Dunshaughlin 2-7 Wolfe Tones 1-8

Dunshaughlin were crowned Meath Senior Football Championship winners for the first time since 2002 with this two point win over Wolfe Tones at a stormy Páirc Tailteann. PHOTOS

Thomas O’Reilly had Wolfe Tones on the scoreboard first but the 2021 winners were rocked soon after when Ruairi Kinsella found the back of their net. The Tones responded with points from O’Reilly and Saran O Fionnagain to level matters. Richie Kelly’s men went in at the break three up thanks to points from Conor Duke and Kinsella.

Kinsella extended that lead with the opening score of the second half before Wolfe Tones took over. O Fionnagain and two from O’Reilly left a point in it. Mathew Costello with his first of the game replied for Richie Kealy’s men before the game took another twist. A mistake from Costello left veteran Cian Ward with a tap in and Wolfe Tones hit the front. O Fionnagain added another point and Dunshaughlin looked in trouble with seven minutes remaining. Substitute Fursey Blake got a much need point for the team in Red and Black with four remaining.

With normal time up Costello was on hand to poke the ball home from a crowded square to nudge Dunshaughlin two in front. The 2023 Tailteann Cup Player of the Year added a point soon after. Dan O’Neill got one back for Wolfe Tones but it was too late as referee Patrick Coyle blew the full time whistle to spark wild scenes of jubilation.

After the game Ruairi Kinsell was presented with the Man of the Match Award before County Board Chairman Jason Plunkett presented the Keegan Cup to captain Jared Rushe.

Dunshaughlin: Tim O'Sullivan, Adam Kealy, Jared Rushe, Ben Duggan, Ciaran McCarrick, Daryll McKenna, Niall Byrne, Charlie O'Connor, Conor Gray, David Fildes, Ruairi Kinsella 1-2, Mathew Costello 1-2; Aaron Murphy, Conor Duke 0-1, Luke Mitchell 0-1. Subs: John McDonagh, Fursey Blake 0-1, Fiach Hartigan, Neil Byrne, Fergus Toolan

Wolfe Tones: Ciaran O Gallachoir; Shane Glynn, Dan O'Neill 0-1, Conor Sheppard, Sean Penny, Brugach O Fionnagain, Niall O'Reilly; Alan Callaghan, Adam O'Neill, Adrian Crawford, Oisin Martin, Caolan Ward, Thomas O'Reilly 0-4, Fiachra Ward, Saran O Fionnagain 0-3. Subs: Cian Ward 1-0, Stephen Sheppard.

Referee: Patrick Coyle (Curraha).

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