Young Royals lose out in thriller

Despite racking up a very respectable score Meath minor hurlers lost out, 2-12 to 3-17, to Carlow in the Peadar Liathain Cup final at Pairc Tailteann today. 

This was a contest for the purists, full of the many good things the game has to offer. Amont the large number of scores racked up were two points from sideline cuts scored by Meath's James Murray while Carlow's Jack McCullagh also got a goal from a sideline cut - an even rarer occurance. 

The contest went this way and that throughout with the teams level a number four times - and that was only in the opening half. By the time the half-time whistle sounded they were 1-9 apiece with Luke Horan netting for Meath and Jake Doyle hitting the target for Carlow. 

However in the second-half Carlow were able to find that extra gear with quick-fire goals in the 47th and 50th minutes giving the visitors the kind of momentum Meath found too hot to handle. 

Philip Lyons' team never stopped battling with Conor McGovern capping a fine, enterprising display with six points, four frees, while Murray finished with 1-2, his goal scored direct from a free in the second-half. . 

Jack Lanigan, Horan and Justin Coyne also pointed for Meath who at times were exposed by a very talented Carlow attack that contained a large contingent of well-drilled players. 

The quality of the hurling was something Peadar Liathain himself would have greatly enjoyed with Carlow deservedly taking home the trophy named in his honour. 

SCORERS 

Meath - Conor McGovern 0-6, four frees; James Murray 1-2, two points sideline cuts; Luke Horan 1-1; Jack Lanigan 0-2; Justin Coyne 0-1. 

SEE MATCH REPORT AND REACTION IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE MEATH CHRONICLE