U-16s make Reilly final
MEATH will be attempting to win the Gerry Reilly Cup for the first time since 2007 when they take on Monaghan in the final at the end of the month after clinching their place in the decider at the expense of Laois in Oldcastle on Sunday evening.
It was winner-takes-all in this clash and the opening half was closely contested, with Meath leading 1-8 to 1-3 at the break. There was little indication at that stage, however, that the home side would end runaway winners after Laois had made a fine recovery from what was a dreadful start.
Darragh Swaine, Brian McCormack and Luke Mitchell (two) had points before Swaine struck for Meath’s opening goal on nine minutes. Adam Treanor then added to the Meath tally before Laois opened their account through Ross Bolger.
The Laois boys were back in contention after Seamus Farrelly netted and they added a brace of points for good measure to leave just two between the teams.
However, Meath rallied on the approach to half-time and three unanswered points left them five clear at the break.
Laois had a great chance of a goal shortly after the restart, but Meath keeper Sam Coughlan brought off a fine save and that proved a turning point.
A goal from Luke Mitchell left Meath firmly in the driving seat and they hammered home their superiority after that, hitting seven points, with Laois only managing a single point in reply in the same period.
There was only one team in it in the closing stages and Brian O’Hanlon added two goals, while Adam Kelly completed the Meath goal tally.
Laois never gave up, despite the one-sided look to the scoreline, and they now have the opportunity to play Dublin in the Plate final.
Afterwards, Meath forward Darragh Swaine was presented with the RESPA ‘Man of the Match’ accolade by Bobby Kellett from Kelletts Oldcastle Ltd.