Newly-promoted to the top flight, Westmeath’s Senior hurlers got a real reality with a vengeance check in Ennis last Sunday afternoon, a strong Clare outfit not flattered by a whopping 25-point victory against Joe Fortune’s under-performing charges – Clare’s biggest ever winning margin.
A fine attendance of 3,523 turned up in Cusack Park in very pleasant conditions, with just a few handfuls of Lake County diehards making the long trip.
Those who did travel were left in no doubt about the enormity of the task facing their heroes if they are to retain their prized place at the small ball top table in 2024.
Two goals in each half emphasised the difference in class, with Westmeath’s goal drought in 2023 now extended to four competitive games.