Quinn's goal proves a mighty boost for Meath

Officially today's National Camogie Leauge Div 2 game at Ashbourne was just that - a league match, nothing less, nothing more. Officially.

In reality this was much more than a 'mere' league fixture and the quality of the play produced, the relentless tempo of the match, indicated that.

This was one of those rare things. A league played at championship intensity. A do or die league encounter when the winner took all - and that winner turned out to be Meath.

The fact that Derry and Meath had both won three out of four games played meant that whoever claimed the win here would be assured of a place in the divisional final against Kerry. So there was a lot up for grabs. There was no shortage of motivation in either camp - and that was mirrored in the fierce intensity of this clash.

The final, it is understood will be played in Croke Park, although at the time of writing that had yet to be confirmed.

What a game this was. It started at a breakneck speed and never let up. Brendan Skehan's side led 1-5 to 0-5 at the interval and they were still in front going into the closing stages but they had to withstand considerable pressure and a series of nervy moments at the end before they could claim victory.

The vital point is that they did survive drawing on their considerable resources of resilience to do so.

There were a number of goalmouth scrambles, intense rucks but Meath were able to clear each time and sustain their precious advantage.

The crucial difference as it turned out was the only goal of the game. It arrived after 14 minutes. Meath moved the ball upfield. Olivia O'Halloran embarked on a surging run. She line up a shot. It looked like she was going for a point but, against the breeze, the ball fell short.

For a tantalisingly moment the sliotar seemed to hang in the air, long enough for the alert Caroline Quinn to get a touch to it with her stick and direct it to the net. That put Meath 1-3 to 0-2 in front and firmly on the front foot where they stayed.

Both sets of players deserved tremendous credit for conjuring up a highly entertaining encounter with Meath having heroes all over the pitch. Claire Coffey and Maeve Clince once more formed a formidable defensive backbone; Cliodhna O'Riordan toiled tirelessly in midfield while her partner in the centre, Aoife Minogue, time and again embarked on her trademark upfield forays, causing, in the process, havoc in the Derry defence.

Grace Coleman was again bright and alert to possibilities. Every single player was immense. Goalkeeper Tara Murphy didn't have to do much but she had to keep her concentration because Derry were always a threat especially in those closing minutes when they sought desperately to save themselves. One late block by Murphy as the game ticked into injury time was vital.

Once they got into pole position, Meath were able to stay three points in front for most of the time with Derry getting within two points of them, briefly, in the second-half and at the very end.

Minogue and Coleman did much in open play to ensure there side stayed in front and they also fired over three points apiece over an hour's play that flew past.

When the Ulster side looked to be building up some momentum Meath were able to find an answer with the tireless Aoibhin Lally, Ellen Burke and Niamh Daly also raising white flags.

Derry had big performers such as Aine McAllister who finished with six points, five frees, but it could be argued, Meath had more players who edged out their opponents in individual duals.

Dervla O'Kane also capped a fine display for the Derry girls with two classy points from play. It says something about the Meath defence that the team in white and red didn't create a clear-cut goal chance.

Daly's point was arguably the score of the game. It arrived early in the second-half. Minogue and Coleman were involved in working the ball out to Daly near the right touchline. Somehow she managed to arrow the ball between the posts for a morale-enhancing score. It is moments like that can provide a massive lift to any team.

Meath's application and attitude could not be faulted. They showed the quality to win a league game that was a championship clash in disguise.

SCORERS

Meath - Caroline Quinn 1-0; Aoife Minogue 0-3 two frees; Grace Coleman 0-3 two frees; Aoibhinn Lally 0-1; Niamh Daly 0-1; Ellen Burke 0-1.

Derry - Aine McAllister 0-6 five frees; Dervla O'Kane 0-2; Grainne McAtamney 0-1; Mairead McNicholl 0-1 free.

TEAMS

Meath - Tara Murphy; Ellen Burke, Claire Coffey, Rachel O'Neill; Tracy King, Maeve Clince, Leah Devine; Cliodhna O'Riordan, Aoife Minogue; Aoibhinn Lally, Grace Coleman, Nadine Doyle; Sophia Payne, Caroline Quinn, Olivia O'Halloran. Subs - Niamh Daly for O'Halloran 23 mins, Nora Jean Linehan for Quinn 60m.

Derry - Niamh McQuillan; Niamh Quinn, Shannon Doherty, Eimear O'Kane; Rachel Downey, Aoife Ni Chasaide, Lauren McKenna; Aine McGill, Dervla O'Kane; Aine McAllister, Grainne McAtamney, Eimear McGuigan; Aoife Shaw, Mairead McNicholl, Mary Hegarty. Subs - Aimee Lennon for McAtamney 49 mins, Sinead McGill for Hegarty 53m.