All-Ireland MHC B semi-final: Westmeath 1-12, Meath 1-10

Westmeath edged out neighbours Meath in a keenly constested ESB All-Ireland MHC B semi-final at Pairc Tailteann on Saturday.

When the sides clashed at Cusack Park, Mullingar in the first round of the Leinster MHC back in April, Westmeath eased to an 18-point win over Meath.

Although Westmeath led for most of the way, there was never more than four points between the sides.

At the end Meath’s James Kelly saw his goal attempt from a close range free diverted for a ’65’. Paddy Conneely’s subsequent effort to snatch victory for the home side was to no avail and Westmeath prevailed.

The scores were tied four times over the hour, but Westmeath were never headed and crucially posted the last two scores of the game, from Aonghus Clarke and Niall O’Brien in the 51st and 54th minutes respectively.

Meath moved centre-half-back Kelly to full-forward, as a last throw of the dice, but Westmeath held on. The home side also saw substitute William Harnan dismissed on receipt of two yellow cards in the latter stages.

David Gavin gave Westmeath an early lead but that was quickly countered by a well-worked point from Aaron Ennis.

When David Higgins pointed, Westmeath were 0-3 to 0-1 to the good 10 minutes in. Within four minutes the scores were tied again, 0-4 each, when Willie McGrath fired over from close range.

Westmeath’s goal arrived in the 20th minute when Clarke latched onto Shane Fagan’s long delivery and fired to the Meath net. Then Aaron Craig pointed and it was double scores, 1-5 to 0-4.

Two pointed Damien McGee frees halved the deficit, but similar scores from O’Brien earned Pat O’Brien’s charges some leeway.

Another pointed McGee free left Meath trailing by 0-7 to 1-7 at half-time. When Enda Kincaid registered from distance in the 34th minute Westmeath were four points clear again.

Meath’s best spell saw them gain parity by the 40th minute with McGee pointing from far out before Willie McGrath netted from close range after Shane Brennan’s point attempt hit a post.

Westmeath’s replied with points from Clarke (free) and O’Brien to gain the upper hand heading into the final quarter.

Points from Conneely and James Toher levelled matters for the fourth time, in the 50th minute. Meath were unable to hit the front as Westmeath did just enough to clinch a final spot.

Westmeath – N. Kelly; D. Garvin, T. Doyle, T. Gallagher; K. Reilly, G. Flynn, S. Fagan; P. Layde, D. Higgins (0-1); A. Craig (0-1), D. Gavin (0-2), E. Kincaid (0-1); A. Clarke (1-1), N. O’Brien (0-5, 3 fs), N. Kirby (0-1). Subs – J. Boyle for Flynn (ht), P. Reilly for Kirby (51), D. McDermott for Fagan (60).

Meath – C. Murray; S. Morris, N. Weir, C. Foley; T. Raleigh, J. Kelly (Kiltale), R. Andrews; C. Fitzsimons, S. Brennan; P. Conneely (0-1), A. Ennis (0-2), D. McGee (0-5, 4 fs); A. Gannon, W. McGrath (1-1), J. Toher (0-1). Subs – M. Hennessy (Kiltale) for Gannon (49), W. Harnan for Ennis (54), F. Ferguson for McGee (58).

Kiltale’s other members of the squad were Tiernan Mahady, William Harnan, Anthony Forde and Cathal McCabe. Match report from HoganStand.com.

MEATH UNDER 16 A HURLING FINAL: KILTALE 5-12, TRIM 2-6

Kiltale secured their third U16A Championship in a row when they defeated Trim in Kilmessan last Saturday.

Kiltale captain Cillian O'Sullivan raises the Meath U16 Championship Cup surrounded by his team mates at Kilmessan.

Kiltale started the brighter with points from Cillian O Sullivan (2pts), Michael Burke 1pt, Jack Regan 1pt.

Trim had scores from Gareth White 1pt from David Fox with another point.

Kiltale got two great goals one from Chris O’ Malley who followed that up with a great long range point and another great goal from corner forward Fergal Mc Cabe.

Trim got a goal in reply from Aoran Winters.

Kiltale with Jack Regan, Kevin Ryan, Chris Reilly in defence and Eamon Ryan and Cillian O’Sullivan at midfield did enough to shade the first half exchanges.

Kiltale had a half time lead of 4pts on a scoreline of Kiltale 2 goals 5points to Trim 1goal 4pts.

Trim started brighter in the second half with a point from a 65 from David Fox.

After that score it was all Kiltale with goals from Rory Hennessy and Fergal Mc Cabe and a great solo effort by the outstanding Cillian O’ Sullivan who soloed in from midfield to leave Paul Melia with no chance in the Trim goal.

Kiltale finished off with points from Eamon Walsh 1pt, David Schilder 1pt and Cillian O’ Sullivan with a further four points.

Trim replied with a goal from Shane Lenihan.

The score of the game came from a Jack Regan free from his own half back line which he pointed.

Kiltale had good displays from Conor Shiren, Sean Mc Nally, Chris Reilly and Jack Regan in defence.

Kiltale and Trim had two great goalies Paul Melia Trim and Daragh Walsh Kiltale who both did very well and made numerous great saves.

Cillian O’ Sullivan and Eamon Ryan got on top at midfield were David Fox did well for Trim.

Kiltale had great displays from Chris O’ Malley, Fergal Mc Cabe, Rory Hennessy and Eamon Walsh in the forwards.

Ater the game the Michael Leonard Cup’ was presented to Kiltale captain Cillian O’ Sullivan by Ken McKenna.

Kiltale: Daragh Walsh, Kevin Ryan, Jack Regan, David Schilder, Sean Mc Nally, Chris Reilly, Conor Shiren, Cillian O’ Sullivan, Eamon Ryan, Rory Hennessy, Michael Burke, Eamon Walsh, Eric Ryan, Chris O’ Malley, Fergal Mc Cabe.
Subs: Conor Egan for Michael Burke, Mark Foy for Eric Ryan, Jack Molloy for Eamon Walsh.