Meath… 1-14
Longford… 2-14
Though they will obviously be disappointed to have missed out on a final berth and thus another competitive outing before the commencement of the National League, it would be ventured Meath will be pleased with how their inexperienced players performed in this O’Byrne Cup semi final in Ashbourne.
While not as inexperienced as some of his colleagues on the night, it can absolutely be said that the trialling of of Diarmuid Moriarity at midfield was a resounding success.
The Curraha clubman was imperious throughout and though a very ‘green’ Royal County defence had their hands full with many of the seasoned regulars in Paddy Christie’s lineup, time and again he set about rescuing the home side’s ambitions.
Having conceded two soft looking goals, Colm O’Rourke’s charges trailed by 0-08 to 2-05 at the break. Moriarity and Cathal Finnegan were to the fore in terms of scoring and the same two players continued their accuracy in the second half.
Moriarity’s ‘major’ eventually reeled in the midlanders but, though Brian O’Reilly, Danny Dixon, Niall Murphy and Daire Rowe all did duly impress when afforded the opportunity, Longford’s two green flags managed to keep those hunting them at arms length.
Scorers – D. Moriarity (1-4), C. Finnegan (0-6, 4F), D. Dixon, D. Rowe, K. Curtis and J. O’Connor (0-1 each)
MEATH – H. Hogan (Longwood); B. O’Halloran (Ballivor), M. Flood (St Brigid’s), B. O’Reilly (St Michael’s); J. O’Regan (Skryne), N. Murphy (Curraha), A. McDonnell (Summerhill); D. Moriarity (Curraha), D. Dixon (Boardsmill); J. O’Connor (Curraha), D. McCabe (Summerhill), C. Farrelly (Walterstown); D. Rowe (Syddan), C. Finnegan (Seneschalstown), K. Curtis (Rathkenny).
SUBS – B. McKeon (Ballivor) for McDonnell, S. Ryan (Dunboyne) for Flood, L. Stafford (St Colmcille’s) for Farrelly, C. Frayne (Summerhill) for Rowe, J. Conlon (St Colmcille’s) for Finnegan, B. Hogan (Longwood) for Murphy.
Referee: C. McCullagh (Louth)
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