Semi-final spot secured despite battling defeat
WEXFORD MEATH 1-15 1-11
MEATH qualified for the semi-finals of the Leinster IFC despite this narrow round-three defeat at Dunshaughlin on Sunday.
Wexford, who were Division 2 League finalists, went into the game as strong favourites after recording an easy victory over the Royals in the league earlier in the year.
After leading 1-9 to 0-4 at the break it looked as if Wexford would romp to another comfortable win, but instead they were made fight all the way.
Fiona O’Neill got Meath off the mark after Wexford had opened the scoring with two early points. Further points from Niamh O’Sullivan and Marion Farrelly left it 0-3 each, before Wexford dominated for the remainder of the half.
During that spell the Model County out-scored their opponents 1-7 to 0-1, with the Meath point coming from Fiona O’Neill.
The home side rung the changes for the second half by introducing three subs and it seemed to have the desired effect. Emma Troy accounted for the Meath goal, while O’Neill hit five points to take her tally to seven for the hour.
MEATH: Orla McLaughlin; Aideen Guy, Kate Flynn, Paula Dunne; Emma Troy 1-0, Niamh Lister, Niamh Gallogly; Kate Byrne, Maire O’Shaughnessy; Megan Thynne Niamh O’Sullivan 0-2, Emma White; Stacey Grimes 0-1, Marion Farrelly 0-1, Fiona O’Neill 0-7. Subs: Judy Bobbett for McLaughlin, Katie Newe for Dunne, Aoibheann Leahy for White.