No joy for Meath as Kingdom reign

The chance of experiencing the sweet taste of success was denied Meath today when they were defeated 1-14 to 2-19 by Kerry in the All-Ireland JFC final at Portlaoise today. 

The Kingdom led all the way including the break when they were ahead 1-8 to 0-7 and while Meath emptied their bench in the second-half the change of personnel couldn't alter the course of the game. 

Meath did find the net in injury time on when substitute Sean Reilly fired home but it was a classic case of too little, too late. 

The Royal County defence was tormented all afternoon by a superb Kerry forward division with their full-forward Conor Cox particularly influential. He went on to score 1-8 while fellow forward Tomas O Sé also found the net. Eight players contributed to Kerry's big score. 

For Meath it was a case of seven of their troops contributing scores. Ben Brennan showed the way with six points, three from play with James Conlon one of those to leave the bench and slot over four points from play. 

Neil Shortall had a good chance to find the net for Meath in the opening half but his shot was saved by Kerry goalkeeper Tomas Mac An tSaoir. Kerry ended up with 14 men after Eanna O Conchuir was sent off in injury time. By then the destination of the trophy was assured with Kerry completing a three-in-a-row. 

Meath - Johnny Lynch (Moynalty); Adam Lynch (St Colmcille's), Luke Moran (Trim), Michael Flood (St Brigid's); David Toner (Curraha), Damien Healy (Longwood 0-1), Willie Carry (Drumbaragh 0-1); Adam Flanagan (Clonard), Conor Farrell (Dunderry); Neil Shortall (Curraha), Kevin Ross (Castletown 0-1), Cathal McConnell (Bective); Jason Scully (Oldcastle), Daire Rowe (Syddan 0-1), Ben Brennan (St Colmcille's 0-6, two 45s, one free). Subs - James Conlon (St Colmcille's 0-4) for Scully 19 mins, Stephen Coogan (Dunderry) for Ross 40m, Sean Reilly (Moylagh 1-0) for Farrell 46m, Ciaran O'Rourke (Trim) for Carry 49m, Conor Moriarty for Shortall 53m, Scully for Rowe 57m.