Meath Masters make history

History was made in Drumlish on Saturday afternoon when a Meath Masters football team took to the field for the very first time.

A long overdue moment, the Royals marked the occasion with a comeback victory to beat a strong Leitrim/Longford side 3-11 to 1-13 in a challenge match on what was a beautifully sunny March afternoon at the club grounds of Fr Manning Gaels.

The home side led 1-7 to 0-7 at the interval but second-half goals by Barry Balfe, Gary Arkins and Stevie McManus helped spark a Meath comeback. Keith Reilly was named man of the match for his influential performance.

Team captain Gordon Weldon had the honour of lifting the Michael Cunningham Cup after the game, a commemorative trophy presented by Leitrim/Longford in memory of their former player.

Tadhg Boyle managed the Meath team on the day. Meath’s preparations will continue over the coming weeks ahead of the championship starting in May.

Meath:Keith McGuinness, Michael McBride, Brian O’Reilly, Ray Russell, Gary Arkins, Ronan McGuinness, David Gormley, Brian Lucey, Barry Balfe, Gordon Weldon, Mark Brennan, Gordon Manning, Keith Reilly, Stevie McManus, Peadar Byrne, Bernard McLoughlin, Keith Hamilton, James Flavin, Matthew Hanley. Manager - Tadhg Boyle.