Before Westmeath struck gold in Leinster Football, winning at underage level before claiming the Delaney Cup in 2004, the county had a proud hurling tradition. This goes back to 1937 when they reached the provincial final. In the 1980s, they reached Division 1 of the National League, claiming the scalps of Galway and Offaly, powerhouses of the time.
Waterford native Michael Ryan has taken charge of the senior hurlers and they have caused raised eyebrows with a 17 point defeat of Antrim - 1-21 to 0-7, in the round robin at Cusack Park on Sunday.
This hammering of the Saffrons included a 1-10 burst without reply, the goal coming from Alan Devine. Niall O'Brien would add 8 points, and after beating Carlow the first day, Westmeath are on the cusp of a quarter final appearance.
In the last 4 of the Leinster minor hurling championship are the Under 18s of Westmeath. Johnny Greville's team shocked Wexford by 2-11 to 15 points on Saturday. Paddy Doody and Killian Doyle got the goals.
Go on the Maroon!
