Dream dies at the last

A LAST-GASP match-winning goal from Meath’s Joe Sheridan sparked outrage from Louth players and supporters alike at the end of the 2010 Leinster final.

With Louth leading 1-10 to 0-12 points, the Wee County appeared destined to end their 53-year wait for a provincial title as the game entered its final moments.

A hopeful punt by the Royals appeared to be collected inside the square and, following a goalmouth scramble, Sheridan carried the ball over the line before throwing it into the net.

Referee Martin Sludden awarded the goal, overruling his umpires who seemed to suggest there had been a number of fouls in the lead-up.

Meath had led 0-8 to 0-5 at the interval, Louth’s JP Rooney, Paddy Keenan and Brian White keeping the underdogs in touch.

Louth dominated the second period and their fans dared to dream when Rooney rifled into the net in the 63rd minute.

Sludden’s intervention was telling, however. The aftermath was marred by ugly scenes as the referee was attacked by Louth supporters as he left the field. Meath: B Murphy, C O’Connor, K Reilly, E Harrington, G O’Brien, A Moyles (C McGuinness), C King, B Meade, N Crawford, S Kenny, J Sheridan, G Reilly, C Ward, S O’Rourke (P Byrne), S Bray.

ScorerS: G Reilly 0-4, C Ward 0-4 (4f), S Bray 0-2, J Sheridan 1-0, A Moyles and N Crawford 0-1 each. Louth: N Gallagher, E McAuley, D Finnegan, R Greene (S Fitzpatrick), R Finnegan, M Fanning (A Hoey), J O’Brien, P Keenan, B White, A McDonnell, M Brennan, A Reed (D Byrne), C Judge, S Lennon (P Smith), JP Rooney.

ScorerS: B White 0-4 (3f), C Judge 0-2 (1f), JP Rooney 1-1, A McDonnell, A Reed and P Keenan 0-1 each. referee: M Sludden (Dromore).