Young Royals lose 'home' game away to Dublin

They worked hard throughout but in the end Meath bowed out of the Leinster MHL when they were defeated, 1-23 to 2-16, by Dublin at the sun-splashed DCU Sports Grounds today. 

Killyon's Michael Mullen was again on fine scoring form helping himself to 1-8 but even his efforts couldn't prevent the young Royal County side from succumbing to defeat. 

The game was originally due to be played at a Meath venue but with none available due to ground conditions the tie was switched to Dublin. 

The visitors were slow out of the blocks while Dublin fired over a series of early points and at the break they were well on the way to victory when they led 0-13 to 0-7. 

When Dublin's Sean Kinsella fired the ball to the net after 40 minutes the home side led by nine points and looked home and hosed but Meath fought back tenaciously to level matters with the help of goals from Mullen and Nicky Potterton who came on as a substitute and helped to spark life into Meath's cause. 

Daire Gilmartin also came on an made a big contribution to the Meath cause with three points. 

However Dublin finished stronger to ensure they secured victory and ended Meath's hopes. 

Meath coach Nick Fitzgerald said he was delighted with the efforts of his team as they never gave up the battle. 

They now will be preparing over the next few weeks for a Leinster MHC clash with Wicklow.