MARK McHugh has led Westmeath to the Leinster Senior Championship Final.
They didn’t do it the easy way but eventually saw off Kildare by 2-21 to 0-23 after extra-time in Tullamore.
It’s only the sixth time that Westmeath have reached the Leinster Final and the win means they will be in the All-Ireland Series and not the Tailteann Cup.
The Lake county looked like they were going to win in normal time after an excellent goal from Brian Cooney but Alex Beirne sent the game to extra-time with a super score.
McHugh’s side showed huge belief in extra-time with Brandon Kelly getting a second goal and they were able to see it out.
Westmeath were without their star attacker Luke Loughlin through injury.
McHugh’s team have now beaten Longford, Meath and Kildare and will face Dublin in the Leinster final on May 17 at Croke Park.