Meath exit leinster u21

Kildare advanced to the Leinster u-21 FC final with a merited2-15 to 0-13 win over Meath at O'Moore Park tonight where a late goal from Cian McMonagle wrapped up an impressive victory.

Eamon Wallace opened Meath's account in the fourth minute and Ruairi O Coileain added a second soon after as Kildare shaded the early exchanges to lead by 0-3 to 0-2 at the end of the opening quarter.

Niall Kelly, Chris Healy and Neil Flynn (free) were the Kildare marksmen and the Lilywhites forged further ahead through Chris Fenner and Kelly before a brace of frees from O Coileain revived Meath.

However, Kildare finished the half strongest and took a 0-9 to 0-5 interval lead with Healy, Flynn, Kelly and Fenner adding the points while Padraic Harnan added Meath's reply.

Meath resumed smartly with O Coileain getting on the end of a goal chance, but Kildare's Colin Heeney saved well and the Lilywhites countered with a rocket of a goal from Flynn.

Midfielder Harry Rooney limped off and was replaced by Ben Duggan with Padraic Harnan moving to midfield. By the end of the third-quarter Meath were 0-10 to 1-11 adrift with O Colieain (four) and Paddy Kennelly reviving the challenge as Kelly and Flynn pointed for Kildare.

However, Kildare finished strong despite a final quarter surge from Meath that yielded points from Eamon Wallace (two) and O Coileain. The gloss for Kildare was added by that late goal.

 

Meath – Jack Hannigan (Donaghmore/Ashbourne); Michael Flood (St Brigid's), Gavin McGowan (Ratoath), Liam Ferguson (Gaeil Colmcille); Shane Dowling (St Patrick's), Brian Power (Ratoath), Shane McEntee (Dunboyne); Adam Flanagan (Moynalvey), Harry Rooney (Skryne); Padraic Harnan (Moynalvey 0-1), Ruairi O Coileain (Navan O'Mahonys 0-8 five frees), Conor Rooney (Ratoath); Joseph Wallace (Ratoath), Paddy Kennelly (Dunderry 0-1), Eamon Wallace (Ratoath 0-3). Subs – Ben Duggan for Rooney 35 mins, Conor Carton for Rooney 42m, James McEntee for Flood 45m, Barry Dardis for Kennelly 53m, Fiachra Ward for McEntee.