Both Sides of the fence:
This weekend saw Louth take on Westmeath in the Leinster semi-final. Neither team can be called successful: Louth competed to be in their first Leinster final for fifty years while Westmeath have won only one Leinster title in over 100 years. Although neither team are world beaters the contest had the potential to excite the imagination.
Before a ball was kicked in anger, there was controversy attached to the game. Some supporters were unhappy with a 5:50 pm throw in. It is unusual for championship matches to kick off so late and supporters expressed dismay at getting back to Mullingar or Drogheda around 10 o’clock on a Sunday night. The prospect of bringing tired kids back from Croke Park that late did little to build enthusiasm for either sets of travelling supporters. The match was played so late in order to accommodate the wishes of tv executives who wanted to show the Sligo/Galway match and then the Meath/Dublin one beforehand.
Unfortunately the game turned out to a bit of a damp squib after the goal fest of the Meath/Dublin. It was played at a relatively slow pace for a game of such importance. On RTÉ2 both Joe Brolly and Pat Spillane vented their frustration at the quality of the game. The two writers of this blog hail from Louth and Westmeath so there was a certain element of bragging rights being up for grabs. Unfortunately Louth won and so the man from the wee county can walk tall whenever he sees the lake county man.
Until next time sports fans.
*Timing Ireland provide the maintenance service for the video wall at Croke Park. Visit us at www.timingireland.ie for more information on our products and services*
