Mark McHugh Says GAA Draw Decision Was ‘A Joke’ After Westmeath Win

Westmeath manager Mark McHugh labelled the GAA’s decision to make the All-Ireland SFC draw before the provincial finals a “joke” after his side survived a dramatic extra-time battle against Cavan in TEG Cusack Park.

The Leinster champions somehow came back spectacularly to win 1-31 to 3-21 after extra time, with Kevin O’Sullivan’s 87th-minute goal completing another extraordinary chapter in Westmeath’s remarkable run.

McHugh’s side looked comfortable for long stretches and led by nine points early in the second half before Cavan stormed back into the contest. The Breffni men eventually opened up a six-point lead in extra time before Westmeath somehow reeled them back in.

It means the Lakemen have now won five championship games in a single season for the first time in the county’s history.

But afterwards, Mark McHugh turned his attention towards the structure of the All-Ireland series, criticising the GAA for conducting the Round 1 draw before the provincial finals had taken place.

The bit that annoyed me and I’m going to say this now, the draw should never have been made. Like, that was a joke.

I know I didn’t really say it before, and if I lost today, it would be sour grapes.

Cavan already knew their Round 1 opponents weeks in advance, while Westmeath had been fully focused on their Leinster final clash against Dublin before only turning their attention towards the Breffni men around ten days before the game.

McHugh pointed to the defeats suffered by provincial winners Kerry and Roscommon over the weekend as further proof of the disadvantage created by the current format.

To have the draw away back to let Cavan have four weeks on us, and ultimately, we didn’t look at Cavan, probably until about ten days out.

And the same with Tyrone going down to Roscommon, or Donegal going down to Kerry, or Derry and Armagh this evening.

If they were so worried about having draws, why are they not having the draw on tonight instead of Tuesday?

McHugh also questioned why the GAA could not simply hold the draw immediately after the weekend’s games rather than waiting until Tuesday morning.

The comments came after another incredible evening for Westmeath football.

Brian Cooney kicked an early two-pointer while Brandon Kelly, Matthew Whittaker and Sam McCartan all impressed as the home side held a six-point half-time lead.

Cavan battled back superbly in the second half through Paddy Lynch, Conor Casey and Darragh Lovett, with Dermot McCabe's side eventually forcing extra time after John Heslin missed a late long-range free to win it.

The drama somehow escalated further in extra time.

Lovett hit two massive two-pointers and Cavan looked to have finally broken Westmeath when they moved six clear following a Dara McVeety goal.

However, Mark McHugh’s side found another surge for their third extra-time win in a row.

Senan Baker and Wallace kicked two-pointers before Kelly narrowed the gap to one, setting the stage for O’Sullivan’s decisive late goal.