Match Report U20 Dublin v Meath

  • Jul 27,2024

Leinster Under 20 Ladies Football Final

Meath 1-15 Dublin 2-8

By Cóilín Duffy


Dublin battled bravely, but a determined Meath side held firm late on to claim the inaugural Leinster Under 20 Ladies Football Championship at Kilcock GAA Club on Thursday night.

In what were almost ideal weather conditions at the Braganstown venue, both sides give it their all in the battle to be crowned the first ever champions, as the Royals gained revenge for Dublin’s four-point win in the round robin stage.

On three occasions in the second half Dublin found themselves five points in arrears, but they kept battling back. Goals from Kate Watson and substitute Neala Byrne really handing them a lifeline.

But Meath captain Róisín McManus was among those who were a thorn in the Dublin side, and her composure late on, which saw her kick two frees and a point from play in the closing stages, helped pave the way for a Royals win.

This developmental competition was for players who haven’t lined out this year in the Minor or Senior grades for their counties, and it really has helped to showcase some wonderful talent.

Defensively both sides showed well early on and it wasn’t until the 12th minute before Meath opened their account, and it would take Dublin almost a further 11 minutes until they got on the scoresheet.

The likes of Saoirse Delaney, Sophie McIntyre, Clodagh Fox and Kadie Martin were among those showing impressively for the Metropolitans early on, but despite this scores from Mia Brady, Charlie Murray, Nikki Ennis and Niamh McEntee handed Meath a 0-4 to 0-0 lead on 21 minutes.

A well taken free from St. Oliver Plunkett’s Eoghan Ruadh player  Amber McCloskey got Dublin off the mark soon-after, but Meath offered a quick response with Brady’s second score.

By the 25th minute Meath had amassed six wides – a combination of poor-shooting, and some good defensive play by Dublin.

Meath had a goal chance from Ennis in the 26thminute, but Kadie Martin was well placed between the posts to deny the St. Ultans player.

Dublin finished the half strongly, with the sides well balanced in the closing minutes of the half, scoring two points each.

McCloskey and Jennifer Lynch traded points, before Sophie McIntyre and Ennis swapped scores in injury time – McIntyre’s effort coming after some good work by the pacy Hazel Grady of Balinteer St. John’s in the build-up.

Meath led by 0-7 to 0-3 at the interval, and moved five points clear inside a minute of the restart with Charlie Murray on target.

Dublin responded brilliantly – excellent work from Christine Moran of Kilmacud Crokes among the positive play in the opening 10 minutes after the restart.

McIntyre and Timea Kovacs combined efforts resulted in the latter winning a free which she converted, before the opening goal of the tie arrived in the 8th minute.

A wayward Meath ball was gathered by Saoirse Delaney who set off on a pacey run from defence, with McIntyre also involved, before Kate Watson of Erins Isle finished to the net.

1-4 to 0-8 – Dublin were just a point behind after 37 minutes, but despite their excellent efforts they couldn’t find an equaliser.

Meath responded with a McManus point, and while Watson went in search of a second goal in the 42nd minute her effort was blocked by Meath keeper Maebh McCarrick. However, Dublin were awarded a free, which McCloskey converted and the gap was reduced to the minimum once more.

The next break in play saw Meath introduce Éabha Magee, the daughter of Dublin co-manager Johnny, and the Donaghmore Ashbourne player was a strong addition to the Royals side, contributing well in link play over the reminder of the hour.

Following her introduction Meath scored 1-2 without reply including a Sinead Murphy goal, as the Royals moved 1-11 to 1-6 ahead with 10 minutes of normal time remaining.

But like a Phoenix, Dublin once again rose from the ashes, with some really impressive play.

McCloskey led by example with a determined run which saw Dublin win a free after a foul on Kovacs, and McCloskey subsequently sending it between the posts for her fifth score.

Again the Clontarf skipper was involved in Dublin’s next score as she chipped the ball in from the wing, before substitute Neala Byrne from Cuala fired the ball to the net.

Once again just a point separated the sides – now seven and a half minutes left on the clock.

Dublin battled hard to try and find an equaliser or even a lead score, but it just didn’t work out.

A McCloskey free dropped short, but in the scramble inside for the ball Meath were given a free out. Full-back Rachel Callery of Foxrock-Cabinteely worked hard at the opposite end, but Meath won frees – two of which McManus converted to stretch the lead as injury-time approached.

Some solid work by McIntyre helped Dublin win a free which Kovacs sent between the posts, and with just three points between the sides a tense finish ensued.

Meath pressed hard for scores – McManus adding to her tally as the finger tips of Kadie Martin sent the ball over the bar in the first minute of injury time.

Four minutes more followed, but Dublin just couldn’t get the scores they craved as Meath were crowned winners.

While defeat was ultimately their lot, Dublin have plenty of positives to take from this developmental competition. 

Hopefully we see more from these players on the inter-county scene in the coming years - the future certainly looks bright!

For others this may be their last opportunity to play for Dublin, but this experience will certainly stand to them well on the club front.

Fair play to the players of Dublin, Meath, and also Kildare who were also part of this inaugural competition, and indeed to the Leinster LGFA for their foresight to pave the way for what undoubtedly is a competition that is here to stay.

Scorers for Dublin: Amber McCloskey (4f) 0-5; Kate Watson, Neala Byrne 1-0 each; Timea Kovacs (2f) 0-2; Sophie McIntyre 0-1.

Scorers for Meath: Roisin McManus (2f) 0-6; Sinead Murphy 1-1; Nikki Ennis, Mia Brady, Charlie Murray 0-2 each; Niamh McEntee, Jennifer Lynch 0-1 each.

 

DUBLIN: Kadie Martin (Erins Isle); Saoirse Delaney (Erins Isle), Rachel Callery (Foxrock Cabinteely), Hazel Grady (Ballinteer St Johns); Lana Nolan (Ballymun Kickhams), Christine Moran (Kilmacud Crokes), Clodagh Fox (St Sylvesters); Heather Bolger (Ballyboden St Endas), Abigail McKeating (Fingallians); Sophie McIntyre (Lucan Sarsfields), Doireann Egan (Kilmacud Crokes), Amber McCloskey (St Oliver Plunkett Eoghan Ruadh); Cait Phelan (Beann Eadair), Timea Kovacs (Clontarf), Kate Watson (Erins Isle). Subs Used: Leah Pigeon (St Oliver Plunkett Eoghan Ruadh) for Fox (HT); Emma Philips (Thomas Davis) for Nolan (35); Rebecca O’Reilly (Lucan Sarsfields) for McKeating (41); Neala Byrne (Cuala) for Phelan (50); Chloe Bryan (St. Sylvesters) for Watson (59). Rest of Panel: Ava Peake (Raheny), Niamh Redmond (Thomas Davis), Amy Clavin (St. Brigids), Sarah Condron (St. Brigids), Kate Donaghy (Ballyboden St. Endas), Dominique Darby (Parnells).

 

MEATH: Méabh McCarrick; Alison McNulty, Serena Gavin, Clodagh Millington; Meadhbh Hickey, Sarah Maguire, Elena Kennedy; Mia Brady, Sinead Murphy; Tara Traynor, Roisin McManus, Sarah Jane Lyons; Charlie Murray, Jennifer Lynch, Nikki Ennis. Subs Used: Niamh McEntee for Lyons (19); Éabha Magee for Lynch (42), Aideen Reilly for Ennis (60).

REFEREE: Ian Culbert (Wicklow)