Dublin 0-11 Meath 0-10
Meath minor footballers will be wondering how they managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in this Leinster Minor Football semi final in Parnell Park on Saturday. Leading by 10 points to 6 with 52 minutes on the clock, Meath failed to add to their tally while the hosts registered 5 points including a 62nd minute winner.
On a perfect playing surface, Meath hit the first two points. Full forward Caolach Halligan opened the scoring with a fine long range effort from impressive midfielder Conor Nash on 4 minutes. Dublin scored their first point on 11 minutes from a free before Meath had a great goal scoring opportunity but Tomas Reilly blasted wide after a fine 5 man move. Relieved by the let off, the Dubs hit the next two scores to lead 0-3 to 0-2 after 18 minutes. It could have been worse for the visitors but for a fine save from St Colmcilles custodian Jordan Browne. Ronan Jones hit a sublime point from 40 metres to level the tie before Paudge Mc Gowan put the young Royals in front on 28 minutes. The teams retired to the dressing room with Meath 0-4 to 0-3 in front.
Dublin began the second half in whirlwind fashion with the equaliser within 20 seconds. However, Meath moved into a three point lead with Halligan notching his second point, followed by a Tomas Reilly free and a beautiful left footed effort from half time substitute Adam Carey from Seneschalstown. Dublin did score the next two points to leave the minimum between the sides before Meath hit a purple patch with Caolach Halligan scoring his third and fourth point before Slaneman McGowan hit Meaths 10th and final point in the 52nd minute. Browne also produced a fantastic save in the middle of this patch when diving to his left to divert a Dublin effort around the post. The remainder of the game was dominated by the hosts and they hit five unanswered points - 3 frees and an effort of the post - to claim an unlikely victory.
The Meath contingent will be disappointed in losing in such a manner but perhaps the old adage of learning more from a defeat than a victory will spur this panel on for a major tilt at championship success. Depite the loss there was plenty of encouraging aspects to the Meath performace. Goalkeeper Jordan Browne was dominant in between the sticks while Daniel O'Neill and Danny Quinn were impressive in defence. The midfield partnership of Conor Nash and Ronan Jones continues to blossom, while Paudge McGowan and Caolach Halligan put down big markers for inclusion in the championship starting team.
Next up is the first round of the Leinster minor football championship against Laois in Pairc Tailteann on Saturday 18th April.
Meath: Jordan Browne (St Colmcilles), Ronan Ryan (Summerhill), Daniel O Neill (Wolfe Tones), Danny Quinn (Dunshaughlin),Thomas Mc Guinness (Rathkenny), Robin Clarke (Duleek/Bellewstown), Eanna O'Kelly Lynch (Wolfe Tones), Ronan Jones (St Peters Dunboyne 0-01), Conor Nash (Simonstown Gaels 0-01), Eamon O'Donnchadha (Clann na Gael), Tomas Reilly (Wolfe Tones 0-01 free), Cian O'Reilly ( Carnaross), Paudge Mc Gowan (Slane 0-02), Caolach Halligan (Rathkenny 0-04), Ben Hoey (Simonstown Gaels )
Subs : Adam Carey (Seneschalstown 0-018) for Cian O Reilly, David Mc Entee (St Peters Dunboyne) for Ben Hoey, Sean Clare (Syddan) for Tomas Reilly, Niall Hickey (Seneschalstown ) for Eamon O'Donnchadha.