Shocks aplenty in Meath SFC

Most the favourites for outright honours in the Meath SFC had their flags lowered a little over the weekend as the second round of the race for the Keegan Cup threw up some very surprising results.

In Trim on Friday evening Na Fianna led for the majority of the contest, but still needed a late free from Dan Queeney to earn a 2-12 each draw with championship favourites Navan O'Mahonys.

Fergal Foran's side looked on course for victory when goals from James Geagan and Jamie Queeney boosted them to a 2-1 to 0-1 lead, but O'Mahonys proved just why they are champions as they battled back with goals from a Ruairi O Coileain penalty and late strike from Shane Gillespie putting them ahead before Dan Queeney rescued the draw.

Also on Friday night, goals from Bryan Clarke, who scored 1-9 in total, and Stephen Finnegan saw Seneschalstown come from behind to beat Skryne by 2-15 to 0-15 in Pairc Tailteann.

The closing stages of Friday's third game saw Rathkenny stun Gaeil Colmcille by 1-12 to 1-10. The end of the game was marred by melee which saw two Rathkenny officials go into the referee's book and Gaeil Colmcille finish with 13 men.

In Seneschalstown on Saturday night St Patrick's and neighbours Duleek/Bellewstown played out a 0-11 each draw, but there was even greater excitment in Skryne as Moynalvey, inspired by the outstanding performance of David McLoughlin who scored 1-9, stunned Simonstown to claim a 1-16 to 2-12 win.

The only SFC game down for decision on Sunday produced another surprise outcome as Summerhill defied the odds to get the better of Donaghmore/Ashbourne at Pairc Tailteann.

Such an outcome looked unlikely early on as Donaghmore/Ashbourne raced into a 0-4 to 0-1 lead after 10 minutes, but Summerhill got back into the game with a Ciaran Gillespie goal and led by four at half-time.

The dire second-half sparked into life when Donaghmore/Ashbourne managed to draw level in the closing stages, but two outstanding points from substitute Brian Ennis won it for Summerhill, 1-11 to 0-12.