Hill's fantastic 2024 journey comes to a halt at Hawkfield
Tom Gannon reports
Caragh 0-11
Meath Hill 0-6
In a free-flowing, hard-hitting, low-scoring encounter, Meath Hill met their match at Hawkfield and their fantastic 2024 came to a halt with a defeat to Caragh in the opening round of the Leinster IFC.
It wasn’t a thrilling contest but games played at this time of year rarely are. Shay McCoy’s side looked the stronger of the two sides early on but as the game progressed it was Caragh that made the most of the opportunities presented to them.
Caragh had their homework done on Meath Hill and throughout the contest, the dangerman, Gary Breslin was well marshalled. Caragh’s centre-back, Ryan Bourke did what many Meath men failed to do in 2024 and almost completely nullified the impact of the promising young talent.
At the other end, Meath Hill’s defence struggled to contain the lively Darragh Swords, and the centre forward finished with a nice tally of 0-6.
Both sides were showing the effects of the celebrations of winning their individual championships in the first half. Having been a bit wayward in front of the posts in the opening exchanges, Caragh settled into the contest and by halftime led by one.
Neither team managed to get the upper hand in what is usually a crucial third quarter. Cormac Sheehy levelled proceedings with 15 minutes remaining, but that score turned out to be the ‘Hill’s’ last as Caragh secured the final four points of the contest to secure their place in the next round.
Meath Hill had a goal chance early on when Jack Slevin played through Jack McMahon but Meath Hill’s centre-forward shot just went left of the post. A few minutes later Jamie Slevin set up Cormac Sheehy who in turn opened the scoring with a well-taken point.
Darragh Swords responded for Caragh before Meath Hill displayed an excellent example of fast counter-attaking football when they turned a Caragh oppertunity for a score into a chance for themselves with a turnover and two kick passes. Caragh had no option but to foul Sheehy, and Gary Breslin converted to put Meath Hill back in front.
Two Caragh points for Darragh Swords and Josh Gannon levelled proceedings before Dominic Yorke was called into action. The prevalent keeper pulled off a wonderful save with an outstretched right hand to deny Jake Corrigan an almost certain goal.
Points from Swords and substitute Austin Nevin put Caragh two points clear heading into injury time in the opening 30 minutes. Breslin’s second point ensured the margin at the break was reduced back to the minimum. At half-time Caragh led 0-6 to 0-5.
Sheehy had been by far, Meath Hill’s biggest threat going forward, and he opened the scoring two minutes into the half to draw the sides level for a third time. A Sword’s free put Caragh ahead again but after a few failed attempts in a row, Sheehy finally retaliated to leave the sides with 0-6 apiece heading into the final 15 minutes.
Caragh centre-back Ryan Bourke had an excellent performance defensively but his crowning moment was a fantastic long-range point to put his side a point ahead. Bourke's point was followed by another Swords’ free as Caragh started to play with a bit more confidence.
Meath Hill’s task was not made any easier when Jamie Slavin was shown a black card with five minutes left. Another free for Swords meant that as the clock ticked down, Meath Hill had to go in search of a goal. They almost got one too when Jake Gillen got a fist to a long ball in but his goal attempt just flew past the left-hand side of the Caragh post.
Points for Swords and Ronan Doorey ensured there was no way back for Shay McCoy’s men as Caragh ended the journey for the Meath Hill faithful.
Caragh – Michael Behan; Cathal McKennedy, Matthew McNally, Billy Byrne; Conor Sullivan, Ryan Burke (0-1), Paul Dockery; Kevin Connor, Dan Lynam; Josh Gannon (0-1), Darragh Swords (0-7, five frees), Dan Murray; Ronan Doorey (0-1), Jake Corrigan, Kevin Campbell. Subs Austin Nevin (0-1) for Lynam 13m, Fergal McKennedy for Campbell 26m, Liam Blake for Corrigan 60m.
Meath Hill – Dominic Yorke; Damien Turley, Thomas Carolan, Andrew Monaghan; Coor Marry, Jamie Slavin, Peter Griffen; Jack Slavin, Ryan Ownes; Cormac Sheehy (0-4, one free), Jack McMahon, Gary Breslin (0-2, one free); James Mooney, Sean Ownes, Shane McCabe. Subs – Ciaran Farrelly for McMahon 41m, Jake Gillen for McCabe 49m.
Referee - Kevin Williamson (Tullamore)