Second-half surge secures 30th Meath SHC title for Kilmessan

Kiltale's Philip Garvey with Lorcan Byrne Kilmessan during the Meath SHC final at Lomans Park Trim

Kilmessan are Meath senior hurling champions for the first time in 13 years after a dominant second-half performance secured a 0-22 to 0-15 victory over neighbours Kiltale at St Loman’s Park, Trim.

Sean Doyle led the way for the winners with 0-10, while Lorcan Byrne struck an outstanding 0-6 from play as Charlie Keena’s side powered to their club's 30th senior championship title.

Kiltale held a narrow 0-13 to 0-12 advantage after 40 minutes, but Kilmessan took complete control with eight unanswered points between the 41st and 53rd minutes. Captain Mark Horan and Darragh Horan were also among the scorers during that decisive spell.

The victory extends Kilmessan’s lead at the top of the SHC roll of honour in the Royal County and secures local bragging rights over their neighbours.

Attention now turns to the Leinster club intermediate hurling championship, with Keena’s men set to face Castletown of Laois in the quarter-finals on November 7th.

Kilmessan: Seán Power; Lorcan O'Connor 0-1, Shane Brennan, Alex Smyth; Kris Gorman, Kyle Donnelly, Will Byrne; Cian Maguire, Finn Conroy 0-1; Mark Horan 0-2, Lorcan Byrne 0-6, Darragh Horan 0-2; Kevin Keena, Jack Cottrell, Seán Doyle 0-10. Subs: Joey Keena, Noah Conroy, Chris Green, Peter Farrell, Paddy Lally

Kiltale: Shane McGann; Jack Bannon, Iarla Hughes, Seán Harrigan; Brian O'Reilly, Philip Garvey, Fearghal McCabe; James Kelly 0-1, Conor Ryan 0-1; Adam Murphy, Jack Regan 0-6, Mark O'Sullivan; Peter Durnin 0-2, Ross Ryan 0-2, Craig Gilsenan 0-1. Subs: Cillian O'Sullivan, Ronan Ryan, Anthony Forde, Luke Madden

Referee: Kevin Brady (Louth)