Tang shock last year's finalists
In what was the shock of the opening round, Tang defeated last year's finalists Coralstown/Kinnegad (1-5 to 0-6) in the Westmeath senior football championship at Hogan Park, Moate on Sunday evening.
A late goal by Tang defender Eoghan Bannon swung a low-scoring encounter in his side's favour. The result was all the more surprising considering Tang were relegated from Division 1 of this year's ACFL, while the Kinnegad men contested the Division 1 final.
Elsewhere, Mullingar Shamrocks easily overcame Shandonagh by 1-13 to 1-7. Jordan Warde scored the Shamrocks' goal while former tennis professional Simon Carr (son of Tommy Carr) netted for Shandonagh.
Former Westmeath senior football manager Pat Flanagan managed Caulry in their opening round at TEG Cusack Park on Saturday but faced defeat as Eddie Kinsella’s Tyrrellspass produced a powerful finish. Leading by two points with six minutes remaining, Caulry succumbed to a late David Hanlon goal, giving Tyrrellspass the victory.
“It was a very important score for us at the time,” remarked Kinsella.
Flanagan expressed disappointment, noting that Caulry made several crucial errors that cost them the game.
Tommy Ryan and Denis Glennon made key contributions for Tyrrellspass after being introduced as subs. Kinsella highlighted the significance of the winning start and praised his team’s performance, despite the absence of the injured Ger Egan.
Caulry now face Athlone in round two, a crucial local derby as both teams aim to recover from first-round defeats. Flanagan must address potential injuries, having lost Tadhg Baker, Olan Healy, and Damien Dolan during the second half. Caulry were also without Westmeath defensive ace Kevin Maguire for the clash with Tyrrellspass.
Defending champions St Loman’s, Mullingar overcame a gritty Athlone side on Friday evening, with TJ Cox's goal proving decisive. St Loman's will face giant killers Tang in the second round.
The Downs scored 1-18 as they defeated Moate All Whites on Saturday, showing they will be formidable in Section B.
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SFC Round 2 fixtures:
Section A: Caulry vs Athlone; Coralstown/Kinnegad vs Tyrrellspass; St Loman’s vs Tang. Section B: Killucan vs Shandonagh; The Downs vs St Malachy’s; Mullingar Shamrocks vs Moate All Whites.