Thank you Mark McHugh, Emmet McDonnell, Jamie Gonoud and rest of the management team, and the players from one to 35 for the commitment they gave yesterday. You gave me and the thousands in the stadium and watching at home the best of days we have ever seen. To do it in the fashion they did was incredible. To go 5 down and swing to 4 up then go behind with a minute to go. What can one say about Senan Baker the coolest of heads on the field sailed up the wing and slotted the equaliser of as if he was playing in Croke park the last 10 years. Kevin O'Sullivan was incredible transitioning the ball from half back to half forward. Matty Whittaker caused all sorts of problems and took some fantastic scores. The commitment at midfield to break ball and win it was unreal in that 3rd quarter of normal time and the whole of extra time. Tadgh Baker has some engine up and down the pitch was brilliant in lead up to Heslins 2 pointer. As for Heslin what an impact won couple of kickouts scored inspirational 2 pointer with the left so happy he got his medal. This was special and hopefully the lads can recuperate over next day or two and regroup and get geared up for Cavan. Anyone know how Danny Scahill is?

Chops (Westmeath) - Posts: 891 - 18/05/2026 10:34:39    2673759

A pleasure and a privilege to be in Croker yesterday to watch that Westmeath performance.

Westmeath shouldn't have needed Extra Time such was the gap between the 2 sides. A wonderful performance, well done and congratulations to all the long suffering Westmeath supporters.

Enjoy the celebrations!

MesAmis (Dublin) - Posts: 13846 - 18/05/2026 10:36:23    2673761

Well done to our ladies on Saturday… the start of a great weekend for Westmeath.

Well done to Mark Mc Hugh and, the management team and well done to our brilliant brilliant players! Each and every player contributed when it was needed…

In front of support that outnumbered the dubs 2 to 1, at least… it was a great great day to be from WH in croker! Well done.
The dubs and WH supporters always get along and they were classy in defeat yesterday.

Westmeath player conditioning is on a par with any team and ahead of some teams, and has been for some time now. The extra time WH fitness yesterday was crazy.

Laker1500 (Westmeath) - Posts: 22 - 18/05/2026 11:05:00    2673775

What a day,
My favorite little moments from the game.
Daly running out with the ball for a quick kick out, only to realise the ball hit the post.
The crack with the lads from Milltown behind me who by jaysus love Jack Duncan.
Treanor, celebrating to the crowd after winning a ball back.
McHugh, carrying Tadgh Baker off the pitch.
The chat with a lovely couple of Dubs on the Dart.

I hope the lads have a right good session, they more than deserve it

dingdong (Westmeath) - Posts: 37 - 18/05/2026 11:09:53    2673783

Congratulations to Westmeath,some day for yee.ill be honest and thought when you beat us(deservedly so)it was maybe a one off but you backed that up v Kildare and again yesterday v Dublin and are worthy leinster champions.Enjoy the celebrations.

Proudroyal (Meath) - Posts: 416 - 18/05/2026 11:13:24    2673788

A brilliant display.Congratulations to management players and supporters who played no small part.

jobber (Westmeath) - Posts: 1949 - 18/05/2026 11:27:42    2673802

As already posted, what a privilege to in Croke Park yesterday. Must have outnumbered the hosts by 3 to 1 at least. McHugh and his backroom team has given this group some belief. We worried about Loughlin missing and others but this no one man team. The spread of scores and heroes all over the pitch is just phenomenal. He's turned boys into men, getting them all to perform at their absolute max. Even yesterday, to pick man of the match was no easy task. Yesterday from early morning till late last night in the rain, will stay with me and the family forever. Dancing and hugging with strangers, club rivalries parked to come together as one to salute our heroes. Memories of a lifetime and there's more to come.

BigSur (Westmeath) - Posts: 1250 - 18/05/2026 12:07:52    2673821

An excellent ending to what was a serious serious effort from all throughout this Leinster championship campaign. This team has really grown in confidence throughout the last number of weeks and continued that upward trajectory yesterday. Senan Baker showed what he is capable of and had been threatening for some time with a classy performance when introduced. Wallace despite what some might call patchy form so far this year really came to the fore when needed too with a big performance. Defence all excellent and at both ends of the pitch too when needed. Hopefully the team can enjoy it for a couple of days now before grounding themselves again for Cavan, in what should be another great occasion in Mullingar. Well done all

TheLineKing (Westmeath) - Posts: 33 - 18/05/2026 12:11:45    2673824

Congrats to Westmeath, wasn't surprised at the result yesterday having watched them close up in Tullamore. I would hope that they celebrate well but reset for the AI Series as a kind draw against Cavan means they have a real chance of getting to a QF if the heads are right. Louth won Leinster in similar circumstances last year and then didn't turn up for the AI Series, hopefully Westmeath kick on.

LobinstownMan (Meath) - Posts: 140 - 18/05/2026 12:23:11    2673828

Unbelievable day out yesterday. Still pinching myself today. I don't care what anyone says, you can't beat that feeling. The crowd, the atmosphere, the performance, beating The Dubs in Croke Park after being on the end of so many bad beatings up there from them since our last victory over them up there in 2004. You couldn't write it. From the first day out against Longford until the final whistle yesterday you couldn't fault any of that squad or management. The buzz around the county is unbelievable. Bringing back Heslin was a master stroke. The roar from the crowd when he came on. Anyone that thought it was a bad idea a week ago isn't saying it now. The park will be full to the rafters in two weeks time and those lads will be buzzing. I genuinely can't wait. Tickets will be like gold dust.

mintyfresh (Westmeath) - Posts: 292 - 18/05/2026 12:31:38    2673832

Congrats to all involved. Superb win.

Loughlenegale (Westmeath) - Posts: 45 - 18/05/2026 12:45:09    2673842

I posted recently about signing McHugh up for the next 5 years with an aim to win a couple of Leinster's. The team & management have only gone & got one already. Unbelievable stuff. Hats off to everyone involved. With the youth coming through we can build & win a couple more in the next few years. A huge crowd expected in Mullingar in two weeks v Cavan & who knows where this journey will end.

Left Full (Westmeath) - Posts: 282 - 18/05/2026 13:30:09    2673861