Monaghan vs Westmeath was level at half-time after Rory Beggan hit three two-point frees for Monaghan and Brandon Kelly and Matthew Whittaker scored Westmeath’s goals. The first half swung back and forth before the break, with Monaghan in front at different points and Westmeath repeatedly hauling them back.
Beggan drives Monaghan
Beggan’s three two-point frees were the biggest scoring burst in the opening period. Monaghan also got a point from play from Micheal McCarville, a free from Micheal Bannigan and a two-point effort from Andrew Woods, while Jack McCarron pushed the lead to four at one stage.
That cushion did not last. Westmeath stayed within reach through Tadhg Baker and Kevin O'Sullivan, then Sam McCartan brought them within three before Brandon Kelly levelled the contest with the first of the two Westmeath goals.
Westmeath answer twice
Kelly’s finish changed the shape of the half, but it did not settle it. Matthew Whittaker later added the second Westmeath goal, and the two sides traded scores in one passage that also featured Stephen O'Hanlon and Whittaker.
The scoring pattern points to a match that has already moved in runs rather than a straight line. Beggan’s range from two-point frees gave Monaghan a fast route to pressure, but Westmeath matched it with goals, and that is why the teams reached the interval all square in All-Ireland Senior Football Championship round three.
Half-time remains the marker
The live text page also carried other results, including Dublin’s 2-26 to 2-22 extra-time win over Donegal, but this game is still open. The break leaves both Monaghan and Westmeath with the same task: turn first-half moments into control before the final score arrives.
