2020 IHC final: 'Tones triumph
August 07, 2021
Wolfe Tones Donal Keogan keeps his eye on the ball as Cian Royston Boardsmill closes in during the 2020 Meath IHC final at Pairc Tailteann
Wolfe Tones proved too good for Boardsmill and the inclement elements to capture the 2020 IHC title at Pairc Tailteann on Saturday evening. To view photos click here
Wolfe Tones ....... 1-11
Boardsmill .......... 0-8
However, the sun shone on their golden moment which was preceded by a strong final quarter with Kieran Conway's 49th minute point the standout score of the game.
That left wind-assisted Wolfe Tones 1-7 to 0-7 clear. Further scores from Eanna Harrington (two), Eanna O'Kelly-Lynch and a second one from Conway settled matters.
Boardsmill's top scorer Liam O'Brien registered the final score of the game, in stoppage time. It barely made an impression on the deficit.
Overall, Boardsmill chalked up 11 wides to their opponents' Of great burden to the 'Mill was the 35th minute red-carding of midfielder Evan Divon.
Wolfe Tones led by 1-6 to 0-5 at this point and looked set to triumph outscoring Boardsmill by 0-5 to 0-3 thereafter.
Midway through the second-half Boardsmill's Donal Flattery had a rasping goal attempt blocked by 'Tones full-back Eoghan Harrington.
The Kilberry-Oristown-Rathkenny side were 1-6 to 0-7 at the second water break. As the weather improved (though the ground remained wet) they tightened their grip on the silverware, later presented to team captain Stephen Sheppard.
Apart from falling behind to Donal Flattery excellent opening score, Wolfe Tones were never headed again.
Eanna Harrington's free-taking was central to their early push that saw them lead by 0-4 to 0-2 at the first water break.
One of Liam O'Brien's six pointed frees halved the deficit for Boardsmill. Then in the 21st minute, following Eanna O'Kelly-Lynch's delivery Conway goaled and his side went on to lead by 1-6 to 0-5 at the break.
Given the wet conditions, the wind was of limited value. Boardsmill added just three points in the second-half.
Wolfe Tones put recent disappointments behind them to claim this title for the first time since 2002.
Scorers: Wolfe Tones - Eanna Harrington 0-6 fs; Kieran Conway 1-1; Donal Keogan, Thomas O'Reilly, Eanna O'Kelly-Lynch, Mark Coleman 0-1 each.
Boardsmill - Liam O'Brien 0-6 (f); Niall Durkan, Donal Flattery 0-1 each.
Wolfe Tones - Killian O'Brien; David Coleman, Eoghan Harrington, Gearoid O'Brien; Conor Sheppard, Gerry Farrelly, Brian Meade; Mark Coleman, Thomas O'Reilly; Caolach Halligan, Stephen Sheppard (C), Eanna O'Kelly-Lynch; Donal Keogan, Eanna Harrington, Kieran Conway. Subs - Ray Dorran for O'Kelly-Lynch (60), Gary McFaddem for Coleman (60 + 3), Donal Curtis for O'Reilly (60 + 3)
Boardsmill - Vinny Guy; John Mitchell, Jim Bird, Conor Darby; Cian Royston, Neil McLoughlin, Cathal Wall; Ray Hatton, Evan Dixon; Liam O'Brien, Danny Dixon, Donal Flattery; Stevie Gibbons, Jim Roche, Niall Durkan. Subs - James Durkan for Niall Durkan (51), Cathal Flattery for Donal Flattery (55), Thomas Leonard for Roche (55),
Referee - Owen Ganly (Trim)
