Westmeath U14 ladies claim Leinster Silver title
Westmeath 7-8, Wicklow 2-8
Westmeath claimed a convincing win over Wicklow to secure the 2025 Leinster U14 Silver Championship title at the Festival of Football in Rathleague, Portlaoise, on Saturday. In a game played in wet, slippery conditions, both teams delivered an entertaining and fiercely competitive contest, but it was Westmeath who took control in the second half to emerge decisive winners.
The opening half was a score-for-score encounter early on, with both teams displaying impressive skill and physicality in testing conditions. Wicklow’s pacey midfield caused problems on the counterattack, while Westmeath responded with composed build-up play and clinical finishing. As the half progressed, Westmeath began to gain control and capitalised on their chances, breaking through a well-organised Wicklow defence to hit 3-5. Their strong finish to the half saw them take a well-earned six-point lead into the break, with the scoreboard reading 3-5 to 2-2.
The second half saw Westmeath assert their dominance. Pushing Wicklow deep into their own half, they kept the pressure on and began to pull away on the scoreboard. A further series of goals and well-worked points reflected their superiority as the match wore on, with the final scoreline reading 7-8 to 2-8 in Westmeath’s favour.
One of the most positive aspects of the day was that all 30 players on the Westmeath panel got the opportunity to play during the final — an ideal outcome at this level and a real reflection of the hard work and dedication shown across the full squad throughout the campaign. Each player made their mark on the pitch and contributed to the day’s success.
The management team would like to congratulate all the players – not only for their victory on the pitch, but for the teamwork, growth and camaraderie they have demonstrated throughout the campaign. While the trophy is a proud achievement, the real reward is the friendships built and the memories created along the way.
The team and management would also like to express sincere thanks to Westmeath LGFA for their continued support throughout the campaign – your backing has been much appreciated. A special word of thanks as well to all the clubs who offered their facilities during preparations, particularly Athlone and St Loman's, Mullingar, whose generosity and support were invaluable to the team’s journey.
Looking ahead, the players will now turn their focus to the All-Ireland Series, which kicks off on May 3. We wish them the very best of luck as they continue their journey and indeed they’ve already done the county proud.
Westmeath panel: Laura Tansey, Rose Fleming, Aoife McHugh, Aoife McCormack, Kate Corcoran, Orla O'Connell, Keela Doran, Layla Martin, Orla Nohilly (Capt.), Freya Shine, Kelly Lynam, Daisy Mulvaney, Lucy Kilmurray, Grace Reilly, Grace Murphy, Emily Ford, Shaynah Mitchell, Niamh Brady, Lucia Wright, Katie Rigney Brennan, Alannah Burke, Ruby Bourke, Muireann Caffrey, Ava Lynam, Moya Kilmartin, Roisin Mulvihill, Isabelle McDonnell, Emma Whittaker, Holly Fahy, Caoimhe Flynn, Ava Carroll, Kayleigh Canning, Amelia de Lacy, Caoimhe McHugh.