Westmeath GAA Minor Board Notes - from PRO Randal Scally (044-49260 or 046-41923) Westmeath GAA is on the brink of completing an unprecedented clean sweep of the Leinster underage football competitions for 2000 following last Saturday's double victory over Wicklow in the delayed provincial semi-finals at under 14 and under 16 level. At St. Loman's, the under 14s overcame their Wicklow opponents by 0-8 to 0-5 while in Ballynacargy, the under 16s recorded a 1-14 to 0-7 victory over the Garden County. Old rivals Laois will now provide the opposition for Westmeath in both finals which are scheduled to take place this coming weekend (time and venues were not known at time of writing). The Westmeath under 14 selectors will be delighted to have reached the Leinster final considering the lack of preparation that has been carried with this team. The final scoreline suggests that this was a close game but in reality, Westmeath should have had much more to spare, having let a commanding lead slip just before half-time. Forced to field without midfielder James Fagan and talented attacker Alan Sheehan, Westmeath were dominant for most of the first half with points from David Boyce (two), David Glennon, Colin Connolly and Darren Costello propelling them into a 0-5 to 0-0 lead. They would have been further in front had David Glennon's fisted effort not drifted narrowly wide of the goals while several other scoring opportunities were also missed. Seemingly drawing encouragement from this series of let-offs, Wicklow got back into contention before the break. The Westmeath defence conceded four frees in quick succession and all were converted by the Wicklow placekicker, leaving just the minimum, 0-5 to 0-4, separating the teams at the interval. David Boyce settled Westmeath nerves with a point on the restart before the visitors again reduced the deficit to the minimum. However, the team in maroon finished the stronger and two further points from David Glennon gave them a 0-8 to 0-5 victory. Similar to their under 14 counterparts, the Westmeath under 16 team had been out of competitive action since last October and a degree of ring-rustiness was evident in their performance. However, this didn't stop them from outclassing Wicklow at Ballynacargy, their 10-point winning margin not flattering them in the slightest. The foundations for Westmeath's victory were laid in the first half when, favoured by a strong wind, they clocked up 1-10 without reply. The visitors improved in the second half but they never really threatened to upset Westmeath who ran out comfortable winners despite being without the services of captain Shane Fennell and Irish International Rules player Paddy Mulvihill. Westmeath dominated the first half, restricting Wicklow to just a handful of sallys across the half-way line. Paul Hickey opened the scoring from a free and this was was followed by further points from John Molloy, Hickey and Paul Martin. Midway through the half, Peter Tormey floated a delightful shot to the back of the Wicklow net for the game's only goal. Mark Gorman, Tormey (twice), Martin, Hickey and Alan Kelly added six more points to leave Westmeath 13 clear at the interval. Wicklow opened their scoring account within two minutes of the restart but Paul Hickey quickly responded with a free for the home side. The Garden County then enjoyed their best spell, hitting three points without reply and dominating general play. But Westmeath responded impressively, scoring three unanswered points of their own through David Windsor, Tormey and Hickey. Wicklow tried desperately to plunder a goal in the closing minutes but the best they could manage was three late points, mere consolation scores in the circumstances. Westmeath will now be hoping to retain the title they won at Kildare's expense in October 1999. The Westmeath under 14 team was: David Bryon; Mark McLoughlin, Keith Moore, Hugh Burke; Michael Garvin, Micheál Curley, Gavin Hoey; David Duffy, Conor Jordan; David Boyce (0-3), Darren Costello (0-1), David Bell; Fiachra Spellman, Colin Connolly (0-1), David Glennon (0-3). Sub used: Darren Moore. Rest of panel: Mark Rush, William Coyne, Francis Boyle, Eddie O'Neill, Shane Carey, Leeroy Cassidy, Brendan Nannery, Michael McAdden, Thomas Byrne. The Westmeath under 16 team was: Damien Fallon; Ray Sheridan, John Cunningham, Niall McGurren; Brian Mullarney, Stephen Burke, John Molloy (0-1); James Tobin, Denis Glennon; Peter Tormey (1-3), Paul Martin (0-2), Mark Gorman (0-1); Alan Kelly (0-1), Paul Hickey (0-5), David Windsor (0-1). Subs used: Sean Maguire, Stephen Conroy, Michael Fox, Michael Duffy and Richard Price. Tweet

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