Drumconrath 2-6 Meath Hill 1-7 In what was the first of two clashes in Meath Football of two clubs in the one Parish Drumconrath kept intact their "Indian Sign" over their fellow parishioners in recent times at wet and windy Kilmainhamwood. This was a fine game of football as again the parish of Drumconrath showed what a stronghold of the GAA it is as it managed to field two U-21 teams a great feat when one considers the dwindling population in rural parishes in North Meath A youthful Meath Hill side opened best and despite playing against the elements had 1-2 on the scoreboard after 10 minutes. Mark Tully opened the scoring on 2 mins and then Tomas Smith fired to the net after some nice play to rock a stunned Drumconrath team. Tully pointed a free and it seemed as if the Hill were finally going to put an end to the Drums hoodoo which has been in force since the mid Nineties. A Niall Reilly point in the 12th minute finally broke Drumconrath's duck but another Tully free seen Meath Hill hold a 5 point advantage after the 1st quarter. Drumconrath began to get more in the game with Sean McMahon in fine form at midfield and 17 year old Oran Finnegan showing a cool head when under pressure in defense but again it was the Hill who threatened most and 'keeper Ronan Carolan pulled off a finger tip save to deny the Boys in Blue a second goal. Points from Kevin Dardis after a sweeping move downfield after Carolan's save and a long range free from McMahon narrowed the gap. Terry Skelly finally got free from close Meath Hill attention and pointed twice late on to leave just one point between the sides at the break. Meath Hill seemed happier at this stage as they had the benefit of the elements for the 2nd period. An early Tully free seemed to emphasize this as again Meath Hill started best but on the 40th minute Dardis fisted to the net to boost Drumconrath and soon after Stephan Crosby pointed to put Drums two to the good. Aodhan Matthews strode forward to point and two further Tully frees pushed the Hill ahead again with 10 minutes left. Both sides squandered chances as the weather worsened but Crosby made a great run forward only to be hacked down when about to pull the trigger. Garry Duff netted the resultant penalty with 4 minutes left and while both sides missed chances Drumconrath held on for a famous win. Both sides had heroes and it is ironic that a number of these players will play on the same side next weekend when U-17 Leagues start. Oran Finnegan starred in defense and was well supported by Peter McEvoy and Michael Og Gallagher, Sean McMahon played well at midfield while Kevin Dardis and Garry Duff provided most threat up front. Meath Hill had good players in Niall Tully, Cian Matthews, Aodhan Matthews while in attack Mark Tully led the way and was aided best by Tomas Smith and Ross McGrath. Drumconrath - Ronan Carolan; Oran Finnegan, Peter McEvoy; Gavin McEvoy, Stephan Crosby (0-1), Micheal Og Gallagher; Sean McMahon (0-1), Dermot Lyons; Niall Reilly (0-1), Kevin Dardis (1-1), Garry Duff (1-0); Terry Skelly (0-2), Ritchie Pargue. Subs Aiden Tighe for Pargue and John OHalloran. Meath Hill - Christopher Yorke; Danny Shields, Niall Tully; Matthew Byrne, Cian Matthews, Simon Martin; Aodhan Matthews (0-1), John Clarke; Tomas Smith (1-0), Mark Tully (0-6), Ronan Tully; Jason Yorke, Ross McGrath. Sub Darren Farrelly for Byrne. Tweet

Most Read Stories