The Downs manager Lar Wall is paying tribute to his team after their win in Dublin over the weekend.
Front foot defending was the difference between The Downs and Ratoath according to the Westmeath champions manager.
Lar Wall's side will face off against Kilmacud Crokes in the Leinster decider in just under two weeks time.
There was little to separate Ratoath and The Downs throughout, with the game finishing 2-12 to 17 points.
Wall says aggressive defending was paramount to his side's ultimate success on Saturday:
Westmeath SHC: Ending Championship Drought On The Cards For Lough Lene Gaels
Midlands LGFA Champions Looking To Book Provincial Semi-Final Spots
Laois SFC: Consistency The Message From Portarlington Manager
Portlaoise Panthers Aiming To Return To Winning Ways
Westmeath SHC: Castletown Geoghegan And Lough Lene Gaels Set For Bank Holiday Clash
Buccaneers Travel To Wexford In AIL This Weekend
Offaly SFC: Ferbane Looking To End Six Year Championship Drought
Laois SFC: A Second Chance Awaits Courtwood
Portlaoise Panthers Looking To Continue 100% Start
Westmeath SFC: Coralstown Kinnegad Looking To End 29 Year Famine
Offaly SFC: Tullamore And Ferbane Set For Trilogy
Milltown Secure Westmeath Ladies Football Championship
Medals Secured For Midlands Boxer At European U15 Championships
Westmeath SFC: A Repeat Of 2022 The Motivation For The Down's
Westmeath Seeks Government Backing For €78m Sports Complex Plans
Offaly SHC: Shinrone Fightback Not Enough In The End
Clara Star Nominated For Player Of The Year Award
"There's Work To Be Done To Sign Players"
CCFL: Scoreless Draw Leaves Clonaslee Bottom Of Senior Division
Laois SHC: Champions Stand Up To Be Counted When It Matters Most