June 15, 2025

Wicklow's Dean Healy has a shot at goal against Westmeath ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Dean Healy struck over the winner with the last kick for Wicklow as they defeated Westmeath by 2-18 to 2-17 to advance to the semi-finals of the Tailteann Cup.

Oisin McConville’s side came from eight points down to win by one in front of their home crowd in Aughrim where their opponents exited the competition.

Shane Allen’s goal had given the visitors the perfect start three minutes in and, although it’d be erased by Oisin McGraynor’s strike five minutes later, a Sam McCartan goal helped Westmeath move towards a 2-6 to 1-7 half-time lead.

Two-pointers from Robbie Forde and Luke Loughlin early in the restart saw Dermot McCabe’s team go on to hold an eight-point lead prior to Wicklow responding with a two-pointer of their own thanks to ‘keeper Mark Jackson’s free.

The hosts kept the heat on with scores from Chris O’Brien and Darragh Fee before winning a penalty which McGraynor converted to tie it up with seven minutes remaining.

Westmeath looked to have recovered well after sending over more two-pointers via Loughlin and McCartan, but their opponents rallied late and eventually levelled through Podge O’Toole’s fisted point ahead of Healy grabbing the winner at the death which now leaves them Croke Park bound as they go into the hat for tomorrow morning’s semi-final draw.

Wicklow are going to Croker … Dean Healy last minute winning point pic.twitter.com/jX2VTupSvn
— Luke Delaney (@luke_delaney4) June 15, 2025