Offaly 4-11 Meath 2-14

A late goal and a two pointer sent Offaly to the Leinster MFC semi final after this three point win over Meath played in splendid conditions at Páirc Tailteann.

The visitors got a great start and were 1-1 to 0-0 up inside the opening six minutes, corner forward Ruairi Woods raising the games first green flag. Meath were right back in it two minutes later when Stephen Cahill’s attempt for a point dipped into the Offaly net. The sides were level at 1-4 apiece with eight minutes remaining before Charlie Duffy was on hand to finish to the Meath net. Offaly went to the dressing room 2-5 to 1-5 in front.

Eamon Maher pushed the Faithful further ahead with the first score of the second half. Meath hit back with three unanswered points from Nathan Reilly (2) and Cillian Murphy before Offaly took a firm grip on proceedings. Woods landed a two pointer and a minute later Duffy was in for his second major and Offaly were six up with 15 minutes remaining. 

Again Meath responded. Substitute Sean Delaney kicked a two pointer before Cormac Murray got in for Meath’s second goal. Adam McEvoy and Cahill raised white flags and a two pointer from Charlie Gallagher had Joe Cowley’s men in front, 2-14 to 3-9, as injury time approached. A mistake in the Meath defence allowed Offaly in for goal number four, the impressive McNamee setting up Paddy Burns to put Offaly one up. Offaly goalkeeper Jack Ryan made sure of the win, raising the orange flag from a free that had been brought up 50 metres before the final whistle. 

Offaly go into the last four along with Louth, Kildare and Dublin. 

Offaly scorers: Charlie Duffy 2-1, Ruairi Woods 1-2, Paddy Burns 1-0, Cian McNamee 0-2, Jack Ryan 0-2, Eoin Rouse and Aaron Daly 0-1 

Meath scorers: Stephen Cahill 1-2, Cormac Murray 1-1, Nathan Reilly 0-3, Charlie Gallagher 0-2, Sean Delaney 0-2, Will Byrne 0-1, Cillian Murphy 0-1, Adam McEvoy 0-1, Tadgh Foley 0-1

Referee Enda Kenny

 

 

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