'We're hoping for a bit of revenge' - Ronan O’Toole

St Loman’s Mullingar forward Ronan O'Toole is no stranger to the big stage, and as his team prepares for their tenth consecutive Westmeath senior football championship final, he’s fully focused on the challenge ahead.

The anticipation is building, and O’Toole felt a buzz in the air on Friday evening at training in Lakepoint Park as the countdown to the showdown against rivals The Downs got underway.

Reflecting on their semi-final victory over Tyrrellspass, O'Toole was pleased with how his side started, but recognised that their second half display left much to be desired. "I suppose we had a really good first half; I think we were really pleased with how we controlled the game. We tagged on a few scores, scored seven, but our second half probably wasn't what we wanted.

"We had a lot of sloppy turnovers even though we controlled the game for a lot and they were a man down for a while. But I suppose we got the goal at the right time and just kept chipping away at the scoreboard," he explained.

"Semi-finals are there to be won, so we're just happy to be back in the final."

"I suppose coming in here this evening and seeing the bunting up and all the kids with the jerseys on, it's creating a bit of excitement now, so I’m looking forward to it," O'Toole said, soaking in the atmosphere around the proud Mullingar club ahead of yet another final.

While St Loman’s have cruised through their campaign this year, winning six out of six games, O’Toole believes there’s still room for improvement. "I suppose we've won six out of six of our games, but I still think from a performance side of things, we still have a bit to work on. We probably won't be too happy with our turnover count and how much we're conceding at the minute," he admitted. "So, obviously, there are positives, but there's plenty of work-ons also going into next week."

Facing The Downs again brings extra motivation for the Mullingar men, as they look to avenge their 2022 final defeat. "We've played them a number of times over the years and we know the quality they have. They obviously beat us two years ago, so we're hoping for a bit of revenge," O'Toole said, acknowledging the strength of their opponents.

St Loman’s boast a formidable attacking unit, with O'Toole playing a pivotal role as the team’s play-maker. "I suppose that's kind of my role as number 11 - to provide them with good scoring opportunities. Shane (Dempsey) took a goal very well the last day. Danny (McCartan) is really coming into form, and we've Fola (Ayorinde) in there now at 14," he said. "That's my role, to give them the ball."

Under the guidance of manager Paddy Dowdall, who took over the reins in recent years, O'Toole believes the club has developed a strong sense of unity.

"I think there's a real family spirit now in St Loman’s. You can see even the juniors doing well the last two years. Everyone's rolling in together and in the right direction," he said.

"There’s plenty of young lads coming through the ranks as well, and he's showing them what hard work is."

As a player who knows many of The Downs’ key figures from years of competing with and against them, O'Toole admits the familiarity adds an extra edge to the final. “I suppose I know quite a lot of them, and they're not too far down the road," he said. "We always have these types of games, so we're just worried about ourselves at the minute."

With the stage set for another thrilling encounter, St Loman’s will be aiming to reclaim the Flanagan Cup and settle a score with The Downs on Sunday after that 2022 loss.

O'Toole’s experience and play-making ability will undoubtedly be key to their hopes of lifting the trophy once again.