Record haul of 2-16 for Heslin as St Loman's storm into SFC decider

It's one for the statisticians, but it's highly unlikely that a hurler, never mind a footballer, has ever finished a senior game at Cusack Park with a phenomenal tally of 2-16.

That's exactly what St Loman's, Mullingar and Westmeath star John Heslin achieved this evening, as he led the Lakepoint Park club into their first Westmeath senior football final since 2009 with a dramatic 2-19 to 5-9 win over Garrycastle.

Heslin nudged a winning goal five and a half minutes into injury time, setting Loman's up for a potential first senior title in 50 years.

The marquee forward's personal tally included 2-4 from play, and his deadly accuracy from frees all contributed to a frustrating end for Garrycastle, who looked to have the game tied up after a late Gary Dolan penalty.

But much to the chagrin of the south Westmeath outfit, referee Brendan Keena played over five minutes of injury time, allowing time for Heslin's sensational winner.

Nobody will begrudge St Loman's their final berth however, as they hope to put an end to 50 years of hurt in Westmeath's premier club football competition.

They will meet either Mullingar Shamrocks or Tyrrellspass in next month's final, both of whom will prepare for an imminent replay, after drawing this evening's second semi-final 2-9 apiece.

Pick up a copy of Tuesday's Westmeath Examiner to read all about today's Shay Murtagh Precast SFC semi-finals, and also about Raharney's successful Westmeath Examiner senior camogie championship title defence yesterday.