Another Louth test looming as minors win

Meath encountered very little opposition from Wexford as they strolled into the Leinster MFC semi-final at windswept Pairc Tailteann on Saturday afternoon. There was plenty to admire about the Meath performance as they dismantled Wexford without any serious pressure. The only downside was lots of questions unanswered, but that didn't unduly worry manager Davy Dalton. "We can only beat the team that's put in front of us and we are now in a Leinster semi-final," he told the Meath Chronicle. There is also the prospect of a lengthy break to facilitate exams with the provincial semi-final scheduled for a midweek away fixture against Louth on Wednesday 29th June. The Meath team is certainly taking on a more settled look and all the resources that have been allocated for under-age development appear to be reaping some rewards. Former Coaching Officer Brian Carberry informed delegates at last week's monthly Co Committee meeting that 23 players out of the 30 selected for the minor panel have progressed through the Centre of Excellence over the last few years to make up the current panel. The fact that seven players have joined the panel separately also demonstrated that the door is always open to cater for new faces, according to Carberry. On Saturday at Pairc Tailteann Meath made a very positive start against the elements and displayed many different skills as they coped with what a limited Wexford team had to offer Meath had two points on the board in as many minutes from Brian McMahon (free) and Bobby O'Brien as the team played some good early possession football and worked the ball out of defence confidently. Those tactics, the ability to retain possession, produced a third O'Brien point in the fifth minute after Wexford were forced to concede a free. Neil Shorthall was impeded around the middle, he took the free quickly and O'Brien sent over. Wexford sparkled briefly with a pointed Brendan Kearney free after nine minutes and a similar score from play by Aidan Nolan which shaved the top of the crossbar after he claimed a high ball under pressure from Conor McGill. Normal service was restored promptly as Meath re-asserted their superiority and reeled off points from McMahon (two, one free), Robert Farrelly, O'Brien, Shorthall (free) and corner back Anthony Forde. All that translated into a 0-9 to 0-2 interval lead. The second-half brought no respite for a Wexford team that had negotiated Kilkenny in the opening round. McMahon and Shorthall had a point apiece on the scoreboard immediately after the resumption while Farrelly was denied a goal by a smart save from Wexford custodian Philly Murphy. Further points from Cillian O'Sullivan (pictured)and Willie McGrath (two each) and O'Brien were augmented by an overdue goal which arrived near the end. O'Brien gained possession about 40 metres out and surged through a porous Wexford rearguard before finishing to the net. Wexford pointed through substitute Padraig O'Leary four minutes from time and Meath goalkeeper Robert Burlingham also produced a good save which denied another Wexford substitute, James Sweeney, a goal. Westmeath referee Damien Maher issued eight yellow cards, equally divided. Meath - Robert Burlingham (Simonstown Gaels); Anthony Forde (Moynalvey 0-1), Conor McGill (Ratoath), Oran Fitzpatrick (Clann na nGael); Cathal Finn (Dunboyne), Shane Meila (Donaghmore/Ashbourne), Barry McConnor (Killary Emmetts); Padraig Harnan (Moynalvey), Shane McEntee (Dunboyne); Neil Shorthall (St Vincent's/Curraha 0-2 one free), Bobby O'Brien (Ratoath 1-4), Cillian O'Sullivan (Moynalvey 0-2); Brian McMahon (Ratoath 0-4 two frees), Robert Farrelly (Oldcastle 0-1), William McGrath (Ballinlough/Inny Gaels 0-2). Subs - Declan Smyth (Dunsany) for McConnon half-time, Seamus Mattimoe (Round Towers) for Farrelly 45 mins, Fiachra McEntee (Nobber) for Shorthall and David Donnellan (Walterstown) for McGrath both 52m, Kevin Lyons (Summerhill) for Melia 55m. Wexford - P Murphy; M Doyle, D Byrne, G Foley; K Butler, J Tubritt, AJ Lehane; S Hughes, E O'Byrne; D Foley, G Murphy, P Brien; B Kearney (0-1 free), A Nolan (0-1), C McCabe. Subs - P Watters for O'Byrne 26 mins, J Sweeney for Kearney 40m, A Doyle for Breen 43m, P O'Leary (0-1) for Tubritt 48m, B Hughes for Foley 56m. Referee - Damien Maher (Westmeath).