MOYFENRAGH…0-10

BRU NA BOINNE…0-08

Not so long ago in this space, mention was afforded to the fact that, sometimes, for whatever reason, the one seeing eye takes a shine to a particular player. Inclinations of impending stardom don’t always carry through to fruition, but when they do, it’s nice to see ones judgement vindicated.

Reference was, at the time, being made to Dunshaughlin’s Mathew Costello following his selection as the Tailteann Cup’s top man. Mind you, presently, reasoning for similar overtures is twofold. One because the longer the season has gone on, not only has it become apparent what a classy hurler Brendan McKeon is for Kildalkey and Meath, but that he is equally adept in the maroon and white of Ballivor with a football. And secondly because similar feelings pertaining to Danny Dixon of Boardsmill were also endorsed.

The lively wing forward came to this writer’s attention when part of the last Meath team to win the Leinster JFC. What a great pity it was that said competition was done away with. As well as being a grand old competition in its own right, it was the pathway for many to get their chance at the highest level.

From a Meath perspective, Dixon and Robin Clarke being among the last. To that end, the inception of the Regional Football Championship has, to some extent, filled that void and, over the last few weeks, there are surely a few who have put their hands up.

On this occasion, it was actually Niall Ronan’s men from the east of the county who opened much the brighter and opened up a lead of 0-05 to 0-01 before Tom Hanley’s charges closed the half the stronger with a triumvirate of points to leave just the one in it at the break.

Dixon duly drew the sides level with the first score of the second half, before Paddy McGill of St Vincent’s edged the river bank man back in front but it was at that stage Brendan of Ballivor began to wield his game changing influence.

Firstly by driving over a monstrous long range free and then – once Dixon had edged those clad in green and white back in front – driving upfield to clip over the insurance score and seal Moyfenragh’s deserved final berth.