Westmeath suffered their first defeat of the campaign.
Westmeath Hurling Manager Kevin O'Brien says promotion to Division 1B will come down to the final day.
He watched as his side fell to their first defeat of the season on Sunday, as Laois defeated the Lake County by 1-23 to 0-17 in Mullingar.
Tomas Keyes finished the game as top scorer for the O'Moore County, scoring 1-12.
Victory leaves Laois in pole position to make a return to Division 1B, while defeat means Westmeath will need to win their final two games against Derry and Mayo.
O'Brien says points difference could be key:
Kevin O'Brien spoke to Gerry Russell after the game in Mullingar:
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