Meath 1-22 Dublin 1-18

A five star display from Jamie Murphy proved crucial as holders Meath made a winning start to their Leinster Under 20 Football Championship campaign with well deserved victory over Dublin in front of a very large crowd at Ashbourne.

The visitors started the stronger and were 0-4 to 0-1 up inside 10 minutes with points from Joe Quigley (2), Paddy Kelly and Luke O’Boyle. Meath’s response was a fine effort from Ben Corkery. By the 20th minute Meath were in front, 0-8 to 0-6, courtesy of two pointers from Jamie Murphy (2) and Michael McIvor. The games opening goal arrived on the 22nd minute, Quigley finishing off a fine move to push Dublin in front. Cathal O’Bric’s men responded in style with a Cian Commons point and another two pointer from John Harkin to go in at the break 0-11 to 1-7.

Dublin dominated the first ten minutes of the second half. Rian Doherty levelled the game inside 30 seconds. The full forward added a two pointer a minute later and further scores from Quigley and half back Ryan Mitchell had Dublin a 1-12 to 0-12 in front. Meath bounced back with three unanswered points from Liam Jennings and a Murphy brace to tie up proceedings at the three quarter stage. Once again Dublin hit back. Quigley, Paddy Kelly and Luke O’Boyle pointed and Dublin were two up with ten minutes remaining. 

The course of the game changed on the 21st minute. Rian Stafford pounced on a mistake in the Dublin defence. The lively half forward was heading for the Dublin goal when he was taken down by Jamie Smith. The Dublin half back received a black card and referee Darragh Byrne awarded Meath a penalty. Murphy made no mistake from the spot kick to move his side in front once more.

From there on Meath were in control. Murphy, Stafford, Corkery and substitute Zach Thornton pushed the Royals two in front before the Meath full forward capped a memorable night with his 3rd two pointer and earned Meath a four point win.

Next up for Meath is a trip to Kinnegad to take on Westmeath. Dublin take on Offaly.

Meath scorers: Jamie Murphy 1-10, Michael McIvor, Rian Stafford, Ben Corkery and John Harkin 0-2 each, Eamonn Armstrong, Cian Commons, Liam Jennings and Zach Thornton 0-1 each.

Dublin scorers: Joe Quigley 1-7, Rian Doherty 0-4, Paddy Kelly and Luke O’Boyle 0-2 each, Ryan Mitchell, Pierce Donahue and Shane Mullarkey 0-1 each.

Referee Darragh Byrne

Tweet

Most Read Stories