MINORS RUMBLE ON
Wicklow put Meath to the sword in Celtic Challenge
WICKLOW MEATH ROYALS 4-14 3-7
AFTER a lightening start by the Meath side, going seven points clear to no score, Wicklow settled into this game to gradually regain control to fight their way back into contention.
Two late goals from the Wicklow and St Pats full-forward Paddy Moorehouse and one from Bray Emmets man Rory Lambe resulted in a flattering scoreline on the final whistle of Wicklow 4-14 to Meath’s 3-7.
Meath got off to the much better start over the Wicklow side, bagging two goals and a point before the Garden hurlers registered a point from a converted PJ O’Connor free. Meath played with an extra midfielder which caused havoc for the Wicklow defence in the opening ten minutes.
Wicklow slowly settled into the game and with 15 minutes gone the introduction of Tinahely’s Eoghan Byrne brought some much needed structure to the game.
Paddy Moorehouse was in fine form, converting four points in the first half all from tight angles.
Arklow Rocks man Liam Somers, who was starting for the first time in the championship, looked threatening all throughout the half setting up a number of chances and picking up a well worked individual point.
Twenty minutes in and Wicklow were rewarded a penalty after Somers was dragged down in the box. PJ O’Connor stepped up but the shot was expertly saved and cleared.
Wicklow seemed to be focused back in and went in at half-time, Wicklow 0-7, Meath 2-4.
The second half proved a much more evenly matched game. Wicklow and Meath both trading points until the 40 minute of play when Meath broke in to score their third goal. Wicklow 0-9, Meath 3-6.
Wicklow introduced a number of fresh legs around the field. Éire Óg Greystones’ Neil Browne came on to control the sweeper in the middle of the field and control him he did.
With Meath’s main threat under pressure, Wicklow began to close the gap.
Points coming from Seanie McDonnagh, Zach Cullen and Captain David Maloney. An exceptional performance by Tim Byrne (Barndarrig), who got his first start, kept the sharp shooting corner forwards quiet.
With 15 minutes left Wicklow were still trailing, a powerful run from Eoghan Byrne snatched a goal back. Rory Lambe came on for Hollywood’s Brian Keogh to pick up another goal just seconds after. Wicklow now led for the first time in the game, Wicklow 2-12, Meath 3-7.
Oisin O’Neill (Glenealy) and Jake O’Kelly (Blessington) came on into the full-forward line for an immediate impact.
A superb 20-yard run from O’Neill set up Paddy Moorehouse for a goal just at the end.
Meath heads were beginning to drop and another long range shot from McDonnagh which dropped short to Moorehouse once more who found the net. Shane Browne (wing back) made a final burst forward to grab himself a point before the final whistle to open his Celtic Challenge account.
Full-time: Wicklow 4,14, Meath 3-7. A flattering scoreline for the Wicklow men.
The side now sit top of the table and face Kildare on June 6 in Hawkfield in the final group game of the competition.
Conor Connolly; Adam Bushe, Des Byrne, Tim Byrne; Darragh Owens, Eoin Kavanagh, Shane Browne; David Maloney, Seanie McDonnagh; Brian Keogh, Zach Cullen, PJ O’Connor; Torna Mulconroy, Paddy Moorehouse, Liam Somers. Subs: Eoghan Byrne for Seanie McDonnagh; Neill Browne for Adam Bushe; Oisin O’Neill for PJ O’Connor; Rory Lambe for Liam Somers; Darren Reilly for Des Byrne; Jake O’Kelly for Eoghan Byrne.