Dublin's tormentor-in-chief last weekend: Dinah Loughlin

Lakeside ladies can put Rossies to the sword, says manager Jackson

Westmeath's senior camogie team will have to be at the top of their game if they are to overcome local rivals Roscommon on Sunday and remain in this year’s championship, according to manager Ger Jackson.

His charges returned to winning ways against Dublin on Sunday to secure a place in a semi-final play-off in the Liberty Insurance Junior Camogie Championship.

After a slump in form following their magnificent league campaign, the Lake County Ladies impressed in their 3-12 to 2-5 victory over Dublin in O’Toole Park, Crumlin. Star performer on the day was attacker Dinah Loughlin, who helped herself to 2-10.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, the Castletown-Geoghegan clubman was full of praise for the way his charges got their season back on course following a disappointing start to the championship.

“I’m delighted for them. It was a great result, when their backs were against the wall they did the business.”

Since winning the Division 3 League final against Dublin four months ago, Westmeath had experienced an alarming dip in form.

Manager Jackson believes that his team’s championship woes may have been down to the players “being a bit afraid to express themselves” in the earlier games.

“Sunday was sink or swim and they showed what they were made of. It was a great turnaround. We brought in a few younger players such as Niamh Horan, Caoimhe McCrossan, and Emma Broughan, and they played without any fear. The experienced girls such as Dinah (Loughlin) and Pam (Greville) also did very well.”

Clonkill clubwoman Loughlin was the main difference between the two sides and outlined once again the importance of having an accurate free-taker.

“Dinah is a great player. She has hurling in her blood and proved yesterday how good she is. Any chance she had, she nailed it,” her manager said.

It’s only three weeks since Westmeath were on the wrong side of a five-point defeat to Sunday’s opponents, but Jackson is confident that if his team play to their potential they will make it through to the semi-finals.

“I felt the last day that we should have beaten Roscommon. The game should have been over by half time but they took their chances in the second half. Next Sunday in Roscommon they’ll be up for it and so will we. Westmeath camogie needs a bit of a boost and any bit of success is important.”