Royals put up brave fight in Birr

It was a classic case of so near yet so far for Meath as they lost out to Offaly by just two points, 1-21 to 0-26 in the NHL Div 2A at Birr today. 

After trailing by 0-10 to 0-18 at the interval, following a lacklustre opening half display, Meath staged a storming second-half comeback and reduced the deficit to just a point a minute into injurty time but the home side added another point and secured their victory.

This was a highly encouraging performance by Meath who lost, 3-18 to 8-18, to the same opposition on the same ground just a few weeks previously in the Kehoe Cup. 

This was a particularly memorable display by Meath's marksman-in-chief Padraig O'Hanrahan who finished with 1-11 with his goal arriving on 41 minutes when he skilfully finished a superb, pitch-length move to the net. 

The goal went a long way to reviving Meath's fortunes and Offaly were certainly under pressure in the closing stages to hold onto their advantage. Meath looked like they might snatch a late goal when Damien Healy won the ball close to the Offaly goals but his shot was blocked. 

Liam Langton was a huge influence for the home side firing over 12 points, seven frees, a '65' and four neat points from play, his contribution helping to ensure Offaly led this game from start to finish.  

Alan Douglas capped a fine display for Meath firing over three points as did Jack Regan with Eamonn O Donnchadha hitting two while Jamers Toher and Darragh Kelly also pointed in a spirited display from the Royals. 

See match report and photographs from game in next issue of the Meath Chronicle