Visitors Offaly proved too strong for Meath in the Leinster Under 17 Huling League clash at Meath Centre of Excellence Dunganny.

Offaly 6-25 Meath 0-5

From the throw in Offaly stamped their authority of this game and led by 1-4 to 0-0 after ten minutes. Full forward Tom Leahy opened the scoring with a point, Brian Duignan followed suit before Brian Mullins got the Faithfuls first goal. Cillian Simpson got in for Offaly's second major minutes later. Another five unanswered points followed before the impressive Leahy found the Meath net. Duignan and Leahy, again, raised green flags before the break as Offaly went in to the dressing rooms 5-12 to 0-3 ahead. 

Two members of the minor squad who play Laois in the Leinster MHC quarter final accounted for Meath's first half tally. Nicky Potterton opened the Royals account midway through the half while U17 captain Vinny Ward hit two fine points in the closing stages of the first 30 minutes.

The apprentice and the master. Former great Damien Martin with Offaly U17 keeper Stephen Loughnane during the second half of the Leinster U17 HL at Dunganny.

The home team came out more determined in the second half but could not find the scores they required. On two occasions they were in for goals but could not beat Offaly keeper Stephen Loughnane. Loughnane must have taken some inspiration from Offaly great and Under 17 selector Damien Martin. 

Nicky Potterton gave the home side a glimmer of hope with the opening score of the second half but Meath had to wait another 15 minutes for their 5th and final point as Offaly raised eight white flags without reply. Substitute Pat Gilligan put the game to bed in the last five minutes with Offaly's 6th goal.

Offaly will take on Kilkenny in the semi final while Meath turn their attentions to the Celtic Challenge.

Offaly: Stephen Loughnane, Aaron Flanagan, Conor Butler, Dara Maher; Sean Beattie, Barry Cleary, Kieran Connors, Rory Carty (0-2), Kevin McDermott (0-2), Ross Ravenhill (0-1), Cathal Kiely (0-5), Brian Mullins (1-2), Brian Duignan (1-3), Tom Leahy (2-3), Cillian Simpson (1-3). Subs - Pat Gilligan (1-0), Conor Kenny, Morgan Watkins, Daryl Gaughan (0-2), Brian Fletcher (0-2). 

Meath: Mark Hatton, Jack Bannon,, Evan Burke, Aaron O'Flaherty, Kevin Coffey, David McGowan, Simon Ennis, John Farrell, Kevin Lennon, Sean Johnson, Peter O'Doherty, Vincent Ward (0-2), Nicholas Potterton (0-3), Alex Dunne, Cian Rogers. Subs: Trevor Healy, Paul Briody, Patrick Coyne, Martin Browne, Ross Kerrigan.

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