Sligo needed extra-time to shake off Westmeath's determined challenge in a titanic Fr Manning Cup final at Longford's Michael Fay Park last night.

Sligo 2-14
Westmeath 1-14

Full forward Cristor Davey and goalkeeper Damien Sweeney were the heroes for the Sligo under 16 footballers, who came from four points down in normal time to claim a deserved victory. Davey accounted for both of the winners' goals, while Sweeney denied Westmeath a replay when he produced a brilliant double save in a thrilling finale.

Davey netted early for the winners, who were coached by brothers Tommy and Mark Breheny and senior team captain Charlie Harrison, but the Lake County hit back with points from Ger Leech, David Brooks, Robbie Greville and a goal from full forward Lorcan Dolan to lead by 1-8 to 1-5 at half-time.

Westmeath had extended their advantage to 1-10 to 1-6 before Davey's second major brought Sligo back into it. When Aaron Curley converted a '45 to put Westmeath 1-12 to 2-7 up, they looked set for victory, but two late frees from Ciaran O'Connor forced extra-time for the Yeats County.

Sligo were the better team in extra-time which was played in near darkness as Westmeath began to feel the exertions of their Gerry Reilly Cup final victory over Louth on Sunday night. The winners led by 2-13 to 1-13 at the end of the first period, and maintained their three-point advantage until the end.

In the Shield final, Longford defeated neighbours Leitrim by 1-9 to 0-9. Tweet

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