Fortune reflects on 'special day' for Westmeath hurling

In a year with contrasting highs and lows, Westmeath hurling manager Joe Fortune acknowledged the enormity of claiming a draw against Wexford in the Leinster championship.

Having won the Kehoe Cup and Division 2 already this year, Westmeath were not short on confidence heading into the championship, but they were also realistic.

Few expected them, and Laois, to challenge Dublin, Wexford, Kilkenny and Galway for a top-three spot in the province and that was how results have played out.

Both counties were winless from three outings with a sober looking points differential. The O'Moore County went under to Galway by 22 points, but at Cusack Park, the home side kept plugging away against an out-of–sorts Wexford and struck late on to claim a famous draw.

In the fifth minute of stoppage time, veteran Westmeath substitute Derek McNicholas got the vital touch after Wexford netminder Mark Fanning was unable to deal with a delivery into the goalmouth from another sub, Kevin Regan.

"It’s a really special day for Westmeath people. You heard them there at the end, they really drove us on," the Wexford native told RTÉ Sport.

"I can only commend the group.

"In the circle (post-match) we said we have to go down to Laois in O’Moore Park next Saturday.

"Performances like this are great and it’s a special day for Westmeath people, but we need to go down to Laois and make sure we get a result there as well," Fortune added, in reference to the final round clash where both sides will look to preserve their Liam MacCarthy Cup status.

Fortune also singled out long-serving McNicholas for his contribution.

"What a stalwart for Westmeath hurling he has been. I still think there is so much more in him to be honest with you.

"When he came in, he had that bit