Meath 8-22, Longford 2-03

The result was never in doubt in this Round 4 Minor clash in Trim where Meath emphatically defeated Longford. Although spurning twelve chances in the opening half, Meath more than made up for in the second half as they cruised to an easy win and a place in the Leinster 'C' Championship semi-finals.
Meath were ahead from the throw-in when Vikki Wall pointed, a lead they never relinquished. Farrelly added a point before Kelsey Nesbitt nabbed Meath's opening goal on four mins before adding a further two points after terrific defending from Niamh Gallogly, Roisín Commons and Aoibhín Cleary.

Kelsey's second goal came on eleven mins after good work from Farrelly and Megan Thynne. Longford opened their score on 17 mins and got a second point a minute later. Thynne grabbed a point of her own on 19 mins before midfielder Shelly Melia grabbed a goal on 20 mins, Meath's third of the afternoon. With Meath playing against the breeze they did squander some chances, something that Meath manager Eamon Murray will no doubt want to rectify ahead of the team's semi-final. Farrelly pointed once more for Meath but it was Longford that got the last score of the half with a goal which deceived Meath keeper, Amy Mulvany.

Half Time: Meath 3-06, Longford 1-03

Playing with the aid of a stiff wind in the second half, Meath took firm control of the fixture. Wall added a brace of points with Nesbitt hitting her third goal of the game in between. Farrelly added Meath's fifth goal on 40 minutes while the points kept coming. Melia hit a brace of scores and Nesbitt with her third goal on 45 mins. The decision to move Regina Hand to corner forward proved fruitful as she bagged herself 2-02 in the second half.

Hannah Mulvany converted a free on 53 mins while Cleary got herself on the scoreboard with two fine scores in the second half - the second point coming on 59 mins - a fine long range effort. Nesbitt found the back of the net for the fourth time on 56 mins with Hand grabbing Meath's eighth goal on 57 mins. Longford's only score of the half came on 59 mins, a goal that slipped past substitute Katie Brannigan. Meath finished with a flourish grabbing a further brace of scores from Hand and Mulvany before referee Angela Gallagher brought the game to a close.

Full Time: Meath 8-22, Longford 2-03

This was an all too comfortable win for the Royal girls that perhaps may not have been the best preparation ahead of what is sure to be a more difficult semi-final. Meath await confirmation of who they will face in the semi-finals and will carefully prepare in the next number of weeks for the game. The sense of teamwork and commitment to each other was as clear on the side-line today as it was on the pitch as team mates were encouraged and scores celebrated. This was very much a team performance and with players of this calibre coming through the ranks, the future is bright for the Meath Ladies.

MEATH TEAM & SCORERS: Amy Mulvaney, Karley Leavy, Katie Dowling, Caoimhe Clynch, Regina Hand (2-02), Aoibhín Cleary (0-02), Roisín Commons, Shelly Melia (1-03), Niamh Gallogly, Hannah Mulvaney (0-02, 1f), Vikki Wall (0-03), Kelsey Nesbitt (4-03), Megan Thynne (0-01), Marion Farrelly (1-05), Hazel Callaghan (0-01).
Subs: Emma White for Wall, Katie Bellew for Gallogly, Hannah Heskin (C) for Thynne, Katie Brannigan for Amy Mulvany.
Referee: Angela Gallagher (Dublin)

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