Managed by Pat Duffy and along with his selectors Joe Clarke and Anthony Johnson the Meath Under 14 class of 1997 proved a very talented squad of players by winning the Leinster Blitz and also retaining the Fr. Bannon Cup.

In the opening round of the Leinster Blitz played in May, Meath drew with Kildare 1-6 each with Justin O’Reilly, Gary O’Toole, Denis Beirne and Barry Clarke impressing for the Royals.

Goals from O’Reilly and O’Toole saw Meath beat Laois 2-3 to 1-2 in round 2.

In the final Meath totally dominated and defeated Wexford 3-7 to 2-4 at Newbridge. Meath scorers were Justin O’Reilly 1-2, Cathal Ennis and Gary O’Toole 1-1 each, Darren O’Toole, Barry Clarke and Michael Johnson 0-1 each

The Meath squad on duty for the Leinster Blitz final was: R. Kenny Simonstown, I. Matthews O’Mahonys, P. Muldowney St. Pats, B. Kelly St. Colmcilles, P. Tighe Meath Hill/Drumconrath, R. Conaty Walterstown, R. Flaherty Dunsany, D. O’Toole O’Mahonys, S. McDonnell Summerhill, C. Ennis Summerhill, M. Johnson Duleek, J. O’Reilly Moylagh, G. O’Toole Dunboyne, B. Clarke Yellow Furze, P. Callaghan Meath Hill/Drumconrath, D. Collier Dunsany, S. Corrigan Wolfe Tones, K. Hamilton Boardsmill.

In July Duffy’s charges continued to dominate by retaining the Fr. Bannon Cup. The young Royals accounted for Kildare, Westmeath, Louth and Wicklow in the final.

The Garden County were no match for the winners who scored an impressive 4-15. They got off to a great start with a Philip Treacy goal and a point from Stephen Corrigan. Not long after the stylish Michael Johnson netted twice and by half time Meath led 3-10 to 1-1. Meath continued were they left off in the first half to run out convincing winners.

Sean Power presents the Fr. Bannon Cup to Meath captain Darren O'Toole

On the day there were many who had fine games in the green and gold. The half back line of Brian Kelly, Alan Foley, and Denis Beirne, Darren O’Toole and Stephen Corrigan held the midfield brilliantly while Michael Johnson was a massive success in the forwards hitting 2-6 of his sides tally.

The Meath squad was: E. Brady, P. Callaghan, D. Clynch, D. Collier, P. Tighe, P. Muldowney, R. Flaherty, R. Kenny, R. O’Neill, K. Kelly, S. Corrigan, L. Collins, C. Ennis, J.Cawley, M. Johnson, I. Matthews, K. Kelly, D. Beirne, M. Cunniffe, S. Murray, B. Clarke, A. Foley, D. O’Toole, R. County, G. O’Toole, B. Kelly, S. McDonnell, J.O’Reilly, K. Hamilton, R. Shiels

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