Meath foiled in Portlaoise

Meath’s bid for a first Leinster u-21 FC title in 13 years and a first All-Ireland u-21 crown since 1993 came unstuck in Portlaoise last night as Dublin proved too strong claiming the provincial title with a 0-15 to 0-10 victory in front of less than 1,500 fans.
Sean Barry’s side were well in contention in the opening period and had the measure of their more fancied opponents. However Bobby O’Brien saw a 21st minute penalty saved by Lorcan Molloy, while the Royals also shot eight wides as Dublin opened up a 0-7 to 0-3 interval lead.
Dessie Farrell’s side managed to maintain that advantage throughout the second period as Meath faded and saw their chance of a 5/1 shock win evaporate.
Meath - A Colgan; S Carty, C McGill, D McQuillan; B Power, S Melia, S McEntee (0-1); C Sheridan, A Flanagan; N Shortall, B O’Brien (0-4), P Harnan; S Mattimoe (0-3 two frees), B McMahon (0-1 free), J Wallace (0-1). Subs - C Finn for McQuillan 39 mins, A Burke for Carty 45m, O Fitzpatrick for Power 51m, B Dardis for McEntee 54m.

 

 

Fergal Lynch