Joe Quaid has compared Westmeath's long-awaited promotion to Division 1 of the Allianz Hurling League to his native Limerick's All-Ireland breakthrough last year.

"It's like a Limerick moment in the All-Ireland - and it's something I can bring, being from Limerick," the delighted Westmeath manager said after his side came from behind to beat Kerry in yesterday's Division 2A decider in Ennis.

"It was 45 years until they won an All-Ireland, it's 32 years since Westmeath played in Division 1. For a county with the hurlers that they have, it shouldn't be that long. These lads are every bit as good, if not better hurlers than the rest of the counties."

The former Limerick goalkeeper added: “This is what we wanted. We’ll enjoy the cup, but the prize is Westmeath coming out of the draw in Division 1 playing Limerick, Galway, Cork, Tipp or whoever it is.

“I couldn’t be more delighted for those lads. It was a fantastic effort, not just what they gave to the game today, but what they gave themselves. It isn’t just about the management team; we’re only there as facilitators.

“But what they’ve done today for themselves and for their county and families is absolutely huge.”

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