Meathmen impress as Maynooth Freshers exit league

Gaelic games

A Maynooth University Freshers side featuring two Meathmen exited the Higher Education League after extra time in the semi-final against ATU Galway last Thursday.

Patrick White (Ratoath) started at midfield for the Kildare-based college with Simonstown’s Aaron Farrelly coming off the bench. Eoin Kelliher (Clann na nGael) was an unused substitute on the evening.

Despite a haul of 0-7 from Allenwood’s Joey Cunningham, the Galway lads, who were ahead by a goal at half-time, just about edged it on a 1-13 to 0-14 scoreline.

Maynooth had White to thank in the 13th minute when he produced a brilliant goal-line clearance to keep the ATU out.

Maynooth started brightly, with Kildare’s Finn Dowling outstanding at full-back in the early stages and Keaveny opening the scoring with an early brace of frees.

Galway led by a goal at half-time but Maynooth improved in the second half and a late Cunningham free forced extra time.

Sub Jack Dooley sent over a brilliant point to tie the game but with penalties looking likely, Galway snatched the win, 1-13 to 0-14, with a long-range free.