Clare ladies’ footballers face All-Ireland quarter-final rematch with Westmeath

Clare’s ladies footballers will face Westmeath in the TG4 All Ireland quarter-finals.
Wayne Freeman’s charges will enjoy home advantage after finishing top of their four team group.
They survived the concession of two late goals against Tyrone to ensure they secured top spot and a home quarter-final.
This clash with Westmeath will rekindle memories of the sides’ meeting two years ago at the same stage of the competition. On that occasion the Leinster outfit emerged with a 3-11 to 2-11 win.
Goals from Niamh O’Dea and Chloe Towey were not enough for a Clare side that endured a slow start, which proved costly in the finish. Clare trailed by eight points near the conclusion of the half and by six points after 40 minutes, yet they came close to mounting a memorable comeback.
They managed to get within a point of a Westmeath side that managed to secure All-Ireland glory that year but two late frees saw the Leinster side through.
Last weekend, Clare finished top of their group on score difference as they beat Offaly and Wicklow before the 2-9 to 3-6 draw against Tyrone on Sunday.
Wayne Freeman’s side overcame a rocky start and an early five-point deficit to move level with Tyrone at the break. Aisling Reidy grabbed the Clare goal to help restore parity.
Clare controlled much of the final period and even though Tyrone kicked the first point of the final half of action, a Megan Downes major helped the Banner power 2-8 to 1-5 ahead. An Emma Jane Gervin goal for Tyrone moved them within range but a Laurie Ryan point appeared to earn Clare maximum points.
However, Peter Canavan’s niece Maria, slotted over before Gervin was felled for a penalty which Grainne Rafferty converted. Clare were unable to carve out a winner but the draw was enough for them to progress as table toppers due to their superior scoring difference.
Since claiming All-Ireland honours in 2016, Clare have endured a tough time in the latter stages of the Championship. That defeat to Westmeath meant the county had not won a Championship knockout game in five years.
However, Clare did break that duck when they beat Longford 3-11 to 0-4 at the last eight stage last year before suffering a gut wrenching semi final defeat to eventual champions Laois.
Meanwhile, in the other quarter-final clashes, Clare’s league final conquerors Kildare come up against Tyrone, Antrim host Monaghan while Wexford will welcome Leitrim to the South East.
These games will take place on Sunday July 9th with times to be confirmed.