Meath…1-11
Roscommon…1-15
The records will unfortunately show that Meath slumped to their second Allianz League defeat against Roscommon but that would only tell a fraction of the story about this tempestuous encounter at stormy Pairc Tailteann.
One thing is for sure, it would be very easy to figure out why people in a certain part of the west were left irate and feeling cheated not all that long ago. Players and mentors are subject to rigorous scrutiny and sanction while those who are considered to be a step above buttermilk can swan around like Gordon Ramsey in a kitchen in a bad mood.
Having said that, what undid the home side here, in truth, was them being dominated in the second quarter by Anthony Cunningham’s side. The Galway native saw his charges outscore the locals by 1-08 to 0-02 with the aid of a Cathal Heneghan goal and long range points from the Smith brothers Donie and Enda as well as Kerry import Conor Cox.
Meath had actually opened the brighter – which was to be expected after what was a difficult week for players, mentors and their families – thanks to a Mathew Costello goal and three points from frees – one from Thomas O’Reilly and a pair of wonderful efforts from placed balls by Harry Hogan. The only regret from that particular phase of the game was that a more substantial lead wasn’t built. Jordan Morris being particularly unlucky with a particularly good looking goal chance.
Roscommon going on their run left them clear by 1-12 to 1-03 at the break, but, as with events in Salthill last weekend, the score as it stood at that point was far from irretrievable. Also akin to a week ago however, it was those in the ascendency who clipped over the first couple of scores on the resumption.
Eventually, though, the home side sparked into life. Substitute Eamon Wallace began to run at the Connacht team’s rearguard while the hardworking Padraic Harnan began to get on a lot of ball around the middle. Between the efforts of the pair, scores were created and executed by outstanding custodian Hogan, Morris, Wallace, defender Eoin Harkin and another replacement Niall Kane left just a kick of the ball between the sides with the clock running down.
It was then that what turned out to be the pivotal period took hold. With the green and gold still driving forward, the Roscommon defence were pinged for overholding. However, when the offending player failed to release the ball, instead of bringing the ball forward, as he is supposed to by rule, the referee took no action, which, understandably, led to frustrations boiling over and focus being lost.
Allowing the visitors break upfield, whereupon they were awarded a very soft looking free with which to seal the victory their greater efficiency in that second quarter probably deserved. This was better from Meath, and, though there’s no escaping the blank in the column that matters most, today’s performance was one they can take plenty from and build upon going forward.
Meath: H. Hogan (0-2); R. Clarke, R. Ryan, E. Harkin (0-1); G. McGowan, S. McEntee, D. Keogan; P. Harnan, E. Devine; J. Scully, T. O’Reilly (0-1), M. Costello (1-0); J. Morris (0-4), S. O’Fionnagain, J. Wallace. Subs; E. Wallace (0-2) for O’Fionnagain, N. Kane (0-1), J. Conlon for J. Wallace, J. McEntee for McGowan, C. O’Sullivan for Devine.
Referee: Jerome Henry (Maigh Eo)
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