy from frees saw him chalk up a first-half tally of 1-5 as an inspired Limerick forged ahead.
Stephen Kelly was covering acres of space, and hit two superb points, while John Quane was now holding the defence together in a more convincing manner, and raised a huge cheer when he stormed forward for an inspirational score just before the break to send his side in with a 1-8 to 0-8 advantage.
But Gary Dolan finally found the net at the fourth attempt eight minutes into the second half.
David Kilmartin pressed forward to send Martin Flanagan through, and when his shot was parried by O'Donnell, Dolan was on hand to sweep the ball to the net from close range to tie the scores up at 1-9 each.
Westmeath eased into a two points lead, but once again the Munster men came roaring back and regained the lead when Quane's fisted effort was brilliantly fingertipped over the bar by Aidan Lennon.
But it was Westmeath who were to have the final say, midfielder Flanagan rising to deflect the ball past O'Donnell.
