‘We enjoy what we’re doing’ - Browne hails players’ resolve

Westmeath ladies senior football manager Frank Browne has hailed the character of his players after a fine victory over Monaghan on Sunday ensures they consolidate Division 2 status for next season.

They can now focus on the forthcoming Leinster Championship and All-Ireland series after a league campaign that has tested their resolve. Sunday’s success, combined with defeats for Roscommon and Clare, meant the latter two were relegated and Westmeath will back in Division 2 next year.

“We always knew we'd have the character to come back. We always knew because that's just what we're made of,” declared a delighted Browne following his side’s crucial victory.

Westmeath welcomed back Lucy McCartan on Sunday and she came off the bench in the second half as they proved too strong for a gritty Monaghan side. The manager said his players have grown stronger as the league progressed.

“We've our panel of 27 set now and we're delighted with it. You hear managers say this all the time, but we've a really tight bunch. We've a really good crew of people who work for each other,” he said.

Browne said the group has formed a close bond and it stood to them in their battle to survive, with many questioning whether they could avoid relegation.

“Sometimes in the modern game, you think 'what's he talking about?' But we laugh a lot. We enjoy what we're doing because at the end of the day it's a pastime. It's something you're supposed to enjoy. It's something you're supposed to love. Where else would you want to be on a fine Sunday afternoon when you're staying up in the league in a game that you love? And that's the idea,” he remarked.

“We enjoy each other's company. We enjoy being around each other. And that's the spirit we have. And that spirit was tested sorely at the beginning of the league when we were taking heavy defeats. Tough defeats.”

Westmeath had four points to spare in the end, but can thank goalkeeper Aoife Temple for producing a few crucial saves in the first half when Monaghan threatened their goal. Although concerned Monaghan were creating such chances, Browne was thrilled for his goalie.

“I'm actually delighted for Aoife herself, personally, because Aoife's kind of been the number two to Lauren (McCormack) for a couple of years. And in fairness, we see it so much where the players say, ‘no, it's not for me, I'll go back to my club’. But Aoife dug in and kept working and believed in herself, and worked to get her place. We're absolutely delighted for her. She made a couple of great saves in the first half,” observed Browne.

“But the thing we talked about at half-time, it always worries me when your keeper's making great saves. Because it means the shots are going in and there's somebody not winning their battle out the field.”

He felt his side played some good counter-attacking football at times and that their ability to break at pace was a key factor.

“The beauty we have too is when we do manage to get a turnover, we've really powerful, fast runners. Not alone are they fast, they're powerful. So you've Vicky (Carr), you've Ayesha Roche, you've Pip Ruane when she came on, and Anna (Jones). They're making the hard runs. If you can get the ball, they'll make you 40 yards. And not alone are you putting yourself attacking, you're also relieving the pressure on your defence as well,” he noted.

Westmeath can now look forward to the Leinster Championship meeting with Wexford at TEG Cusack Park in May, before the All-Ireland series. The manager said the target is to qualify for the All-Ireland intermediate final in Croke Park. "Please God, we'll be in Croke Park that day. That's the goal,” he said.

“We want to win every competition; we're competitive animals. Otherwise, why are you going to the gym on a Monday night and the pitch on a Tuesday night? Is that giving other people ammunition? If it is, it is. But what am I going to say? No, we don't want to win it,” Browne added.