Positive performance from the U-15 Hurling Development Panel

Meath 2-18 Dublin 0-05

Meath, captained by Darragh Wright chose to play with the benefit of a moderate breeze in the first half. Meath were missing a couple of their regulars (Evan Lawless and Patrick Cleary) but that was not visible in any aspect of the match. From the start the Meath team looked hungry for possession and didn’t afford Dublin any time or space on the ball. While there were a lot of chances in front of goal Meath didn’t make the most of their goal chances. In the first half all of the Meath forwards scored from play to finish the half at 0-10 to 0-03 in favour of Meath.

Meath played against the breeze in the second half and expertly adapted their play to a more accurate short passing style which has been a key area of focus throughout this groups time with the development squad. This approach enabled the Meath full forward line to capitalise on their strength and skill with both Alex Cole and Ben Healy scoring decisive scores to end any hope of a possible Dublin resurgence.

All players stuck to their task and gave an excellent account of themselves. Fionn Ennis in goals mopped up any loose ball and gave the team an attacking platform with every possession. Conor Heffernan, Patrick Guy and John Kiloran dominated the Dublin full forward line even with constant changes by the Dublin management to try and break them down. The halfback line of Eoin Smyth, Terry Martin and Charlie Fagan were more than a match for the Dublin forwards and assisted the Meath tally with a Charlie Fagan point in the second half.

The Meath midfield (Darragh Wright and Kian McKeigue) worked tirelessly throughout the game and had their hands full with the strongest of the Dublin players. Not withstanding this they worked together and imposed their physicality throughout.

The Meath forwards had a tough time from the start with Dublin crowding the defence and closing down the space in front of the forward line. Alex Cole, Ben Healy and Harry McGuirk created havoc in front the posts. Sean Nolan with one of the catches of the day deserved the 0-02 he scored from play.

Meath were comfortable winners in the early part of the second half and given many of these players had played minor hurling in the previous days were able to bring on plenty of fresh legs which demonstrates the strength and depth in this squad. Meath running out eventual winners 2-18 to 0-05

Starting Lineup:

1. Fionn Ennis (Trim)

2. John Kiloran (Na Fianna)

3. Conor Heffernan (Trim)

4. Patrick Guy (Boardsmill)

5. Charlie Fagan (Dunderry) (0-01)

6. Terry Martin (Kilmessan)

7. Eoin Smyth (Loughcrew Gaels)

8. Darragh Wright (Clann na Gael) Captain

9. Kian McKeigue (Ratoath)

10. Sean Nolan (Killyon) (0-02)

11. Conor Duffy (Ratoath) (0-01)