Mullingar was the scene of one of the most stunning results in the history of hurling tonight.
The hurling world is currently trying to get its head around the news that Westmeath beat Kilkenny in the Leinster U21 championship.
Warren Casserly scored a messy goal early in the second half, pushing Westmeath into a 1-9 to 0-9 lead. They clung for the remainder of the (very low scoring game).
To the dismay of the home crowd, the referee announced six minutes of injury time.
Kilkenny blasted a penalty high and wide in the extra six minutes. One tweet had suggested that this had been scored but there was no confusion whatsoever. Westmeath won 1-11 to 0-12.
Wide with the penalty and we win!!!!!
— westmeathgaaofficial (@westmeath_gaa) May 25, 2016
Shortly after the game, we spoke to Aidan Walsh, the PRO of Westmeath GAA, who watched the match from the press box.
We expected a good performance. But to win it? No, I don't think it was on anyone's agenda to win it. Maybe if you ask the guys involved they might say they were looking at it (victory) But no, realistically, it would have been the same as nine months ago betting on Leicester to win the Premiership.
Someone said to me out there that Kilkenny were 66/1 on to win this evening. Crazy odds in a two-horse race but considering the record they have, it was probably justifiable.
Listen to our chat with Aidan straight after the game.
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They suffered for the result.
Fair play @batchcass! Even if it scars it'll have great memories! ? #Westmeath #BGEU21 pic.twitter.com/PUvSH7bWnT
— Ann Marie (@AnnMarieGuinan) May 25, 2016
Touching scenes from the Westmeath dressing room as the walls of segregation that currently bedevil players and media have broken down.
The jubilant Westmeath players and the equally jubilant Midlands 103 reporter Seamus Cooney celebrating after the game.
Westmeath under 21s appear to have welcomed Seamus Cooney onto the panel pic.twitter.com/8uqB5TBzbS
— Will O'Callaghan (@willocallaghan) May 25, 2016
Twitter account Don't Foul with some wise words which can only deepen the vicarious pleasure of outsiders glorying in Westmeath's win.
Imagine how committed you have to be to be a hurling fan in Carlow/Westmeath?? Nights like tonight must be so so sweet
— dontfoul (@dontfoul) May 25, 2016
Westmeath will face the winners of Dublin and Wexford in the Leinster semi-final.
