Dublin Edge Meath in U14 Thriller

A tremendous battle from start to finish gave the team from the Capital all three points in today’s opening U-14 Championship tie played in St. Colmcilles. An unplayable pitch in Navan O’Mahonys had administrators scrambling for a back-up pitch early this morning and thankfully St. Colmcilles were happy to oblige. While Dublin dominated the opening half, the Royals showed well in the second half leaving just two points between the teams at the final whistle.

 

This was a great game played by two good teams renewing the age old rivalry that only Meath and Dublin can. After ten minutes of cat and mouse between the two teams, Dublin settled first and got two goals in quick succession from high balls being carried with the aid of a stiff breeze. Looking very dangerous in attack, they went 2-01 up and Meath looked in danger of being overrun but a vital breakaway goal in the 20th min from Rebecca King helped Meath settle. However, Dublin dominated possession and latched on 4 fine points before half time.

 

Half Time; Meath 1-00, Dublin 2-05

 

Caragh Monaghan was introduced at half time into the half back line and Meath began the 2nd half in determined fashion. Emma Duggan popped over 2 points but Dublin scored 2 points in reply before the superb Olivia Gore found the Dublin net to begin a superb comeback.  Another goal from Duggan, after a high ball, ended in the back of the net reduced the deficit to just a brace of points; 2-7 to 3-2. Dublin responded brilliantly with a goal and 2 points. However, the Royals, many making their debut in the green and gold, never gave up and with just 5 minutes remaining Meadhbh Byrne found the net. Centre back Molly Browne showed terrific versatility, being switched to full forward and she earned a penalty for Meath just on full time. Rebecca King stepped up to bury the penalty leaving only two points between these rivals again. Meath sensed a victory but alas the final whistle blew on the following kick out.

 

Full Time; Meath 5-02, Dublin 3-10

 

Dublin had some really standout performers; Rachel Fagan in midfield and substitute Hannah Murphy kicked the score of the match with a long range point. The Meath girls and management can take great heart from this game as their attitude and never say die spirit was fantastic. Up next is a home tie against Kildare on March 12th. Meath U-14 management would like to especially thank St. Colmcilles and all their volunteers for their kindness and hospitality today, especially at such short notice!

 

Meath Ladies would like to offer their condolences to Olivia Gore and her family on their recent bereavement. Ar dheas Dé go raibh a anam dilís.

 

Meath Team & Scorers; Aoibheann Corcoran (Moynalvey), Ali Sherlock (Clann na nGael), Aisling McCabe (Summerhill, Captain), Aoibhe Monaghan (Seneschalstown), Zoe Matthews (Rathkenny), Mollie Browne (Walterstown), Caoimhe McPeake (St.Colmcilles), Ellen Grant (St.Pats), Keri Martin (St.Colmcilles), Olivia Gore (1-00, Rathkenny), Emma Duggan (1-02, Dunboyne), Maebh Byrne (1-00, Royal Gaels), Tegan Gordon (St.Colmcilles), Rebecca King (2-00, Summerhill), Alannah Boland (St.Colmcilles)

Subs: Caragh Monaghan (Seneschalstown) for McPeake, Orla Hayes (Ratoath) for King, Eimear Fay (Navan O’Mahonys) for Gordon, Lauren Donnelly (Seneschalstown) for Boland, Rebecca King for Martin.

 

Dublin: Caitlin Staunton (Thomas Davis), Rachel Seery (Templeogue Synge Street), Tammy Quinn Corbally (Thomas Davis), Rachel Lyndon (Kilmacud Crokes), Chloe Johnston (O’Dwyers) Lauren Young (Thomas Davis), Elyse J Murphy (Na Fianna), Rachel Fagan (St Finians Swords), Emily Whelan (O’Dwyers), Amy O Brien (Garristown) Aoife Coffey (Lucan Sarsfields) Hannah Howard (Fingallians), Niamh Cummins (Trinity Gaels), Abby Shiels (Lucan Sarsfields), Sophie McGlynn (Ballyboughal).

 

Ref: C. Groome (Offaly)