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McGivern Cup final

At Drumconrath

Meath Hill 0-11 Drumconrath 1-7

Meath Hill won the bragging rights for the second time this year with a hard earned 1 point victory over their parish neighbours before a good sized crowd at damp Drumconrath on Saturday.

Drumconrath opened well with Austin Hickey a focal point of their attack and Terry Skelly and Sean McMahon on top at midfield they owned the ball early on. Christopher Tighe bundled the ball into the net on 4 minutes after a Hickey centre troubled the Meath Hill keeper.

 Tadhg Boyle and Mark Tully pointed frees to settle the Hill but Sean McMahon made it 1-1 to 0-2 after a close 1st quarter. Drumconrath suffered a blow on 6 minutes as Hickey pulled a hamstring and was replaced.

Alan Byrne pushed Drums a goal up again and then McMahon and Tully pointed frees to continue with the close theme of the encounter. No further scores arrived until the 29th minute when Mark Tully pointed Meath Hills 1st score from play to leave it 1-3 to 0-4 at the break.

Drums opened well with a Peter McEvoy point at the start of the second half but with captain Keith Ginnity playing well at mid field Meath Hill controlled the middle third of the second half and points from Boyle (2 frees) and 2 points from play from Pauric Smith edged Meath Hill one point ahead by the 50th minute.

Sean Reilly pointed for Drumconrath to level the game but points from Mark Tully (2) and Smith had Meath Hill three to the good as the game entered the last 5 minutes. Drumconrath pressed hard and Alan Byrne pointed after Skelly was fouled and when Byrne was awarded another free late on his shot was deflected over not unlike Kildares effort last week as Meath Hill held out for a narrow win.

In a game played in good spirit Meath Hill had good players in Aodhan Matthews, Keith Ginnity, Tadhg Boyle Mark Tully and Pauric Smith while the home side had good displays from Thomas Carolan, John Lynch, Oran Finnegan, Brendan Lyons and Terry Skelly.

After the game Tom McGivern son of Tommy presented the Cup to Meath Hill captain Keith Ginnity as both clubs will look to 2011 and hope their fortunes will take a turn for the better.

Meath Hill; Chris Yorke; Simon Martin, Brendan Kieran, Karl Pargue; Jason Yorke, Aodhan Matthews, Barry Kieran; Tadhg Boyle (0-3), Keith Ginnity; Tommie Rooney, Pierse McGrath, Pauric Smith (0-3); Derek McMahon, Mark Tully (0-5), Tomas Smith. Subs Paul Kiernan for McMahon, Michael Byrne for McGrath.

Drumconrath; Sean Kane; Alan McEvoy, Thomas Carolan, John Lynch; Terry Halpenny, Oran Finnegan, Peter Tighe; Terry Skelly, Sean McMahon (0-2); Alan Byrne (0-3), Peter McEvoy (0-1), Chris Tighe (1-0); Ollie McMahon, Austin Hickey, Brendan Lyons. Subs Sean Reilly (0-1) for Hickey, Gavin Finnegan for Tighe.

B League V St. Pats Sun 29th August . Played in Meath hill

The Hill `s second League string found a livlely St. pats outfit too hot to handle in a B league game on Sunday played in ideal conditions. The final score 2 - 6 to 0 - 4 did not

reflect the true nature of the game as there was only 3 pts in it up until the last 10 mins of the game when superior fitness and sobriety took its toll!

It was nip and tuck the whole way but a goal conceded midway thru the first half really was the killer blow and it left the hill looking for goals from then on as they were finding it hard to clip over pts with any regularity. A goal and 2 pts were conceded near the end which flattered the Pats but the Hill failed to score playing against a stiff breeze in the second half and that ultimately was the difference.

Team: D. Yorke, Simon Martin, Martin McKenna, D. Shields, M. McConnell, R. Tully, P. Smith, M. Tully, P. McGrath, R. McGrath, T. Rooney, K. Crosby, E. Mathews, E. Boyle,J. Byrne, Sub used - Dara McGrath for Pierce McGrath.

Junior A football championship Q-Final played in Bohermeen Sunday 22nd August

Meath hill were heavily defeated in this Q-final match against a useful Ballinabrackey outfit on a 3 - 13  to 1 - 9 scoreline. The final scoreline gives the impression of a an easy victory for the Bracks but it was on ly in the last 10 mins that a gloss was put on the scoreboard with a late flurry.

The Hill as usual were slow to start and were 5pts down after 15 mins and were finding it difficult to handle the tactical layout of the Bracks and with Chris O1`Connor lying deep behind midfield and Damian Carroll isolated up front. But gradually the Hill got into the game pulled it back to 3pts with hard work and determination. But disaster struck when a harmless looking fifty deceived the Meath hill defence and landed up in the back of the net.

The early stages of the second half were all Meath hill and with good forceful play it was a 1 pt game with Mark Tully getting the goal.  But again Ballinabrackey hit back with a  goal as the Hill strove for the equaliser. This really knocked the stuffing out of the Hill and try as they might they couldn't hold off a stronger Bracks outfit who tacked on another goal and a few pts at the end.

Best for the Hill were Tadgh Boyle, Michael Byrne, Keth Ginnitty, Niall Tully at the back. The others could not be faulted for effort but Meath hill were up ahgaist a useful outfit in Ballinabrackey and the team that beats them will be Junior champions.

Junior D FC Q-final played in Kilberry 22nd August.

A gallant effort by Meath hills second string was thwarted in the q-final when Dunsany struck for a goal in the last minute to leave the final scoreline Dunsany 1 - 10 to the Hill`s 10 pts. As with the seniors the Hill were slow to start and were 3 pts down after 10 mins but gradually worked their way into it with some excellent scores from Jackie Maguire. Their was 1 pt in it at half time and the Hill dominated the first 18 mins of the second half and went 3 pts in front but the hard work took its toll and Dunsany came back strong in the last 10 mins and scored 1 - 4 without reply.

Best for the Hill  were Pauric Smith (excellent all through)  Jackie Maguire, Thos Rooney, Danny Shields, Nigel Maguire.

Junior A football championship V ST. Peters Dunboyne played on Walterstown Sunday 8th August 2010

Meath hill qualified for the quarter final of the Junior A championship with a 2 - 16 to 0 - 9 scoreline over St. Peters Dunboyne.. After a sluggish start the Hill warmed to their task and soon were in top in this must win game. Jason York and Pierce McGrath were to the fore in the first half with the former bagging a goal and 2 pts in an impressive display. He went back in defence in the second half and did well there. Pierce McGrath was excellent all through and finished with 6 pts.  Tadgh Boyle got the other goal(another player who gave it all for the cause) and fine displays from Barry Kieran, Lee Breslin, Michael Byrne, Benny Kieran, Aodhain Mathews (getting back  his form) and Karl Parge at corner back contributed to this fine victory. In fact it was difficult to see anyone who didnt play well and gave it all in hot and sweltering conditions.While victory was sweet a lot of work is needed if they are to give Ballinabrackey a run for their money in the Quarter-final. Meath hill can rightly celebrate their efforts this year - two teams in the Q-Finals for the first time in many years and with the Parish minors having already won their first trophy the future looks well for the club. The Hill abú.

Team: C. Yorke, K Parge, B. Kieran, N. Tully, A. Mathews, M. Byrne, B. Kieran, K. Ginnitty, T. Boyle, J. Yorke, P. McGrath, P. Kieran, L. Breslin, M. Tully, T. Smith. Subs used: J. Byrne for N. Tully and P. Owens for T. Smith

A League Home V Drumbaragh played on Thursday 22nd July

Meath hill succumbed to a strong Drumbaragh outfit in Div 3 of the All County league played at Meath hill  : 2 - 16   to 0 -11.

The home side were never in the hunt in this tie as the visitors ripped the Hill apart at will with some well taken scores. Drumbaragh were in command early as a succession of pts  left them 6 pts to 1 up after 15 mins. In their best period the Hill closed the gap to two pts but that was as good as it got for the home side as the Drums pulled away from then on with two quick goals and a few well taken pts. The second half didn't produce much and after the visitors made 4 substitutes the Hill came more into it again but try as they might the score difference remained wide. While the home team never gave up they were up against a very strong team in Drumbaragh who looked to be in good shape for the latter stages of the championship but the Hill might meet them again in the Q-final  and I think things might be a lot closer.

Jun A F/C  Played in Syddan 18th July 2010.

Ft Score Meath hill 0 - 12  Slane 1 - 5

Meath hill recorded another victory in the Junior A football championship with a hard earned victory against a struggling Slane side.

 The Match was played in Syddan in very wet and slippery conditions. Playing against a breeze in the first half the hill struggled early on and soon found themselves 1 -3 to no score behind after 15 mins. Slowly but surely the Hill got back into the game and good work by the forwards got he Meath hill back on even terms before half time and indeed went a pt up at H/T. The second half was a torrid affair with Slane only adding 2pts to their half time tally. while the Hill ended with 12 pts.

This was a poor performance by the Hill and the early season form has evaporated.

Next up is a league match against Drumbaragh  who also need the pts. in this relegation battle.

Team: C. Yorke, C. Parge, B. Kieran, N. Tully, J. Yorke, M. Byrne, B. Kieran, T. Boyle, K. Ginnitty, T. Smith, P. Owens, P. Kieran, A Mathews, M. TullyP. McGrath. Sub used: D. McMahon

D Championship played in Syddan 17th July 2010

F/t Meath hill 2 - 8 Kilmainham 1 -10

Meath hill's second string gave a gutsy performance in overcoming Kilmainham by the narrowest of margins and in doing so advanced to the Qfinal of the championship for the second year in a row. This was a ding dong affair and great kudos to both teams for a very entertaining game. There was never much in it throughout the game and indeed there was no score for the final 23 mins after Cian Mathews (yes he`s back) kicked what was to prove to be the winning score.

Team: D. Yorke,P. McDonnell, M. McKenna, D. Shields, R. Tully, N. Maguire, S. Martin, C. Mathews, M. Tully, P. Smith, J. Maguire, T. Rooney, E. Mathews, E. Boyle, K. Crosby.

Subs used: Cian Mathews, J. Owens, D. Byrne.

D Championship played in Nobber 9/7/10

Meath Hill 1 - 8  Carnaross  1 - 5

Meath hill`s second string showed the first team how its done by a gutsy performance with a depleted team in damp conditions in Nobber. Leading by 7 pts to nill at half time the Hill had to withstand a second half revival by  Carnaross who pulled it back only for the burley Emmet Mathews (son of all time great Tom) unleashed a thunderbolt that ripped the onion bag and left Meath hill deserving winners. More later ...

A League played Wednesday 7/7/2010 in Ratoath.  FT Ratoath 4  -11  Meath hill 0 - 6

Meath hill went down to their heaviest defeat in many a year with an abject performance against a young Ratoath side that contained 10 of their minor side due to holidays and emigration. The hill were 11 pts  down in under 10 mins as the fast and young  Ratoath forwards swept threw the Hill`s backs at will. They were 14 pts up at half time and were able to take the foot off the pedal for the second half and give even younger subs  a run.

The final score was a true reflection of the gulf in the sides and if one considers that they are effectively out of the championship having lost twice. Indeed if the Hill were fortunate enough to secure a quarter final berth (highly unlikely) they would be pitted against the Ballinabrackey or Drumbaragh  - the two teams ahead of Ratoath in the group. Sober thought!

It is hard to know where the Hill is going this year and it looks as if the early season promise with draws home to Nobber and Ballinlough were flash in the pan efforts in early spring where the opposition hadn't started firing on all cylinders. Relegation is staring the Hill in the face and elimination from the Championship is almost certain without a change in attitude. Maybe this result could be a turning point but that has been said before!

D Championship V Trim  played in Seneschelstown Saturday 26th June

Ft Trim 0 -13 Meath hill 0 - 7

The Hill`s second string failed to score in the second half against a strong Trim outfit in sunny and breezy  Seneschelstown last evening.

Meath hill played with the wind in the first half and did well leading by 1 pt at the break ( 6 pts to 5) but it never was going to be enough and the Hill found it difficult against the strong breeze in the second half. Trim forged ahead straight away and the Hill went looking for goals which failed to materialise. Good efforts by Martin Tully surging forward from midfield and efforts by Owen McMahon and Emmet Boyle were repulsed.

Best for the Hill in a disappointing outing were Nigel Maguire, ageless Jackie Maguire , Emmet Boyle at full forward, Martin McKenna at fullback, Mark Kierans at No. 6.

Team: Derek Yorke, Danny Shields, Martin McKenna, Paddy McDonnell, Simon Martin, Mark Kierans, Ronan Tully, Nigel Maguire, Martin Tully, Mark McConnell, Cathal Mathews, Jackie Maguire, Pauric Smith, Emmet Boyle, Eoin Mathews.

Subs used: Daniel Byrne, Paul Clarke, Emmet Mathews.

Div 3 A League

Bragging rights go to the Hill

Meath hill 1 - 14  Drumconrath 1 - 8

Meath hill deservedly won this bottom of the table clash in Meath hill on Wednesday last 23rd June.

This the first the hill have beaten their parish rivals in many years and there were 3 survivors from the famous 1996 Junior final. Ollie McMahon and Leighton Irwin for Drumconrath and Paul Kieran for Meath hill. There were other players who were subs on that day.

Back to the current teams who both appear to be a long way from the 1996 versions. This game started on a dry and warm evening but heavy mist and rain left the pitch slippery and didn't lend itself to good football as the ball seemed like an eel at times.

The hill opened well and dominated proceedings throughout the first half leading by 1 - 7 to 0 - 4 at the break. The goal seemed a fortuitous effort from Mark Tully. The second half was an entirely different affair as the Drums reeled the Hill in and there was only 1 pt in it with about 10 mins to go. Throughout this period they were first to the ball and dominated the midfield area with Terry Skelly and Lieghton Irwin prominent. Changes from the line didn't seem to work for the Hill but gradually they grabbed the initiative especially with the introduction of Liam Coyle (carrying an injury)  and they  rattled over 5 pts without reply in those closing minutes.. One have these was a right footed effort from Keith Ginnitty ( I thought it was only a prop) so it was sure to be the Hill`s day! Two pts from Cathal Mathews showing his class finished the job and the home team finished very strong.

This was a strong team performance by the hill as everyone played their part. The panel is getting stronger as the team started without 3 of their best players. But the 18 players used showed that there is depth  in strength in the squad and shows that progress can be made this year with a bit of an effort. Referee was John Farrelly who showed common sense throughout.

Meath Hill - Christopher Yorke; Brian Hanratty, Aodhan Matthews, Niall Tully; Carl Pargue, Michael Byrne, Barry Kieran; Tadhg Boyle (0-7) Keith Ginnity (0-1); Jason Yorke, Paul Kieran, Cathal Matthews (0-2); Tomas Smith (0-1), Mark Tully (1-3), Derek McMahon.  Subs used were : Pauric Smith, Mark Kierans, Liam Coyle

Drumconrath - Sean Kane; Patrick Dunne, Thomas Carolan, Alan McEvoy; Terry Halpenny, Peter Tighe, Damien Glass; Terry Skelly, Leighton Irwin (0-1); Brendan Lyons, Larry Fay (0-1), Christopher Tighe; Derek Duff (0-1), Peter McEvoy (1-2), Ollie McMahon (0-2). Subs Niall Martin for C.Tighe and Oran Finnegan for Halpenny.
 

Tailtean Cup played in Ardcath 12th June

Meath Hil. 3 - 12 St. Vincents 0 - 7

This game was over long before half time as the Hill playing with a very strong breeze and down the hill went 8 pts up after the home side conceded 2 soft goals at the quarter hour mark.

Winning the toss was the key here and with plenty of good ball going into the forwards the floodgates opened up. Mind you that didnt look the way in the first quarter as the Vincents gave as good as they got and were only 1 pt down after 15 mins  1 - 0 to 2pts. Indeed it looked as these 2 pts would be invaluable as its very difficult to play against hill and the strong wind. But as half time approached the Hill forwards got their shooting boots working and the scores piled up leaving the Hill 8 pts up at the break.

The second half was a formality as the St. Vincent forwards couldn't find the range and following a goal direct from a free kick and the dismissal of their midfield for a hard tackle the game petered out.

Best for the Hill were Benny Kieran, Michael Byrne and Mark Tully who one hopes does as well in the leaving Cert he is sitting at the moment. He finished with 2 - 3 with some scores in the fortuitous section. Derek McMahon got the other goal with a deft flick.

Jun A F/C played in Moynalty Sunday 30th May V Moylough.

F/T Meath Hill 1 - 5  Moylough 1 - 10

Meath hill surrendered their 100% record ln the Junior A championship when going under by 5pts to a youthful Moylough side.

Meath hill never got to grips with Moylough until the later stages of the game as they were always chasing the game. The forwards were inept with the exception of Mark Tully scoring the 1 - 5 (goal from penalty) Meath hill will be depending on results to favour them now and must win last two games in the group to have any chance of qualification.

It was a poor team performance by the Hill and It seems that they are going nowhere. Moylough were strong especially in the midfield area with Joe Melia lording it having just arrived from Barlcelona earlier, but they too lacked finesse up front which could be an issue at the knock out stages. But with a few players coming back they might improve on last years semi-final place.

Very few players enhanced their reputation with the exception of Chris Yorke in goals and the aforementioned Mark Tully.

Meath Hill: C. Yorke, B. Hanratty, B. Kieran, N. Tully, P. McGrath, M. Byrne, C. Parge, K. Ginnitty, A. Mathews, P. Owens, T. Boyle, B. Kieran, T. Smith, M. Tully, D. McMahon. Subs: L. Breslin, J. Yorke.

 Jun D F/C played in Kilmainhamwood Saturday 30th May

Meath hill`s D team had a great win in the first round of the championship against Moynalty played  in slippery conditions at Kilmainhamwood on Saturday.

F/T Hill 2 - 8  Moynalty 0 - 7

The final scoreline does not do justice to  gallant Meath hill team who lost two key men to injury. David O` Connell  suffered a serious wrist injury in the first half  and was taken to hospital last evening. Ross McGrath suffered a fracture of the Clavicle (collarbone) and also went to the hospital. All in the club wish both players well and hope they make a full recovery soon as their presence will be needed as the season progresses and the response last night by their playing colleagues in rising to the challenge after losing two players who had a big influence on proceedings was commendable. So a run even better than last year is possible.

Ross had scored 1 - 2 and was growing in confidence as the game wore on. David had scored a point and was linking well with other forwards creating numerous chances.

Meath hill had the better of the exchanges throughout except for a brief period after David O ` Connells injury when his presence was missed.

This was a great team effort but special mention must made of Martin McKenna who as captain gave a commanding display at full back. At the othe rend the ageless Emmet Boyle was instrumental in everything up front and he finished the game off with a superb goal near the end.

Meath Hill: Derek Yorke, Paddy McDonnell, Martin McKenna, Danny Shields, Simon Martin, Mark Kierans, Mark Mc Connell, Nigel Maguire, Martin Tully, Ross McGrath, Pauric Smith, David O `Connell, Emmet Mathews, Emmet Boyle, Eoin McMahon. Subs: John Owens, Daniel Byrne, Paul McMahon , Kevin Crosby, Paul Clarke.

A League V Kilmainhamwood Monday 24th May played in Kilmainhamwood.

F.T. Kilmainhamwood 3 - 11 Meath hill 1 - 9

Meath hill made the short journey to Kilmainhamwood last evening with high hopes of getting something from the match but a poor performance all round led to an 8 pts defeat.

The  Hill started brightly and but for poor forward play would have been ahead after the first quarter but instead with fewer raids the `Wood were 4 pts to 2 up and the hosts proceeded to dominate the game up to the interval with Ray McGee tormenting the Hill defence .

The Hill started the second half with some positional and 1 substitutional change  again dominated proceedings for 10 mins. This time scores were taken and the deficit was reduced to 3pts. A close finish looked on but the `Wood had other ideas and some slick interpassing and accurate finish soon put the hosts out of sight. A high ball was dropped by the home keeper Micky Clake for a soft goal near the end put a bit of gloss on the scoreline for Meath hill, but in truth the Hill looked out of their depth at times and while they were playing last years Intermediate Championship finalists the performance asks a lot of questions of the team. These questions will only be answered against Moylough in a crucial Junior Championship match next Sunday evening in Moynalty. Lets hope this performance was an aberration and not the sign of things to come. Time will tell if the players can respond and play up to the standard required.

The game was well refereed by Donal Forde. He was very respectful to players especially with the new rules and got respect in return.

Best for the the were Barry Kieran (outstanding) Brian Hanratty, Brendan Kieran, Michael Byrne, Keith Ginnitty did well at times in midfield, Mark Tully did well in the first half without  converting possession.

Team: M. Kieran, B. Hanratty, B. Kieran, N. Tully, P. Owens, M. Byrne, C. Parge, K. Ginnitty, A. Mathews, B. Kieran, L. Coyle, T. Smith, M. Tully, T. Boyle, D. McMahon. Subs used: L. Breslin, D. Boyle, J. Yorke, P. Smith.

A League away to Moynalvey Thursday May 13th

FT Meath hill 1 - 9  Moynalvey 1 - 14

Meath hill were defeated by a strong Moynalvey side in a very wet conditions in Moynalvey. Despite opening well and dominating play up until half time the hill found themselves 3 pts in arrears. The inside forwards Mark Tullly, Thos Smith and Derek McMahon carved holes in the home defence especially in the first quarter and went 4 pts up but defensive lapses allowed Moynalvey in for soft scores.

Try as they might in dreadful conditions the Hill were not able to peg back the hosts in the second half as their play became raggard and lacked guile in the slippery conditions. The hosts seemed to manage better and had great performers in Willie Byrne, W. Treacy  and the returning John O`Donoghue in Midfield. The lead hovered around 3 pts for most of the second half and several good opportunities for goals went a begging as the Hill only got 1 pt from play in that second half. at the end tMoynalvey added two more pts to put a gloss on the scoreline but the Hill were not 5pts a worse team.

Meath hill: C. Yorke, B. Hanratty, B,. Kieran, N. Tully, P. Owens, M. Byrne, P. McGrath, K. Ginnitty, L.Coyle, Thos Smith, D. McMahom, M.Tully, J. Yorke.   Subs used : L. Breslin, D. Boyle, T. Rooney

B League home V Rathkenny Monday 10th May

FT: Meath hill 1 - 9  Rathkenny 1 - 8

Meath hill second string overcame Rathkenny in a close game in the B league in Meath hill. There was little between the teams throughout but a penalty expertly finished by the ageless Jackie Maguire with  a few minutes left decides this game.

The hill who lost Cathal Mathews and Pauric Smith thru injury used five subs and was testament to a strong squad. Best for the Hill were Pearse McGrath, Tommy Rooney(2nd half) Donnacadh Boyle(1st half), Emmet Boyle won great ball at full forward throughout. Ross McGrath had a great last 15 mins. Defense was solid throughout with Martin Tully excelling.

Tailtean cup match V Kilbride Friday 7th May

Meath hill survived a poor start and extra time to come through against a useful Kilbride in this new competition for the Tailteann Cup.

Indeed the Hill were fortunate to come out of the knock out tie as following a very sluggish start they were 1 - 2 to no score after 10 mins, the goal was from a well taken penalty.

Crucial goals at opportune times by the impressive Barry Kieran (2) and Derek McMahon at the start of the second period of extra time were the big influences in the game but without a 40 metre equalising point by the ever improving Tadgh Boyle at the stroke of full time, the Hill would be rueing  losing a 4 pt lead in normal time.

Again the Meath defence was magnificent and the forwards added crucial scores to put up 3 - 11 which is the highest score in a few years albeit including extra time.

Meath hill: Mark Kierans, B. Hanratty, B. Kierans, N. Tully, Carl Parge, M.Byrne, Nigel Maguire, Keith Ginnitty, L. Breslin, C. Mathews, Tadgh Boyle, B.Kieran, D. McMahon, M. Tully, J. Yorke. Subs used - R. McGrath.

2nd Rd Jun Championship V Kilmainham

Played in Nobber May 2nd

Meath Hill 0-10  Kilmainham 1-6.    HT  4pts each.

Meath hill kept their 100% record in the championship with a hard fought but deserved win over Kilmainham in a slippery conditions in Nobber on Sunday last May 2nd.

Kilmainham opened the brighter and the Hill were slow into their stride and were lucky to be only 3pts down after 15 mins  1 - 1 for Kilmainham and a solitary pt for Meath hill. The goal resulted from a penalty expertly taken by Michael Newman who had a very good first half for Kilmainham. As the first half developed the Hill got more into it and had the score of the match by Mark Tully (another fine game) followed a sweeping move the whole length of the field.

The first eight mins of the second half is where Kilmainham lost this game as wide after wide followed from close in free kicks and the inevitable happened and the Hill drove forward and went into a two pt lead. It was nick and tuck from then to the finish with referee Eamon Barry playing 7 mins injury time.

Try as they might Kilmainham could not get the equaliser as stout Hill defence and heroic interceptions saved the day while TadghBoyle had a fine point under pressure to seal the win.

Aodhain Mathews was forced to withdraw in the second half with a hamstring injury and good use was made of the substitute bench with Lee Breslin, Jason Yorke and Pierce McGrath all making useful contributions.

Best for the Hill in a heroic display were Chris Yorke brilliant in goals, all 6 backs with Paddy Owens and Michael Byrne outstanding . Midfield struggled at times especially with the departure of Aodain Mathews. Mark Tully , Liam Coyle (outstanding) in attack .

 Meath hill: C. Yorke, B. Hanratty, B. Kieran, N.Tully, P. Owens, M.Byrne, C. Parge. K. Ginnitty, A. Mathews, B. Kieran, L. Coyle, M. Tully, D. McMahon, T. Boyle, T. Smith. Subs Lee Breslin for Thos Smith, Pierce McGrath for A. Mathews. Jason Yorke for D. McMaho

Those who played well for Kilmainham included Shane Morgan, Barry Lynch, Joe Mahon, Gerard Morgan and Ros Mooney and Michael Newman.

Kilmainham - Kevin Jordan, Mark Fallon, Harry Newman, Joe Mahon, Denis Newman 0-1, Ros Mooney, Gerard Morgan, Barry Lynch, Gavin Butler 0-1, Shane Butler, Davy Farnan, Seanie Mahon, Danny Butler, Michael Newman 1-4 (1 pen, 2frees), Shane Morgan. Sub - Philip Mooney for D Butler.
 

1st Rd Championship

Meath Hill 3-9 Kilbride 1-9

Meath Hill got off to a good start in the 2010 Junior Championship after two late goals gave them victory over Kilbride in this first round match, played in Slane on Sunday afternoon.

With the game entering the last few minutes and the sides level, it was Meath Hill who showed the greater composure with goals from the outstanding Mark Tully and captain Keith Ginnitty, seeing off a determined Kilbride outfit.

Meath Hill started the game slowly, conceding a soft early goal as they struggled to put any decent play together. However, the 'Hill fought back before the end of the first half to draw level at 1-4 apiece at the break; Mark Tully ending the half with a fine 1-3 from play.

The second half was nip and tuck as both teams traded points right up until Tully netted again, with less than five minutes remaining, after good build up work from substitute Derek McMahon. Kilbride tried hard to get an equalising goal, but it was Meath Hill who hit on the counter attack when Keith Ginnitty finished a good team move by lobbing the goalkeeper with almost the last kick of the game.

Despite really only playing in ' fits and starts', Meath Hill will be happy that they showed sufficient character to keep playing football right up to the end and indeed the last ten minutes was probably when they were at their most impressive.

As well as Tully who finished with 2-3 to his name, Meath Hill also had good performances from full back Brendan Kieran, centre back Michael Byrne, midfielders Aodhan Matthews & Keith Ginnitty and also substitute Derek McMahon.

Dave Harford, John Bruton and Brian White played well for Kilbride.

Meath Hill - Chris Yorke, Brian Hanratty, Brendan Kieran, Niall Tully, Karl Parge, Michael Byrne, Paddy Owens, Keith Ginnitty (1-0), Aodhan Matthews (0-1), Jason Yorke (Derek McMahon (0-1)), Liam Coyle (0-1), Barry Kieran, Tomas Smith (Lee Breslin), Tadgh Boyle (0-3), Mark Tully (2-3).

Kilbride - Emmet Farrell, Sean Farrell, John Smith, Niall Farrelly, Brian White (0-4), John Bruton (0-1),Stephen Sullivan, Oliver Nolan, Craig Sheridan, Finbar Clarke, Mark Sheridan, Gareth Lynch, David Harford (1-4), Robbie Rooney (0-1), Chris Rafter. Subs - Jeff Sheridan, Paul Smith.

 B League match V St. Michaels played at Meath hill on Sat last April 3rd.

Final score Meath hill 11 pts St. Michaels 11pts.

After a delayed start (due to late arrival of referee) in ideal conditions this game opened up with the home side dictating the pace but not making it count on the score board.

Pts by Mark Tully and Thos Smith (both of whom had outstanding games along with Martin Tully and Nigel Maguire at the back) kept the scoreboard ticking over but St Michaels were more efficient and led by 2 pts after the first quarter. This continued until the interval with many easy chances missed by the home side but some excellent scores also. The half time score was 7pts to 3 in favour of the Michaels. The hill had a non functioning fullforward line in that first half bur made a bigger impression in the 2nd period with Ross McGrath hitting a couple of sweet points and Emmet Mathews hit  a screamer unto the post. The Hill scored 6 unanswered pts in the 3rd quarter.  David O Connell won some good ball in his first outing in 3 yrs. In that second period the Hill improved and were more focused with the aforementioned Smith and Tully to fore with some well taken scores . Entering the final minutes the home side went into a 1 pt lead but were reeled back by the visitors for a well fought draw.

 Best for the Hill along with those mentioned earlier were Derek York (superb in goals) Carl Parge, Jason Yorke and A Mathews.

Lineout: Derek York, Simon Martin, Nigel Maguire, Martin Tully, Carl Parge, Aodhain Mathews (relaced at half-time by Pierce McGrath (he had already played for minors earlier (see underage reports) Donnacadh Boyle, Mark Tully, Jason Yorke, Chris Yorke, Thos Smith, Paric Smith, Ross McGrath, Emmet Mathews, David O Connell. Subs use were Pierce McGrath for A. Mathews and Pat Hanratty for David O Connell.

B League Home V Dulleek/Belewstown

FT Meath hill  1 - 10 Dulleek/Bellewstown 2 - 12

Meath hill second string lost their opening league match at home to a strong Dulleek/Bellewstown combination on Wednesday 10th March last played in ideal conditions. Lining out with a true second string Meath hill looked a little over-awed in the early stages and fell into a 6pts to 1 deficit after 15 mins. This could have been a lot worse but for the efforts of Deek Yorke in goals and fullback Martin McKenna. The returning Lee Breslin tried hard at midfield but the forwards did very little right in that first half.

The introduction of Carl Parge and Jackie Maguire made a huge change and the pendulum began to swing  the Hill `s way with the new forward line creating and scoring freely. But the sending off of Lee Breslin with a second yellow  card signalled the end of Meath hill's challenge and the visitors rampaged at will from then on to leave 6pts difference at the end.

This ws a strong Duleek/Bellewstown outfit and the Hill did quite well  with a number of players playing at this level for the first time.

Best for the hill were, Derek Yorke( a couple of brilliant saves) Martin McKenna (outstanding at fullback) Thos Smith had a very good outing scoring freely. Chris Yorke(goalkeeper turned poacher!), Jason Yorke and Pierce McGrath did well also.