Meath 2-14 Carlow 1-16
Those who attended a sun drenched Pairc Tailteann today witnessed the game of the year so far as Meath staged a stunning late rally to beat Carlow in the Peadar Lehane Cup final. PHOTOS
These two sides met in late March in the Leinster MHC at the same venue and on that occasion Carlow were too good for Meath winning 4-17 to 1-12.
From the word go Ger O’Neill’s charges were up for it and they contested every ball as if their lives depended on it.
At half time the teams were level 0-10 each. Kyle Ennis accounted for four of Meath’s scores, captain Ronan Conheady (3), Daniel Boyd (2) and Shane McCormack (1) completed the Meath tally. Impressive full forward Alex Delaney hit seven points for the visitors in that opening 30 minutes.
The first 15 minutes of the second half was all Carlow as Delaney extended their lead to four points. Meath had to wait till the 15th minute of the second half for their first score courtesy of and Ennis free. Carlow were in control at this stage and when Padraic Kavanagh got in for the games first goal it looked like victory was heading to the visitors.
Meath had other ideas. With ten minutes remaining they were six points behind. Substitute Cathal Regan kick started their revival with a fine point. Soon after Sean McDermott got in for their opening goal and when Conheady sent over his fourth point only two separated the teams. Shane Kelly steadied Carlow’s nerves with a score but with four minutes of injury time to be played Meath still had a chance. Full back now playing full forward Kian Douglas got that chance and he raised Meath’s second green flag to tie up the game.
Extra time looked on the cards until the Royals won possession on the terrace side and the ball ended up with Regan who fired over the winner from a difficult angle.
After the game Pat Lynagh presented the Peadar Lehane Cup to Meath captain Ronan Conheady.
Meath scorers: Kyle Ennis 0-5, Ronan Conheady 0-4, Sean McDermott and Kian Douglas 1-0 each, Daniel Boyd and Cathal Regan 0-2 each, Shane McCormack 0-1
Carlow scorers: Alex Delaney 0-11, Padraic Kavanagh 1-0, Cian Quirke and Shane Kelly 0-2 each, Conaill Fitzpatrick 0-1
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