Meath's survival bid derailed at Clane

Meath's bid for survival in the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship had a disappointing end at Clane tonight when they lost a play-off against Wexford.

The Wexford women were relieved to get out of the KIldare venue with a 4-13 to 4-9 victory and they had to stand strong in the hectic closing minutes as Meath staged a late rally that produced 1-3.

That had the Wexford manager, selectors and supporters waiting anxiously for referee Liz Dempsey's final whistle.

Wexford failed to score for the final seven minutes and about four minutes of added time as Meath found some late energy, but failed to escape the departure zone after two years in the top tier. 

WATCH THE CLOSING ACTION - RELEGATION PLAY-OFF

It was all too little too late and Meath made too many mistakes throughout the hour to have any real complaints about the outcome.

The Wexford players just had that little bit more in the tank and punished a series of fouls in each half with well pointed frees.

Meath started with an Aoife Minogue goal after 40 seconds, but Wexford countered with a Joanne Dillon goal and the teams traded points through Jane Dolan (free) for Meath and Mags Byrne for Wexford for 1-1 apiece after only five minutes.

The frantic pace was maintained with Wexford shading the exchanges for a 2-7 to 2-4 interval advantage.

Four pointed Chloe Foxe frees and a goal from a long-distance free that was harshly awarded against Meath were crucial.

But the defending for that particular goal was comical although it wasn't funny as the sliotar dropped under the crossbar.

Linda Bolger and BYrne also pointed for Wexford while Lisa Foley neeted for Meath and the points were added by Dolan ('45'), Minogue and a superb point-of-the-game by centre-back Cheyanne O'Brien.

Wexford resumed smartly after the break with points from Foxe (free) and Amy Cardiff, two efforts that sandwiched a pointed 
Dolan free.

Meath were struggling to get into the game and got a boost when Minogue hit her second goal with 20 minutes remaining.

That closed the gap to the minimum (3-5 to 2-9), but it also shocked WExford to such an extent that they registered 
goals from Foxe (penalty) and Dillon.

A point each from Foxe (free) and Anais Curran eased Wexford into safe-looking territory at 4-13 to 3-6.

Minogue's point from play was a paltry return for Meath during that period, but a never-say-die attitude kept the flag 
flying.

Points from Dolan (free) and Louise Donoghue looked harmless enough until Kristina Troy rifled to the net and then Dolan 
pointed again.

Wexford were on the backfoot, but at that stage they had inflicted enough damage when they were on the front foot and survived.

It was all about the result, the performance was secondary, but Meath can have no complaints.

It has been a long journey to respectability for Meath camogie - an All-Ieland Junior B, Junior A and Intermediate plus  League Div 4, Div 3 and Div 2 titles from 2008 to 2017.

The senior grade was a step too far - they give a good shot and can come back again - they could have beaten Clare in Navan and Tipperary in Ashbourne - that would have guaranteed safety.

The margins are fine at the top table.

Time to consolidate now and reflect on the achievements of the last decade and the standing that camogie now enjoys in the 
county in comparison to a decade ago.

Lots of hard work from many players and officials, past and present, and plenty of reasons to be positive about the future.