Dolan's side were second best all over the park against Sligo on Sunday.
A "flat" Westmeath can still be satisfied with their league season after falling to defeat against Sligo, according to the county's senior football manager.
Dessie Dolan watched his players win promotion to Division Two of the league despite losing out to the Connacht side in Markievicz Park on Sunday.
Westmeath started well enough, but failed to capitalise on a strong first half showing.
Their half time lead of two points proved too little to take in to a second half Sligo dominated to win 1-14 to 0-11.
Lake County fans will take plenty consolation from the fact that the side will be playing Division Two football next year, and their talisman John Heslin returned to action as a second half substitute.
The St Loman's man has been absent for the entirety of the campaign.
Dolan says there'll be disappointment in the group about the performance, but there should be pride about their league season:
Westmeath face Down in the Division Three league final at Croke Park on Saturday evening.
Throw in is set for 7.15pm.
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