Meath win Gerry Reilly Cup final

Meath won the Leinster u-16 Gerry Reilly Cup final this evening at MIllbrook with a 2-14 to 1-13 victory against Cavan.

Apart from the opening minute when they trailed to a Daryl McGurren point for Cavan the Meath boys were always in the ascendancy and were able to pull out points when required, but it was an exciting contest packed with good football from each team.

The exchanges were tight up until man-of-the-match Evan Corrigan claimed Meath's first goal in the 27th minute and that helped the Royal County into a 1-7 to 0-4 interval advantage. 

PRESENTATION OF BRIODY BEDDING MAN OF THE MATCH AWARD

Three points from Niall Finnerty (two frees), a brace from Barry Thompson (one free) and one each by Cillian Hegarty and Shane  Smyth sustained Meath's first-half challenge.

Cavan laboured their way to further points from McGurren (free), Finntán O'Reilly and Caoimhin McGovern, but they burst from the traps for the second-half.

O'Reilly sent over a free inside 60 seconds and then finished smartly to the net while Meath squandered a goal chnace at the other end.

With only two points in it (1-7 to 1-5) Cavan were very much in contention, but they just couldn't get it back to parity as Meath reeled off the points from David Bell, Corrigan and Finnerty. A vital second Meath goal provided a cushion with Corrigan's run creating the chance and he also finished.

All Cavan could muster in response was a point apiece by McGurren and Jack Mooney and the ULster boys needed a smart save from Brian O'Rourke to keep out Bell's effort after Corrigan made the opening.

Ahead by 2-10 to 1-7 at the three-quarter stage Meath were put under serious pressure as Cavan got back into the game but were unable to make any serious impression on the scoreboard.

O'Reilly (two frees), McGovern with a brace from play, Cian Farrelly and Evan Kelly all sent over for Cavan, but four converted  frees from Bell (two), Thompson and Finnerty kept Meath in pole position.

SEE VIDEO CLIP OF CUP PRESENTATION