MEATH v DUBLIN: MATCH AT A GLANCE

MAN OF THE MATCH

Despite the 16-point beating there were several decent performances from Meath players. As usual Donal Keogan was excellent as he tried to stem the waves of Dublin attacks. Adam O'Neill continues to grow into a fine full-back, while Ronan Jones worked tirelessly. However Ciaran Caulfield was the pick of Meath's best performers with his surging runs forcing Dublin onto the back foot and his positional awareness snuffing out several decent attacks. His late challenge to deny Dublin a certain goal was outstanding. Never stopped running and was excellent throughout.

MOVE OF THE MATCH

Dublin moved the ball with such pace and ease that they made the game look simple. Meath too produced some excellent passages, but their final ball often let them down, especially in the first-half. There was one sweeping move in the 48th minute when Ronan Jones carried the ball with purpose before laying off to Jack O'Connor. The Curraha man picked out Mathew Costello and he in turn found Ciaran Caulfield. The Trim man spotted James Conlon in a better position and he guided the ball over the bar for what was one of the scores of the game.

MAGIC MOMENT

There was one moment in the 45th minute when Dublin appeared certain to bag their second goal as they pounced on another mistake and set up Paul Mannion for what appeared to be a simple shot to an unguarded net. However, with the goal at his mercy Mannion was denied by Adam O'Neill who appeared out of nowhere, as if he had been teleported to the goal-line, to tip the ball over the bar.

MOAN OF THE MATCH

Long gone are the days of packed houses for Meath and Dublin clashes in the Leinster championship. The official attendance was 21,445, but that also included those who attended the camogie finals involving Westmeath, Derry, Galway and Tipperary that were played earlier in the afternoon. The small crowd that were in attendance for the main event struggled to raise a murmur and that contributed to the flat atmosphere. The provincial championships are dead and the lack of interest from the supporters is another testament to that.

REF WATCH

There can be no blame for Meath's defeat laid at the feet of Galway referee Thomas Murphy, but he wasn't great. How he failed to spot Sean Bugler taking about 13 steps before firing the ball to the net for the opening goal beggars belief. He was eagle-eyed when it came to punishing Billy Hogan and Cian McBride for taking significantly less steps. He also seemed star-struck in the middle of Croke Park and the Dublin cast. He gave them several soft calls and eventually drew ironic cheers from the Meath supporters when he did give a call or two in the Royals direction.