Meath won their last All Ireland Junior Football Championship title in 2003 when a Martin Barry managed outfit defeated Galway on August 2nd at Cusack Park Mullingar.

It was a day when Summerhill's Cathal Sheridan created his own piece of history by becoming the only Meath player to win All Ireland medals at Minor, Under 21, Junior and Senior level.

Meath's road to outright honours began on May 14th. Goals from Sheridan and Alan Fox saw off Kildare in Newbridge. The Royals finished comfortable winners 2-12 to 0-9.

An inspirational display from Moynalty's Jim Gallagher paved the way for a quarter final win over Westmeath at Pairc Tailteann.

Meath qualified for the provincial decider with a convincing 5-13 to 1-6 win over Laois at Croke Park. The game was a curtain raiser to the Meath versus Kildare SFC.

Wexford were given home advantage for the Leinster final fixed for a Wednesday night at 7.30. Once more Fox and Sheridan were to the fore as the visitors raced in to a six point lead. Wexford battled back and were just two in arrears at the interval 0-6 to 0-4. The introduction of 2002 county minor Brian Farrell had a massive bearing on the outcome. The Nobber man was introduced as a second half sub and scored 1-2 as Meath sealed a 1-14 to 0-7 win.

Nenagh provided the setting for the All Ireland semi final against Kerry. The Kingdom had former seniors Killian Burns and Tommy Griffin in their ranks but the star of the show was Cathal Sheridan. Stephen Bray scored a good goal but Meath went in at the break 0-7 to 1-3 behind. Kerry still held a one point advantage as the game entered its final moments. Once again the introduction of super sub Farrell along with Barry Kiernan had a massive bearing on the outcome. Farrell created scores for Sheridan and Fox as the Royals went on to win by two points.

Galway who had only played twice, Roscommon in the Connacht final and Warwickshire in the all Ireland semi final, stood in Meath's way. Martin Barry was forced to line out without the influential Alan Fox but from the throw in it was clear that Meath held all the aces and went on to record a 0-16 to 2-7 win. Farrell hit six points and Sheridan helped himself to four. 

After the game Meath captain Nicky Horan was presented with the All Ireland JFC Cup.

The Meath team on duty that day at Cusack park was: J. Curry Ballinabrackey, C. McLoughlin Wolfe Tones, T. Bannon Ballinabrackey, P. Nugent Carnaross, N. Horan Dunsany, F. McMahon Ballivor, B. Kieran Meath Hill, I. McManus Curraha, J. Gallagher Moynalty, C. Sheridan Summerhill 0-4, P. Duff Syddan 0-1, S. Bray O'Mahonys 0-2, B. Farrell Nobber 0-6, B. Lynch Kilmainham, R. Russell Bective. 

Subs: W. Byrne Moynalvey 0-2, S. Smith Moynalty, G. Lynch Simonstown, R. Sheridan St. Vincents, A. Sheehan Bective, A. Rennicks Kilbride, A. Fox Wolfe Tones. G. Weldon Nobber, J. Maguire Nobber, G. Rogers St. Ultans, J. Donoghue Moynalvey.

Tweet

Most Read Stories