Jack Cooney enjoying role with 'uncomplicated' Westmeath

Westmeath manager Jack Cooney was delighted with his side's performance and the attitude they showed in their Tailteann Cup semi-final victory over Offaly.

With Offaly having competed in Division 2 of the Allianz League in the spring - a division ahead of the Lake County - many were expecting a close contest at Croke Park.

But Cooney's men burst out of the blocks and were 1-04 clear before Offaly managed a score. The gap was eight points at the break and Westmeath displayed a canny ability to find a score whenever their opponents threatened to build up a head of steam.

"We were particularly happy in the first half," Cooney told RTÉ's The Sunday Game.

"We played some really exciting football and created a lot of chances. We'd be happy with the 'go at it' spirit and trying to play it on the front foot.

"There's a lot of positives to take but there are things to work on. The great thing is that we're working towards the last game of the year.

"We're really going to enjoy the next three weeks."

Westmeath manager Jack Cooney salutes "a great bunch of lads". #RTEGAA pic.twitter.com/RaGaWbRy8a

Westmeath scored an impressive 3-19 from play, with just three of their scores arriving from placed balls. For Cooney, it was a reflection of how his squad has embraced the new tournament.

"There's nothing like winning, and particularly doing it at Croke Park," he said. "So we'll bring that onto the training ground now during the week.

"They're a great bunch of lads. It's not very complicated for us. All we have to do is open up the gate and let them in.

"That's all it is - they've taken ownership of it. They're really great to work with and they're invested in Westmeath and they want Westmeath to do well.

"They'll be very happy to get another three