Showstopper

Brendan Murphy's late heroics ensured another bumper pay day for Meath GAA as he denied Galway's Cormac Bane a late winning goal in Saturday evening's All-Ireland SFC second round qualifier at Pairc Tailteann. Over 17,000 people thronged into the Navan venue for a night that was low on quality, but high on drama as Meath advanced to book their place in the next round against an in-form Kildare side at Pairc Tailteann next Saturday night, the game will be all-ticket. It was a bizarre night of highs and lows for Meath. The huge crowd that funnelled up Brews Hill towards the fine old venue were in boisterous mood and such was their number that the throw-in had to be delayed for 10 minutes. When the game did get underway it was clear that Meath were the better side. They dominated Galway in most sectors, but when the half-time whistle blew there was an air of caution as Meath's lead was only 0-8 to 0-4. That caution turned to despair after the break as the mis-firing Royals took 30 minutes to register their first score of the half and by that stage they were 0-8 to 0-9 adrift before substitute Graham Reilly restored parity. Galway were brimming with confidence when Johnny Duane edged them ahead again two minutes later, but there was still plenty of drama to unfold as another substitute Brian Farrell brought Meath level, a minute into injury-time. Stephen Bray showed a cool head to slot Meath in front a minute later, but still the hosts coughed up possession from the next play. Galway raided in search of an equaliser that would have forced extra-time. However, Michael Boyle's poor delivery to Bane forced the Caherlistrane man to to gain possession at his boot laces, in that split second Murphy advanced to narrow the angle and the subsequent snap shot was parried by the excellent Trim goalkeeper. That last piece of action drew Michael Collins' final whistle and prompted a mass collapse of pure exhaustion onto the Pairc Tailteann turf. Having been just seconds away from a humiliating exit the Meath players were cheered off the pitch by the fans, happy that passage to the next round had been secured. Those Meath supporters played a huge part in Meath's narrow win and manager Seamus McEnaney acknowledged that fact when he spoke to the Meath Chronicle on Monday night. He also urged the fans to return in big numbers next Saturday and help Meath overcome Kildare. "Any time the big questions have been asked over the last couple of months the Meath players have come up with the answers and the support that the fans give is enormous. "The fans were the difference between winning and losing last Saturday night and they were very important. I really hope they turn out in huge numbers again next week and help us against Kildare," said McEnaney. Next Saturday night's game will be an all-ticket fixture. Unreserved stand tickets will cost €20 (OAPs €15, no concessions for juveniles on the stand), terrace tickets for adults, students and OAPs will be €15 juveniles will be charged €5. Season ticket holders should enter via the season stile. Tickets will be available from the local clubs, the Co Committee, ticketmaster and tickets.ie. The game will also be shown live on RTE Two from 6.40 on Saturday evening.