Laois bow out of Tailteann Cup after heavy Westmeath defeat in Mullingar

Laois have been knocked out of the 2025 Tailteann Cup after suffering a comprehensive defeat to Westmeath in Mullingar. The hosts had 17 points to spare over Justin McNulty’s side in this preliminary quarter-final clash.

Westmeath struck two goals in the final five minutes of the first half and then added 1-5 in a blistering seven-minute spell after the break to put the game completely beyond Laois.

Westmeath 3-26

Laois 1-15

It took just 14 seconds for Nigel Harte to open the scoring for Westmeath, with Robbie Forde quickly adding another. Matthew Whittaker rattled the Laois crossbar as the hosts dominated early on. Laois eventually opened their account after seven minutes when Ronan Coffey converted a free after Brian Byrne was fouled.

Stephen Smith (free), Shane Allen, and Sam McCartan added to Westmeath’s tally, with Coffey and Damon Larkin replying for Laois. McCartan’s influence grew as he kicked two two-pointers, helping Westmeath stretch their advantage to 8-4. Laois responded through Byrne, Kevin Swayne and Pa Kirwan, but McCartan brought his first-half haul to five points before Westmeath landed a devastating blow just before the break.

Shane Allen was fouled in the square, and Luke Loughlin dispatched the penalty into the top corner. After a brief point from Smith, Loughlin then set up Wallace to palm home a second goal after the hooter. Laois trailed 2-12 to 0-7 at half-time.

Westmeath resumed with more intensity as Wallace increased his tally to 1-2. Mark Barry replied for Laois, but a third Westmeath goal from Whittaker, followed by points from Loughlin, Wallace, and Joseph Moran , left Laois reeling. It was 1-5 without reply at one stage, with Wallace eventually finishing with 1-5 from centre-back.

Barry and Coffey added points for Laois, but Westmeath powered on with scores from Forde, Danny McCartan and Sam McCartan, who ended the game with eight points. Killian Roche even came forward to kick a two-point free for Laois, while Cathal Lee also chipped in late on.

Laois did manage a consolation goal after the hooter as Jonah Kelly found the net, but it was far too late to impact the outcome.

That result brings Laois’ 2025 inter-county campaign to an end, with players now returning to their clubs for the conclusion of the league season.