John and Brendan keep Irish flag flying

They may have been continents apart but two of Westmeath GAA"s finest, John Keane and Brendan Murtagh kept the Lake County flag flying proudly over the weekend.On Friday, the genial Rosemount man, who collected this second All-Star award just last month, played his part in Ireland"s tremendous victory over Australia in the latest Compromise Rules series.As the Sean Boylan managed, Sean Cavanagh led side claimed the Cormac McAnallen Cup, Keane was solid as a rock at the heart of the Irish defence as Australia fought to overcome their one point deficit from the opening clash in Perth, seven days earlier.However, the Melbourne Cricket Ground was reverting to the sounds of Irish celebration as Ireland eked out a four point victory in a thrilling finale which gave them the Series by five points.With no repeat of the ugly aggression of previous clashes, the series was deemed an undoubted success and Ireland will be setting their sights on retaining the McAnallen Cup when the series is replayed on home ground next Autumn.Meanwhile, Clonkill ace, Brendan Murtagh was celebrating further success on Saturday when he lined out with Leinster in the final of the Martin Donnelly Interprovincial series.Having played a major role in Ireland"s recent hurling/shinty joust with Scotland, Murtagh was in great form as Leinster overcame Munster in Saturday"s decider.It rounded off a great season for the two Westmeath stars who can now look forward to a well earned end of season break.