Division 2FL
Westmeath 4-11
Wexford 0-16
Before the start of the Allianz NFL Westmeath manager Pat Flanagan bravely set promotion as the target.
Westmeath are getting closer to reaching that objective with an excellent victory in Wexford Park offering further evidence of the Lakesiders improvement.
Flanagan has quietly, but effectively turned Westmeath into a solid side, who are now on the cusp of returning to the top flight following a brilliant second period display.
Despite trailing by 0-11 to 1-6 at the break Westmeath were in control in the closing stages as they outfoxed Wexford, who had Daithi Waters sent off.
Four goals were scored by Westmeath during the win with Denis Glennon (2), John Heslin, and Micheal Curley all grabbing majors.
Division 1B HL
Offaly 1-12
Carlow 1-10
Ollie Baker’s Offaly were given a real fright at Dr Cullen Park, but the Faithful survived to take the full complement of spoils.
In a tight and tough encounter Offaly only led by 0-6 to 0-4 at half-time even though Carlow had Sean Murphy sent off in the early stages.
Carlow’s Craig Doyle hit a goal in the second half to take a shock lead, but Offaly were cool enough to nick a victory.
A late Joe Bergin goal was decisive and Offaly were fortunate to emerge unscathed against a gritty Carlow.
Division 2A HL
Westmeath 2-18
Laois 2-15
Westmeath produced a battling performance to secure a fine win over Laois at Cusack Park, Mullingar.
Laois had shaded the first half and were 0-9 to 0-7 in front at the interval, but Westmeath continued to show admirable honesty.
Tommy Fitzgerald and Cha Ryan goals for Laois might have flattened them, but Westmeath responded to the concessions.
Eoin Price and the highly promising Niall O’Brien struck majors for Westmeath as the home side prevailed.
MacRory Cup final
St Pat’s, Maghera 2-5
St Paul’s, Bessbrook 0-10
Conor Carville and Stephen O’Hara grabbed first half goals as St Pat’s, Maghera won a tight MacRory Cup decider in front of 8,957 spectators at the Athletic Grounds.
St Pat’s, Maghera now face Connacht standard bearers St Gerald’s, Castlebar in the Hogan Cup semi-final on Saturday week.
St Paul’s, Bessbrook were rocked conceding two goals inside the first 17 minutes, but they clawed their way back into the reckoning even though they trailed 2-1 to 0-3 at half-time.
Ciaron O’Hanlon was sharp for Paul’s, who edged to within a point of the winners, but Pat’s held on for a satisfying success.
Connacht U21FC quarter-final
Galway 1-20
Sligo 0-7
Galway cruised to a comfortable win at Tuam Stadium to set up a Connacht semi-final meeting with Mayo at the same venue next Saturday.
The Tribesmen governed the opening period and were 1-8 to 0-5 ahead the interval as Sligo struggled against a decent Galway attack with Sean Moran clipping an eighth minute goal.
Fiontan O’Curraoin was a key contributor for Galway with Shane Walsh offering glimpses of his promise up front.
