Joe McDonagh Cup: Royals no match for Laois

April 27, 2024

Meath's James Toher with Tomás Keyes laois during the Joe McDonagh Cup round 2 clash at Trim

Laois 7-29 Meath 1-16

Laois proved way too strong for Meath in this Joe McDonagh Cup round 2 clash played in ideal conditions at Lomans Park Trim.

Mark Dowling got the games first goal after ten minutes to put the visitors 1-3 to 0-3 in front. The home side lost Padraig O’Hanrahan, who scored 17 points in their opening round defeat to Down, after 15 minutes. His replacement Mark Horan brought Meath back into the game with a well taken goal. Minutes later the Royals were dealt another blow with centre back James Toher received a black card from referee Peter Owens and from the resulting penalty keeper Enda Rowland raised a second green flag for Laois. The O’Moore County men added another six points before the break and went in at half time 2-16 to 1-8 in front.

Willie Maher's men dominated the second half. Their third goal came after five minutes courtesy of Stephen Maher and when substitute James Duggan and Willie Dunphy got in for number four and five Laois were 5-21 to 1-12 ahead.

Martin Phelan and Keyes completed the goal scoring for Laois who defeated Offaly in round 1 and play Kerry next Saturday. For Steven Clynch and Meath it’s back to the drawing board for next week visit of Offaly to the Trim venue.

Laois scorers: Willie Dunphy 1-5, Stephen Maher 1-4, Tomas Keyes and Martin Phelan 1-2 each, Patrick Purcell and Aaron Dunphy 0-4 each, James Duggan 1-1, Enda Rowland and Mark Dowling 1-0 each. Padraig Delaney, David Dooley, Aidan Corby 0-2 each, Fiachra Fennell 0-1

Meath scorers: Nicky Potterton 0-4, Sean Quigley 0-3, Mark Horan 1-0, James Toher 0-2, James Kelly, Tom Shine, Sean Martin, Simon Ennis, Domhnall Rogers, Kris Gorman and Eamon O Donnchadha 0-1 each


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