Meath crowned All-Ireland champions in Clones

Meath had to withstand a determined second-half display from Down to claim the All-Ireland MHC B crown with a stunning 3-20 to 2-19 victory at Clones today.

Meath looked nervous in the early stages as Down stamped an authority on the early proceedings and took the lead.

However, the Meath inside full-forward line of Nicky Potterton, Daire Gilmartin and Mikey Mullen were outstanding as they quickly settled and opened up 2-13 to 0-8 half-time lead with goals from Mullen penalty and brilliant finish from Potterton.

Jacob Ryan stretched that led with a point 14 seconds after the restart, but Down stayed in the game with the outstanding Conor McCrickard adding some superb points before a Ronan Blair goal gave them hope, 1-12 to 2-14, with 21 minutes remaining.

Potterton looked to have settled Meath again with his second goal, but Down never gave up and a second goal from Blair helped close the gap to 2-18 to 3-18 heading into injury-time.

Down did have a few late chances to trouble Meath further, but the young Royals' defence stood strong and they held on to be crowned All-Ireland MHC B champions for the fifth time.

 

Read full match report and reaction from today's memorable victory in next Tuesday evening's Meath Chronicle.