Another one of those days that we will never forget. The day of the big fight but most importantly the day we won our 6th All-Ireland title.
Colm Coyle's long range point ensured that Meath lived to fight another day on the 15th of September - Meath 0-12 Mayo 1-9.
Replays are notorious for 'scores being settled' and with five minutes gone 'the brawl' broke out. Pat McEneaney could have send off a dozen but went for Liam McHale and Colm Coyle.
Mayo played with the advantage of the wind and led at the break 1-6 to 1-2. Trevor Giles got the Meath goal from the penalty spot after Tommy Dowd was fouled. Two points from Dowd and one from Giles had the lead down to a point early in the second half. But Mayo refused to lie down and with ten minutes remaining held a two point lead.
Then there was a moment of magic from Graham Geraghty and Tommy Dowd. Enda McManus found Geraghty, who was fouled, his quick free kick found Dowd and despite been fouled managed to find the Mayo net for a crucial goal. Meath were ahead for the first time but James Horan levelled. Was another draw possible we wondered.
Not if you have Brendan Reilly in your full forward line. Gaining possession out under the Cusack his point off the left boot from the narrowest of angles sent the Royal supporters in to over drive.
Final score Meath 2-9 Mayo 1-11
Meath scorers Trevor Giles 1-4, Tommy Dowd 1-3, Barry Callaghan and Brendan Reilly 0-1 each.
Meath: Conor Martin, Mark O'Reilly, Darren Fay, Martin O'Connell, Colm Coyle, Enda McManus, Paddy Reynolds, Jimmy McGuinness, John McDermott, Trevor Giles, Tommy Dowd, Graham Geraghty, Colm Brady, Brendan Reilly, Barry Callaghan. Subs: Jody Devine and Ollie Murphy.
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