Meath Sports Awards... Glorious adventure ends in success for Meath minors
At the end of a game that was filled with drama Meath claimed the 2021 All-Ireland MFC title last August defeating Tyrone 1-12 to 1-11 with Shaun Leonard firing over a late point that proved decisive.
What a contest it turned out to be as Meath and Tyrone gave it everything as they went about the task of trying to win the Tom Markham Cup. The game ebbed and flowed but in the end Cathal O Bric's team had enough to make it across the line ahead of their Ulster opponents.
It as a glorious culmination of a journey that had started with a victory over Louth before Dublin were conquered in the Leinster decider, 3-8 to 1-3. Next up was Sligo in the All-Ireland semi-final and with the help of 1-3 from Christian Finlay, Meath marched to a 2-14 to 2-9 victory with John Mannion also finding the back of the net for the winners.
The win set up a final showdown with Tyrone. On the big day Meath supporters travelled to Croke Park hoping to witness their team achieve victory - and they were not disappointed although they had to endure a tense end to the game. With the help of an outstanding Oisin O Murchu goal the young Royals led 1-7 to 1-6 at the interval.
The closing stages were dominated by Tyrone but they failed to take full advantage and in the hectic finish Leonard popped over the winning point. After the tight, tense game Meath could at last celebrate.
"There were men there of 70 and 80 years of age and there were tears in their eyes because they hadn't seen an All-Ireland title come back to the county in such a long time," added relieved manager O Bric afterwards.