0-11 from the stick of James Murray ensured Meath were on their way to Richie McElligot Cup success in Pairc Esler on Wednesday evening.

Meath 2-19 Derry 0-19

By Brian Dowling

A strong second half performance from the Royals was central to their success, where they outscored their northern opponents 1-11 to 0-8.

Mikey Cole’s goal eight minutes from time sealed the deal for the Royals, who lined out with eight players involved in Sunday’s 2020 SHC final.

Meath led by four points when Ben Holden fouled Darragh McGilligan on the 21 in the first minute of injury time, and when Conor Ryan saved the resulting free, victory was all but assured.

The contest was nip and tuck throughout, with nothing to separate them at the interval, 1-8 to 0-11. The game was level on numerous occasions in the second half before Cole’s major gave Meath breathing space.

Top defensive displays from Ben Holden, Adam O’Connor and team captain Cian Kelly kept Derry at bay late on to secure the goods for the Royals.

Murray started the evening as he meant to go on when pointing a free in the first minute in a half that yielded ten scores from placed balls, two of which were monstrous efforts by Derry netminder Leo Passmore. 

Derry started the brighter of the two sides and were rewarded for their efforts when they lead by 0-8 to 0-5 at the first half water break. Cole registered his first major five minutes afterwards to steer the Royals back to level terms at the interval.

The two Jack’s, Lanigan and Cottrell, both pointed twice in the opening half, while Padraig Neilis alongside the three Cassidy’s, Jack, Eoghan and Shea pointed for the Oak Leafers.

The opening exchanges of the second half were back and forward before a strong final quarter ensured Meath were heading back down the M1 with the Richie McElligot cup.

Meath – Conor Ryan, Ben Holden, Gary Fleming, Dylan Farrell, Adam O’Connor, Cian Kelly (captain), Conor Fitzgerald, Justin Coyne (0-1), Dylan Farrell, Jack Lanigan (0-2), Ian Bermingham, James Murray (0-11, 7fs, 1 ‘65), Jack Cottrell (0-2), Cormac Keyes (0-1), Mikey Cole (2-2).

Subs – Brian Moore, Conor McGovern, Josh Harris.

Derry – Leo Passmore (0-2 fs), Dara Simpson, Aodhan O’Hagan, Karl McGilligan, Ronan McKenna, Cormac Collins, James O’Connor, Eoghan Cassidy (captain, 0-2), Jack Cassidy (0-1), Padhraig Neilis (0-1), Thomas McKeagney, Daragh McGilligan (0-9, 0-6fs), Shea Cassidy (0-3, 3fs), Padraig O’Kane, Ryan McGill.

Subs – Mark McEldowney, Callum O’Kane, Kosta Papachristopolous, Ryan McPeake, Emmet Donnelly.

Referee – C McDonald.

Tweet

Most Read Stories