Meath suffer defeat - and relegation to Ring Cup

It's back to the Ring Cup for Meath after they were defeated 0-14 to 3-23 by Laois in the McDonagh Cup at Pairc Tailteann, Navan today.  
While they were in the process of clocking up a big score at the Navan venue Kerry were defeating Antrim ensuring that the Laoismen secured their place in the McDonagh Cup for another year.  
For Meath however this latest defeat meant they are destined for the Ring Cup in 2019. 
Laois effectively had the game sown up at the break when they led 1-13 to 0-7 with Charles Dwyer finding the net for them with a powerful drive. 
The continued to create the chances in the second-half with Ben Conroy and Patrick Purcell adding further goals to their account. 
Conroy ended up as the winners' topscorer with 1-5. Ross King made a significant contribution with six points while Purcell, Willie Dunphy and Stephen Maher registered two points apiece. Eanna Lyons also contributed to the big haul. 
It says a lot that Meath's hero was goalkeeper Shane McGann who made a string of fine saves. Patrick Connelly and James Kelly hit four points apiece for the home side while Jack Regan registered three. Cathal McCabe, Stephen Morris and James Toher hit one apiece. 
Laois looked strong and assured mopping up a lot of ball around midfield to wrap up their win.