The last time we won the Leinster JFC
June 24, 2017
Rory Maguire gains possession during the 2006 leinster JFC final
Meath have won 16 Leinster Junior Football Championship titles. The Royals were the dominant force in the 90's and early 2000s but their last provincial success came in 2006.
Under the guidance of Dessie Hamilton, Meath defeated Kilkenny, Kildare and Laois to reach the decider.
Croke Park provided the setting for the final and like tomorrow a strong Louth XV stood in Meath's way of success.
Points from Brian Meade, Brian Dillon and Jim Gallagher tied the game up after 15 minutes but Meath upped their game and went in at the break 0-7 to 0-4 in front.
Rory Maguire and Dillon extended Meath's lead early in the second half. Louth fought back and the game was level with ten minutes to go. The introduction of Dean Barrett and Ian McManus gave Meath a new lease of life. The two subs pointed and when Maguire pushed Meath three in front all seemed good for the Royals.
The Meath squad for the 2006 Leinster JFC final at Croke Park
Louth were not finished. Shane Lennon pointed two frees and in injury time Tony Cunningham had to make a superb block to deny a certain score. Trevor Dowd sealed Meath's win with a goal in the final seconds. Meath had won their 16th title 1-12 to 0-11.
Meath had plenty of heroes in Croke Park that day June 24th. The back line was solid with some top performances from Brian O'Reilly and team captain Paddy Nugent. Although he was carrying an injury, Jim Gallagher and Brian Meade dominated midfield. The work rate of the Meath forwards on the day was superb. Tony Cunningham, Richie Kealy and the Dillon brothers grafted the whole time and set up Meath's most potent attacker Rory Maguire who took some of his scores in fine fashion.
Paddy Nugent receives the 2006 Leinster JFC Cup from Liam O'Neill
Kerry ended Meath's hopes of All Ireland glory at the semi final stage.
The Meath panel was: John Curry, Trevor Bannon, Brian O'Reilly, Paddy Nugent, Barry Kiernan, Thomas Dillon, John Bruton, Brian Meade, Jim Gallagher, Tony Cunningham, Stephen Dillon, Richie Kealy, Rory Maguire, Brian Dillon, Trevor Dowd, Ray McKeown, Conor Brennan, Paul Martin, Ian McManus, Peter Clinton, Kevin Smith, Mickey Foley, Ian Dowd and Dean Barrett.
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