In Meath Hill:semi- final U17 league 22/11/11

Dunshaughlin 2-8 North Meath Gaels 0-10

This was a powerful game of football played by two evenly matched teams and in the end Dunshaughlin edged over the line with two late scores giving them a decent cushion.

North Meath had the advantage of the stiff breeze blowing in from the Ulster Hillsin the 1st half and started well with Ian Malone pointing from play and then the same player hit over an awkward free. North Meath where piling forward and Shane McCabe was found in space in a one on one with Dunshaughlin 'Keeper but Jack O'Sullivan saved his effort. Dunshaughlin pointed in a rare attack and this was followed by disaster in the North Meath goal mouth as a weak shot was fumbled and the defence had a couple of chances to clear but Dunshaughlin managed to bundle the ball over the line.

North Meath found themselves in arrears after dominating play with Ryan Owens, Edward Cassidy and Nial Yorke defending well while Tomas Conlon and Jonathon Finnegan where holding the Upper hand at midfield.

North Meath pushed on with McCabe pointing a free and Jonathon Finnegan pointing after a good move to level the game. Malone was really giving the Dunshaughlin rear guard a torrid time and with Daniel Myles pushing forward from wing back Malone found space to point 3 times one of which was a long distance free. Dunshaughlin managed the last point of the half with a free to leave it 0-7 to 1-2 at the break.

Dunshaughlin with David Reilly getting a grip around the middle started the 2nd half well and pointed on 31 minutes. A penalty on 34 minutes which appeared a little on the soft side put the 2 points up. There was no more scores until the 41st minute when Reilly shot over and then 2 further points by the 48th minute gave North Meath a steep hill to climb as they trailed by 2-6 to 0-7.

North Meaths McCabe final shook off Dan Ormsby and scored a good point and the same player added a free and when Malone added another the margin was down to 2 points. A break in play did not help North Meath as 'Keeper Padraig Carolan who carried an injury into the game had to be replaced  with Conor O'Halloran moving from wing back to goals and the momentum was lost somewhat with the delay and the goal chance they needed to get a grip on the game never came as Dunshaughlin's greater physical strengtht was beginning to tell. Two late injury time points from the visitors sealed victory and a Final date with Clann na nGael.

Dunshaughlin will benefit from this game and North Meath will rue the sloppy goal and a couple of missed chances especially in the 1st half but the better overall team progressed. Ian Malone played really well and got good support from Cassidy, Owens, Enda Boylan and in the 1st half Conlon, Myles and Finnegan.

North Meath Gaels; Padraig Carolan; Edward Cassidy, Ryan Owens, Enda Boylan; Daniel Myles, Niall Yorke, Conor O'Halloran; Tomas Conlon, Jonathon Finnegan (0-1); Patrick Farrelly, Michael Finnegan, Adam Farrelly; Ian Malone ((0-6), Thomas McGrath, Shane McCabe (0-3). Subs. Colm McEvoy for P Farrelly, Martin Meegan for Cassidy and Patrick Farrelly for Carolan.


HomeU 17 League played In Carnaross 8/11/11

North Meath Gaels 5-14 Carnaross/Round Towers 0-2

With North Meath needing a win to avoid a play off and the home side out of contenion and one eye on their upcoming U-21 Final it was clear from the off there was only going to be 1 winner here.

1st half goals from Ian Malone and Patrick Farrelly and 10 points to boot had North Meath in control and while the scoring slowed after that they things very much their own way as Malone, Farrelly, Enda Boylan, Jonathon and Michael Finnegan had fine games.

Padraig Carolan; Edward Cassidy, Enda Boylan, Adam Farrelly; Ryan Owens, Niall Yorke, Conor O'Halloran; Jonathon Finnegan (0-1) Tomas Conlon; Patrick Farrelly (2-3), Michael Finnegan (0-2), Martin Meegan; Ian Malone (2-5), Daniel Myles (0-1) Shane McCabe (1-3). Subs Graham Scully for Malone and Colm McEvoy for P Farrelly

In Kilmainhamwood   1/11/11

North Meath Gaels 2-7 Killary Emmets 1-9

In what was a well contested game on a heavy Kilmainhamwood pitch North Meath where never headed for the hour and a late injury time free well struck by Ian Malone edged them home.

Ian Malone netted on 2 minutes when he fisted a Patrick Farrelly centre to the Killary net and soon after Shane McCabe pointed to give North Meath a flying start. Killary got more into the game and Points from Jack Reid, Daragh Rowe and Jamie McMahon narrowed the gap to a point at the end of the 1st quarter.

The sides shared 4 points in the run to half time as McCabe kicked some good frees for the home side to leave it 1-3 to 0-5 at the short whistle.

Both sides had chances at the start of the 2nd half but no score arrived till the 39th minute when again pointed a free. Malone cut through the Killary defence to fire to the net withe 10 minutes left to stretch the lead to 5 points. 2-4 to 0-5.

Killary finally found their shooting boots as Reid and McMahon pointed and when Mark Fedigan strode forward from centre back to find the net the game was level. McCabe pushed North Meath ahead and Daniel Myles gave them a two point lead with 3 minutes to go. Killary just would not go away and 1st Rowe and then Michael Smith had the game level with time almost up.

North Meath won the kick out and substitute Colm McEvoy was fouled out on the right. Malone stepped up to the mark and showed a cool head to slot over and ensure the narrow win for North Meath Gaels.

Best for North Meath where Edward Cassidy, Thomas McGrath, Tomas Conlon, Patrick Farrelly and Man of the Match Ian Malone

Padraig Carolan; Edward Cassidy, Enda Boylan, Adam Farrelly; Thomas McGrath, Niall Yorke, Conor O'Halloran; Tomas Conlon, Jonathon Finnegan. Patrick Farrelly, Michael Finnegan, Daniel Myles (0-1); Ryan Owens, Ian Malone (2-1), Shane Mccabe (0-5). Subs; Colm McEvoy and Martin Meegan 

Killary Emmets; Ben Corcorcan; JJ Meade, Ronan Mooney, James Duff; Diarmuid Rowe, Mark Fedigan (1-0), Kevin Carry; Ross Blaney, JP Quinn; Jamie McMahon/Byrne (0-2), Michael Smith (0-1), Daragh Rowe (0-3); Brian Carroll (0-1), Matthew Deanes, Jack Reid (0-2). Sub William Bellew.

U 17 League played in Meath Hill Tuesday 11th October

North Meath Gaels 2-9 Clann na nGael 0-13

A great game of football in what was a game of 2 halves. Clann na nGael backed by the stiff breeze controlled the 1st half and with Caomhin Griffin a treat opened up a 4 point lead. North Meath found it hard to win primary possession and Clann na nGaels strength was winning most of the individual battles.

After 10 minutes a well worked move ended with a floated ball into the goal area and Shane McCabe found the net with a bullet like header to give North Meath some hope.

Clann na nGael did not let this effect them and they reeled off another 4 points before McCabe pointed a free and Ian Malone scored from play to narrow the gap to 3 points with the half coming to a close. Griffin now well marshalled by Enda Boylan did manage to break free but North Meath Keeper Padraig Carolan was equal to his powerful shot. 3 late points appeared to give the visitors a very safe 6 point lead 0-11 to 1-2 at the break and with the breeze not a prominent they looked certain to pick up another brace of points.

Two early McCabe frees settled North Meath and then 2 more points by Malone narrowed the gap to 2 points at the end of the 3rd quarter. the Athboy lads broke forward for a point but 2 more Malone points (1 free) narrowed the gap to a single point with 8 minutes to go.

A high ball into the area broke to McCabe and he pulled 1st time and again the net danced to give North Meath the lead for the 1st time. A long range free pushed the lead to 3 points and Clann na nGael pushed for a score and did manage a point before a late free was was gobbled up by the North Meath backs and cleared to safety to ensure victory,

This was an excellent team display from North Meath and while McCabe and Malone did the scoring all players have to be praised for the manner in which they went about winning the game with that great 2nd half recovery.

Padraig Carolan; Edward Cassidy, Ryan Owens, Enda Boylan; Thomas McGrath, Niall Yorke, Conor O'Halloran; Tomas Conlon, Jonathon Finnegan; Patrick Farrelly. Michael Finnegan, Graham Scully; Ian Malone (0-5) (1 free), Daniel Myles, Shane McCabe (2-4) (4 frees). Subs Luke Doran, Adam Farrelly, Martin Meegan and Colm McEvoy

U 17 League played In Kilmainhamwood Friday  7th October

Rathkenny 3-11 North Meath Gaels 1-14

A late late goal saw Rathkenny snatch both points in an exciting U-17 Division 3 game in Kilmainhamwood.

Rathkenny started well with Christy Meade, Jack Gore and Joe Gore in good form hit the 1st two points of the game and indeed poor shooting and good defending kept their tally down as wind assisted the had most of the play. Michael Finnegan got North Meath going with agood point and soon after Daniel Myles leveled the game.

Patrick Farrelly profited from a poor kick out to find the net and further points from Shane McCabe from play and a free had North Meath 1-4 to 0-4 up at the break.

A great 3rd quarter display had North Meath 8 points to the good as five in a row from Myles (2), McCabe, Finnegan and Ian Malone pushed them 1-9 to 0-4 ahead. Rathkenny lifted their game and notched 2 points and when they scored a goal with 12 minutes left the game was back in the melting pot. North Meath responded well with Finnegan and McCabe pointing but a second Rathkenny goal had it back to 2 points. Farrelly, Malone and McCabe traded points with Rathkenny as with 57 minutes gone it was still a two point game. Rathkenny level the scores as the game went into injury time and while 'Keeper Padraig Carolan parried a goal attemt Rathkenny bundled the loose ball to the net.

North Meath had a late chance but Rathkenny defended well as the final whistle blew.

Edward Cassidy, Jonathon Finnegan, Thomas McGrath. Tomas Conlon and Michael Finnegan did best for North Meath Gaels.

Padraig Carolan; Edward Cassidy, Jonathon Finnegan, Ryan Owens; Thomas McGrath, Niall Yorke, Conor OHalloran; Daniel Myles (0-3), Tomas Conlon; Ian Malone (0-3), Michael Finnegan (0-2), Luke Doran; Patrick Farrelly (1-1), Shane McCabe (0-5), Graham Scully. Subs used, Enda Boylan, Colm McEvoy and Martin Meegan

Div 5 U 16 final played In Kilberry

Nobber 3-14 North Meath Gaels 5-6

Nobber deservedly edged this Final despite stubborn resistance from North Meath Gaels. All but the 1st 20 minutes was played in torrential rain but both teams played some fine football in the poor conditions for the good sized crowd who braved the elements.

Nobber played with the breeze in the 1st half but it North Meath who led 2-5 to 1-7 and as the heavy rain took the breeze away and it was not a factor in the 2nd half and this benefited the Nobber lads.

Nobber's Aiden Shields had a good 1st half and his goal on 17 minutes had Nobber in control as he also contributed 4 points from play. Conor Kiernan netted in the 20th minute to wrestle back the lead  but good points from Shields and two Dean Halpin frees seemed to put Nobber in control  but an injury time goal from Colm McEvoy and a point from Daniel Byrne gave North Meath a one point lead.

Halpin pointed 3 early frees for Nobber to put them back ahead but a Brendan Crosby goal had the lead changing hands again on 35 minutes.More points by Nobber's Ryan Hughes and Sean Meade had Nobber back in control and when Sam Obugle fired home a goal Nobber seemed sure to win.

North Meath lifted their game and Goals from James Mooney and Daniel Byrne had it 5-5 to 2-12 to North Meath with 7 minutes to go but Shields proved a winner with another goal and while North Meath levelled again through Conor Kiernan, late points from Sean Meade and a Halpin free ensured a Nobber win.

Dominic Yorke played well in the North Meath goals while Martin Shields, Daniel Byrne, Ryan Owens and Conor Kiernan tried hard throughout.

Dominic Yorke; Matthew Carolan, Conor Marry; Cathal Bennett, Martin Shields, Brendan Crosby (1-0); Ryan Owens, Colm McEvoy (1-0); Daniel Byrne (1-2), James Mooney (1-1), Conor Kiernan (1-3); Stephan Shields, Noel Russell. Subs; Paul Carolan for Russell, Robert McEntaggert for Crosby, Shane Carolan, Dwyane Ward and Conor McGreevy 

 

Div 4 Shield final played in Pairc Tealteann

St Cuthberts 1-13 Drumconrath/Meath Hill 0-6

St Cuthberts proved far too strong for a Drumconrath/Meath Hill side that never got out of the traps.

The Bohermeen lads where better in all poisitions and The North Meath lads had no answer

Cuthberts started best with a Glen Kavanagh free and while Shane McCabe pointed a St Cuthherts goal  gave them an advantage that they never lost.

St Cuthberts added a few points as a McCabe free was added to with points from Dara McGrath and Niall Martin to leave it 1-7 to 0-4 at the break

Cuthberts opened well and added 5 points to seal the game and while Luke Doran and McCabe pointed Cuthberts finished best with 2 more points as the final whistle blew.

Conor O/Halloran; Tomas Conlon, Jonathon Finnegan, Ryan Owens; Niall Yorke, Eoin Martin; Tommie Rooney, Niall Martin (0-1); Patrick Farrelly, Dara McGrath (0-1), Daniel Myles; Luke Doran (0-1); Shane McCabe (0-3), David O'Halloan, Subs Edward Cassidy for Farrelly

Minor Football Shield Semi played in Carlanstown.

In Carlanstown

Drumconrath/Meath Hill 4-15 Oldcastle 1-8

As they say a good start is half the battle and thats what Drumconrath/Meath Hill got on a bright evening in the well appointed Carlanstown pitch as Shane McCabe pointed and Patrick Farrelly hammered home in 1st few minutes. Soon after a long punt by Tommie Rooney was lost in the bright Sun by the Oldcastle 'keeper as Oldcastle where shell shocked. Two Robert Farrelly frees got Oldcastle on the score board but wind assisted Drumconrath/Meath Hill pushed on with points from McCabe (2) 1 free, Eoin Martin and Daniel Myles.

Daniel McGivney did point from the Oldcastle lads but Niall Martin found the net to open a three goal gap. Oldcastle met firm resistance from the Drumconrath Meath Hill backs and when they did break through they found Conor O'Halloran in good form and he pulled off 3 excellent saves to keep a good gap between the sides. Farrelly pointed twice for Oldcastle but late points from David O'Halloran and Eoin Martin had it 3-7 to 0-5 at the break.

Drumconrath/Meath Hill where relieved when they lined up for the second half to see that the stiff breeze had disappeared but even so Farrelly pointed twice for the Oldcastle lads as this was answered by an Eoin Martin point. Josh Disney pointed and Oldcastle finally netted after O'Halloran parried a Farrelly shot and the Oldcastle forwards managed to bundled the ball over the line to leave it 3-8 to 1-8 to Drumconrath/Meath Hill.

Niall Yorke pointed a free and McCabe and Patrick Farrelly stretched the lead. Niall Martin powered through to find the net and finish the game as a contest. The game petered out as David Hickey, McCabe a free and Substitutes Like Doran and Colm McEvoy pointed to see the Red and Blue home.

Conor OHalloran; Ryan Owens, David Hickey (0-1); David O'Halloran (0-1), Niall Martin (2-0) Niall Yorke (0-1); Tommie Rooney (1-0), Jonathon Finnegan; Shane McCabe (0-5); Daniel Myles (0-1), Eoin Martin (0-3); Patrick Farrelly (1-1),Tomas Conlon. Subs; Luke Doran (0-1) for N. Martin, Colm McEvoy (0-1) for McCabe; McCabe for D O'Halloran

Div 4 Minor Championship

In Grangegodden

Gaeil Colmcille 5-10 Drumconrath/Meath Hill 2-8

An open game of football but the Kells side ability to get goals seen them safely through and in into the Semi Finals of the Division 4 Minor Championship as table toppers. Drumconrath/Meath Hill battled all the way and a little more accuracy in front of goals could have made the game a lot closer as they trailed 0-6 to 0-3 at the break. Three early 2nd half points leveled the game but a couple of defensive slips allowed the home side through for two goals and they used that cushion to ease home.

David Hickey, Ryan Owens, Tommie Rooney, Niall Martin dis well as Conor O'Halloran pulled off some fine saves.

Conor O'Halloran; Jonathon Finnegan, Ryan Owens; David Hickey, David O'Halloran, Niall Yorke (0-1); Tommie Rooney (0-2), Tomas Conlon (1-0); Eoin Martin (0-2), Niall Martin (0-2), Daniel Myles; Luke Doran, Dara McGrath (1-1)

U 16 In Dunsany

North Meath Gaels 5-13 Dunsany 2-8

North Meath got another 2 points in Roinn D of the Summer League U-16 with a victory over an under strength Dunsany side. Dunsany started well and got an early goal but North Meath settled and led 3-7 to 1-2 with Luke Doran getting 2-2 in that half.

Dunsany came more into the game in the 2nd half but a 3rd Doran goal along with another from Shane McCabe  kept the visitors safe as Ryan Owens, Padraig Carolan, Tomas Conlon, Conor O'Halloran and Shane McCabe gave Doran most support

Dominic Yorke; Martin Meegan, Conor Marry; Edward Cassidy, Padraig Caroln (0-2), Conor O'Halloran (0-1); Ryan Owens (0-1), Tomas Conlon; Jonathon Byrne, Luke Doran (3-3), Colm McEvoy; Brendan Crosby, Shane McCabe (2-5). Subs Shane Carolan and Daniel Byrne (0-1)

In Kilmainhamwood

North Meath Gaels 2-12 Duleek/Bellewstown 2-8

North Meath had a good win in Kilmainhamwood after a good second quarter performance had them 6 points up at the break. Duleek started well and pointed early on but 2 Shane McCabe frees and points from Tomas Conlon, Luke Doran and Conor O'Halloran had North Meath 0-5 to 0-1 after 15 minutes. Duleek broke forward and levelled the game with 1-1 in quick sussession but with McCabe in fine form and he pointed the last 3 scores [1 free] and then deftly put away a penalty to leave it 1-8 to 1-2 at half time.

Duleek/Bellewstown played far better in the 2nd half and while a McCabe free opened the scoring the visitors set about reeling the home side in and by t5he 52nd minutes had done so scoring 1-5 to a solitary McCabe free to level the game 1-10 to 2-7.

North Meath responded well and McCabe found the net as discipline let Duleek down soon after with a number of Yellow cards and 2 straight Reds. Colm McEvoy and another McCabe free had North Meath 5 ahead and while Duleek/Bellewstown got the last score of the game North Meath at that stage looked assured of victory.

North Meath had fine displays from Martin Shields, Padraig Carolan, Conor O'Halloran, Tomas Conlon, Ryan Owens, Luke Doran and the accurate McCabe.

Dominic Yorke; Martin Shields, Conoe Marry; Colm McEvoy (0-1), Padraig Carolan, Conor O'Halloran (0-1); Ryan Owens, Tomás Conlon (0-1); Jonathon Byrne, Luke Doran (0-1), Brendan Crosby, Shane McCabe (2-8).

U 16      In Moynalty

Moynalty 1-12 North Meath Gaels 3-6

A very close 1st quarter ended 0-3 each with Shane McCabe (2) and Tómas Conlon pointing for North Meath. Wind assisted Moynalty tagged on 4 points and led 0-7 to 0-3 at the break.

North Meath opened well in the 2nd half with Colm McEvoy pointing and soon after the game was level as Brendan Crosby fired home after good work from Luke Doran. Moynalty notched 4 points to appear to be in command but Luke Doran lifted North Meath again as he first struck a good point and then after been set up by Brendan Crosby level the game with a well taken goal. Indeed Doran was causing lots of trouble for the Moynalty lads and but for a fine save from Jonathon Lynch in the home goals he would have had another goal.

Conor O'Halloran put North Meath ahead on 48 minutes with a good point on the run but 2 minutes later Moynalty equalised.

Both Sides  looked for a winner but neither seemed likely to get it as attacks broke down or the wide tally increased. With less than a minute to go Doran again won possession and set up Crosbie for what looked like the winning goal but Moynalty won the kick out and worked the ball down field and managed to score a deflected goal to gain parity again.

A draw was a fair result as Martin Shields, Conor O'Halloran, Ryan Owens, Luke Doran and two goal hero Brendan Crosbie did well for North Meath.

Dominic Yorke; Conor Marry, Martin Meegan, Martin Shields; Colm McEvoy (0-1), Luke Doran (1-1), Conor O'Halloran (0-1); Tómas Conlon (0-1), Ryan Owens; Noel Russell, Shane McCabe (0-2), Brendan Crosbie (2-0); Padraig Carolan, Conor Kieran.

Minor Championship 1st round  played 3rd July

U 16  Div 6 Final

Played in Pairc Tailteann 19th May 2011

North Meath Gaels 1-16 Ballinlough 2-9

What a game probaly as good a game as will be seen in Navan in any grade this year. Ballinlough started well and pointed early on, At the other end Shane McCabe pointed from play to level the game but playing into the strong breeze Ballinlough really played well and pushed on to lead 1-4 to o-1 as the enthusiastic crowd sang their praises.

North Meath eventually got to grips at midfield as Tómas Conlon and Ryan Owens began to win primary ball.Two McCabe frees one from almost 50 metres settled the Team playing in Yellow. Tómas Conlon won a kickout and pointed and McCabe was proving very accurate with two more frees. Conlon again and McCabe from play pushed North Meath ahead but Ricky McDermot stemmed the tide as he pointed a free for Ballinlough. Colm McEvoy after a sweeping move gave North Meath the lead and McCabe again made it 0-10 to 1-5 at the break mainly due to the displays of McCabe, Ryan Owens, Conlon and Edward Cassidy doing really well.

North Meath came out with determination and points from Ian Malone, Luke Doran and Jonathon Byrne pushed them 5 ahead but a great goal by Ricky McDermot was followed by a pointed free to close the gap to a single point. 0-13 to 2-6. Stephan Shields was excelling as this stage as he had a great tussle with Ballinlogh's danger man Ricky McDermott.

Again North Meath delivered when they needed to with Conor O'Halloran wining kickouts and that platform led to two more attacks which ended in fouls and again McCabe proved deadly accurate.Colm McEvoy was also getting through a lot of good and when he put McCabe through, the Ballinlough goal by eventually breached as Keeper Lorcan Gibney was beaten by McCabe as he had made some excellant saves up to that.

The crowd was getting really involved as the switched to support the leading team in North Meath Gaels and chanted the praises of their Manager as they sang who needs Marinio and County Board Chairman Barney Allen was also a recipient of "there's only one Barney Allen " as the atmosphere reaced fever pitch.

Ballinlough did not lie down and managed the next 3 points to cut the deficit  but Malone who had a good 2nd half pointed an insurance point after Padraig Carolan tested the woodwork. A late attack was launched into the North Meath goal mouth but again OHalloran fielded well and with that the final whistle sounded.

The atmosphere generated by the top class football and the singing and chanting from the stands made this one of the most enjoyable occasions in Pairc Tailteann in recent times and Ballinlough can be proud of their efforts while North Meath won the day Underage football in Meath was the real winner.

North Meath had a fine team display as all players had some great moments but Shane McCabe proved their ace with 1-9 to his credit.

Dominic Yorke; Edward Cassidy, Stephan Shields; Martin Shields, Padraig Carolan, Conor OHalloran; Ryan Owens, Tómas Conlon (0-2); Jonathon Byrne (0-1), Luke Doran (0-1), Colm McEvoy (0-1), Ian Malone (0-2), Shane McCabe (1-9). Subs Martin Meegan for Carolan, Brendan Crosbie for M Shields, Conor Kieran, Shane Carolan, Conor Marry, Noel Russell

In Drumconrath

North Meath Gaels 4-14 St Cuthberts 2-9

A good 1st half display with 3 early goals from Ian Malone (2) and Colm McEvoy pushed a confident North Meath Gaels team through to the Division 6 Final. This team has had tough times losing all games played in 2010 but have shown good character and have improved well to merit this Final appearance in Pairc Tailteann on the 19th of May.

Cuthberts refused to lie down and while missing their star player Sean Power through suspension the even if they had the full complement would have found it hard to contain the twin strike force of Malone and Shane McCabe who shone throughout. These two got a great supply of ball from Tomas Conlon and Ryan Owens from Midfield as Luke Doran, Jonathon Byrne, Conor OHalloran ans Padraig Carolan also proved good suppliers from the half Back and Half forward lines.

Edward Cassidy and Stephan Shields proved solid defenders while Dominic Yorke in goals pulled off some good saves to keep the Bohermeen lads at arms lenght.

After such a good start North Meath eased off and Cuthberts took advantage to trail by 4 at the beak 3-4 to 1-6 and where unlucky to see a Glen Kavanagh pile driver rebound off the cross bar and be cleared to safety.

North Meath started the 2nd in good fashion as Byrne was hauled down for a penalty and McCabe found the net with the resultant kick. Tomas Conlon McCabe and Malone added points to push the home side 10 points ahead and while Cuthberts did find the net again North Meath kept picking off points to secure the Final spot.

Dominic Yorke; Edward Cassidy, Stephan Shields; Brendan Crosby, Padraig Carolan, Conor OHalloran; Tomas Conlon (0-1), Ryan Owens; Jonathon Byrne, Luke Doran, Colm McEvoy (1-0); Ian Malone (2-6), Shane McCabe (1-7). Subs used; Martin Meegan, Conor Kieran, Noel Russell and Conor Marry.

Minor Football LeagueIn Carlanstown

Blackfort Gaels 3-16 Drumconrath/Meath Hill 4-10

In a hastily arranged fixture Drumconrath/Meath Hill ended their involvement in the Minor League 2011. With only 12 players available the game was played at 11 aside and gave good entertainment to the interested following.. Trailing 1-10 to 2-3 at the break with Tommie Rooney hitting both goals and Daniel Myles scoring the 3 points

 Drumconrath/Meath Hill hit the 1st 2 points of the 2nd half through Substitute Ian Malone and Eoin Martin. Further points from David O'Halloran and Patrick Farrelly 2 each kept the game in the mix and when Malone netted on 52 minutes the scores where tied at 3-7 to 1-13. Two late Blackfort goals pushed the home side ahead but a late Malone goal came too late for the Red and Blue to forge another comeback.

David Hickey, Eoin Martin, Niall Martin, Tommie Rooney, Patrick Farrelly and substitute Ian Malone did best for Drumconrath/Meath Hill.

Conor O'Halloran; Niall Yorke, David Hickey; Niall Martin, Daniel Myles (0-3); Tommie Rooney (2-0), David O'Halloran (0-2); Eoin Martin (0-1), Patrick Farrelly (0-2); Dara McGrath, Tomás Conlon. Sub Ian Malone (2-2) for Conlon

In Drumconrath

North Meath Gaels 2-15 St Patricks 3-11

North Meath Gaels won a Topsy tourvy game which swung one way and then the other. North Meath started well with Ian Malone and Jonathon Byrne both pointing twice. Pats responded well and got 4 of their own to level but centre half back Padraig Carolan hit two long range points soon after. St Patricks found the net soon after to lead but Malone with some well taken frees edged ahead again as Pats finished the half well with a goal and a point to lead 2-5 to 0-9 at the break.

St Patricks started well with 1-2 inside the 1st five minutes to lead by 7 and while Jonathon Byrne did net soon after St Patricks still led by 3 points as the 50th minute passed. Tomás Conlon and Malone twice had registered scores for the home side. Substitute Conor Marry fisted to the net on 52 minutes to level the game and 2 pointed frees from Malone pushed North Meath ahead. St Patricks narrowed the gap but Conlon pushed North Meath 2 ahead again. A late free had it down to the minimum as North Meath held out for a one point victory.

Dominic Yorke; Edward Cassidy, Stephan Shields; Martin Meegan, Padraig Carolan (0-2), Conor O'Halloran; Tomás Conlon (0-2), Ryan Owens; Martin Shields, Jonathon Byrne (1-2), Colm McEvoy; Ian Malone (0-9), Brendan Crosbie. Subs Conor Marry (1-0), Dylan Boyle, Shane Carolan, Paul Carolan.

U 16 League In Drumconrath

In Drumconrath

North Meath Gaels 0-12 Ballinlough 0-2

North Meath Gaels got their 2nd win with a hard fought victory over previously unbeaten Ballinlough. Ability to score was the difference as North Meath made the best of their opportunities while Ballinlough kicked too many wides.

North Meath started well with points from the returned Ian Malone, Tomás Conlon and Conor O'Halloran. Ballinlough after a number of wides managed a point from Midfielder Brian Brady while Ferdia McCormack was proving a handfull with some strong running. Malone from a free and from play made the score 0-5 to 0-1 at the break.

Malone (2) made sure North Meath started well and Jonathon Byrne with a couple of great scores pushed them further ahead. A good score from out on the wing gave Ballinlough some hope but again wayward kicking was proving troublesome for the visitors as they enjoyed the majority of possession. Conlon with a good point on the break and late points from Malone and Colm McEvoy gave the home side a rather flattering win.

Stephan Shields, Edward Cassidy, Tomás Conlon, Jonathon Byrne and Ian Malone where best for North Meath Gaels

Dominic Yorke; Edward Cassidy, Stephan Shields; Brendan Crosby, Padraig Carolan, Conor O'Halloran (0-1); Tomás Conlon (0-2), Ryan Owens; Noel Russell, Jonathon Byrne (0-2), Colm McEvoy (0-1); Ian Malone (0-6), Conor Marry. Subs Shane Carolan for O'Halloran and Dylan Boyle for Marry. 

Lorcan Gibney; Matthew Farrell, Kevin Beirne; Killian McCaffery, Johnny Reilly,Daniel O'Reilly;Oliver Brady, Brian Brady; Donal McCullen, Ferdia McCormack, Joseph Farrelly; Matthew McInenry, Aiden Lang.

North Meath Gaels 2-11 St Cuthberts 3-6

This North Meath Gaels team got their 1st ever win with a good performance in a lively U-16 game in Drumconrath. St Cuthberts lost Glen Kavanagh in the 1st minute to an ankle injury as North Meath started sprightly with the breeze at their backs. Colm McEvoy opened the scoring and Ryan Owens netted soon after which gave the home side a good boost. St Cuthbets replied with 2 points but further North Meath from Conor O'Halloran, Luke Doran and Tomas Conlon kept the home side ahead.

They where rocked as St Cuthberts hit 2 goals to take the lead but Doran pointed again to leave it level at the break 1-5 to 2-2 at the break. With wind advantage the visitors where favourites to push for the win but some shout defending and some nice attacking moves kept North Meath to the fore. Luke Doran opened the second half with a good point but Cuthberts soon levelled but North Meath kept picking off scores as Ryan Owens and Tomas Conlon both had good outings at midfield, Padraig Carolan with a well struck free off the ground.Conlon, McEvoy and Doran all pointed to leave three points between the sides as Cuthberts managed a few of there own but regretted some wide's. A good Jonathon Byrne goal stretched the lead to 6 but Cuthberts points and Sean Power netted after a shot came back off the crossbar, a late point narrowed the gap to two points but try as the might they just could not get the goal they needed for victory.

North Meath had fine displays from Stephan Shields, Conor O'Halloran, Tomás Conlon, Ryan Owens, Colm McEvoy. Jonathon Byrne and Luke Doran.

Dominic Yorke; Stephan Shields, Edward Cassidy; Brendan Crosby, Padraig Carolan (0-1), Conor O'Halloran (0-1); Tomas Conlon (0-2), Ryan Owens (1-0); Colm McEvoy (0-3), Luke Doran (0-4), Noel Russell; Shane Carolan, Jonathon Byrne (1-0). Sub Conor Marry for S. Carolan

Minor League Div 5

In Drumconrath 1-April

Moynalty 2-12 Drumconrath/Meath Hill 0-10

Playing with the breeze Drumconrath/Meath Hill started sprightly with points from Niall Martin, David O'Halloran and Dara McGrath but on their 1st attack Moynalty netted through a Paul Lynch deflected shot which decieved the Drumconrath/Meath Hill goalie.This gave Moynalty hope and they lifted their game to match the home side point for point for the rest of the have. McGrath and Martin pointed again while a well struck 45 from David O'Halloran kept Drumconrath/Meath Hill in touch. Moynalty did push two ahead but O'Halloran and Eoin Martin had the game level at the break.

With wind advantage Moynalty where now favourites and when Paul Lynch netted on a swift counter attack it Drumconrath/Meath Hill where playing catch up. Points from McGrath and Tommie Rooney where all the home side had to show as Moynalty soaked up the pressure and hit on the counter attack.

Conor O'Halloran; David Hickey, Darren Byrne; Daniel Myles, Jonathon Finnedgan, Eoin Martin (0-1), Tommie Rooney (0-1), David O'Halloran (0-3); Patrick Farrelly, Niall Martin (0-2), Tómas Conlon; Dara McGrath (0-3), Niall Yorke. Subs; Luke Doran for Yorke.
 

u 16 League

In Slane

Bru na Boinne 5-8 North Meath Gaels 2-13

In a real competitive game Bru's ability to get goals seen them gain the 1st two points of this Division 6 campaign. North Meath opened well with Colm McEvoy pointing. Bru soon leveled and went ahead. Luke Doran pointed twice to keep the game close but 2 quick fire Bru goals gave them a good advantage. North Meath did not lie down and points from Ryan Owens and 5 from Tomas Conlon (2 frees) left it 2-4 to 0-9 at the break.

Bru struck for home early in the second half with 2 more goals and but for some good saves from Dominic Yorke they margin could have been greater. North Meath kept battling away and Conlon netted along withh points from Conor O'Halloran, Conor Kieran and Padraig Carolan as Bru had a player sent off on reciept of a 2nd Yellow. North Meath piled on the pressure but got caught on the break and while Carolan did expertly net a penalty the home side where never in any great danger.

Tomas Conlon, Ryan Owens, Conor OHalloran and Padraig Carolan played well for North Meath who had a few absentees.

Dominic Yorke; Padraig Carolan (1-1), Brendan Crosbie; Martin Shields, Stephan Shields, Conor O'Halloran (0-1); Ryan Owens (0-1), Tomás Conlon (1-5); Colm McEvoy (0-1), Luke Doran (0-2), Conor Kieran (0-1); Shane Carolan, Noel Russell. Sub Conor Marry for Russell
 

Minor League played In Drumconrath

In Drumconrath

Drumconrath/Meath Hill 2-13 Carnaross 3-8

In a clash of two pointless teams Drumconrath/Meath Hill edged out Carnaross in a tight tense finish.The home side started well with Niall Martin in good form and he notched two early points and Dara McGrath got a third but John Carpenter pointed for Carnaross and as the quarter ended Colm McDonagh fisted a high cross to the as the visitors led for the one and only time.

McGrath leveled the game and Martin hit a goal in off a post to wrestle the lead back. Carpenter pointed  from a free and from play to narrow the gap but Drumconrath/Meath Hill had a good spell with points from McGrath and Patrick Farrelly and a Tómas Conlon goal but wasted 2 good goal chances as Jack Yore saved well from Martin and Conlon shot across the goals and wide to keep the game in the mix. Carpenter netted after a good individual run and when Charles Brogan did likewise the game was level. Eoin Martin pointed just on the break to leave it 2-7 to 3-3 to the Red and Blue.

A good start to the 2nd half with McGrath (2) and an Eoin Martin free edged Drum/M Hill clear but 3 Carpenter frees had it back to a one point game with 10 minutes to go. With good prompting from Tommie Rooney around the middle and he hit a good point but McDonagh and then Charles Dillon point to level the game as some heavy tackles went in as the going got tough. Farrelly with a great point on the turn had Drumconrath/Meath Hill in front and when the same player found McGrath in space he neatly popped over to give some breathing space.

Carnaross tried hard for a goal but good defending kept them at bay as David Hickey, Eoin Martin,  Niall Martin,Tommie Rooney, Dara McGrath and Patrick Farrelly did well. Both Michael and Charles Brogan along with Carpenter and McDonagh shone for Carnaross

Conor O'Halloran; Luke Doran, David Hickey; Daniel Myles, Jonathon Finnegan, Eoin Martin (0-2); David OHalloran, Niall Martin (1-2); Patrick Farrelly (0-2), Dara McGrath (0-6) Tommie Rooney (0-1); Tómas Conlon (1-0), Niall Yorke.

Carnaross; Jack Yore; Liam Brogan, Peter Carpenter; Alex Carry, Charles Brogan (1-0), Tómas Plunkett; Charles Dillon (0-1),Michael Brogan; Colm McDonagh (1-2), John Carpenter (1-5), Barry Donoghue; Paddy Dillon, H.J. Muldoon
 

Minor League played In Drumconrath

 Seneschalstown 4-10 Drumconrath/Meath Hill 3-9

Drumconrath/Meath Hill probably lost this game in 1st five minutes as the owned the ball and hit 5 wides and only had an Eoin Martin free to show for their efforts. Seneschalstown finally broke out of their half and where accurate in pointing twice.

Drumconrath/Meath Hill did notch 3 points on the trot from Tommie Rooney, Colm Yorke and Daniel Myles but Seneschalstown netted after a brilliant Conor OHalloran save somehow the Yellow Furze lads forced the ball home from the rebound. Indeed that was OHalloran 2nd save as he had kept out a point blank shot just before.

Niall Martin was having a good game for the Red and Blue and he powered through for a fine score just after to leave it 1-4 to 1-4. Patrick Farrelly netted and Dara McGrath pointed but in a half that lasted well over the 30 minutes as the referee had problems with his watch Seneschalstown made best use of this unwarranted extra time to notch 1-1 and go in level 2-5 each at the break.

Seneschalstown now with the stiff breeze at their backs hit the 1st 3 points of the 2nd half and when Farrelly blasted over for a point when a goal was on it left it 2-8 to 2-6 as the 3rd quarter ended.

Drumconrath/Meath Hill goalie OHalloran again saved well twice once for a 45 and the second at the expense of a point but he was powerless when Seneschalstown drove through the centre and netted from 13 metres.

It seemed that was it and I suppose it was as Seneschalstown led by 7 points. Niall Martin returned to the fray as he had gone off after receiving a knock and he Jonathon Finnegan and Tommy Rooney got to grips around the midfield area as David OHalloran and 2 Shane McCabe points seen the gap to 4 and when David OHalloran found the net the gap was a single point. Two more chances went a begging and when Drumconrath/Meath Hill forced a 45 the hope was that the might get a draw. Niall Yorke shot dropped short and Seneschalstown broke forward to net and the final whistle went on the kick out.

Conor OHalloran; David Hickey, Tomas Conlon; Jonathon Finnegan, Niall Yorke, Mark Halpenny; Tommie Rooney (0-1), David OHalloran (1-1); Eoin Martin (0-1), Niall Martin (1-0), Daniel Myles (0-1); Patrick Farrelly (1-1), Colm Yorke (0-1). Subs Dara McGrath  (0-2) for N Martin, Shane McCabe (0-2) for Conlon, Luke Doran for C.Yorke, Niall Martin for Halpenny.

U 16

In Drumconrath

St Michaels [Westmeath] 1-11 North Meath Gaels 1-8

A close game throught out with sides level 0-5 each at the break. St Micheals pushed 3 points ahead by the end of the 3rd quarter.

A Shane McCabe penalty evened the game again for the Drumconrath/Meath Hill/Kilmainhamwood side and two McCabe frees had North Meath looking to have done enough going into the last five minutes but a goal and a point turned the tables for the Castletown-Finea/Whitehall/Colmcille/Ballycomoyle outfit from the Castlepollard area of County Westmeath.

North Meath Gaels; Conor OHalloran; Edward Cassidy, Padraig Carolan, Martin Meegan; Stephan Shields, Luke Doran, Brendan Crosby; Ryan Owens (0-1), Tomas Conlon (0-2); Colm McEvoy, Shane McCabe (1-5), Michael Gargan, Dylan Boyle, Conor Kieran, Noel Russell.