Tara…2-11

Moyfernagh…0-12

Second half goals from Declan Smyth (Dunsany) and Tommy Kinsella (Dunshaughlin) completed a fine turnaround for Ger Robinson’s ensemble representing the most sacred place in Meath against Moyfernagh. The latter basically encompassing qualifying clubs (Junior and Intermediate) in the greater Trim area.

With the men from where once a harp regaled the halls being the nearest to yours truly geographically, and our own Ger Robinson in charge thereof (in conjunction with Paul Nestor, Alan Nestor and Gary Reynolds). The few standout points for this corner in relation to the men from the Hill were the fine displays produced by the Dunsany duo of Rian Kealy and Declan Smyth at centre field and that of Davy O’Leary of Kilbride in attack. The latter kicking five points over the hour for those clad in royal blue.

Now, the Kealy family footballing pedigree scarcely needs further elaboration in these parts, but, if recent evidence is anything to go by, the tradition and legacy of the great clan is in safe hands. Those of Rian, who plies his trade in Dunsany, and Adam who is the latest to don the black and amber of Dunshaughlin.

However, of even greater significance was surely the appearance of Davy O’Leary – and others from the club over the road – on such a stage. The halcyon days of the green and red were long before my time but are enshrined as truly amazing, especially given the demographics of the area comparable to some of their contemporaries.

But then, peruse some of the names filling the jerseys back then and their supremacy becomes very understandable. The Mighty Quinns, Paddy Reilly, Pat Rooney, the O’Sullivans, Pat Bruton and Austin Reddin. They may not be back to that level yet, but you wouldn’t punt against them getting there.

On the other side, mention was already made of the wonderful Mickey Burke lining out for Moyfernagh, but there was a smattering of top level inter county experience on the other side also in the guise of Donnacha Tobin and Alan Nestor.

Though it was Brendan Murphy’s charges who had much the better of Act I with the Longwood Honeybadger and his club colleague Ryan Moore setting a good gallop out front as Moyfernagh led by 0-11 to 1-04 when St Michael’s official Martin Dawson sounded the short whistle.

Thereafter, a flurry of points from the aforementioned O’Leary and the lively Pierre Fox of Dunsany and the brace of goals referred to at the start of this piece turned the game on its head.

If the opening round of fixtures in the Regional Championship are anything to go by, more of the same please.