Meath ladies lose to Kerry

Meath suffered their first defeat in the Ladies NFL Div 2, but they were by no means disgraced as they pushed 2010 All-Ireland SFC semi-finalists Kerry all they way in dire conditions at Kilcummin on Sunday. With easy wins over Waterford and Armagh under their belts, Meath travelled south for their high noon showdown with the Kingdom full of confidence and while they left with nothing they can be proud of their efforts as they once again showed that the future of ladies football in the Royal County looks very bright. Kerry were hot favourites to win this tie. They were edged out in last year's All-Ireland SFC semi-final after a replay by Tyrone and with their growing reputation they are once again expected to be to the fore for honours in 2011. Meath's prospects were hindered by the absence of Elaine Duffy and Philomena Sheridan. Duffy was the outstanding performer from the win over Armagh and her presence was sorely missed. The opening half was a tight affair with both sides having to work hard to create openings. Kerry started brighter with the opening two points, but their early dominance was stifled by fine defending from Ashley Leavy (pictured). Inspired by stout defending, Fiona Mahon and Jenny Rispin soon had Meath level before Kerry moved ahead again 0-3 to 0-2. Orlaith McLaughlin made a couple of fine saves to keep Meath in touch, but she couldn't prevent the hosts from moving two points clear 10 minutes before the break. Ger Doherty and Katie O'Brien again brought Meath back level, but it was Kerry who took a 0-5 to 0-4 interval lead. Throughout the second-half Meath dominated possession, but could not break down Kerry's rearguard. The hosts caught Meath in possession to move 0-6 to 0-4 ahead, but Meath's new found self-belief ensured they were always in contention. Mahon added her second point of the afternoon, but it was cancelled out by Louise Galvin's free a minute later. At the end of the third-quarter Meath were denied a penalty after O'Brien's shot was foot-blocked, but from the resultant free Doherty pointed to narrow the deficit again. Meath dominated possession in the last 10 minutes, but they lacked the cutting edge from previous rounds of the league. Mahon closed the gap to the minimum with nine minutes remaining before McLaughlin pulled off another remarkable save. Twice in the closing minutes Kerry managed to pull two points clear and that is how it finished as Meath's brave effort fell just short. Meath - O McLaughlin; M Kealy, C O'Shaughnessy, A Murray; O Sheridan, E Rahill, A Leavy; K O'Brien (0-2), S Bennett; G Nulty, K Allen, F Mahon (0-3); G Doherty (0-2), J Rispin (0-1), V McCormack. Subs - E Wardick for Kealy, B Lynch for Leavy.