Clann na nGael 0-17 St. Vincents 1-12

Clann na nGael claimed their first Meath Junior Football Championship title since 2019 with this two point win over St. Vincents in a highly entertaining final played in perfect conditions at Pairc Tailteann.

The winners dominated the first quarter at the end of which they held a 0-5 to 0-0 lead. The impressive Tomás O Dúghaill got the scoreboard working and further white flags from Eoin Kelleher, Paul Tuite, Sean Og Tiernan and Daragh Swaine put Niall McLoughlin’s men in control. 

Conor O’Brien opened St. Vincents account on the 18th minute and a goal from substitute Matthew Griffin had last years finalists back in the game. A two pointer from O’Brien left just two points, 0-8 to 1-3, between the teams at the break. 

O Dúghaill extended that lead with the opening score of the second half before St. Vincents enjoyed their best spell in the game. Three points from county U20 star Michael McIvor and one from Paddy McGill had them in from after seven minutes. O Dúghaill (2 pointer) and Cormac Smith nudged Clann na nGael back in the lead and in a see saw ten minutes another O’Brien two pointer had Paul McManus’ men back in front by the minimum with ten minutes remaining.

Ben Corkery levelled matters before O Dúghaill with another two pointer gave the Athboy Rathcairn outfit some breathing space. Paddy Arnold narrowed the lead to a single score but just before the hooter Corkery added his 5th from a free and Clann na nGael were on their way to their third Meath JFC championship title.

Clann na nGael: Eoin Griffin, Philip Garry, Jack Doherty, Daragh O’Reilly, Diarmuid O Donnchadha, Cormac Smith 0-1, Liam Kelleher, Daragh Griffen 0-1, Eoin Kelliher 0-1, Sean Og Tiernan 0-1, Paul Tuite 0-1, Dylan Doherty 0-1, Ben Corkery 0-5, Darragh Swaine 0-1, Tomas O Dughaill 0-6. Subs: Ryan McNamee and Gerry O’Sullivan

St Vincent’s: Evan Conor, Mark Crawley, Niall Tallon, Ryan Hand, Gary Tuite, Davy Tallon, Shane Caffrey, Matthew Tuite, Conor O’Brien 0-5, Robert Tallon, Conor Harford, Nigel Hand, Patrick McGill 0-2, Michael McIvor 0-3, Adam Tuite 0-1. Subs: Matthew Griffen 1-0, Paddy Arnold 0-1, Conor White

Referee: Robbie Barrett

Tweet

Most Read Stories