South Dublin test beckons for Meath Combined Schools side

The Meath Hurling School’s development squad will take on South Dublin this Saturday in Trim

After getting the better of Westmeath schools in their first competitive match in over 10 years, the Meath Hurling School’s development squad return to action this weekend against South Dublin Schools as they look to potentially earn a spot in the Leinster ‘A’ Schools competition.

The Meath Schools Development initiative aims to establish a combined schools hurling team, uniting talents from post-primary schools across the county into a single, formidable squad. Inspired by the success of Meath’s inaugural Combined Schools football team, this hurling counterpart aims to elevate the sport’s profile and provide young players from traditionally lower-tier schools with a platform to compete at the highest level.

​At the heart of the initiative is Pa Ryan, who spearheaded discussions with the Meath Hurling Development Committee to lay the groundwork for the proposal. Schools throughout the county were consulted to gauge interest, and the response was met with widespread enthusiasm. Teachers and coaches from all over the county expressed support, with many already nurturing strong ideas. The shared excitement revealed a deep hunger for collaboration and growth within the school hurling community.

Pa Ryan (Ashbourne Community School), Anthony Sheridan (Athboy Community School), Conor Glynn (Ashbourne Community School), Mark Murray (Boyne Community School), Ian Murphy (Ashbourne Community School) and Diarmuid Collins (St. Patrick’s, Navan) were selected to lead the squad and liaise with Meath Coaching and Games.

​By late May 2025, the management team reconvened with Meath Coaching and Games (Meath Hurling Development, and Conor Dillon (GPO) to refine the long-term vision. Dillon was appointed Liaison Officer, responsible for coordinating trials, training sessions, and fixtures throughout the year.

The Meath combined school’s first competitive outing took place on Wednesday, November 12th, against Westmeath Schools. A brace of goals from Callum Buckley and one each for Alex Cole and Ben Healy inspired the Meath side to a 4-18 to 2-14 victory in the knockout competition.

Next up for the Pa Ryan’s young guns is a semi-final clash with South Dublin Schools in Trim at 1pm. In the other semi-final, North Dublin schools will face Offaly Schools. Only the winners of the competition will progress to the Leinster A Schools.

Information on the Meath Hurling Development Squad for this article was provided by Meath GAA.

The Meath Development Schools Panel

Goalkeepers

Daniel Carolan (St.Pat's Navan)

Fionn Ennis (Boyne Community School)

Defenders

Luca Taheny (Boyne Community School)

Sean Harrigan (Boyne Community School)

Ruairi McCaffrey (Boyne Community School)

Eanna Kiernan (Athboy Community School)

Sean Ward (Ashbourne Community School)

Dan Quinn (Boyne Community School)

Jack McKeown (Athboy Community School)

Luke Casey (St.Pat's Navan)

Euan Kerr (St.Pat's Navan)

Midfielders

Kian McKiegue (Ratoath College)

Evan Lawless (Boyne Community School)

Joel Mangan(St. Peter's College Dunboyne)

Forwards

Shane Jordan (Boyne Community School)

Louis McIvor (Ashbourne Community School)

Cathal Barron (Boyne Community School)

Aaron Reidy (Ratoath College)

Eoin Flanagan (St.Pat's Navan)

Dan Morris (Dunshaughlin Community School)

Cathal Purcell (Athboy Community School)

Ben Healy (Boyne Community School)

Darragh Meagher(Ashbourne Community School)

Alex Cole (Boyne Community School)

Callum Buckley (Coláiste De Lacy Ashbourne)

Eoghan McDermott (St.Pat's Navan)

Sean Vaughan (Athboy Community School)

Cian Smith (Athboy Community School)

Gavin Daly (Ratoath College)

Rob Hayes (Ratoath College)