Cillian O'Connor's scoring record almost went last Sunday

Westmeath football star Luke Loughlin came within a single point of equalling Cillian O’Connor’s record for the highest individual score in a championship match last Sunday.

The Downs sharpshooter, who has been in sensational scoring form since the start of the season, posted 1-17 (20 points) in Westmeath’s 4-24 to 1-17 Tailteann Cup first round win over Antrim at TEG Cusack Park. But while his tally matched the visitors’ overall score, it was just one point shy of the remarkable 4-9 (21 points) O'Connor scored for Mayo in their 2020 All-Ireland SFC semi-final victory over Tipperary which was played behind-closed-doors at Croke Park due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

On that occasion, O’Connor surpassed the unique championship scoring record set by Dublin’s Johnny Joyce (5-3 versus Longford) in 1960 and Fermanagh's Rory Gallagher (3-9 versus Monaghan) in 2002.

It must be noted, however, that Loughlin’s tally included five two-pointers, including three from frees and two from play, which didn’t exist under the old rules. But it was still some scoring from the 30-year-old who is clearly revelling in the role of attack leader for the Lake County following John Heslin’s retirement and Ronan O’Toole’s decision to go travelling.