Minors have the class to end long wait in Leinster
MEATH minor footballers will be attempting to win their first provincial crown in the grade in 10 years when they face Kildare in the Electric Ireland Leinster MFC decider at O’Moore Park, Tullamore, this coming Saturday at 2pm.
The Royals go into the clash favourites to lift the title after some impressive displays in the round robin section and a runaway semi-final victory over Laois.
Joe Treanor’s side won four of their five group matches and their only loss was with a weakened team against Wicklow, having secured top spot in their group.
Kildare won all four of their group games but needed two games to overcome Wicklow in the semi-final, the sides finishing level after extra time in the first encounter. The Lilywhites came out on top 2-12 to 1-13 in the replay in Aughrim last Friday to set up a first Leinster decider between the counties at minor level since 1990.
Meath’s last final appearance was in 2012 when a side managed by Andy McEntee went down to Dublin in both the Leinster and All-Ireland finals.
This present Meath side, which has three of the panel that captured an Under-17 Leinster crown last year - captain Matthew Costello, Cian McBride and Conor Harford - has an abundance of talent, from keeper Sean Brennan to corner forward Luke Mitchell.
Brennan, a grandson of Meath 1967 All-Ireland winner Tony, was in outstanding form in the 5-18 to 0-8 semi-final win over Laois.
James O’Hare, Harry O’Higgins and Cathal Hickey form a solid full back line, but it is further afield that Meath are most impressive. Towering midfielder Cian McBride is a top-class prospect and crucial to Meath’s prospects. The St Ultan’s clubman produced a vintage display of high fielding in the semi-final alongside the hard-working Adam Reilly. Meath also have plenty of firepower up front with the likes of Costello, St Colmcille’s David Bell, Brian McCormack and Luke Mitchell.
Bell, who is eligible again next year, has been a revelation since regaining his starting place and has a real eye for finding the net, while Mitchell has contributed enormously from placed balls.
Regardless of the outcome on Saturday, both counties will be in All-Ireland quarter-final action the following weekend, but it will be a major disappointment if this talented Meath side don’t lift provincial honours.