Dunshaughlin 4-15 Meath Hill 2-09

Meath Hill travelled to Páirc Tailteann on Friday evening to take on Dunshaughlin, with both sides eager to bounce back from opening round defeats.

It was Dunshaughlin who opened the scoring through Aaron Murphy, but Jack McMahon and Pierce McGrath quickly settled the Hill into the game with fine scores. Matthew Costello responded with two points from frees before Ryan Owens landed an excellent long-range effort after patient build-up play.

A turnover in the middle third allowed Ruarí Kinsella to raise the first green flag of the evening for Dunshaughlin. James Mooney replied immediately with a fisted point to keep the Hill in touch. However, a string of scores for Dunshaughlin, including goals from Fursey Blake and Conor Duke, opened up a commanding lead.

Meath Hill showed great fight and determination, with Pierce McGrath adding another fine score after a strong run from Damien Turley. But further points and a second Kinsella goal left the Hill with a battle on their hands. Cormac Sheehy offered hope before the break, finding the net to reduce the deficit to twelve at half-time.

Half-Time: Dunshaughlin 4-07 Meath Hill 1-06

Meath Hill restarted brightly, with McGrath converting a free before Conor Gray replied for Dunshaughlin. A strong spell followed for the Hill, as Damien Turley drilled home a brilliant goal to lift the spirits of the travelling support. Conor Duke added a point soon after, while Tom Carolan made a vital block to prevent another Dunshaughlin goal. With Dunshauglin being reduced to 14 men following a black card to Duke, Meath Hill continued to press, with Ryan Shekelton firing over a two-pointer to keep the scoreboard ticking. However, Dunshaughlin’s strength in depth showed in the closing stages as they tagged on unanswered scores to seal a comfortable victory.

While the result didn’t go Meath Hill’s way, the spirit and determination shown by the players throughout ensures plenty of positives to build on as the campaign continues.

Next up for Meath Hill is Rathkenny in the final round of the Championship, taking place on Sunday, 31st August at 2pm in Páirc Tailteann.

Meanwhile, our reserve team are back in action this Saturday at home to Castletown in Round 2 of the All County Championship, with throw-in at 4pm in Meath Hill.

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