Westmeath Clinches Allianz Football League Division Three Title with Lynam’s Heroics
In a thrilling showdown at Croke Park, Westmeath secured the Allianz Football League Division Three title with a stellar performance, defeating Down 2-10 to 0-13.
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Westmeath come out on top at Croke Park to win Division 3 of the Allianz Football League.@westmeath_gaa 2-10@officialdowngaa 0-13
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— The GAA (@officialgaa) March 30, 2024
The match saw midfielder Jonathan Lynam shine with two crucial goals, propelling Des Dolan’s side to victory.Lynam’s impressive display included a three-pointer in each half, with his second goal in the 60th minute giving Westmeath the lead they never relinquished.
Sam McCartan’s pivotal role in setting up Lynam’s second goal, along with his four-point contribution, earned him the well-deserved Man of the Match title.Manager Dolan will be pleased with his team’s resilience, bouncing back from a Round 7 loss to Sligo.
The victory adds to Westmeath’s recent success, following their 2022 Tailteann Cup triumph, setting a positive tone for their upcoming Leinster SFC clash against Wicklow.However, it was a disappointing outcome for Down, echoing last year’s defeat in the Tailteann Cup final.
Conor Laverty’s side will look to regroup as they prepare to face Antrim in the Ulster SFC.The match showcased Westmeath’s strategic prowess, with players like Odhran Murdock and Pat Havern making significant contributions. Despite a tense first half, highlighted by a tied score of 0-03 apiece after 20 minutes, Westmeath’s determination ultimately led to victory.
The third quarter saw a frustrating stalemate, but Westmeath regained momentum in the final stages. Ray Connellan’s impactful performance, coupled with Lynam’s decisive goal and McCartan’s precise kicking, sealed the win for Westmeath in an exhilarating finish.
With their sights set on further success, Westmeath’s triumph in the Division Three final cements their status as a formidable force in Gaelic football.
Scorers for Westmeath: Jonathan Lynam 2-0, Sam McCartan 0-4 (0-2 45), Robbie Forde 0-3 (0-2f), Luke Loughlin 0-1 (0-1f), David Lynch 0-1, Conor Dillon 0-1.
Scorers for Down: Pat Havern 0-7 (0-7f), Liam Kerr 0-3, Odhran Murdock 0-1, Miceal Rooney 0-1, Oisin Savage 0-1.
Westmeath: Jason Daly; Daniel Scahill, Charlie Drumm, Jamie Gonoud; Sam McCartan, James Dolan, David Lynch; Ray Connellan, Jonathan Lynam; Andy McCormack, Ronan O’Toole, Conor Dillon; Luke Loughlin, Stephen Smith, Robbie Forde.
Subs: Senan Baker for Smith 45, Lorcan Dolan for Loughlin 50, Matthew Whittaker for Dillon 54, Nigel Harte for Gonoud 60, John Heslin for Forde 71.
Down: John O’Hare; Ryan McEvoy, Peter Fegan, Pierce Laverty; Finn McElroy, Danny Magill, Ceilum Doherty; Pat Havern, Johnny Flynn; Miceal Rooney, Liam Kerr, Daniel Guinness; James Guinness, Odhran Murdock, John McGovern.
Subs: Oisin Savage for McGovern 39, Shane Annett for James Guinness 44, Conor Francis for McElroy 54, Barry O’Hagan for Rooney 61, Rory Mason for Flynn 66.
