Meath start defence of their crown with a win

Meath kick-started their All-Ireland SFC campaign but they had to work hard to overcome a resilient Monaghan side, 1-13 to 0-1, at Drumhowan Geraldines' ground today.

The Royals led 1-4 to 0-1 at the interval with the help of a well-taken Kelsey Nesbitt goal before pushing on to win.

The low-scoring nature of the opening half indicated the difficulties Meath had in breaking through the Monaghan battlements.

In the second-half Meath were more dominant and with Stacey Grimes lofting over six points from frees there was never really any doubt about who would be the winners.

Vikki Wall and Emma Duggan also fired over points in that second-half as Eamonn Murray's team pushed on to wrap up the victory.