The introduction of the new qualifiers system saw an increased number of games being held at headquarters...and consequently an improved chance of actually getting to see a few live games for those of us used to sitting in PJ's watching them with a longing in the heart. Westmeath, Galway and the Dubs provided an odyssey for a few hardened supporters..with the maroon and white to the fore all summer.

Croke Park in all its splendour, August 5th, the scoreboard reads Westmeath 3:6 Meath 1:2...and the Lake County so close to glory and a first ever All-Ireland semi-final appearance.

Then 5:44 pm, and Ollie Murphy pops up with a moment of magic to shatter so many hopes
Still, t'was a great summer for the Iarmhi faithful...roll on 2002

The Dubs as usual came out in force, with Donal, Jonesy and Maura all up to cheer on the destruction of poor old Sligo.

Meanwhile the maroon and white Tribes contingent look forward to the duel with Cork

Half-time, and Galway have a huge lead over Cork...happy faces all around before the Rebel onslaught brought a few dodgy moments in the second half.

 

Still, all's well that ends well as Gearoid, Anthony, Maura and Padraig keep the flag flying for Abu Dhabi and the West