Powerful performance
Meath 0-14
Dublin 0-10
After-extra-time
MEATH and Dublin footballers squared up again at Parnell Park on Saturday in the Leinster MFC quarter-final, but on this occasion football made a statement for both teams in a memorable encounter which the Royal County won after extra-time.
There was added interest in the tie because former Meath 'great' Gerry McEntee was at the Dublin helm and there was also the matter of some poor performances over the last few years to be addressed.
Only 12 months ago, Meath were shown the way to the departure lounge at Parnell Park, but on Saturday any lingering demons were exorcised as the class of 2008, under the guidance of manager Pat Coyle, demonstrated that they have resolve, determination and skill for what could yet be a long campaign.
Incident-packed would be the best way to describe the action as Meath shaded the first-half exchanges for a 0-5 to 0-4 interval lead, were reduced to 14 players shortly after the resumption and then wiped out a three-point fourth-quarter deficit on the way to a match-winning performance in extra-time.
Heady stuff which kept both sets of supporters on edge and ultimately left hosts Dublin looking into the abyss of an inter-county football-free summer.
First-half points from Mark Collins (three), Michael Newman and Darragh Smyth were countered by Dublin full-forward Darragh Stapleton and Dean Rock (two each). Dublin were also deprived of a certain goal when Gary Sweeney rifled a ferocious drive off the crossbar.
Meath gained possession from the rebound and raced down the field where Newman was fouled and Collins pointed the resultant free ahead of the half-time whistle.
There were some negative aspects also, none more so than the yellow card which David Ryan collected in that opening-half, he received a second one, rather harshly, 10 minutes after the resumption when he slipped as he went to tackle and the result wasn't actually as bad as it looked.
However, Louth referee Paul Kneel was quick on the draw, although he was inconsistent in his application of cards which on this occasion benefited Dublin more.
After Ryan's departure, Jamie Owens was introduced at midfield and full-forward Harrison Silke was withdrawn. Dublin were in the ascendancy at that stage and eventually forged ahead by 0-9 to 0-6 by the 11th minute, amazingly they failed to score again until the eight minutes into the second-half of extra-time, a total of 37 blank minutes. That was their downfall.
Meath had heroes all over the field. None more so than deputy full-back Sean Curran who might well lose that badge now in place of a permanent one. The Donaghmore / Ashbourne player deputised for the suspended Ciaran Lenehan who was red-carded in the opening round victory over Louth at Pairc Tailteann, but the Skryne teenager will be available for the semi-final.
Mark Battersby also played a crucial role, apart from his fine point with seven minutes remaining which drew the sides level (0-9 apiece) and forced extra-time. He was solid at centre-back where was also deputising for the injured Tommy Johnson.
Newman's performance was highlighted by a tremendous point from a sideline midway through that final quarter which was inspirational, not only for the team and selectors, but for the Meath supporters who were in the majority in the sizeable crowd.
That score sent a message to both the Dublin and Meath players - 'we are not going to lie down' - was probably what it conveyed?
The Royals even survived the loss of wing-back John Kelly with an arm injury, but what was abundantly clear is that the selectors have done a fine job in unearthing a strong bench. Choosing the team the next day will surely generate a lot of debate.
There was only one team in it during extra-time. Back up to 15, Meath posed too many questions as Collins took his tally to seven with a brace of points and substitute Sean Dalton also split the posts.
The distinction of claiming the insurance point fell to another substitute, Oldcastle's Paddy Gilsenan who milked the feat for all that it was worth. That was understandable as he ignited a pitch invasion soon after.
Nothing won yet, but Meath's stock is definitely on an upward curve.
SCORERS
Meath - Mark Collins (0-7, three frees); Michael Newman (0-2, one sideline); Darragh Smyth, Mark Battersby, Damien Carroll, Paddy Gilsenan (0-1 each all from play). Dublin - D Stapleton (0-5, two frees), D Rock (0-3, two frees), G Sweeney (0-2).
THE TEAMS
Meath - Padraig Curran (Dunboyne); Stephen O'Brien (Ratoath), Sean Curran (Donaghmore / Ashbourne), William Carry (Round Towers); Enda Nulty (Round Towers), Mark Battersby (St Vincent's / Curraha), John Kelly (Blackhall Gaels); David Ryan (Skryne), Damien Carroll (Ballinabrackey); Michael Newman (Round Towers), Andrew Tormey (Donaghmore / Ashbourne), Mark Collins (Duleek / Bellewstown); Jake Regan (Navan O'Mahonys), Harrison Silke (Na Fianna), Darragh Smyth (Bective). Subs - Brian McGrane (Walterstown) for O'Brien 38 mins, Jamie Owens (Nobber) for Silke 40m, Paddy Gilsenan (Oldcastle) for Regan 45m, Sean Dalton (Summerhill) for Smyth 50m, Bryan Menton (Donaghmore / Ashbourne) for Kelly 51m; extra-time - Regan replaced Ryan for the start of extra-time, Donncha Tobin 72m for Regan
Dublin - G Bedford; M Schutte, D Nelson, L McHugh; J McCarthy, E Culligan, G Seaver; M Coughlan, C Mullins; D Rock, G Sweeney, E Keogh; G McIntyre, D Stapleton, D Higgins. Subs - C Dorney for Higgins, D Moher for McIntyre, S Murray for Mullins, S Keane Dorney, C Diaz for McCarthy, Higgins for Keane.
REFEREE
Paul Kneel (Louth).