The Lilywhites are already in the Sam Maguire Cup, but Mark McHugh’s Westmeath need to reach the Leinster SFC final in order to avoid the Tailteann Cup
Westmeath’s Matthew Whittaker celebrates after their Leinster SFC quarter-final win over Meath (Image: ©INPHO/Grace Halton)
The knock-on effects of today’s Leinster’s semi-final will be felt in Ulster as Westmeath chase a place in the Sam Maguire Cup with Kildare already in Monday’s draw.
As Tailteann Cup winners from last season, the Lilywhites are guaranteed their place in the Sam Maguire while Westmeath need to win this afternoon to avoid the Tailteann Cup.
If they do, Down will need to defeat Armagh to secure their spot in the All-Ireland series. If they do, it will be Cavan who take their place in the Sam Maguire.
Westmeath’s prospects suffered a huge blow during the week when star attacker Luke Loughlin revealed he’d miss the remainder of the season with a hamstring tear and tendon rupture.
Mark McHugh’s men missed out on promotion to Division Two after a last-gasp loss to Wexford on the final day, but they bounced back to stun Meath in Leinster.
Brian Flanagan’s side will also see this as a great chance to reach another provincial final and secure home advantage in round one of the All-Ireland series.
Here’s all the information you need to know ahead of today’s game. . .
When and where is the game?
Kildare v Westmeath is on Sunday, May 3 at Glenisk O’Connor Park, Tullamore.
What time is throw-in?
Today’s game is at 2pm.
Where can I watch it?
Today’s game is live on GAA Plus.
Betting oddsKildare 11/10Draw 8/1Westmeath 10/11
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