Westmeath vs Cavan

Summary

First Half

This game was the final of the new Tailteann cup. Going into this match I thought Westmeath had the stronger team but I new it would be a close match too.

The game started pretty evenly with Cavan ahead by 2 points after 4 minutes, but after some great scores it was 6 all. After that Cavan got ahead again and were 2 up after 25 minutes but the breakthrough came when Lorcan Dolan scored a fantastically place goal into the top left corner.

Going into the break Westmeath were 2 points up.

Second Half

The second half started with both teams trading scores before Cavan put the ball over the bar which made a 1 point game. Westmeath scored once more giving them a 2 point lead before Cavan scored a goal. The ball had been kicked it high and Cavan had managed to score it the cluster of arms. Cavan then scored again and were 2 points ahead with 15 minutes remaining. With 10 minutes to go Cavan were handed a red card for Thomas Gallingin's shoulder straight into Ronan O'Tool's chest. After this Westmeath scored 2 points in quick succession to level the game. Then Kieren Martin came on from the bench and scored a lovely goal to give Westmeath a 3 point lead with 5 minutes to go. In the 3rd minute of added time Westmeath captain Kevin Maguire blocked a shot that was destined to go in the goal and finally the full time whistle sounded and Westmeath had won the inaugural Tailteann cup.

Man of the Match

My man of the match would certainly have to be Ronan O'Toole he scored some brilliant points and was rightly awarded man of the match by the gaa.