AT HALF-TIME, John Heslin must have thought his chance of reaching a Leinster final this year was dead and buried but he never gave up and was instrumental in Westmeath’s remarkable semi-final win over Meath.
It was a first ever championship win over their near neighbours and the Lake County did it the hard way, coming from 10 points down in the second half with Heslin’s 1-9 proving crucial.
The St Loman’s clubman’s contribution earned him the man-of-the match award this evening on The Sunday Game.
Panellists Tomás Ó Sé, Martin McHugh and Dessie Dolan gave Martin the nod ahead of his team-mate John Heslin and Meath’s Brian McMahon.
McHugh said: “John Heslin showed his leadership quality as a young man and he deserves the award. A great performance.”
Dublin made light work of Kildare in the second semi-final thanks in large part to Diarmuid Connolly’s man-of-the-match performance.
The St Vincent’s forward scored 2-3 — 1-3 from play — as last year’s beaten All-Ireland semi-finalists showed no sign of relinquishing a Leinster crown they’ve had a stranglehold on for most of the last decade.
Connolly saw off competition from team-mates Bernard Brogan and Jonny Cooper.
Ó Sé said: “He’s playing with unbelievable confidence and for the last couple of years the performances this guy has put in are phenomenal.”
Do you agree with the panel’s selections? Let us know in the comments section.
