Sports Review of the Year - April: ...Worst first-half performance from a Meath side in memory

APRIL REVIEW

As starts go this was not part of the script. Colm O'Rourke's first Leinster SFC game as Meath manager turned out to be something of a nightmare as his charges lost out to Offaly, 0-10 to 1-11 at Tullamore. Meath went into the game as favourites but they that mantle soon fell away as the visitors gave a flat, directionless opening half display - surely one of the worst served up by any Meath team in a championship game in recent times.

They trailed 0-2 to 1-8 at the interval and while they improved immeasurably in the second-half they still lost out, their failure to score a goal proving to be a major impediment to ultimate success. Mathew Costello finished up as Meath's topscorer with just three points, two frees. It was onto the Tailteann Cup where Meath were drawn in a group with Down, Tipperary and Waterford.

The Meath hurlers kicked off April by picking up a piece of silverware. They clinched the NHL Div 2B crown by defeating Donegal at Carrick-on-Shannon. Seorise Bulfin's hghly-motivated, well-prepared side did it with a certain panache too, winning by 0-20 to 1-14. One of the Meath heroes was Damien Healy. He felt it was vital for the team's development to secure promotion. "I think this league title is more important to us than the Ring Cup," he added.

That Ring Cup offensive began in a promising fashion with a 2-20 to 0-24 victory over Mayo, Jack Regan helping himself to 1-11, seven frees, one '65.' However, against London in Ruislip Meath's ambitions received a hammerblow when they lost out, 1-24 to 4-17. For once Bulfin's team were brittle defensive and crumbled. They got back on track next time out defeating Derry away.

There was a case of so near yet so far for the Meath camogie team under Brendan Skehan. They did very well to reach the National Camogie Div 2A final at Croke Park. Playing in the Big House was, understandably enough, a huge moment in the careers of the players. Meath certainly didn't look over-awed, daunted by the assignment. For much of the contest played in sultry conditions they looked like they would win. They led 0-7 to 0-5 at the interval but in the closing stages Kerry pushed ahead where they stayed.

At under-age level there was some encouragement for Meath. The minors started their Leinster championship campaign with a 2-10 to 0-10 win over Westmeath, Ben Corkery scoring 2-1. Then, in the next round, their campaign stumbled. They were defeated, 0-11 to 2-9 by Dublin at Pairc Tailteann. Still there was some consolation for home fans in the fact the home team put up determined, gritty display. It was something at least.

In soccer Robinstown FC achieved unprecedent success by winning the LFA Junior Shield defeating Sporting BJD 2-1 at the MDL.

The precarious nature of professional soccer was underlined in the way Timmy Clancy parted company with St Patrick's Athletic by "mutual consent." He had taken over in December 2021.