Westmeath Fans Turn Out In Force To Welcome Returning Champions

Mullingar thronged with Westmeath fans during the team's homecoming celebrations

The Lake County produced a performance for the ages to beat Dublin in Croke Park.

Westmeath are the champions of Leinster after overcoming Dublin in a dramatic contest in Croke Park.

Both sides held substantial leads in the second half before being pegged back.

An official attendance of 36,536 saw Dublin hit the front with just minutes left on the clock until Senan Baker saved Westmeath on minute 69.

Extra-time brought Westmeath to a new level, from the start of the additional 20 minute period, to the frenzied scenes at the end, Mark McHugh's side were lightyears ahead of the 63 time provincial champions.

John Heslin, who spurned a chance to extend his side's lead in the final ten of normal time, struck a telling two pointer in the extra 20.

Dublin were a beaten docket in the last knockings of the memorable contest but Westmeath made sure of getting their hands of the Delaney Cup for just the second time in their history thanks to a Jack Duncan goal at the death.

Westmeath Captain Ronan Wallace is describing his side's Leinster Title win as "what dreams are made of".

The Multyfarnham man became just the second man in history to lift the Delaney Cup yesterday after their 2-28 to 0-26 point win over Dublin at Croke Park.

Wallace contributed 0-3 to his side's victory to help seal a first provincial success since 2004. 

He says it means everything to the county:

You can listen to his interview with John Higgins in full here:

The final score was 2-28 to 0-26.

Team Manager Mark McHugh says it's a well earned victory:

You can listen to his interview with John Higgins in full here:

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Our coverage of the Leinster Final is with thanks to Total Tile & Bathroom Centre Mullingar.
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