Westmeath came from eight points down to defeat Kildare by 1-18 to 1-16 in Newbridge last night to claim their first O’Byrne Cup title in seven years.

Having built up a 0-8 to 0-4 lead by the end of the first-half, the home side were seemingly cruising after Liam Kelly’s goal six minutes into the restart was backed up by Callum Bolton’s point and an Alex Beirne effort from beyond the arc.

However, Mark McHugh’s men dragged themselves back into the decider and got a timely goal from the excellent Ronan Wallace (1-7) that cut their deficit down to two points with 10 minutes to go.

Another Beirne two-pointer looked to keep the visitors at bay, but a late effort from distance by skipper Wallace would be followed up by Luke Loughlin grabbing the winner (watch it below) at the death for Westmeath as they recorded their county’s fifth success in this Leinster pre-season competition.

60+3 nóim @KildareGAA 1-16 (19)@westmeath_gaa 1-18 (21)

Is scór míorúilteach é sin ón bhfear mór chun an cluiche a bhuachaint! 🔥

Luke Loughlin with a 2-pointer in added time to complete the comeback!

BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV 📺

#GAABEO @gaaleinster pic.twitter.com/pUxWEmG3la

— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 16, 2026

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